This is the SOUTH EASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT April 2005 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, late news of a CURLEW SANDPIPER first found on 21st Feb and still present to end April at least at Le Gosier. At Gaschet reservoir, a peak count of COMMON MOORHEN on 9th Apr reached 162 birds and a BLACK BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK of the race discolor was present

From Barbados, little news other than to report the continued presence throughout the month of a party of ANHINGA at Graeme Hall swamp. peaking at 11 birds

From central Trinidad, an adult male BLACKPOLL WARBLER was found on the edge of Arena forest on 7th Apr. From Carlsen Field, the CRANE HAWK * was again reported on 16th Apr. Visits to Waller Field on 19th & 21st Apr produced a CRANE HAWK *, up to 14 RED BELLIED MACAWS, a TROPICAL SCREECH OWL, single STREAK HEADED WOODCREEPER, WHITE WINGED BECARD and MORICHE ORIOLE.

In the northern range of Trinidad, at Asa Wright Nature Centre, a male ROSE BREASTED GROSBEAK* was seen and photographed on 5th Apr. Also from the Centre have been a juvenile ORNATE HAWK EAGLE seen on many dates throughout the month, together with a late OLIVE SIDED FLYCATCHER and a BROWN VIOLET-EAR on 17th. On 19th a male SCARLET TANAGER * was seen from the balcony. Elsewhere, on 10th Apr a hike above Heights of Aripo village produced an adult ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE, GRAY THROATED LEAFTOSSER, BEARDED BELLBIRD and up to 20 YELLOW LEGGED THRUSHES and from Paria junction, a BAY BREASTED WARBLER* was seen on 14th Apr.

From Tobago, on 26th Apr a BLACKPOLL WARBLER was found at Bucoo marsh. On 27th a WHITE TAILED TROPICBIRD was seen repeatedly landing in the forest scrub at Little Tobago, and the first FORK TAILED FLYCATCHERS of the season were found at Bon Accord. Also on the 27th, a trip to St Giles rocks produced 21 MASKED BOOBIES among the seabird cliffs and a late migrant PEREGRINE

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"