This is the SOUTH EASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT October 2004 summary of sightings through the Region. Sponsored by the T&T Field Naturalists Club, our aim is to promote birding and ornithology by fostering communication among resident and visiting birders regarding the study of birds in the region. The SCBA and information about TTFNC, T&T Rare Bird Committee and our Photo Gallery are accessible atof "http://www.wow.net/ttfnc" . Reports should be sent to Martyn Kenefick tel 674.7609; Email "martynkenefick@hotmail.com" The T&T Rare Birds Committee requires details for species indicated with an asterisk.

From Guadeloupe, On 14th Oct, 10 BLACKPOLL WARBLERS were at Pointe des Chaateaux and a BLACK BILLED CUCKOO was at the same site on the 17th At Deesirade island, 2 HUDSONIAN GODWITS were found on 17th Oct and 14 INDIGO BUNTINGS and 14 BOBOLINKS were present the following day. Also on the 18th a female COMMON NIGHTHAWK was found at Petite-Terre Nature Reserve and a WILSON'S PETREL was seen offshore.

From Barbados, on 27th Oct a GRAY HERON was found at Fosters Swamp, 4 HUDSONIAN GODWITS at Hope and at least 2 LONG BILLED DOWITCHERS at Hannays. On 29th Oct 6 BOBOLINKS were at Hope, and a BANK SWALLOW at Harrisons Point together with 2 BLACKPOLL WARBLERS. By 31st oct, BLACKPOLLS had increased to 6 at Harrison's Pt and were joined by single ROSE BREASTED GROSBEAK and RED EYED VIREO together with 4 YELLOW BILLED CUCKOOS.

From Tobago, at least 20 BLACKPOLL WARBLERS were seen "islandwide" on 26th Oct, with many remaining until the months end at least. On 30th Oct, both singe RUFF and BUFF BREASTED SANDPIPER were at Lowlands, with a further "BUFF BREAST" at Louis d'Or. The first MERLIN of the season was found and a BOBOLINK was at Bon Accord

In the northern range of Trinidad, a hike north of Luango village on 12th Oct produced one GRAY THROATED LEAFTOSSER seen and at least two other calling. Also found were single STREAKED XENOPS, SLATY CAPPED and DUSKY CAPPED FLYCATCHERS whilst a BRIGHT RUMPED ATTILA was heard from the other side of the valley. On 18th Oct, 2 CHESTNUT WOODPECKERS, a LESSER SWALLOW TAILED SWIFT, 2 BLACK FACED ANT-THRUSHES and at least 7 SPECKLED TANAGERS were between Morne Bleu and Las Lapas trace

In eastern Trinidad, the weekend of 16-17th Oct produced a RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON sat on a nest inside Bush Bush reserve, together with at least 2 CRIMSON CRESTED WOODPECKERS and a WHITE TAILED GOLDENTHROAT. Nearby at the Nariva river mouth, there was a feeding flock of 230 LEAST TERNS and 5 BLACK SKIMMERS.

In central Trinidad on 9th Oct the flooded fields at Trincity, close to the highway held a flock of at least 350 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS together with 15 AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS. On the same date a party of 5 SULPHURY FLYCATCHERS were west of Cumuto village. At the same site, 10 BLUE HEADED PARROTS, 7 RED BELLIED MACAWS and a SQUIRREL CUCKOO flew over.

In south west Trinidad, early morning in Godineau swamp, Oropouche on 17th Oct produced single LEAST BITTERN and LONG WINGED HARRIER, 4 SPOTTED TODY FLYCATCHERS and a family party of 3 WHITE WINGED BECARDS.

RARE BIRD REPORTING :- many of the identifications from Trinidad and Tobago reported in the SCBA are tentative. The T&T Rare Birds Committee, founded 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 - Email "martynkenefick@hotmail.com"