This is the SOUTH EASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT (2003-26) for 15th Aug 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 :  On the west coast of Trinidad during the weekend of 9-10th Aug, an unprecedented flock of 137 GREATER FLAMINGOES * (including 19 full salmon pink adults) were feeding on the mudflats north of Carli Bay - the largest previous flock recorded in T&T was just 6 ! Also present, a 3rd winter LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL and a GREEN KINGFISHER. At least 93 GREATER FLAMINGOES were still present on 12th Aug together with 15 LESSER NIGHTHAWKS hawking over the mangrove during a heavy rain squall.

In the Caroni plain of Trinidad on 12th Aug , 2 adult PIED BILLED GREBES were on Piarco ponds, and 31 STILT SANDPIPERS at Trincity Ponds. In one flooded field on Caroni ricefields, there were at least 125 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 2 SHORT BILLED DOWITCHERS, 10 STILT SANDPIPERS and 3 SOLITARY SANDPIPERS. During the late evening, at least 5 NACUNDA NIGHTHAWKS were hawking insects over Piarco airport car park.

From the northern range of Trinidad, a RINGED KINGFISHER was seen along the Aripo river or 10th Aug.

From the north east corner of Trinidad, a 3.5 hr seawatch at Galera Pt on 15th Aug produced 143 BROWN NODDIES, 39 COMMON TERNS, 3 ROSEATE TERNS, 2 LEAST TERNS and single SOOTY, ROYAL AND SANDWICH TERNS. Shorebird passage included 19 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 6 WHIMBREL, 4 WILLET, 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPER and   45 unidentified "CALIDRIS WADER sp".

From Tobago, the REDDISH EGRET * first seen at Lowlands on  21st July, has again been reported, this time from the wetland close to the Parlatuvier river on 3rd Aug.

From Tortola,  British Virgin Is a WHITE WINGED DOVE was seen east of Road Town on 3rd Aug.

From St Croix, USVI, an adult LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL was found in the harbour at Christiensted on 4th Aug.

In Guadeloupe, the first returning BARN SWALLOWS of the autumn were seen on 14th Aug.

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"