This is the SOUTH EASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT (2003- 16) for 14th May 2003 Sponsored by the T&T Field Naturalist 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, T&T Rare Birds 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 Email at "martynkenefick@hotmail.com" The TTRBC requests details for species indicated with an asterisk (see website above and RARE BIRD REPORTING below).
BIRDING NEWS :- From Guadeloupe, news of a male MAGNOLIA WARBLER at Petite-Terre on 9th May. The PIPINGPLOVER first discovered on 30th Nov 2002 was still present on 11th May.
In the northern range of Trinidad, at Asa Wright Nature Centre, an immature/female RUFOUS SHAFTED WOODSTAR was briefly, but well seen on 3rd May. A hike to Heights of Aripo caves on 8th May produced 2 daytime roosting SPECTACLED OWLS, SQUIRREL CUCKOO, WHITE NECKED JACOBIN, TUFTED COQUETTE, 3 WHITE BELLIED ANTBIRDS, 2 BLACK FACED ANT THRUSH, BEARDED BELLBIRD, STREAKED XENOPS and. YELLOW LEGGED THRUSH.
On the west coast of Trinidad, at Waterloo, the roost of BLACK SKIMMERS increased to an impressive 860 on 9th May, and CATTLE EGRETS to 821.Following on with the theme of GREATER ANI away from mangrove, comes a record of 2 from a Carapachaima garden on 4th May.
Negative news from Barbados, no sign of any BLACK SWIFTS at St Joseph over the last weekend.
RARE BIRD REPORTING :- Do we believe what you see ? We want to ! Many of the identifications reported in the SCBA are tentative. For birds found in Trinidad & Tobago, the T&T Rare Birds 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 - Email "martynkenefick@hotmail.com"