This is the SOUTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT (2002-29) for 1 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 Floyd Hayes by phone at 662-9327 (H) or 645-3232 x2206 (W), or by e-mail at floyd_hayes@hotmail.com. The TTRBC requests details for species indicated with an asterisk (see website above and 'BIRD BRAINS' below).

TRAGEDY: We are deeply saddened by the news that Jamaican/English ornithologists Robert and Ann Sutton of Marshall's Pen, Jamaica, were attacked by bandits in their home on 22 July. Tragically Robert was killed while Ann was injured. Those who knew the Suttons and wish to send condolences may contact Ann at asutton@cwjamaica.com The Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds will be establishing a memorial fund to honour Robert. For further information on Robert's life, see the eulogy at: http://www.jamaica- gleaner.com/gleaner/20020731/cleisure/cleisure2.html HOTSHOTS IN HOT SPOTS: Nearctic shorebird migration is now in full swing within the region. In the Caroni Rice Fields of Trinidad, shorebird numbers increased dramatically within the past week, with the following changes noted on 28 and 31 July: 30-50 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS; 30-100 STILT SANDPIPERS; 0-10 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS; and c. 250-500 YELLOWLEGS (mostly LESSER). The breeding plumaged AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was relocated on 31 July. Other noteworthy bird records include: a non-breeding plumaged LITTLE EGRET on 31 July; a juvenile SCARLET IBIS on 28 July; five WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAILS and five FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCKS on 28 July; an immature SNAIL KITE* on 28 July; and two YELLOW-BREASTED CRAKES on 28 July.

Along the west coast of Trinidad, a WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL, a STILT SANDPIPER and two PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were noted among the usual seabirds, waders and shorebirds at Waterloo on 28 July. Four STILT SANDPIPERS were at Waterloo on 31 July. Roughly 65 COMMON TERNS were at Waterloo and 20 at San Fernando on 28 July.

In the Northern Range of Trinidad, a bird resembling a BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN* (potential 1st for Trinidad) was briefly seen, along with six WHITE-COLLARED SWIFTS, at Morne Catherine on 25 July. In recent years there have been a few tantalizing but unsubstantiated reports of Blue-backed Manakin from Trinidad. The similar Lance-tailed Manakin, which is a common bird in the Paria Peninsula of Venezuela, may be equally if not more likely to wander to Trinidad and should be considered by anybody lucky enough to see a genuine manakin of the genus Chiroxiphia in Trinidad.

In Guadeloupe, the remarkably early or perhaps summering CLIFF SWALLOW at La Pointe des Chateaux was seen during 19-21 July.

ORNITHOLOGICAL TIDBIT: In a recent article titled "The status of the West Indian Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna arborea) in St. Kitts--Nevis, January-February 2000 (Pitirre 14:107-112, 2001), R. B. Childress and B. Hughes report on the results of an exhaustive survey of West Indian Whistling-Ducks in wetlands of St. Kitts and Nevis from 11 January to 1 March 2000. To their dismay, none were seen or heard on either island. Furthermore, they report that there is no suitable habitat remaining on Nevis and only one suitable pond on St. Kitts.

Apparently the last reliable record was reported by a hunter who claimed to have seen them in St. Kitts 15-20 years ago.

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.