This is the SOUTH EASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT January 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 Dominica, a WHITE WINGED DOVE (1st for Dominica) was found close to Cabrits on Jan 9th

From St. Lucia, mid month sightings include a SORA west of Hewanorra airport and a RED FOOTED BOOBY off of the north end if the island

Belated news from Barbados of a 1st winter WHISKERED TERN at Packers during November and both OVENBIRD and NORTHERN PARULA in Turner's Hall Woods during December

From Tobago, highlights of the month included a YELLOW THROATED VIREO * (first sighting for over 30 yrs) carefully studied at Buccoo marsh on 28th Jan and a report of an AMAZON KINGFISHER* (1st for Tobago, 3rd for T&T) at Bon Accord on 14th Jan. Also at this latter site were an impressive 53 WHITE CHEEKED PINTAIL. Nearby, over 150 BLACK BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS were at Lowlands. Also during the month in Tobago, a STRIPED OWL was seen on Flagstaff Hill on 2nd Jan. On 11th Jan, a HOOK BILLED KITE* was reported flying over Cuffie river and the following day, both male RING NECKED DUCK* and AMERICAN WIGEON* (possibly last winters birds returning) were found at Lowlands together with no less than 3 MANGROVE CUCKOOS. On 19th Jan, 3 LITTLE EGRETS were at Bon Accord

We now have details of a very successful Trinidad Christmas Bird Count - sponsored by the Asa Wright Nature Centre on 26th December. Aside from the rarities itemised in last month's bulletin, a total of 4,345 birds representing 188 species were seen/heard including an APLOMADO FALCON, 2 BAT FALCONS, 7 BLACK FACED ANT-THRUSHES, 2 BRAN COLOURED FLYCATCHERS, 1 BRIGHT RUMPED ATTILA, 18 CHANNEL BILLED TOUCANS, 3 COMMON POTOOS, 1 CRIMSON CRESTED WOODPECKER, 19 LINEATED WOODPECKERS, 7 FERRUGINOUS PYGMY OWLS, 3 GRAY HEADED KITES, 137 OILBIRDS, 1 ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE, 5 COMMON PAURAQUES, 3 PIED BILLED GREBES, 1 PLAIN BREASTED GROUND-DOVE, 6 SLATY CAPPED FLYCATCHERS, 1 SPECTACLED OWL, 7 SULPHURY FLYCATCHERS, 9 TRINIDAD EUPHONIAS, 3 TROPICAL SCREECH-OWLS, 6 WHITE BELLIED ANTBIRDS and a WHITE WINGED BECARD.

From the northern range of Trinidad, a pair of BRIGHT RUMPED ATTILAS are nesting on the forested slopes behind Mt St Benedict. At the same site, several DICKCISSELS were found on 25th Jan and 2 GRAY THROATED LEAFTOSSERS were seen on 27th Jan

From central Trinidad, a hike along the summit ridge of Mt Tamana on 23rdh Jan produced at least 3 YELLOW LEGGED THRUSHES. This represents an extension of the known range (previously believed to be restricted to the northern range). Also from Mt Tamana, a probable juvenile BLACK HAWK-EAGLE* glided north towards the Aripo savannah. A GRAY HERON* was seen in the flooded fields at Trincity on 28th Jan and an adult RUFESCENT TIGER -HERON* was found at Waller Field on the same date. On 29th Jan, a YELLOW- OLIVE FLYCATCHER was found in the Agriculture Station, where the flock of GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCHES continue to thrive with at least 15 birds seen. Both WHITE TAILED GOLDENTHROAT and BRAN COLOURED FLYCATCHER were seen at Waller Field together with 11 RED BELLIED MACAWS

On the west coast of Trinidad, both PINNATED and STRIPE BACKED BITTERNS were found at Sumaria trace on 9th Jan, and a CRAB EATING RACOON was seen briefly stalking through the mangrove at Cacandee. At Waterloo, the wintering immature RING BILLED GULL was seen again at Waterloo on both 19th and 27th Jan

From south western Trinidad, early morning at Oropouche swamp on 23rd Jan produced 2 GRAY NECKED WOOD-RAILS, and a nesting COMMON PAURAQUE. A light morph LONG WINGED HARRIER quartered the flooded fields at Sudama Steps on 30th Jan.

In south east Trinidad, an adult BLACK HAWK EAGLE * was found along the Plum Mitan Rd on 30th Jan

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION - one species which has never before been mentioned in this forum is Feral/Rock Dove. We have been told about a racing pigeon found in a tiny Venezuelan village recently banded with the inscription "FED T&T" "04-TPC" "584" Any clues to identity/ownership would be appreciated !

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"