This is the SOUTH EASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT (2003-37.) for 18th Dec 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, a falcon almost certainly EURASIAN KESTREL (1st for T&T and the Caribbean) was found north of Carli Bay on 17th Dec. It was still present (and was photographed) on the 18th

From Tobago, both single MASKED DUCK and SORA were present at Lowlands on 2nd Dec. On the same date, extremely late YELLOW BILLED CUCKOO and BLACKPOLL WARBLERS were found at Bon Accord and Grafton Sanctuary respectively. On 3rd Dec a WHITE THROATED SPADEBILL was seen on Gilpin trace and on 4th Dec a VENEZUELAN FLYCATCHER was on Merchison Rd, Speyside. The first returning RUBY TOPAZ hummingbirds for the season were at Bon Accord on 11th Dec. At Bon Accord, 3 female NORTHERN PINTAILS *(1st record for Tobago and 2nd for T&T) were seen on 13th Dec. The REDDISH EGRET * (first found on 21st July 2003) continues to be reported from the Parlatuvier river, latest sighting on 16th Dec. On the same date, 2 WHITE TAILED TROPICBIRDS were seen on Little Tobago and yet another BLACKPOLL WARBLER was found, this time at Merchison Rd

In the northern range of Trinidad, a SCALED ANTPITTA * was seen by multiple observers along the Blanchisseuse Rd between Morne Bleu and Las Lapas on 12th Dec. At the Marianne river estuary, there were still 2 GRAY NECKED WOOD RAILS and several SILVERED ANTBIRDS showing on 13th Dec

In central Trinidad, the CRANE HAWK* again put in an appearance at Wallerfield on 13th Dec

In west Trinidad, hot on the heels of the Tobago report, the first RUBY TOPAZ was found at Cacandee on 12th Dec. Also nearby , both PINNATED and STRIPE BACKED BITTERN were seen at Sumaria trace. On 17th Dec, a female LESSER SCAUP * was at Cacandee

In south west Trinidad, a GRAY SEEDEATER was reported from a garden in San Francique on 8th Dec and a SHORT TAILED NIGHTHAWK was seen in the same area on 12th Dec.

SCBA IN 2004 Please note that due to a considerable reduction in the number of reports received, the SCBA will for the time being become a monthly summary of bird news from the islands. Hopefully, during the year, the number of contributions will increase significantly justifying a return to the weekly format

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"