Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba)
Gumbo Limbo fruits are red, but are completely enclosed in fruit
capsules and therefore not normally visible, unless the fruit capsule
has opened on its own, or been opened by an animal. The fruit capsules
grow in bunches on secondary branches. For my study I observed four
different Gumbo Limbo trees (12 observations for a total of 382
minutes). All except for the cemetery and Steve’s Gumbo Limbos,
described below, were at least one kilometer distant from each other. A
description of each and its environment follows, as well as the
terminology I used to reference it.
Cecilia’s Gumbo Limbo — This is one of a number of living fence posts
along the main road, and close to my house. Traditionally, I have often
seen numbers of birds feeding in it, and I have included two such
historical observations in my analysis. Unfortunately, the tree’s fruit
in 2021 did not last long, so there is only one full observation of it
that year. Thus, my analysis of this tree is based solely on three
different observations, two of which are historical. It seemed to bear
fruit earlier than other Gumbo Limbos, and my follow-up survey in 2022
indeed shows this is so (total of 30+ minutes).
Llano Grande Gumbo Limbo — This tree was the farthest from my house
(about two and a half kilometers). On all but one date it was observed
both on my outward and return trips to the Llano Grande bus stop (about
three kilometers away). The tree is just past a large quebrada(ravine) through which a significant stream passes (that never dries up
completely). The quebrada has many trees but these are not very
close to the Gumbo Limbo. This tree is across the main road from the
valley surrounding the quebrada and is at the base of a hilly
pasture. While there are some bushes nearby, the tree is somewhat
isolated and never had numerous branches. These factors made noting
feeding and departure times easier. Across the road from this tree on
the edge of the quebrada is a large tree in which Rose-throated
Becards (Pachyramphus aglaiae) had a nest. Very heavy
and constant truck traffic during the last part of this study, probably
affected the comings and goings of birds at this site. Observations of
this tree were made seven times (total of 233 minutes).
Cemetery Gumbo Limbo — This tree was situated at the edge of the
cemetery and was at the highest elevation of all the Gumbo Limbo trees I
studied (probably 900+ meters above sea level). Although relatively
isolated, the tree itself has numerous intertwining branches, which
somewhat diminished my ability to note all activity within it,
especially departure times. However, this maze of branches also made it
relatively easy for birds to find spots where they could stand and feed.
Near the top of the tree the branches thinned out and I often observed
larger birds that appeared to claim these branches for themselves.
Observations of this tree were made three times (total of 87 minutes).
Steve’s Gumbo Limbo — This tree was less than 50 meters down the road
from the cemetery tree, and I only noticed birds feeding in it when they
were doing major construction (laying water pipe) next to the cemetery,
so I don’t believe it was a favorite feeding tree. Some birds may also
have been intimidated by a pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
(Pheuticus ludovicianus ) that dominated the cemetery tree the
same day. Only one observation of this tree was made (total of 32
minutes).