Southeastern Caribbean Bird Alert - No. 2001-01
This is the SOUTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT (2001-01) for 5th January 2001. Sponsored by the T&T Field Naturalists Club, our aim is to promote birding and ornithology in the southeastern Caribbean by fostering communication amongst 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. Until further notice, reports should be sent to Martyn Kenefick at (868) 674-7609 or by Email at martynkenefick@netscape.net. 

The T&T Rare Bird Committee requests details (see website above and end below) for species indicated with an asterisk 

PHOTO GALLERY: Photos of an immature Franklin's Gull (3rd for Trinidad) and an immature male Ruff (7th for Trinidad) are now posted at the SCBA website. 

HOTSHOTS IN HOT SPOTS: In Barbados, the Christmas Bird Count held on January 1st totalled 65 species, a new CBC record. Highlights include a first winter RING BILLED GULL at Six Mens Bay; 22 LITTLE EGRETS islandwide (compared with 40 SNOWY EGRETS ) showing just how penetrating their range expansion has become; an immature CLIFF SWALLOW and 3 BANK SWALLOWS at St Lucy; single BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER and PROTHONOTARY WARBLER in Turner Hall Woods, St Andrew; single GREY HERONS at both Golden Grove, St Philip and Graeme Hall; PEREGRINES at Bridgetown Harbour and (two) at Graeme Hall; an AMERICAN COOT at Chancery Lane with two more at Golden Grove; a female AMERICAN WIGEON, 3 RING NECKED DUCKS and a LESSER SCAUP at Chancery Lane and a total of 22 CARIBBEAN MARTINS roosted in Bridgetown. 

In Guadeloupe, up to 8 different CAPE MAY WARBLERS have been found this winter. The latest additions being a 1st winter female near Abymes airport on 31st December; a 1st winter female, 1st winter male and adult male all at Grande Anse on 3rd January. 

On 22nd December, 4 RING BILLED GULLS (3 x 1st winter and 1 x 2nd winter) were found on the Riviere Salee, with 2 x 1st winter birds still present on 3rd January. A PEREGRINE was also present on 3rd January 

In Trinidad, the records for the Christmas Bird Count held on 30th December are still being collated and will, hopefully, be summarised in the next Bird Alert. However, one group censussing the Lopinot valley photographed a "mystery warbler" which, following careful study of the resultant pictures, is reported to be a CHESTNUT SIDED WARBLER * ( no previous authenticated records for T&T) 

Whilst birding the Caroni Rice Project is concentrated during the late summer and autumn months, regular visits outwith the known migration season remains fruitful. On 28th December a BOBOLINK * (1st winter record for T&T) was seen amongst a mixed party of Blackbirds and Cowbirds; and a GLOSSY IBIS * was feeding in the westerrnmost corner before flying off towards the mangrove swamp. 

Elsewhere, on the East coast, a male WHITE WINGED BECARD was canopy feeding at the base of Brigand Hill on 3rd January. 

BIRDS OF A FEATHER: In 2000, one hyperactive birder tallied 304 species of birds in T&T while another tallied 295. The current record is 320 species, set in 1998. How many species are possible in a year ? In 2001, we need your help to keep track of the total number of birds seen by anybody throughout T&T. 

ORNITHOLOGICAL TIDBIT: The method used for censussing birds must be tailored to the taxonomic/ecologic group being censussed and its habitat. Migrating seabirds, waterbirds and raptors may be counted from a fixed point as they fly by. To facilitate subsequent statistical analyses, it is best to count birds during 10 minute intervals. Non migrating raptors are often censussed along road transects (road counts), which require relatively slow driving. In this case counts should be conducted along 10 kilometre intervals. 

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 & Tobago; fax 868-673-0373; Email "g-white@tstt.net.tt"