This is the SOUTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT (2002-33) for 28 August 2002. Sponsored by the TT 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, TT Rare Bird Committee and photo gallery are accessible at http://www.wow.net/ttfnc. Reports should be sent to Martyn Kenefick by phone at 674-7609 or by e-mail at martynkenefick@hotmail.com. The TTRBC requests details for species indicated with an asterisk (see website above and 'BIRD BRAINS' below).
HOTSHOTS IN HOT SPOTS: In St. Lucia, we received a late report of a WHITE-WINGED DOVE (1st for St. Lucia) found at Club St. Lucia, about 2 kilometres north of Gros Islet, on 27 and 28 May.
In Guadeloupe, seven RUDDY DUCKS (four male, three female), two probable AMERICAN COOTS and 50 COMMON MOORHENS were tallied at Gaschet Reservoir on 21 August. At La Grande Saline, a SNOWY PLOVER, a colour-banded SANDERLING and a RED KNOT were seen on 21 August, with the latter bird present since 12 August.
In Trinidad, presumably the same SNAIL KITE* seen persistently in the Caroni Rice Fields for more than a year has now moulted into adult female plumage; it was last seen on 24 August, when two PINNATED BITTERNS and a WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT were also noted.
In northeastern Trinidad, a 3.25 hour seabird watch on 27 August produced 103 COMMON TERNS, 28 ROSEATE TERNS, eight BLACK TERNS, four LEAST TERNS, two ROYAL TERNS, a GULL-BILLED TERN, 55 BROWN NODDIES, 89 LAUGHING GULLS, nine WILLETS, six RUDDY TURNSTONES, two LESSER YELLOWLEGS, a WHIMBREL and about 50 small Calidris sandpipers.
Hundreds of FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHERS were seen flying low of the bushes at dusk.
THE FLOCK: On Sunday, 8 September, the T&TFNC Bird Group will be sponsoring a birding trip in search of migrating seabirds and coastal waterbirds in the Caroni Rice Fields, Waterloo and Orange Valley. We will meet at 6:10 am at CIC Pembroke Street and at the south entrance of the UWI at 6:30 am. If you wish to attend, please contact the leader, Martyn Kenefick, at 674-7609.
ORNITHOLOGICAL TIDBIT: Check back later.
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@hotmail.com.