This is the SOUTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT (2001-04) for 5 February 2001. Sponsored by the T&T Field Naturalists' Club, our aim is to promote birding and ornithology in the southeastern Caribbean by fostering communication among resident and visiting birders regarding the study of birds in the region. The SCBA and information about the T&TFNC are accessible on the Internet at http://www.wow.net/ttfnc. Reports should be sent to Floyd Hayes by phone at 662-5918 (H) or 645-3232 x2206 (W), or by e-mail at floyd_hayes@hotmail.com. The T&T Rare Bird Committee requests details for species indicated with an asterisk (see SCBA website above and end below).

HOTSHOTS IN HOT SPOTS: Along the west coast of Trinidad, a record five species of gulls were once again noted among a 'guesstimated' 1000 LAUGHING GULLS at the San Fernando Public Fish Market on 27 January. These included the adult KELP GULL* (1st for T&T), a 1st-winter FRANKLIN'S GULL* (3rd for T&T), a 1st-winter RING-BILLED GULL* and four LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS* (two 1st-winter, one 3rd-winter and an adult). One of the 1st-winter Lesser Black-backed Gulls also seen last week appeared slightly paler than the other, with more contrasting dark secondaries and paler inner primaries; it appeared to be identical in size with the other and could represent a Yellow-legged Gull (potential 1st for T&T and South America), whose identification is challenging. Because up to five jet skis were spooking the gulls, photographs could not be obtained. Also unusual was a SNOWY EGRET swimming on the water about 100 metres from the jetty. On 29 January, only a 1st-winter FRANKLIN'S GULL*, a 1st-winter RING-BILLED GULL* and an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL* were noted among about 200 LAUGHING GULLS, but one of the Laughing Gulls possessed red legs and an aluminum band!

Efforts to relocated the elusive BLACK-TAILED GODWIT* (1st for T&T and South America) at Orange Valley on 27 and 31 January were fruitless; although the last sighting was on 21 January, it presumably remains in the area and may spend most of its time in the mangroves of Caroni Swamp. At Waterloo, three LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS* (2nd-winter, 3rd-winter and adult with a smudge of black in upper bill in front of red spot) were seen among a thousand LAUGHING GULLS and a ROYAL TERN on 27 January. Once again, a record high of seven Lesser Black-backed Gulls were noted on 27 January and a record high of at least nine different Lesser Black-backed Gulls appear to be wintering along the west coast. A RING-BILLED GULL* and an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL* were reported from Waterloo on 31 January. At Cacandee, a probable MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET was noted on 31 January. We neglected to mention last week that exactly 100 SOUTHERN LAPWINGS (highest count for T&T) were noted at a small pond at Brechin Castle on 20 January.

In the Caroni Plain of Trinidad, we received a second-hand report of the CRANE HAWK (1st for T&T) seen for a second time at Wallerfield within the past few weeks. At Orange Grove, three LITTLE EGRETS*, including two non-breeding and one breeding plumaged individuals, were noted among 93 SNOWY EGRETS, 63 GREAT EGRETS and four LITTLE BLUE HERONS on 4 February. The only shorebirds present included 17 LEAST SANDPIPERS, a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER. At Trincity, the first YELLOW-BILLED TERN of the season turned up on 4 February; other birds present included five LEAST GREBES and seven BLACK-NECKED STILTS. In the Caroni Rice Fields, four BANK SWALLOWS* (tied high count for T&T) were noted among roughly 500 BARN SWALLOWS on 2 February; other birds noted included two PEREGRINE FALCONS chasing and actually hitting a white ROCK DOVE that managed to escape, and 20 COMMON WAXBILLS* (high count for the rice fields). At the Aripo Livestock Station, an adult COCOI HERON was noted on 24 January and again on 3 and 4 February.

In the Northern Range of Trinidad, noteworthy bird reports include: two BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILAS heard along the Paria Waterfall Trail on 4 February; a BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA seen and a COMMON POTOO heard along the Maracas Waterfall Trail on 3 February; and a LEAST GREBE noted on a pond at Maracas on 2 February. At Caribbean Union College, a colour-banded polygynous trio of TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRDS is reusing the same nest in a tree for the fourth consecutive time, spread out over two different seasons. Another trio in which the sex of a third unbanded individual remains unknown is reusing for the second time a nest built and used earlier by a monogamous trio. Reuse of nests appears to be far more common in the Tropical Mockingbird than in the Northern Mockingbird and usually occurs after successful fledging during the preceding attempt.

Along the east coast of Trinidad, we expressed concern several times last year when the RED-BELLIED MACAWS ceased roosting at a traditional site in Royal Palms just north of Kernahan Trace. However, more than a hundred were noted roosting at this site on 1 February, suggesting that their absence was temporary, perhaps due to human disturbance such as hunting.

In the foothills of the Central Range of Trinidad, a ZONE-TAILED HAWK, two WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGERS and a FOREST ELAENIA topped the list of birds seen during a brief excursion along Todd's Road on 2 February.

In Tobago, the elusive WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD* (presumably same as 2nd for T&T) was seen once again in January (no date provided).

ORNITHOLOGICAL TIDBIT: As with all sampling methods, various sources of bias may affect the accuracy of census data, and should be minimised as much as possible. Variation in terrain, composition of vegetation and structure of vegetation may affect census results. To minimise such variation, censuses should be conducted in relatively uniform, comparable habitats. The density, flocking behavior, intraspecific detectability (varying by age, sex, season and time of day), interspecific detectability (varying by colour, body size, habitat, behaviour and movements), social behaviour, breeding season, and vocalisations of birds may also affect census data. However, these are more difficult to control.

BIRD BRAINS: Do we believe what you see? We want to! Many of the identifications reported in the SCBA are tentative in nature. The T&T Rare Bird Committee, formed in 1995, requests details for all rare birds observed (see Species Review List at our website). Please submit details to the T&TRBC Secretary: Graham White, Bungalow 16, Waterloo Estate, Waterloo Rd., Carapichaima, Trinidad and Tobago; fax, 868-673-0373; e-mail, g-white@tstt.net.tt.