This is the SOUTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT (2001-25) for 4 July 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).
MYSTERY BIRD QUIZ: A new mystery bird photo along with an answer to the last mystery bird photo are now posted at the SCBA website (see above).
HOTSHOTS IN HOT SPOTS: In Guadeloupe, a seemingly tired 1st-summer ARCTIC TERN (1st for Guadeloupe) whose identity was only recently confirmed was photographed at the amazingly productive Nature Reserve of Petite-Terre on 9 May 2001. Surely this species migrates through the region more frequently than the few records suggest. On 1 July, an EARED DOVE (3rd for Guadeloupe) was seen at La Desirade Island.
A recent trickle of migrant shorebirds into the region suggests that autumn migration has arrived, though at this time of the year it is extremely difficult to determine which individuals are late northbound migrants, early southbound migrants or summering birds.
In the Caroni Rice Fields of Trinidad, a non-breeding plumaged AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (3rd summer record) showed up in the southwestern sector on 1 July and was relocated on 4 July. This is the 3rd consecutive summer one has appeared in late June or early July. A breeding plumaged LITTLE EGRET* with a single plume was found in the rice fields on 2 July. The immature SNAIL KITE* continues to be seen in the vicinity of the runway up through 3 July. WHITE- CHEEKED PINTAIL numbers have increased dramatically, with 47 tallied on 1 July and 51 on 4 July (highest counts for T&T). Other duck sightings include up to nine WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCKS* and 17 FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCKS on 1 July. The Northern Pintail* (1st for T&T) last reported on 13 June appears to have sought a cooler climate. On 1 July, the following shorebirds were tallied: five RUDDY TURNSTONES, 110 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, 66 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 8 LESSER YELLOWLEGS< a WESTERN SANDPIPER, two STILT SANDPIPERS and a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. A PINNATED BITTERN was seen on 1 July and a YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON on 4 July. Several juvenile BLACK-NECKED STILTS were seen on 4 July. Two LONG-WINGED HARRIERS were noted on 1 July and one on 4 July.
Along the west coast of Trinidad, a light-phased PARASITIC JAEGER was seen recently at Waterloo, but no date was supplied. On 30 June, a LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT was seen in mangroves at South Oropouche Swamp and about 50 LAUGHING GULLS were noted at San Fernando.
In Barbados, three SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, a LEAST SANDPIPER, a STILT SANDPIPER, a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER and a LESSER YELLOWLEGS were noted at Congo Road and a LESSER YELLOWLEGS at Packer's on 1 July. A BARN SWALLOW at Mangrove on 1 July appears to be enjoying a tropical summer holiday. One correspondent has suggested that YELLOW WARBLER numbers on the island have increased and spread within the last decade, suggesting that Tobago could well be colonised in the near future--if not already. When the last hurricane hit Barbados in 1955 (Hurricane Janet), only about 15 pairs were thought to be present.
ORNITHOLOGICAL TIDBIT: In a recently published study, J. S. Hunt, E.
Bermingham, and R. E. Ricklefs analysed the "Molecular systematics and biogeography of Antillean thrashers, tremblers, and mockingbirds (Aves: Mimidae)" (Auk 118:35-55, 2001). The SCALY-BREASTED THRASHER was represented by two fairly distinct clades: (1) Martinique and St.
Lucia and (2) Guadeloupe, Dominica and Montserrat. The PEARLY-EYED THRASHER was represented by three weakly differentiated clades, with some islands represented by more than one clade. Stay tuned next week for further results and conclusions.
BIRD BRAINS: Do we believe what you see? We want to! Many of the identifications reported in the SCBA are tentative. 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.