This is the SOUTH EASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT (2003-38.) for 31st 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, at Carli Bay, the EURASIAN KESTREL (1st for T&T) was still present until 1st Jan 2004 at least. Photographs now appear at our Photo Gallery. On 21st Dec single COCOI HERON and CLAPPER RAIL were seen in Caroni swamp. Over the "new years holiday" up to 5 adult CARIBBEAN FLAMINGOES were feeding on the mudflats at Brickfields and numbers of DICKCISSELS were heard flying over Waterloo after dark.

In south west Trinidad, at San Francique, a BLACK HAWK-EAGLE * was seen on 28th Dec

In central Trinidad, a SORA was found at Trincity ponds on 19th 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"