This is Gallus gallus domesticus...yes, the domestic chicken. However, this is no barnyard chicken, but a feral, endemic population of chickens that have become quite famous on the island. These are an introduced, invasive species here. They are extremely common, and are protected locally. We witnessed chickens foraging among the seaweed on the beach, and digging for insects under shrubs, around and under houses, and in wilder areas as well. The chicken population is controversial, with locals strongly in favor of extirpating or protecting the chickens. They eat large quantities of insects, which the locals appreciate, and also small reptiles and other wildlife, all of which makes them detrimental to the local environment. However, Key West is largely a suburban city. The chickens are an increasing problem, as they thrive here, and have begun to spread to other Keys.

I have been somewhat disappointed to see that brown anoles are ubiquitous in this region of Florida, but I have not seen a single green anole. It's sad to realize that this invasive species has apparently successfully replaced the native species in this region.

This lone ibis picked its way carefully through the mangroves, and was the only bird that we saw during our visit to the nature center, apart from a pair of high-flying hawks, and one unknown seabird that flew by off in the distance. Once in a more open area where we could photograph it, it began making its strange honking call, which reminded us of those children's toys that are supposed to moo like a cow when you turn them over.

These tiny little crabs were everywhere, including in the trees, which they nimbly scuttled through as easily as if they were on the ground. They were very intelligent and reactive, quick to dart away if they noticed you staring at them.