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).