This is the SOUTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT (2002-09) for 8 March 2002. 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 TTFNC are accessible at http://www.wow.net/ttfnc; our phto gallery is accessible at http://www.geocities.com/secaribbirds. 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 TT Rare Bird Committee requests details for species indicated with an asterisk (see SCBA website above and 'BIRD BRAINS' below).
HOTSHOTS IN HOT SPOTS: In the Caroni Plain of Trinidad, a STRIPE-BACKED BITTERN, a SORA, two PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVES and a BANK SWALLOW were noted in the Caroni Rice Fields on 2 March. Seven BLUE-WINGED TEAL were noted on 3 March.
Along the west coast of Trinidad, three BLUE-TAILED EMERALDS, a RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR, two MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULETS, a NORTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER, two BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHERS, two male and a female AMERICAN REDSTART and a STREAKED SALTATOR were tallied at Point Gourde on 6 March. 50 BLUE-WINGED TEAL were found in Caroni Swamp on 3 March. A GREEN-THROATED MANGO turned up at Waterloo on 3 March.
A weekend birding trip to Chacachacare Island during 1-3 March produced a LESSER YELLOWLEGS (1st for Chacachacare and Bocas Islands) and two GREATER YELLOWLEGS at Salt Pond on 3 March, plus the usual 'Bocas specialties' including BLUE-TAILED EMERALD, WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN, MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET and STREAKED SALTATOR. No owls, nightjars or rails were heard.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER: The TTFNC Bird Group is sponsoring a birding trip along the west coast of Trinidad on Sunday, 17 March. We will be visiting Cacandee, Waterloo, Orange Valley, Carli Bay and San Fernando. If you wish to attend, please call the leader, Martyn Kenefick, at 674-7609. We will be leaving from CIC Pembroke Street side at 6:10 am and at Grand Bazaar Plaza at 6:30 am.
ORNITHOLOGICAL TIDBIT: The cohesion species concept defines a species as the most inclusive group of organisms having the potential for genetic and/or demographic exchangeability. According to this concept, a species is bounded by a complete break in cohesion; individuals within a species form a cohesive continuity directly or in series.
BIRD BRAINS: Do we believe what you see? We want to! Many of the identifications reported in the SCBA are tentative. The TT 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 TTRBC Secretary: Martyn Kenefick, 36 Newalloville Ave., San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago; e-mail: martynkenefick@netscape.net.