Captain Levardo Talbot in the field, enjoying and immersed in every moment. (photo by Christel Mohammed)
At the core of its ethos, the Caribbean Birding Trail (CBT) emphatically asserts that we can unify conservation with enterprise, to shape a Caribbean where tourism is harnessed as a force for environmental preservation and sustainable development. The true champions of this work, however, are local guides who use their passion for conservation to reimagine the tourism industry—delivering thoughtful, authentic ecotourism where conservation is at the heart of the offer. The Caribbean Birding Trail supports sustainable livelihoods by training guides to enter the birding market and connect travelers with the cultural and natural resources of their islands.
In this beautifully written, richly illustrative piece, third-generation mariner, Captain Levardo Talbot, a member of our recently concluded CBT Turks and Caicos Islands Guide Training, takes us on a journey through his workshop experience. It’s a thoughtful, passionate, and enjoyable read.
In the heart of the Turks & Caicos, where the confluence of sea and sun paints a canvas of natural wonder, a profound metamorphosis transpired—a narrative that intertwined the intricate art of birding with the expertise of an established fisherman. This account chronicles my immersive training along the Caribbean Birding Trail, a journey marked by the threads of learning, discovery, and an unexpected synthesis between the avian realm and the tranquility of fishing.
The workshop wasn’t merely a training exercise; it served as an initiation into nature’s vibrant symphony, where the diverse avian species painted the skies with their vivid hues. The genesis of this transformative experience lay in the field, amongst the verdant canopy, where binoculars, spotting scopes, and the guidance of seasoned instructors converged to unveil the secrets of the avian world. These mentors acted as custodians of this rich paradise, offering insights that transcended the confines of conventional birding guides.
A Yellow-crowned Night Heron hidden in the mangroves; by looking and listening carefully, I was now tuned into and learning the secrets of the avian world. (photo by Beny Wilson)
An immersive journey of discovery
The most captivating segment of this training lay in the hands-on interaction, where theoretical knowledge metamorphosed into practical understanding. The binoculars became an extension of my vision, while the instructions from the mentors served as a compass in navigating the world of fluttering wings. Each avian call and chirp acquired a distinctiveness, a signature that bespoke a particular species. The spotting scopes, far from mere tools of assistance, provided a vantage point from which to witness the intricate ballet of the avian populace.
Levardo consults his field guide. (photo by Christel Mohammed)
We heard the distinctive whistling call of the Easter Wood-Pewee, pee-ooo-eeeeeee. (photo by Beny Wilson)
Black-bellied Plover and Ruddy Turnstones in winter plumage along our coastline. (photo by Beny Wilson)
Intently focused on the bird! (photo by Christel Mohammed)
Learning to identify shorebirds and seabirds was akin to deciphering a language that spoke of the ebb and flow of tides. My perspective of the mangrove habitat underwent a profound transformation; it ceased to be a mere collection of trees, emerging instead as a bustling nexus of interconnected life. Birds ceased to be solitary creatures and transformed into threads intricately woven into the tapestry of the ecosystem. Their profound connection to the art of fishing, previously overlooked, unfolded like a treasure trove—the symbiotic relationship between birds and the craft of angling.
Beautiful American Flamingos enjoying a rain shower on Flamingo Pond, North Caicos. (photo by Beny Wilson)
A fisherman’s perspective, transformed
This newfound insight not only allowed for a deeper appreciation of the environment but also served to enhance my business. My fly fishing guests were no longer mere visitors; they transformed into eager students, seeking a profound understanding of the ecosystem in which they found themselves immersed. The knowledge gleaned during the workshop became not merely a personal asset but a jewel in my arsenal to educate and enthrall my guests, offering them a deeper insight into the serene habitat that served as the haven for their fishing pursuits.
Levardo, Dodly, and Junel (aka Flash) flash a smile on Bird Rock Point Trail. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
The art and fun of birding. (photo by Christel Mohammed)
Birds were in abundance at Provo Golf Club (we received special permission for this visit). (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Estefania, Morgan, and crew spotting birds at—Provo Golf Club—we had special permission to visit one early morning. (photo by Christel Mohammed)
Yellow Warblers flitting in the trees and bushes were always fun to spot. (photo by Beny Wilson)
Unexpectedly, birding became an integral component of my business. The tranquil surroundings, once the exclusive stage for the art of fishing, now welcomed a new ensemble—the diverse and vibrant birdlife. The peaceful habitat ceased to serve solely as a backdrop; it assumed the role of a supporting actor, contributing to the overall experience of my esteemed guests.
With each outing, a new chapter unfolded. The pelicans diving gracefully into the waters, the gulls soaring across the cerulean sky, and the herons standing poised in patient elegance—all became integral parts of the narrative. The guests no longer arrived solely for the thrill of fishing; they sought an immersive journey where angling intertwined with the enchantment of avian life.
Laughing Gull in flight. (photo by Michael Stubblefield ML598441931)
Brown Pelican diving for a fish meal. (photo by Cin Ty Lee-ML611680163)
The regal Great Blue Heron. (photo by David Rayner)
As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting the sky in hues of orange and purple, my guests departed not merely with prized catches but with an experience that transcended the mere act of reeling in fish. They left as custodians of newfound wisdom, carrying not just memories of a successful fishing trip but an appreciation for the delicate balance between the feathered denizens and the serenity that enfolded the mangroves.
A natural blending of fishing and birds
The Caribbean Bird Trail Workshop was more than a training exercise; it was a threshold into a realm where the subtleties of nature became an integral facet of my daily pursuits. The art of birding transcended the pages of a guidebook, embedding itself into the fabric of my business, enriching the experiences I offer. The serene habitat, where the symphony of birds harmonized with the tranquility of fishing, evolved into my stage, and each guest, an active participant in this mesmerizing performance.
The journey had only just commenced—a voyage where the convergence of birding and fishing continues to unravel new chapters, each more captivating than the last.
In 1904, Capt. Levardo Talbot’s grandfather, Theophilus Talbot, arrived on Salt Cay. Talbot’s Adventures provides professional and memorable experiences to tourists and locals alike. Captain Levardo Talbot, hailing from a family with a strong maritime background, leads the company with a mission to promote environmental awareness, preserve historical value, ensure safe and respectful access to one of the world’s most beautiful sea parks, and contribute to the region’s sustainable growth. Levardo’s dedication to preserving the islands’ history and culture is evident through his work as a Marine Conservation Officer and his involvement in groundbreaking research that uncovered details of the Trouvadore slave ship,which may have significantly impacted the heritage of the afro-Caribbean population of Turks & Caicos and The Bahamas. Talbot’s Adventures takes pride in safeguarding and sharing with guests one of the most breathtaking marine spaces on the planet; undoubtedly a treasure to behold.
Acknowledgements: The CBT Interpretive Guide Training was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and local partners. These include the Sandals Foundation, the Turks and Caicos National Trust, Darwin Plus Initiative, the Turks and Caicos Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Marshall Reynolds Foundation, Shika Shika, US Forest Service International Programs, and Vortex Optics.
The TCI CBT Interpretive* Guide training is the seventh training to be carried out by BirdsCaribbean. Previous trainings have been held in Grenada, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bonaire, Cuba, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These guide trainings are integral to advancing the vision of the CBT—connecting people to the extraordinary places, diverse cultures, and people of each island. Through the CBT, we promote natural and authentic experiences that benefit local people and encourage the protection of the Caribbean’s natural resources, including birds and their habitats.
*Interpretation is a purposeful approach to communication that facilitates meaningful, relevant, and inclusive experiences that deepen understanding, broaden perspectives, and inspire engagement with the world around us. (National Association of Interpretation).
Colorful and friendly, the Cuban Tody is one of Cuba’s most beloved endemic birds. (photo by Aslam Ibrahim)
Join BirdsCaribbean, the Caribbean Birding Trail and talented Cuban bird guide, Tania Piñeiro, on the adventure of a lifetime in January or March of 2024!
Cuba is well-known for its amazing landscapes, vibrant culture and unique biodiversity. According to the new Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba: 2023 Edition (and recent research), 404 birds have been recorded in Cuba, including 28 which are endemic to the island, 20 that are endemic to the West Indies, and 21 which are considered globally threatened. Due to its large land area and geographical position within the Caribbean, Cuba is also extraordinarily important for Neotropical migratory birds—more than 180 species pass through during migration or spend the winter on the island.
Our itinerary takes you to several of the best and most beautiful birding locations in Cuba, providing opportunities to see many of Cuba’s endemic species and subspecies as well as many West Indian endemics and migrants. Along the way, we will meet people in local communities, stay in Bed & Breakfast establishments (casas particulares) and eat in private restaurants (paladars), allowing you to experience Cuba’s rich culture, delicious food, friendly people, and generous hospitality. We will also have the opportunity to meet and have discussions with local ornithologists and conservationists that have been working with BirdsCaribbean for many years.
BirdsCaribbean is offering two tours in 2024: a 9-day trip in January and a 12-day trip in March.
Find detailed itineraries for our 2024 trips below!Traveling with us helps Caribbean birds as a portion of the proceeds from the trip supports our bird conservation programs and partners in Cuba and the Caribbean. See some of the world’s most beautiful and memorable birds, knowing that you are helping ensure their welfare by supporting the people who study and protect them.
Read testimonials and see photos from past trips in the gallery below. Purchase the Endemic Birds of Cuba Field Guide here. See our eBird trip report from our March 2023 trip here. Check out the report and photos from our January 2016 trip here and from our July 2017 trip to Havana and Zapata Swamp here. Read more
The BirdsCaribbean family is once again beaming with pride!
The American Ornithological Society (AOS) has announced that Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean, Dr. Lisa Sorenson, is one of two recipients of the prestigious Ralph W. Schreiber Award, which honors extraordinary conservation-related scientific contributions by an individual or small team. Dr. Sorenson will receive her Award at this year’s AOS Joint Conference with the SOC (Society of Canadian Ornithologists–Société des ornithologistes du Canada) in London, Ontario, to take place from August 8-12, 2023.
“I am extremely impressed not only by the quality but also by the breadth and depth of this year’s AOS award winners,” commented AOS President Colleen Handel. “These scientists are being honored for their stellar accomplishments in research, conservation, publications, and service, but they also each exemplify the utmost in dedication to fostering the next generation of ornithologists. They embody the value of a true community.”
Dr. Joseph M. Wunderle, Jr., involved with BirdsCaribbean since its first year (1988) and currently serving as a Board Member and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology (JCO), praised Dr. Sorenson’s extraordinary energy and dedication: “As a founding member and early officer of the Society for Caribbean Ornithology (SCO) and now BirdsCaribbean (BC), I could never have imagined in the 1980s the breadth of bird conservation activities initiated and instituted by BC under the tireless leadership of Lisa Sorenson.”
Natalya Lawrence receiving an Educators’ Award from Lisa Sorenson and Sheylda Diaz-Mendez, and Natalya’s son Jordan, already an avid birder! (BirdsCaribbean Conference in Guadeloupe, July 2019)
“As Executive Director of BC, Lisa has expanded the diversity of activities and opportunities in support of Caribbean bird conservation and ornithology to strengthen the region’s bird conservation capacity. The Caribbean’s unique birdlife and those who appreciate this birdlife have greatly benefited from Lisa’s dedicated efforts and we congratulate her for her justly deserved Ralph Schreiber Conservation Award.”
From the country of Antigua and Barbuda, BirdsCaribbean Board Secretary Ms.Natalya Lawrence confirmed Dr. Sorenson’s influence on her life when she wrote to Lisa: “Everything said about you in the award is true. You were the one that got me hooked on birds, and you are one of the greatest educators I have ever been honored to know. And your calm and passionate spirit, your diligence and patience make everyone you interact with want to learn more and do more. Congratulations to you on an honor that is well-deserved!”
Lisa Sorenson, who is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Boston University, conducted research on the behavioral ecology of White-cheeked Pintails in the Bahamas for her Ph.D. She served as Vice President and President of the Society for Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds (now BirdsCaribbean) from 2005 – 2012, and as its Executive Director since 2012. Through her pioneering work, she has greatly increased awareness, appreciation, and conservation of the Caribbean region’s remarkable avifauna among Caribbean island residents – and beyond.
More on our Executive Director’s work and achievements
Lisa’s work over 35 years includes capacity building; outreach and education; fostering an active network of Caribbean conservationists; and reaching Caribbean audiences through community and youth education, science and the teaching of conservation methods. She is an inspiration to many young Caribbean conservationists, providing guidance and encouragement.
She is particularly focused on the need to train Caribbean nationals and empower local partners, educators, and communities to conduct their own research and conservation. Since 1997, she has initiated 150 international and local training workshops, reaching more than 5,000 people. This is of critical importance, as hitherto most bird research on the islands had been conducted by visiting scientists from overseas, often with little local involvement. Moreover, she has nurtured an appreciation of nature and of the joy of birding, working with and supporting numerous Caribbean partners on almost every island.
Lisa has received five awards for her work in the region, including a Partners in Flight Leadership Award. She has also authored or co-authored numerous bird education resources, including school curricula and monitoring manuals for the region, as well as publications in peer-reviewed journals. She has been an AOS Elective Member since 1998 and an AOS Fellow since 2011. She helped to organize the 2022 joint American Ornithological Society & BirdsCaribbean Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, serving on numerous committees.
Lisa and Lourdes in the field together in Cuba. (photo by Martin Acosta)
Dr. Lourdes Mujica Valdes, Auxiliary Professor in the Faculty of Biology at the University of Havana, Cuba, described the impact of Dr. Sorenson’s work on the people (and birds) of the Caribbean: “Lisa is the kind of person that makes the world a better place. She has really made a difference in the Caribbean. People in the region have received and shared her passion, commitment, and love for birds and nature during the last 25+ years. She has developed many conservation and education projects, gathered together many people from different cultures, and provided training, encouragement, and tools to those that needed them most.
“Lisa has been the heart and soul of BirdsCaribbean, and with her leadership, we have become, all of us, a huge and committed Caribbean family working together for bird conservation. We need more Lisas to save our biodiversity and our planet!”
Our deepest thanks and appreciation to you, Lisa, for doing so much to create a truly Caribbean family of bird conservationists across the islands!
Lisa and fellow educators at a Wetlands Education Training Workshop in Dominica.
Lisa and Caribbean colleagues at the AOS-BC Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 2022.
Lisa Sorenson birding with youth at Ashton Lagoon, Union Island, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Lisa with Eric Carey (BNT Executive Director, retired), Martin Acosta, Lourdes Mugica and other colleagues at the BirdsCaribbean Conference, Jamaica 2015.
Lisa Sorenson and guide Ernesto Reyes showing a young boy some birds in Cuba. (photo by Tania Pineiro)
Comments from lisa’s Colleagues:
“It is an awesome experience to be part of a team with someone with such a high work ethic. Lisa’s commitment, passion, and dedication extend to all projects and programs of the organization. And, she is not only an advocate of Caribbean birds, but of our people too, since she makes sure to provide everyone with opportunities for learning and engaging. Under her leadership, BirdsCaribbean has grown to higher levels. Lisa is an inspiration to all of us!” – Adrianne Tossas (BirdsCaribbean President)
Lisa Sorenson is an amazing, passionate, conservation professional. Lisa looked beyond the borders of her home country and embraced our many island nations of the Caribbean as her platform to effect conservation. And she did so, stretching every dollar and through synergies, increased many-fold the impact of her work. This is a well-deserved award and I feel so fortunate and honoured to call her my friend. Congratulations, Lisa!– Eric Carey (Bahama National Trust, retired Executive Director)
“Well deserved my friend! Congratulations on this distinguished recognition of all you do for birds!” – Jane Alexander (Actress and Conservationist)
“The American Ornithological Society selected Lisa to receive its highest conservation honor for her BirdsCaribbean leadership. We all know without a doubt how deserving she is!” – Franci Cuthbert (Ornithologist)
“Perfect award for the perfect awardee. No one has done more for conservation in the insular Caribbean, especially during the past decade when it has been so hard to maintain focus in the face of accelerating effects of social and climate change.” – Bruce Potter (Island Resources Foundation)
Dr. Sorenson has increased awareness, appreciation, and conservation of the Caribbean region’s unique avifauna through targeting research, conservation, and public engagement programs for Caribbean island residents and beyond. Building from her PhD research on the behavioral ecology of White-cheeked Pintails in the Bahamas, Lisa’s efforts over 35 years include capacity building, outreach and education, fostering an active network of Caribbean conservationists, and teaching of conservation methods, community and youth education, and science to Caribbean audiences. Her leadership while Vice-President and President of the Society for Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds (2005-2012) (now BirdsCaribbean), and more recently as Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean (2012-present), has inspired, motivated, and energized island residents as well as others to contribute to island conservation efforts.
Lisa has demonstrated tremendous skill bringing people together from different island cultures, seeking funding (raised > $3 million since 1997), and personally encouraging and mentoring so many to become involved in and support bird conservation. To advance conservation in the region, she has had to overcome many of the realities and challenges for island conservation including: limited or no conservation funding within the region; diverse cultures; poor communications among islands; and a lack of conservation ethic and trained conservation professionals on many islands.
Historically, much of the research on island birds was conducted by visitors from North America, often with little local involvement, thus limiting the opportunity for growth of indigenous conservation and capacity. Dr. Sorenson’s leadership has helped to overcome these challenges by addressing the need to train Caribbean nationals and empower local partners, teachers, and communities to carry out their own science, education, monitoring, and conservation. Since 1997, she has facilitated the delivery of over 150 international and local training workshops, reaching over 5,000 people.
In all of BirdsCaribbean’s programs, Lisa has been a champion of increasing appreciation of the region’s endemic and migratory birds and the value of nature through experiencing the joy and fun of birding and bird education programs. This has, in turn, resulted in greater engagement in and successful NGO and community-led actions to monitor, restore, and conserve threatened species and habitats, as well as more young people pursuing careers in conservation. Without Lisa’s sustained dedication, Caribbean bird conservation would be far less advanced.
Lisa has received 5 awards for her work in the region, including a Partners in Flight Leadership Award. She has also authored or co-authored numerous bird education resources, including school curricula and monitoring manuals for the region, as well as publications in peer-reviewed journals. The multiple diverse Caribbean conservation initiatives, programs, and activities initiated, inspired, and/or facilitated by Dr. Sorenson’s leadership can be found on BirdsCaribbean’s website: https://www.birdscaribbean.org/our-work/about-us/ These include the West Indian Whistling-Duck and Wetlands Conservation Project, BirdSleuth Caribbean, Caribbean Waterbird Census, Caribbean Birding Trail, Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, Caribbean Seabird Conservation, and Caribbean Landbird Monitoring, among others. Lisa is an Elected Fellow (2011) of the American Ornithological Society and helped organize the joint American Ornithological Society & BirdsCaribbean Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico in June 2022, serving on numerous committees.
Are you passionate about Caribbean bird conservation and want to make a real difference? And do you have expertise that will help us to grow and become a stronger and more effective organization?
Consider joining our dynamic and dedicated team! We currently have openings for a Communications Manager and an Operations Manager.
Learn more about these positions and how to apply at the links below.
Applications for both positions must be received by 30 April, 11:59 PM EDT for consideration. More information and instructions on how to submit your application for each position can be found at the links below.
The Communications Manager oversees communications, marketing, and public relations efforts to raise awareness and support for BirdsCaribbean’s mission, projects, and programs. This role will provide strategic and tactical guidance to BirdsCaribbean to help our organization communicate effectively with our partners, members, and donors, and build awareness and engagement around our various programs. This is a full-time employee or contractor position with benefits and can be worked remotely from any location. Learn more and apply here.
Caribbean Nationals residing within the Caribbean are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Operations Manager will support our day-to-day operations and strategic growth decisions that support our mission, projects, and programs. This position requires the highest level of trust and confidence. Primary duties and responsibilities include bookkeeping, financial tracking/ budgeting, policy creation and compliance, and administrative support for multiple projects. This is also a full-time employee or contractor position with benefits and can be worked remotely. Learn more and apply here.
Note that due to the need for experience and knowledge managing a 501 c 3 nonprofit under US tax and banking laws, applicants must be US citizens residing in the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands.
Please share these job opportunities with others in your networks – THANKS!
Are you an experienced marketing and communications professional? Do you want to help us tell the world how amazing Caribbean birds are and why we should protect them? Then consider joining our team!
BirdsCaribbean (BC) is seeking to hire a full-time Communications Manager.
Position Overview:
The Communications Manager oversees communications, marketing, and public relations efforts to raise awareness and support for BirdsCaribbean’s mission, projects, and programs. This role will provide strategic and tactical guidance to BirdsCaribbean to help our organization communicate effectively with our partners, members, and donors, and build awareness and engagement around our various programs. This position will work in close collaboration with the Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean and other staff, including members of our Fundraising, Media, Education, and Program leaders and teams. This is a full-time employee or contractor position with benefits and can be worked remotely from any location. Caribbean nationals residing within the Caribbean are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
Overseeing BirdsCaribbean’s external communications with members, partners, donors, the public, and media sources
Overseeing all content creation and messaging, as well as online engagement growth, including:
Overseeing and developing materials to convey the organization’s mission and work
Keeping our website up-to-date with organizational news, events, and educational resources for our partners and members/followers
Managing and helping to create content for our social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube) together with our small team
Producing and overseeing all printed and digital marketing, promotional, and educational materials (e.g., one pagers, brochures, reports, promotional graphics for upcoming events, e.g., bird festivals, conferences, training workshops, webinars, contests, etc.), including graphic design needs
Executing clear and engaging copywriting for emails, blogs, press releases, and other promotional materials; coordinating and editing the work of other authors on our team
Drafting and sending out our monthly newsletter, and other email communications with members, donors, partners, etc.
Editing and approving press releases, articles, graphics, announcements, etc.
Helping to develop and manage fundraising and membership campaigns
Analyzing and documenting the effectiveness of all executed marketing and communications
Managing a calendar of organizational priorities and weekly tasks for internal coordination with the team
Managing photography and videography needs for events (e.g., conferences), activities, online, and print publications, as well as social media
Ensuring consistency of messaging across all marketing and communications channels to convey the organization’s brand, mission, vision, and values
Working in partnership with the Executive Director, and Fundraising, Media, Education, and Program Committees
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field strongly preferred
Qualifications:
Minimum of 5 to 7 years of demonstrated experience in marketing/communications/public relations, including marketing and managing communications across a diverse set of platforms
Outstanding writing, editing, and proofreading skills; understanding of science grammar is a plus
Graphic design skills – Adobe Creative Suite and Canva strongly preferred
High proficiency with MS Office and WordPress strongly preferred
Advanced proficiency with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
Ability to prepare and edit audiovisual materials (including videos) for social media posts or brand content
Knowledge of the media industry and ability to stay on top of market changes and relevant media opportunities
A passion and curiosity for environmental science and conservation in the Caribbean; strong interest and/or experience with Caribbean birds or ornithology/ecology is a plus
Strong attention to detail and the desire to deliver high-quality work without exceptions
Ability to prioritize tasks, simultaneously manage multiple projects, and set/meet deadlines
Capacity to oversee a small team that develops communications and educational content
Self-motivated, detail-oriented, focused, and ambitious; creative and innovative thinking
Professional demeanor, team player, and a consistent positive attitude
A reliable internet connection that supports Zoom video meetings without a problem
Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with a highly diverse audience
Desired Knowledge and Experience:
Experience or working knowledge of Caribbean birds and environmental conservation issues
Experience with non-profit communications, marketing, and fundraising strongly preferred
Excellent oral communications skills
Professional working proficiency in Spanish and/or French language
Familiarity with Mailchimp
Employment Parameters
This is a full-time position (40 hours/week on average). It will require the flexibility to be available outside of normal working hours (i.e., 9 am – 5 pm) in certain cases, depending on the timing of specific deliverables and project deadlines. Pay will be commensurate with experience and local wage/cost-of-living considerations, and a benefits package will be developed in consultation with the candidate.
The Communications Manager works in a changing environment that adjusts to the needs of the day, including developments in our various programs. The environment may, at times, be fast-paced with interruptions, distractions, and deadlines. The Communications Manager needs to be flexible and be able to adjust to changing assignments or activities.
A cover letter (1-2 pages max) that expresses why you are interested in this position and summarizes your qualifications and experience
Current copy of your Resume or CV
Include a portfolio with samples of any of the following of your work: newsletter or blog articles, public relations or promotional materials, and/or social media posts that you have written.
Application period: April 5th to April 30th, 2023
About Us: BirdsCaribbean (BC) is a vibrant international network of members and partners committed to conserving Caribbean birds and their habitats in the insular Caribbean (including Bermuda, the Bahamas, and all islands within the Caribbean basin). Our mission is to raise awareness, promote sound science, and empower local partners to build a region where people appreciate, conserve, and benefit from thriving bird populations and ecosystems. We are a non-profit membership organization based in the U.S. With 33 years of experience, BirdsCaribbean has built an extensive and active network of more than 60 partners across 31 countries, which include environmental organizations, government agencies, institutions, businesses, tour guides, educators, and individuals.
BirdsCaribbean is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. BirdsCaribbean makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.We look forward to hearing from you!
The holidays are here again! It is a special time for togetherness and gratitude, but for many it can also be very demanding—cleaning, entertaining, and gift giving. Exhausted and anxious is not how we want you to experience the holidays. We at BirdsCaribbean have compiled a list of traditional activities that have been adapted to benefit birds and minimize your stress.
We want you to make memories with your family and friends while engaging in activities that increase your knowledge and appreciation of Caribbean birds and help you to inspire others to be more bird-friendly for years to come. No matter which activities you choose, kids and adults alike are sure to have fun, and these activities can be done at any time of the year.
Of course birds will be featured and accompanied by amazing photos, natural history tidbits, and actions we can all take this holiday season to reduce threats to their survival.
A calm and relaxed festive season is on the horizon! Just make sure you’re following us @BirdsCaribbean and check back as new posts will be added until December 31st!
I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas—Ways to Decrease your Plastic Use this Holiday Season
With family and friends to host, gifts galore, and huge grocery hauls during the build-up to Christmas, there is extra everything! Our single use consumption goes up this time of year big-time—packaging, gift wrap, decorations, food containers, plastic cutlery, the list goes on. This surge in plastic waste continues to threaten our health, our environment and wildlife. Marine animals are also harmed by plastic pollution.
The Masked Booby, for example, can mistake plastic in the ocean for fish and squid. Once ingested plastic reduces the volume of the stomach which often leads to starvation and other health problems. Seabirds may also feed their chicks bits and pieces of plastic too. Additionally, during courtship males will present females with tokens, traditionally rocks or feathers, but lately this includes plastic debris too, which is later used to decorate their nests.
But there is hope! You can reduce your plastic waste while still making your season merry and bright by following these top tips:
✨Use fabric wraps that can be used again next year. Or follow your grandmother and save the gift bags you receive to put other people’s gifts in.
✨Make your own decorations from biodegradable materials.
✨Ditch the plastic-wrapped veg and fruits and head to your local farmer’s market, don’t forget your market bag/reusable tote!
✨Avoid disposable cutlery. It’s convenient but not good for the environment. Try hosting smaller gatherings or asking guests to reuse their cutlery for different courses and don’t forget to rinse- we don’t think fruit cake and ham would be a good flavor combo!
If you’ve got other fantastic ways we can reduce our plastic use this holiday season, do let us know in the Comments below!
Shop with the Ultimate Bird-friendly Gift Guide—Gift Ideas that are Relatively Inexpensive and Meaningful
With Christmas fast approaching, we wanted to share some gift ideas with you. They are perfect for bird and nature lovers in your life, and even for those that are tricky to buy for. For all of these options, their purchase benefits people, habitats, and birds like the Endangered Whistling Warbler. We’ve provided a handy customizable template in Canva for a gift card for all the gifts below that you can present to your loved one!
✨For some people making a donation in their honor is an extremely meaningful gift. Your loved ones will be happy to know that their gifts will equip Caribbean conservationists with the tools and skills they need to increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in the region. Your generous gift (no amount is too small!) will help BirdsCaribbean achieve our ambitious goals for bird conservation in 2023 – learn more here!
✨Some of the best gifts can’t be wrapped! From verdant mountain ranges to tranquil moments at the seaside, the Caribbean provides ample opportunities for birding, adventure, and recentering. You can buy an experience for loved ones, like a guided bird tour at your local nature reserve. It takes up no space and best of all you’ll help create memories. If you need help finding certified Caribbean guides, do check our Caribbean Birding Trail website guide page.
✨You can also give the gift of community with a membership to BirdsCaribbean or to your local NGO. When you become a member of BirdsCaribbean you become part of an important community committed to conserving Caribbean birds and their habitats. Collectively, members make possible the outstanding programs, research, on-the-ground conservation actions, and educational resources that get people outside and interested in birds.
✨ Give the gift of birdsong and at the same time help to conserve birds! In 2019, Shika Shika produce an album of birdsong inspired music using the songs of endangered species in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. You can purchase the whole album online at this link.
The Whistling Warbler can only be found on the island of St Vincent (St Vincent and the Grenadines). It is quite rare and elusive to spot, restricted to mountainous habitat. Earlier this year, together with the Forestry Department staff and Antioch University researchers, we conducted a two-week pilot survey for this endemic gem and other forest species, to assess the effects of La Soufrière eruption on their population and distribution – catch up on the blog here. Funding for this survey was provided by our donors who gave quickly and generously to our relief appeal for St Vincent. We are continuing our work in St Vincent in 2023 with more surveys of the warbler, a Landbird Monitoriing Training Workshop with the St Vincent Forestry Department, and writing a Conservation Action Plan for this endangered species – you can help us with much-needed funding for this work here.
Get Festive! Plant a Native Tree
We know that one of the many ways people get into the holiday spirit is by putting up their Christmas tree. The twinkling lights and decorations radiate cheer and positivity. However, in the Caribbean there may be more fake than live trees which in the long term may not be the most environmentally friendly or financially sound choice. Instead, we suggest you get a live native plant or tree. Need some help deciding what to plant? Check our free ebook ‘Heritage Plants’ (available in English and Spanish) for ideas.
Backyard birds like mockingbirds, warblers, bananaquits, pigeons, doves, hummingbirds and many other birds will be sure to visit your yard! In this post’s photo a female Antillean Crested Hummingbird can be seen enjoying the nectar from a flower. Hummingbirds in particular are welcome visitors to backyards because their dazzling colors are always a delight to see. More importantly they act as pollinators and control plant pests by eating small insects too.
It’s win-win! You create a landscape that enhances the local environment, and offers shade, flowers, and fruits for you to enjoy. Your local flora and fauna benefits as native plants provide food and shelter for your backyard birds and other wildlife. They also increase the curb appeal of your property, decrease cooling costs (with mature trees), and improve your mental health.
If you don’t have the yard space, you can gift it to someone who does or get a potted native plant for your balcony or porch. You can also support local reforestation efforts in your country by signing up to help replant trees or donating to an NGO.
Peck the Halls with Hanging Bird Feeders
Bringing friends and family together is one of the best things about Christmas and nothing brings people together like a delicious meal. This year you can share the friendship, fun, and food with birds by hanging edible ornaments on trees in your garden. The White-winged Dove is one of many birds that will readily use bird feeders with a supply of millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and other grains.
Choosing a tree is pretty simple because luckily, birds are not too picky. However, you’ll want a tree with plenty of horizontal branches so seed ornaments, other decorative feeders, and hummingbird feeders can hang freely and give the birds space to feed. It would be wise to choose a tree that offers shelter to both the birds and ornaments from direct sunlight and rain.
There are many ways you can use bird food to decorate your tree. You can string chunks of orange, papaya, pine and bananas along the branches. Or you can make birdseed ornaments in festive shapes with your kids! Check out this DIY video from the National Audubon Society. If you would prefer an inexpensive and biodegradable option, check out our Orange Fruit Cup Bird Feeder activity here.
To hang ornaments, use small lengths of natural twine to make loops or bows for each ornament. Holiday-themed or red ribbons can be added to attract the birds’ attention. Do not use thin thread or nylon string which the birds can become entangled in.
Remember to replace as needed, chances are other wildlife like lizards will also visit your feeders.
Lastly, as this is the season of togetherness we encourage you to prepare edible ornaments and decorate a tree for birds and other wildlife with your family, church group, school group, and other organizations too!
Build a Birdhouse for a Family of Birds
Many of us have a tradition to build a gingerbread house but how about building a birdhouse this year? You won’t be able to indulge in a yummy treat once completed but you will be providing a home for a family of birds this spring!
Birdhouses, also known as nesting boxes, provide a place for birds to build their nests, protected from the weather and predators. In return, birds will help out in many ways in your garden by controlling pests and weeds. Since birds eat insects, they will help to eliminate unwanted pests in your yard and use of harmful pesticides. Some birds also love to eat weed seeds, reducing how often you have to clear the weeds away from your garden.
Building a birdhouse can be a family activity; adults can cut and assemble the house and children can paint and decorate. Even better, you can host a birdhouse building party and invite neighbors, friends and other relatives to build birdhouses for their own yards. Provide some festive tunes and light refreshment, and you’ll be all set.
In nature, birds will seek tree cavities or woodpecker holes to nest and raise their family. However in today’s world natural cavities can be hard to find. Forests are being cleared for development, and in urban areas old and rotting palms are promptly removed. Wooden fence posts and electricity poles have been replaced with concrete, metal or treated wood. Competition for these limited sites is high especially between cavity nesters, Hispaniolan Woodpeckers and Hispaniolan Parakeet in the Dominican Republic. Learn more about the nest boxes Simón Guerrero installed at his university during this year’s Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival.
Donate Your Old Binoculars to Your Local Birding Club or Environmental Organization
We hope that Santa was especially good to you this year and gifted you the clearest and latest state-of-the-art binoculars you’ve wanted so badly. Now, perhaps you’re wondering what to do with your old gear. Why not give it a new purpose? This year we’re asking you to support new birders by donating your pre-used or unused binoculars, scopes and bird guides too, to your local birding club or environmental organization. This will allow them to have more enjoyable birdwatching experiences while developing their skills.
Your binoculars, scopes or guides can support education and conservation projects, particularly here in the Caribbean where birding equipment is pricey and somewhat difficult to source. From citizen scientists collecting data as part of a global effort, to children in remote communities seeing close-up views of their island’s endemic birds and undergraduate researchers advancing our understanding of birds, there are many who can benefit from your donation. This way we can all pass on our appreciation and respect for birds and birdwatching to the next generation.
Your binoculars and scopes should be in good working condition. If they are broken, check to see if they’re still under warranty and, if so, whether the manufacturer can repair them.
If you wish to donate binoculars (used or new) to BirdsCaribbean, contact Lisa.Sorenson@BirdsCaribbean – we’ll make sure we get them to organizations that urgently need them in the Caribbean!
If you’re new to birding or thinking about joining the fun birding community and don’t know where to start, read our blog 10 Tips Every New Birder Should Know.
Feathered Family Fun
While your friends and family are visiting this holiday season, why not host a game night and have some fun together while learning about the Caribbean’s migratory and endemic birds? We have a variety of activities that will help you learn about and explore your natural environment. They have been created for all ages and most can be done at home using materials at hand. This is a great way to bond and build memories.
For those who want a more relaxed game night, you will enjoy our timed jigsaw puzzles, word searches, crossword puzzles, memory match games, fill-in-the blanks, coloring pages, DIY crafts, and more activities that can be done individually or in teams, using your phone or laptop. These can be done in between watching the holiday movies and feasting.
On the other hand if you’re looking to help your guests harness their competitive spirit then you would be interested in our bird trivia, scavenger hunt, nest building competition, operation food drop, migration miles, plastic investigator and much more.
Available for download also, in English and Spanish, are coloring books and our graphic novel, which was released in September of this year!
Lift Your Spirits with Birdsongs
Like music, birdsongs have a positive effect on the brain which improves our mental and emotional health, happiness, and wellbeing. But it isn’t just the enjoyment you feel when you hear your favorite birds sing. Researchers have discovered that bird songs and calls have restorative benefits capable of helping people recover from stress, and allowing them to restore and refocus their attention.
Indeed, it is vital that we not allow these birds to be silenced. Climate change, development, poaching, and pollution are just some of the threats plaguing the future of our birds. To raise awareness of the dire situation facing birds, Shika Shika collaborated with local artists to create tracks inspired by Endangered birds in the region. They were then compiled into an album, ‘A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.’
Released back in 2020, the album is a unique blend of electronic music and birdsong giving listeners an immersive experience into the beauty and wonder of the natural songs of the Jamaican Blackbird, Zapata Wren and Bay-breasted Cuckoo among others. Profits from album sales will go to BirdsCaribbean as well as two other bird conservation organizations in Mexico and Central America.
If you’re interested in exploring other regions through birdsongs, listen to their other albums too! A Guide to the Birdsong of South America and A Guide to the Birdsong of West Africa also showcases the diversity of birds and artists whilst supporting local conservation organizations. Learn more about the artists, creative process and purchase these albums here https://shikashika.org/birdsong/
These albums are perfect for the music lovers and bird lovers in your life, at just 12 euros (~$12USD). Or, just treat yourself to some uplifting organic music and at the same time, support organizations working to protect birds and their habitats!
Festive Birding
Looking for an easy way to burn off the Christmas feast? Then put down your phone, get off the couch, and head to the great outdoors to look for birds!
After weeks of cleaning, shopping, entertaining and cooking, birding provides the perfect opportunity to reduce stress, calm your mind, and revive your energy. In addition to your native and endemic birds, you’ll want to keep an eye out for migratory species that winter in the Caribbean like the American Redstart and Cape May Warbler. If you’re heading to your favorite coastal area, you may be lucky enough to see a powerful Merlin catching small shorebirds like Sanderlings in mid-air.
You’ll be delighted to know that birds benefit from being watched too. As people spend more time in nature appreciating its beauty and wonder and reaping the physical and health benefits, they feel a greater desire to conserve nature. They are likely to act upon this desire by actively participating in restoration programs, raising awareness, and lobbying for better environmental laws which protect habitats for birds and other wildlife.
As usual, before you begin any physical activity you must warm-up. You can do some light stretching but we really want you to have an enjoyable birding experience so here are some additional resources to help you prep.
Is one of your New Year resolutions to spend more time outdoors, birding, and/or helping with conservation efforts? Then, join one of the many citizen science programs that rely on the eyes and ears of people who appreciate birds and nature, to make observations and collect data. In these programs scientists and volunteers work together to gather data on bird diversity and numbers to answer real-world questions. The first citizen science program in January is the Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC). Now in its 14th year the CWC 2023 begins on Saturday, January 14 and runs until Saturday, February 3.
Why waterbirds? The Caribbean is home to 185 species of waterbirds. Many are migratory, some are endemic but all face a range of threats, including habitat loss through development, climate change, pollution, and hunting. A structured, long-term census is essential for gathering information on numbers and habitat use in order to protect and manage habitats and conserve this exceptional group of birds.
What will you do? Head to a beach, pond, mangrove or wherever you think there might be waterbirds, observe and tally ALL the birds you see during your count period. Then submit your lists to eBird Caribbean. More detailed instructions as well as many free waterbird and shorebird ID resources can be found linked in the blog above.
What will you need? ID guides (free! on our website) and field guide, binoculars, notebook to record your observations (if you’re not using the eBird mobile app to keep track), a friend or two, and water. Our expert opinion is that it’s always best to bird with a friend or group, they’ll take notes, help with counting and bird ID, and (maybe) even share their snacks.
Thank you for helping us conserve our waterbirds! Have fun, be safe, and do share your lovely photos with us using the #CWC2023 and/or tagging us @BirdsCaribbean
A Baltimore Oriole, a migrant to the Caribbean, is featured on our October Big Day 2022 promo graphic.
Get ready, get set, let’s go birding! The biggest day of birding in the fall season, October Big Day, is right around the corner! On Saturday October 8th, October Big day and World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) are celebrated in the Caribbean and around the world. This 24-hour birding opportunity lands right during some of the peak activity for bird migration. It’s also a great day to participate in educational activities about migratory birds for WMBD – the theme is Dim the Lights for Birds at Night! Check with your local organizations to see if any events are planned.
The goal for October Big Day is to get outside to watch, celebrate, and record your resident and migratory birds! You can bird in your backyard, neighborhood park, seashore or woodland. Watch birds for as little as 10 minutes in your local birding patch or plan out a route to find as many bird species as possible in 24 hours. No matter what, we hope you will get outside and go birding!
Like Global Big Day celebrated in May, it is hoped that this concerted effort will bring in a record number of bird sightings from citizen scientists around the world, contributing to our bird knowledge and a deeper understanding of conservation.
Where are the birds, and what are they doing?
The data collected will be used by birders and scientists to better understand and protect birds. This is also an opportunity for the individual birdwatcher to contemplate birds, their behavior, and the places where they may be found. For example, are there birds you are only likely to see in the late morning or early afternoon? And if so, are they at specific locations? Tanagers and bullfinches are often very active during the morning hours. As the day heats up, you may see raptors soaring above. Seagulls and shorebirds can be observed at almost any time of day. Migratory warblers generally show up in early morning or evening hours, feeding and bathing in suburban gardens and parks.
Make your birding count—submit & share your data!
Participating is easy with the essential tool, eBird, where you should record all the birds you see (and even hear) on Saturday 8th October via the eBird website or mobile app. If you’re in the Caribbean, be sure to use eBird Caribbean (and choose the eBird Caribbean portal in your eBird app settings on mobile). If you do not already have one, it’s easy to sign up for a free eBird account and here’s a quick guide on how to use eBird. Eager birders should spot as many birds as they can from midnight to midnight in their local time zone on October 8th. Or bird anytime during the weekend of Oct. 7-9 for the Global Bird Weekend. The handy mobile app allows you to keep and submit lists while you’re still out birding, perhaps exploring nearby Hotspots. It will even track how far you have walked while watching birds. Remember to submit eBird checklists before October 12, 2022 to be included in the initial results announcement!
Share your sightings with us, and join BirdsCaribbean!
We look forward to seeing your stories and photos on social media. You can find us on Facebook and on Twitter and Instagram @birdscaribbean. Be sure to tag us! If you’re not on social media, consider joining our discussion group where you’ll be able to share your October Big Day experience with over 850 members.
May we remind you that BirdsCaribbean membership has so many benefits; for a reasonable membership fee you are entitled to a FREE subscription to Birds of the World ($49 value) – the most comprehensive online resource on birds. Additionally, you may receive discounts on our products, workshops and conferences; meet and network with fellow birders, scientists, educators and conservationists across the region; and keep in touch with birding trends and news through our monthly newsletters (free sign-up here). Join us today and help us save our Caribbean birds and their important habitats!
See you on October Big Day 2022 – and let’s see some birds!
Most importantly, have fun and don’t forget to tag BirdsCaribbean (@BirdsCaribbean) in your birding adventures! We can’t wait to see which of our migratory friends have arrived to the Caribbean!
Cover of the new Raptors of the Caribbean Education & Conservation Resource Guide.
Marta Curti of the Peregrine Fund shares her thoughts on (and love for) our magnificent Caribbean raptors, including several threatened endemic species and subspecies; and introduces a brand new Resource Guide, which will help conservationists, educators, and community members understand raptors better.
I am just going to say it. Raptors are cool! Their laser-like eyesight, powerful hunting skills, acrobatic and graceful flight, coupled with their penetrating stare, have been a source of fascination for humans probably since the first time someone locked eyes with one of these spectacular birds. But they are so much more than attractive and awe-inspiring birds.
More and more research has shown the important roles raptors play in the ecosystems in which they live. They act as top predators, bio-indicators, and umbrella species. They provide important ecosystem services for humans, and many are keystone species. In short, their role in an ecosystem is large in comparison to their numbers and their removal from that system would cause a cascade of negative effects on numerous other organisms – including humans.
Despite this, raptors are one of the most threatened bird groups in the world. And raptors in the Caribbean are no different. Populations across the region are in decline and there are even several endemic species and subspecies that need our help. These include the Ridgway’s Hawk, Cuban Kite, Grenada Hook-billed Kite, and Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk. With this in mind, you would imagine that the study of raptors and conservation programs to protect them would be widespread. But sadly, despite the critical roles they play in our ecosystems, and the many threats they face, there are few research and environmental education programs focused on raptors across the Caribbean.
We set out to change all of that.
Together with support from BirdsCaribbean, we at The Peregrine Fund have written a 200-page training manual entitled “Raptors of the Caribbean: Education and Conservation Resource Guide.” The guide is divided into four chapters:
What are Birds of Prey,
Identification of Birds of Prey of the Caribbean,
Why Raptors Matter, and
How One Can Help Conserve Raptors.
Each chapter is followed by two learning activities and one evaluation activity, as well as additional learning materials. Though written in English, we are now in the process of translating it into Spanish and Haitian Creole (Kreyòl), so it will have greater impact throughout the Caribbean.
But the creation of the guide is just the first step. The next stage is to train conservationists, community leaders, and educators in its use. During the AOS-BirdsCaribbean Conference in Puerto Rico in June 2022, we held a condensed workshop for 12 participants. After a short presentation on birds of prey, the action started. We began by breaking into teams and building life-sized raptors out of recyclable materials. Participants created a Stygian Owl, a Ridgway’s Hawk, and even a massive Secretarybird out of nothing but cardboard, plastic bottles, newspaper, and some tape to hold them all together. Creativity took flight!
One group plans the activity they will teach to the rest of the workshop participants. (Photo by Gabriela Diaz)
Close-up view of Secretarybird constructed of recycleable materials. (photo by Gabriela Diaz)
Group shares their Stygian Owl masterpiece (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
One group is busy constructing a Secretarybird (photo by Gabriela Diaz)
Group works together to construct their Stygian Owl. (photo by Gabriela Diaz)
Team proudly shows off their completed life sized Secretarybird built out of recyclable materials plumes prey and all! (photo by Lisa-Sorenson)
For the next activity, groups reviewed the guide and chose an activity they were going to teach to the rest of us. We played games, wrote poems, and engaged in a “memory” challenge. One participant kept repeating “I am having so much fun!” A positive sign indeed!
We had carried out a pre- and post-evaluation and saw that in the four short hours of the mini-workshop, participants learned a lot about raptors that they hadn’t known before – such as what they eat, where they live, and the important functions they perform in their environment. It was an intense, hands-on learning experience.
Thanks to support from BirdsCaribbean and the Betty Petersen Conservation Fund, the manual is now completed. Our dream is to carry out extended workshops of two or more days in countries around the Caribbean. Participants will gain experience – including conservation-based lessons that use raptors to teach math, language, art, and even physical education in their programs.
One team proudly shows of their Ridgway’s Hawk, made of recyclable materials. (photo by Tahira Carter)
In these longer workshops, we aim to offer participants training in environmental education techniques and methods. These would include developing a guided nature walk; giving an impactful presentation; how to speak about sensitive issues one-on-one with community members; and utilizing whatever materials are available on-hand to create fun and dynamic learning experiences for participants’ target audiences. They would also learn about raptors in their countries, food chains, threats to wildlife, and possible conservation solutions.
Several participants from each country would then be trained to lead these workshops, so we can form a chain of raptor-based environmental education workshops throughout the Caribbean and help to promote interest in raptor research and conservation. From our understanding, this is the only raptor-based conservation-themed workshop in the region. We are excited to embark on these workshops and look forward to sharing our results!
We are currently raising funds to make these education workshops a reality. Ongoing training is so vital to ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent birds. If you would like to support this work, please click here.
The “Raptors of the Caribbean” Training Manual and Guide is currently undergoing a final review, and will be available for FREE download in late September, 2022. Stay tuned!
Every two years, BirdsCaribbean (BC) holds an election for its Board of Directors.
This year — 2022 — is an election year, and we need the involvement of our community members!
Serving on the BirdsCaribbean Board of Directors is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of an organization dedicated to conserving the region’s incredible birds and nature. We are a vibrant network and work with many partners throughout the region, including governments, NGOs, educators, tourism interests, communities, students, and more. The BirdsCaribbean Board is an extremely personable, inclusive, and enthusiastic group, and we are eager to bring new ideas and backgrounds to our leadership. Without a doubt, serving on our Board of Directors is an enriching and rewarding experience, and interested individuals should not hesitate to pursue a position.
The nomination period will remain open for two full months, from 15 August until midnight 30 September. During this time, our community’s goal is to develop the best possible slate of nominees to provide leadership and growth for BirdsCaribbean.
WHAT POSITIONS ARE UP FOR NOMINATION?
BirdsCaribbean President Adrianne Tossas and members at the AOS-BC Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico (27 June-1 July 2022). Joining our board is a great opportunity to contribute to regional bird conservation and work with an amazing network of dedicated conservationists!
The following positions are up for nominations:
Executive Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer
One Director-at-Large are elected to these positions
(other Board Directors are appointed directly by the Board)
Nominees = individuals that have been nominated to stand for election
Nominator = the person making the nomination
Seconder = an additional person that supports the nominator’s choice
WHO CAN NOMINATE AND WHO CAN BE NOMINATED:
Dinner of BC Board and staff plus supporter Greg Butcher and his wife Linda Fuller.
Any individual, sponsored, honorary, or life member in good standing* may be nominated and may also nominate or act as a “seconder” (i.e., give a second endorsement) for a nominee. All nominators must make sure that their nominee is willing to stand for election. And all nominations need a seconder.
Exceptions:
Directors that have served two consecutive terms in a position cannot run again for that same position. These individuals can run for a different position.
Note that individuals who have been disqualified because they have served 2 consecutive terms may run for election for their previous posts after a break of 1 term (2 years) or more.
Note — If you would like to receive a list of BirdsCaribbean members in good standing, or if you are not sure of your membership status, please contact BirdsCaribbean’s Administrative Assistant, Delores Kellman (Delores Kellman@BirdsCaribbean.org). You can easily renew your membership or join BirdsCaribbean. Contact us if you would like to apply for a sponsored membership.
*The Nominations Committee will perform a thorough vetting of each nominee to make sure that they are suitable for candidacy.
Enthusiasm and commitment to contributing to the leadership and mission of BirdsCaribbean, a non-profit organization
Any BirdsCaribbean member in good standing can nominate any other BirdsCaribbean member in good standing. All members should be active in seeking out nominations for elected or appointed posts. We encourage you to open up dialogue with individuals that you think would be a great addition to the BirdsCaribbean Board, and encourage those individuals to run for election.
Note — the Nominations Committee will be considering the Board’s need for diversity and representation when developing the list of candidates for election.
WHEN YOU ARE READY TO NOMINATE AN INDIVIDUAL, PLEASE COMPLETE THE ONLINE NOMINATION FORM:
Group photo of Caribbean delegates at AOS-BC Conference 2022 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Be ready to provide the following:
Nominee’s name, address, country (ies) of citizenship and residence
Position the nominee is standing for (open positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director-at-Large)
Evidence of the nominee’s willingness to stand for election. This is a brief statement that the nominee must write, and then send to you to be added to the nomination form. This should be a brief statement of interest (describing in about 100 words why the nominee thinks they are eligible for the post and what they will contribute if elected).
Name and contact information of a “seconder” (i.e., another person that agrees with this nomination), who must also be a member in good standing.
The nominations will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee to ensure that the nominees are eligible and that the nomination forms are complete.
*You may nominate more than one individual. Please complete a new nomination form for each individual and each position they seek.
The deadline for receipt of nominations is 11:59 PM, 30 September 2022.
ELECTIONS TIMELINE
Reunion of Caribbean colleagues at the Opening Reception of our AOS-BC Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico (27 June-1 July 2022).
15 August: Call for Nominations opens
15 August – 31 September: Two months’ time during which nominations can be sent to the Nominations Committee.
1 October: Nominations are closed. The Nominations Committee reviews the nominations and agrees on a slate of candidates that they submit to the Board for approval.
1 November: The President will announce the slate of candidates and release the link to electronic ballots to BirdsCaribbean members.
1 November – 15 December: All BirdsCaribbean members should vote during this time.
20 December: The President will announce the results of the election.
31 December: Terms of Office for previous Board members end.
1 January 2023: Terms of Office for new/ returning Board members begin.
The Caribbean is home to so many incredible species of birds. Join our Board of Directors, and help us protect them!
We are very excited to welcome several new endemic birds to the Caribbean! Every year the American Ornithological Society publishes their supplement to the Check-list of North American Birds which includes taxonomic (classification) updates to North American bird species. This year, we had not one, not two…. but three different species splits!
Hispaniolan Mango and Puerto Rican Mango
Hispaniola and Puerto Rico each acquired a new endemic with the split of the Antillean Mango. Mangos are large hummingbirds with decurved bills in the genus Anthracothorax. The Hispaniolan Mango (Anthracothorax dominicus) can be differentiated by males having a shimmering green throat, and entirely velvet-black underparts, whereas the Puerto Rican Mango (Anthracothorax aurulentus)has green flanks, black restricted to just a patch on the belly, and overall lighter underparts that are a brownish-gray. The female Hispaniolan Mango has a purplish tail base, whereas the female Puerto Rican Mango has a brownish tail.
In the early 1900s, the two mangos were formerly considered two separate species, but were lumped together (Anthracothorax dominicus) in the 1980s. Recent work looking through museum specimens has found that there are enough plumage and morphometric (size and shape) differences to split these two species once more! We now have the Puerto Rican Mango and the Hispaniolan Mango!
Hispaniolan Mango (female) feeding on hibiscus in the Dominican Republic (photo by Neil Hilton)
Hispaniolan Mango (male) perched in the Dominican Republic.(photo by Carlos-Gomez)
Puerto Rican Mango female feeding in Puerto Rico. (photo by Ken Pinnow)
Puerto Rican Mango (female) perched in Puerto Rico. (photo by Ryan Douglas)
Puerto Rican Mango (male) perched, Puerto Rico. (photo by Ryan Mandelbaum)
Black-billed Streamertail and Red-billed Streamertail
The Streamertail is a long-tailed hummingbird that is easily recognized as the iconic national bird of Jamaica. The country has gained another endemic with the split of the Streamertail into Black-billed Streamertail (Trochilus scitulus) and Red-billed Streamertail (Trochilus polytmus). The biggest difference between these now two distinct species is all in the name, the bill color. But the Black-billed Streamertail also has shorter wings and a more grass-like green plumage, lacking some of the coppery tones that Red-billed Streamertail has. Like the former Antillean Mango, these two hummingbirds were originally recognized as distinct species, but lumped together into the Streamertail (Trochilus polytmus) in 2010s; now they are split again.
Recent research has studied the hybrid zone (the area where two closely-related species interact and reproduce; their offspring are known as hybrids) between these two taxa, finding it has been relatively stable for the last 70 years. While genetically, the two species remain fairly similar, the hybrid zone is relatively narrow, meaning the two species only come into contact in a small area. It also looks like bill color is important to males that are displaying to females, making a good case for splitting these two charismatic hummingbirds once more. Additionally, the Red-billed Streamertail is widespread across the island while the Black-billed Streamertail is restricted to the eastern part of Jamaica.
A male Black-billed Streamertail in Jamaica. (photo by Dominic Sherony)
A female Red-billed Streamertail in Jamaica. (photo by Charles J Sharp)
A male Red-billed Streamertail, locally known as Doctor Bird, shows off his iridescence. (photo by Kaldari)
A male Red-billed Streamertail in Jamaica. (photo by Dick Daniels)
Cuban Kite split from Hook-billed Kite
The Cuban Kite, formerly considered a subspecies of the Hook-billed Kite, is now a full species. (painting by Nils Navarro, from Endemic Birds of Cuba Field Guide)
Cuba is also gaining another endemic with the split of the Cuban Kite (Chondrohierax wilsonii) from Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus). The Cuban Kite was originally recognized as its own species in 1847, when it was first described, but was later lumped into Hook-billed Kite as they can show quite a bit of variation throughout their extensive range in Latin America. However, looking through specimens, the Cuban Kite shows a barred collar, which other Hook-billed Kites lack, overall smaller size, and a larger bill that is typically yellow. While genetically, Cuban Kite remains very similar to Hook-billed Kite, it is a species that is not known to disperse from or travel outside of Cuba, making a good case that there is relatively little connectivity between populations.
Unfortunately, the Cuban Kite is Critically Endangered and there have been very few sightings in recent years. Likely, there is a small stronghold left in the mountains of Eastern Cuba. Their decline has been attributed to habitat loss, loss of its main prey, the beautiful land snails, and persecution from the belief that they hunt domestic chickens. We hope that recognizing the Cuban Kite as its own distinct species will help gain some momentum to conserve this beautiful raptor.
Other taxonomic proposals not accepted
Other proposals that were unfortunately not accepted included: splitting Hispaniolan Elaenia from Greater Antillean Elaenia, recognizing the different subspecies of Red-legged Thrush as 2 or 3 distinct species, and splitting the Caribbean populations of House Wren into 7 distinct species. There’s a lot more work to be done for understanding our endemic birds in the Caribbean!
We are very excited to add a total of 3 new endemic species to the Caribbean! We look forward to continuing to learn more about our specialty Caribbean birds and maybe seeing more distinct species in the future!
Learn more about the Streamertail here (we will update this page soon to reflect the latest taxonomic update): https://www.birdscaribbean.org/2020/04/from-the-nest-day-9/
The results of our first Short Story and Poetry Contest are in! We would like to congratulate the winners of this year’s competition for their creativity and skill at conveying emotion. We received fantastic submissions from the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela and are extremely grateful to each writer and poet for sharing their personal encounters with some of the Caribbean’s best birds.
We decided to host this short story and poetry contest as a way to highlight this year’s Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival theme “Loving Bird is Human Nature” by documenting the powerfully innate connection we have with birds. The result was an overwhelmingly talented pool of writers and poets, and outstanding stories and poems to choose from.
Short Story Winners
We are pleased to announce that the short story winners are:
3rd Place: “The Root of the Murder” by Chloe Bramble (Antigua and Barbuda)
The following stories also captivated the judges and they received Honorable Mentions:: “Jairo y el Frailecito” by Yohana Rivero Pérez (Venezuela), “Hide and Seek” by Adriana Cintrón (Puerto Rico) and “Guerreras del aire” by Alicia Marlene Ríos Pérez (Cuba).
Poetry Winners
And the poetry winners are:
1st Place: “To Wonder At Birds” by Brianna Salmon (Jamaica)
2nd Place: “Paloma Querida” by Wanda I. Rodríguez López (Puerto Rico)
3rd Place: “Bird Love” by Yashid Charles (St Lucia)
The judges believed the following poets were also able to powerfully express their ideas and emotions, and they received “Honorable Mentions.”: “Up Close First Encounter” by Alliah Francis (Jamaica), “Las aves de paso” by Yamilaiki Osorio Sánchez (Cuba) and “Miradas al mar” by Génesis Parra Rivero (Venezuela).
The entire CEBF team offers a sincere thanks to everyone who submitted. We invite you to read all submissions, including the winning short stories and poems in both Spanish and English, at this link OR click on the book below. to view here!
We would love to see this collection of short stories and poems grow! Please contact Aliya.Hosein@birdscaribbean.org and info@birdscaribbean.org if you would like to contribute a short story, poem, or both!
Colorful and friendly, the Cuban Tody is one of Cuba’s most beloved endemic birds. (photo by Aslam Ibrahim)
Join BirdsCaribbean, the Caribbean Birding Trail and talented Cuban bird guide, Tania Piñeiro, on the adventure of a lifetime in January or March of 2023!
Cuba is well-known for its amazing landscapes, vibrant culture and unique biodiversity. According to the new Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba: 2022 Edition, 398 birds have been recorded in Cuba, including 28 which are endemic to the island and 30 which are considered globally threatened. Due to its large land area and geographical position within the Caribbean, Cuba is also extraordinarily important for Neotropical migratory birds—more than 180 species pass through during migration or spend the winter on the island.
Our itinerary takes you to several of the best and most beautiful birding locations in Cuba, providing opportunities to see many of Cuba’s endemic species and subspecies as well as many migrants. Along the way, we will meet people in local communities, stay in Bed & Breakfast establishments (casas particulares) and eat in private restaurants (paladars), allowing you to experience Cuba’s rich culture, delicious food, friendly people, and generous hospitality. We will also have the opportunity to meet and have discussions with local ornithologists and conservationists that have been working with BirdsCaribbean for many years.
BirdsCaribbean is offering two tours in 2023: a 9-day trip in January and a 12-day trip in March.
Find detailed itineraries for our 2023 trips below!Traveling with us helps Caribbean birds as a portion of the proceeds from the trip supports our bird conservation programs and partners in Cuba and the Caribbean. See some of the world’s most beautiful and memorable birds, knowing you are helping ensure their welfare by supporting the people who study and protect them. Read testimonials and see photos from past trips in the gallery below. Purchase the Endemic Birds of Cuba Field Guide here. Check out the report and photos from our January 2016 trip here and from our July 2017 trip to Havana and Zapata Swamp here.Read more
BirdsCaribbean recently lost a dear friend, a conservation stalwart and defender of Caribbean birds, Erika Gates.
Sadly, Erika passed away on December 13, 2021 in Grand Bahama, after a battle with cancer. It is with heavy hearts that we extend condolences to her husband, Ed Gates, and her family, as well as to her colleagues, friends – and the many who benefited from her mentorship and kind spirit.
Erika was a delightful, warm, and charismatic person. She worked tirelessly for many years to champion, restore, and protect native habitats on her adopted home island of Grand Bahama (GB). Erika’s passion for birds inspired so many people to “take action” and get involved in their conservation.
She was a dedicated educator, hosting annual celebrations of our Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival and World Migratory Bird Day events in GB and at her restored Garden of the Groves.
Erika opened up the eyes of hundreds of new people to the joys of birding and the importance of conservation. She loved visiting schools, taking both children and community members on birding field trips, and trips to plant native trees and gardens. Her love of birds and can-do positive outlook inspired so many to learn and love the birds she so fondly taught about. She generously shared her knowledge with everyone she met.
Erika was also a pioneer in ecotourism and avi-tourism, trained many guides, and helped to develop our Caribbean Birding Trail project. She provided dozens of jobs to local people in her innovative ecotourism businesses, demonstrating that providing economic opportunities does not have to happen at the expense of the environment.
Erika birding with a young participant during the Grand Bahama West Indian Whistling Duck & Wetlands Conservation Workshop, March 2007.
Erika received a Lifetime Achievement Award from BirdsCaribbean (Lisa Sorenson presenting) for her outstanding contributions to bird conservation, BirdsCaribbean Conference in Freeport, Grand Bahama, July 2011. (photo by Bruce Purdy)
Erika’s remarkable life story is an illustration of her focus and resilience. She never let obstacles stand in her way. Her husband Ed recalls, “It may be her Germanic roots, but she did have a drive to do things and make things better.” Erika was born in Germany during wartime, in 1942. Her childhood was spent in the dangerous, unstable atmosphere of post-war Germany; her mother cared for her and two older brothers while her father spent time in a prison camp for German officers in Canada. Her love of birds may have started from as early as eight years old, when her brother began taking her birdwatching.
There is no denying that Erika had an energetic, adventurous spirit, which endeared her to many. This started at an early age, when as a teenager she took kayaking trips down the Rhine in Germany with her brothers. She pursued her love of the outdoors in The Bahamas and many other locations: biking, hiking, camping, kayaking, and even dog sledding. She trained as an instrument-rated pilot and flew a twin-engine plane between Freeport and Florida for over ten years. In her earlier years, she was also a professional tennis player and an umpire, and ran two tennis clubs in Freeport, encouraging young players.
Erika was truly a beloved member of our BirdsCaribbean community. Beautiful, intelligent, caring, loving, funny, generous, revered, compassionate, highly respected, full of productive energy – these are a few words that friends and colleagues are using to describe Erika. We will sorely miss Erika’s presence at our conferences, workshops, and field trips.
Erika’s many friends conducted the East Grand Bahama CBC (Christmas Bird Count) in January 2022 for the first time without her. The group (Grand Bahama Island Birders) created and wore specially made t-shirts with Erika’s photo as a tribute to her. They comment, “Our appreciation for birdwatching, nature – caring for our planet, was developed and encouraged by Erika Gates, our birding guru, mentor and friend. Her spirit will continue with us.”
Erika served on our board for 4 years (2015-2018). She was a long-time supporter of BirdsCaribbean and our mission; she had so much love and regard for our community.
“There are no words to express how much gratitude we have for her amazing life – her friendship, kindness, and countless contributions,” commented Executive Director Lisa Sorenson. “Erika has left us far too soon, but her spirit is flying free, soaring with the birds she loved so much. She will always be with us, in the songs of beautiful birds in our gardens and in the sound of the wind blowing through the trees.”
Rest in peace, dear Erika. Your amazing life will continue to inspire us, and we will strive to continue your legacy of protecting Caribbean birds and nature.
Erika enjoying the birds in her garden.
Biography
Erika Gates played a significant – or rather, a starring role in the development of eco-tourism on her island home. She was co-founder of the Ecotourism Association and founded Grand Bahama Nature Tours, where she trained nature guides, providing many jobs for young Bahamians. She was a strong supporter of the Lucayan National Park, established on the island in 1977. Her work was lauded by tourism officials (she received several awards).
Erika had an unrivaled passion for birds, and assisted with the development of several birding trails, including BirdsCaribbean’s Caribbean Birding Trail. She inspired other eco-tourism groups, including on other islands such as Bimini. She regularly organized and hosted bird events and festivals, including the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival and World Migratory Bird Day. Erika served as a Board Member of BirdsCaribbean from 2015 to 2018. She was especially supportive of several Cuban projects and the elaboration of a book on birds of the National Botanic Garden, providing invaluable encouragement and advice.
One of her greatest loves – and a deep-seated commitment – was for the 12-acre Garden of the Groves on Grand Bahama. After the onslaught of several hurricanes, by 2004 these botanical gardens had been abandoned and left to ruin. Along with Michelle Hanson, Erika committed herself to restoring them in 2008.
More storms followed, but on each occasion, including after the devastating Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Erika brought the Gardens back and reopened. Naturally, birding was an integral part of her work there, as her reports on the Gardens’ website show. It is now a lovely oasis, with walking trails, native trees, a lagoon, and of course many species of birds.
Those whom she trained and mentored at the Gardens praised her “energy and compassion,” as well as her hard-working, down to earth approach.
Erika’s kindness and compassion was not only for humans. She rescued and cared for hundreds of cats and dogs, and kept an amazing “cattery” for dozens of abandoned and wild cats at her home.
Gallery
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE AND SCROLL THROUGH THE GALLERY. SEE TRIBUTES TO ERIKA FROM HER MANY FRIENDS BELOW.
Erika with the advanced Inagua birding guides. (Photo by Scott Johnson).
Erika at a Tainos Trail bird sign, a birding trail she created in Grand Bahama. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika with Bahamas National Trust staff at Petersen Cay seabird nesting site. (Photo by Scott Johnson)
Erika looking at certified wildlife habitat she created at Lucaya International School. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika, Lisa & Michele Kading take a group birding on Grand Bahama during a West Indian Whistling-Duck & Wetlands Conservation Workshop, March 2007.
‘West End Bandits’ Erika, Bridget & Carolyn on World Shorebird Day.
Erika on a ladder during a bird nest rescue at a power-line.
Erika in Freeport with the New Providence birding group, Nassau, March 2010.
Erika with Leno Davis & baby, at the BirdsCaribbean booth during NAOC 2016.
Martha Cartwright, Marilyn Laing & Erika at Garden of the Groves in 2018. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika and Ed Gates. (Photo by Linda Huber)
BirdsCaribbean Board, group photo by the pool, 2015.
Erika with the Garden Cafe Staff in 2018. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika & Ed Gates at Agave Restaurant, Lighthouse Point. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika with Andrew Dobson at the Bird Fair in the UK.
Erika on a trip to Zapata Swamp, Cuba, during our 2017 International Conference.
Erika’s beloved Painted Buntings at one of her backyard feeders. (Photo by Erika Gates)
Erika with Annie, 2018. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika with Esther Krigbaum and grandchildren (Felicity, 5 and Will, 7) in Grand Bahama, 1999. (Photo by Katy Krigbaum)
BirdsCarbbean board group photo during a meeting at Garden of Groves, 2014.
Erika with Lisa
Erika bird watching at Hobby Horse Lake, the Bahamas, 2019. (Photo by Linda Huber).
Erika with Lisa & Anthony at the BirdsCaribbean conference in Antigua, 2009.
A selfie taken by Erika in Germany in the Fall of 2021.
Erika at the Garden of the Groves, 2018. (Photo by Linda Huber).
Erika out birding with Martha Cartwright in Grand Bahama, 2018. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Margo & Erika at the BirdsCaribbean conference in Jamaica, 2015.
Group photo. Birding in Jamaica during the BirdsCaribbean conference, 2015.
Erika with her mother ‘Mutti’ (aged 98) in 2012. (Photo by Linda Huber).
Erika with Martha & Marilyn at the Garden of the Groves. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika birding in Jamaica, after our International Conference in 2015. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Erika enjoying a drink with Lisa Sorenson, Christina Maillis & Lynn Gape, New Providence, Bahamas.
Erika with Lisa, Kate, Jennifer, Howie, Ellie & Wayne at the BirdsCaribbean booth at NAOC, 2016.
Erika & Lisa enjoying bird watching on the beach in Grand Bahama.
Erika with Lisa, Martha, Delores, & Gina at the BirdsCaribbean Cuba Conference, 2017.
Tributes
Once news reached the BirdsCaribbean community that Erika was very ill, messages of hope and love began pouring in. Erika passed away on the evening of December 13, 2021. The below tributes were shared from members of our community:
Sandy Buckner (Sandy sent this message before Erika passed)
Dear Erika – You are in our thoughts with great affection for who you are, for all you have done and for all the pleasure you have brought to so many. Bringing joy, knowledge and the wonders of nature in these islands to so many. As we go into the Christmas Bird Count, yet again this year, know that we will be thinking of you and Ed, and all your personal birding community, and wishing you were with us here on New Providence. As we gather after the CBC at Sandyport, we will most certainly raise a glass to you remembering how often you have stayed with us. We thank Lisa for letting us know. Wishing you comfort. Love, Sandy and Hugh.
Howard Nelson and Ellie Devenish (Howard and Ellie sent this message before Erika passed)
Dear Erika and Ed, Ellie and I are so distressed to hear that you have been so unwell. We were very much looking forward to the chance of seeing you in the summer at the Puerto Rico meeting of BirdsCaribbean next year and even a chance of perhaps re-living our trip to Grand Bahama and visiting you there some time soon. I have very fond memories of our time on the Board together and the fun we all had at the NAOC! Do know that all our thoughts are with you and we are praying for you.
Andrew Dobson, Past President, BirdsCaribbean
“This is such awful news – ‘devastating’ as you say. Such a wonderful, caring person – she doesn’t deserve to suffer in this way. I loved staying with her in the Bahamas and sharing her passion in tennis as well as birding. In my most recent correspondence (October), she told me she was in Germany and had been birding some eBird hotspots as well as participating in Global Bid Day where she was thrilled to see 36 formations of more than 1600 Common Cranes migrating from Scandinavia across Germany right over her home near Koblenz.”
Rosemarie Gnam
This news is devastating. I am so sad to hear this and it just confirms to me how quickly things can change with cancer. Please pass my prayers onto Ed and her family. She did so much for Bahamian bird conservation. More later. A hug, Rose.
Kate Wallace
Dear Erika, Such a special lady. We will all miss you much! If hugs can be sent by email, here is mine! Abrazos, Kate
Ann Maddock
Her spirit has been carried on the wings of all the birds she loved. Sidney and I are so blessed to have known her as our friend. You may not know this- but Erika and Ed have a truly special loving relationship. They adore one another and care so deeply about one another.
Lynn Gape
Such devastating news. Erika was an inspiration to so many and she was always willing to provide support. Sincere condolences to her friends and family.
Carla Montalvo Martínez
Very sad news. I’m very sorry for her family and the ones who knew her. Her spirit is free and she will always be an inspiration for everyone who knew her. Prayers and strength for her family and colleagues.
Carol Beidleman
I am so deeply saddened to hear this news. I have fond memories of Erika’s graceful and smiling presence at meetings, particularly at Garden of the Groves on Grand Bahama in 2011, and I’ve had such appreciation for her dedication to the birds and to inspiring others to learn and care about them. My sympathies to her loved ones.
Eric Carey
Erika is a legend in the birding sphere and nature tourism industry in The Bahamas. She was a pioneering trailblazer in nature tourism, and greatly influenced and impacted many individuals and companies in that arena. She was a valued BNT partner in Grand Bahama in particular, and especially at the Lucayan National Park. She is revered in our country, and highest respected in many other countries. She will be sorely missed and will never be forgotten. Condolences to her Dear life partner Ed. May all who knew her be comforted by the many many memories she made in The Bahamas and across the Caribbean. Rest In Peace Dearest Erika.
Frantz and Eric Delcroix
This is a very sad day, I have no words to tell you all that I feel. Please Lisa, assure Ed of our support, from the bottom of our heart.
Grand Bahama Island Birders
Our appreciation for birdwatching, nature – caring for our planet, was developed and encouraged by Erika gates, our birding guru, mentor and friend. Her spirit will continue with us.
Margo Zdravkovic
This is impossibly sad news. Sending my love and condolences.
Natalya Lawrence
I’m so very sorry to hear this! As a young birder, I remember receiving training in the Bahamas and Erika would be present on some of our trips. I only remember her ever-ready for birding. She pointed out a number of species to us and taught which were migratory, resident, introduced… I learnt so much from her. Sending sincerest condolences to Ed, her friends, BNT, and the people of the Bahamas.
Nils Navarro
Thanks for keeping us informed about Erika, I am so sorry to know about her passing, my most sincere condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace, Erika.
Leo Douglas
Very sad news! Erika was such an inspiration. Our deepest sympathies to all her loved ones and dear friends. In sympathy!
Will Mackin
My whole family is so sad to hear this. I signed the four of us up for a tour from her company in 2019 when we visited Grand Bahama. She ran the tour herself and personally guided us. It was such a fun day hanging out with a celebrity and a pioneer. We were inspired and honored. She will be missed around the Caribbean and the World. RIP. Condolences to all who were lucky enough to call her a friend.
Andrew Rothman
I’m so sorry to hear. Such a kind, passionate person.
Lisa Yntema
I am so sorry to hear of Erica’s passing. She was a remarkable woman, with her wonderful combination of intelligence, organizational skills, compassion, perseverance, humor, and generosity. Although I didn’t know her well, I join the many who will miss her. My condolences to her family and all who hold her dear.
Rosemarie Gnam
I want to add my condolences to those of others. Erika was a remarkable woman and the inspiration for nature tourism in The Bahamas. I still remember the first time I met her, at a then SCSCB meeting, and the kindness she showed me. I lost a winning bid in the Silent Auction for a hibiscus print that she had donated to the Auction. She sent me another print when she returned home from the meeting. Her thoughtfulness is still remembered. My sympathy and prayers to her husband. Ed and family – may your memories provide comfort during this very difficult time. Thank you for sharing Erika with us.
Carolyn Wardle and members of the Bird Club of New Providence
We have lost a true pioneer for the environment but are happy to have known a wonderful and talented champion for the birds. The Bahamas and particularly Grand Bahama have been blessed to know Erika and her legacy will live on. She brought the Garden of the Groves back to life and created her own Garden of the Gates and passed on her extensive knowledge to members of the Grand Bahama Island Bird club. Let’s celebrate a very special person.
Jeff Gerbracht
I’m so sorry to hear this. Erika’s enthusiasm, kindness and heart touched so many others in so many wonderful ways. Her passion for The Bahamas, birds and people were always a joy to be near. My sincere condolences to Ed, her family and her many friends.
Lyndon John
So sorry to hear this sad news. As with so many of you, Erika’s charismatic energy and joyful nature certainly made an indelible impression on me during my visit to Grand Bahama in 2015. My condolences to Ed and family as well as to her BirdsCaribbean family.
Joni Ellis Thank you, Lisa, for sharing the details and albeit sad news. She was a champion and important member of BC. We will all be sending healing thoughts and meditations to her family.
Adrianne Tossas
This is a sad moment for BirdsCaribbean… I remember being around Erika as a very pleasant experience, because of her charm, positive aura, and joy for the birds and life in general. I join all her friends and family members in the sorrow.
Aly Ollivierre
Such sad news, Erika was such a wonderful lady. Deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Greg Butcher
Erika hosted Linda and I for a wonderful visit on her property and all over Grand Bahama in March of 2018, before the devastating hurricane. She, of course, was a wonderful hostess, making sure we enjoyed everything about the island. We got to meet Ed and reunite with Martha and Delores. It was a fantastic trip!
One of my best memories was seeing Erika’s cat colony – a wonderfully kept-up series of cages that hosted feral, unadoptable cats. The Grand Bahama Humane Society had (has?) a similar colony that allows cats to live humanely without being subjected to the tribulations of life alone outdoors. We took some pictures that I share with others facing the dilemma of what to do with unadoptable cats.
Ernesto Reyes
Dear Lisa. I am so sorry to get this email too late!! I am in Hondones with a very poor signal. It is terrible to hear that sad news!! Send to Ed and Erika all our Love from Cuba. I will remember her as the great person that she was, unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity to see my pictures on her walls by myself but she was so happy to hang some of my first pictures in her house. Warmest and big hugs to Ed and Erika’s family from a Cuban friend.
Lourdes Mugica
Erika was special with Cuban people, with her kindness she provided support to several Cuban projects, helped the 1917 BirdsCaribbean meeting to be celebrated in Cuba, and always encouraged us to complete the book on the birds of the National Botanic Garden in Cuba, that is almost ready – we are so sorry that she couldn’t enjoy it! Our deepest condolences to Ed, her family and friends. We all will miss her smile, positive energy and passion for birds that was part of all BirdsCaribbean meetings. We will always have fond memories of Erika! Rest in Peace. Lourdes.
Zeko McKenzie
Such grief-stricken news to receive. Dr. Hayes and I send our condolences to the Gates family. I will always remember Mrs. Gates’ hugs and welcoming smile. She will be missed. May her spirit rest in peace.
Herb Raffaele
This is very sorrowful news. Erika was a very special person who left an extraordinary legacy in The Bahamas and beyond. She will be missed, but well remembered by all of her friends throughout the Caribbean. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ed, her family, and friends.
Leo Douglas – 14 Dec (sharing photo of Erika and Margo)
I shared this photo of Erika last night, and wanted to share it with everyone – as for me, it captured so well the life and spirit of a woman who touched so many in such deeply personal ways with her passion and joy for living. We will miss her dearly. A true loss for our community.
Tyrone Buckmireand the Grenada Fund for Conservation
The Grenada Fund for Conservation Family (Zoya, myself and our Directors) extend sincere condolences to Ed and all the members of Erika’s household, as well as her extended BirdsCaribbean family. She was truly a stalwart and a champion for all our feathered friends, and her passion, compassion and commitment will be missed. May she rest in eternal peace.
Anne Campbell and Team, Smithy’s Garden /Caribbean Horizons Tours, Grenada
Sincere Condolences to all the family and friends on the passing of such an amazing and accomplished woman. Just reading about some of the incredible bird conservation initiatives Erika Gates started, or was so wholeheartedly involved with, is warming to my soul – here is someone who lived life to the fullest, contributing, influencing, sharing and caring about people and the environment! May she Rest In Peace and May all who were touched by her incredible legacy continue to champion her cause. God’s blessings and comfort to all.
Eric Salamanca – TCI
I want to express my deepest condolences to the family of Madam Erika Gates. Since I joined BirdsCaribbean in 2008 (formerly known as SCSCB) until recently, I have had a chance to meeting Madam Gates in The Bahamas and other Caribbean countries where the meetings were held.
Alcides Morales
My most sincere condolences to her family and friends. Erika, an inspiring example of what we can achieve. Rest in peace.
Judd Patterson
I, too, was touched by the passion and kindness that Erika exhibited daily. My wife and I visited Grand Bahama in 2014 and stumbled upon Garden of the Groves. Erika was hosting the annual CBC and instantly invited us to join the compilation event and dinner. She generously shared advice on where we could go the next day, and we talked about a potential photo book to document the flora and fauna of her wonderful gardens. I continue to be inspired by her deep roots in conservation projects across The Bahamas/Caribbean. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Katy Krigbaum (sharing a photo of Erika with the Krigbaum family)
I was heartbroken to read that Erika Gates passed away. She was such a generous, giving and inspirational woman. She guided me several times on Grand Bahama Island, and took my mother and my children birding there in 1999. I was lucky to be on her team for the first ever Christmas Bird Count on Great Abaco in 2003. She made sure everyone on the team saw each bird her keen eyes spotted. Her work and tenacity in promoting birding and conservation in the Bahamas was accompanied by such grace and enthusiasm.
Here is a photo of her, my Mom (Esther Krigbaum) and my children (Felicity, 5 and Will, 7) on that unforgettable day birding on Grand Bahama Island in July, 1999. That smile of hers is so radiant.
My condolences to Erika’s husband and the Caribbean birding community for the loss of such a champion.
NOTE: If you have stories, memories, a tribute, and/or photos of Erika you would like to include in this tribute article, please send them to: Tahira Carter, BirdsCaribbean Communications Manager Tahira.Carter@BirdsCaribbean.org
This festive season we introduced 12 fascinating Caribbean birds in our twist on the classic carol The Twelve Days of Christmas. This English Christmas carol was first published in 1780, and presented without accompanying music, in a children’s book of poems and stories Mirth Without Mischief.
It is believed that The Twelve Days of Christmas was intended to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith. However, this theory has been widely contested. The origins of the carol are unknown but perhaps it was written as a memory game.
We are certain, however, that no other Christmas carol features birds quite as prominently as The Twelve Days of Christmas. The lyrics are from old Europe with birds that are not found in the Caribbean. We thought it was time for an upbeat version so we put the spotlight on some magnificent migratory and endemic birds of the Caribbean!
If you follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn), we shared a new bird every day or two for the last several weeks. (#12CaribBirdsOfChristmas) Here, we compile all the bird profiles into one blog in case you are not on social media, missed any, or would like to learn more about these amazing birds.
We really enjoyed curating posts for this series and had the pleasure of reading your lovely comments. Thank you for following along, bird after bird, with us. Let us know which bird was your favorite and why in the comments below .
And do sing along with us on our remix of this classic song! Any singers/ musicians out there—we would love to hear your recorded rendition of the song!!!
Photo credits: West Indian Whistling Duck by Ray Robles, Fernandina’s Flicker by Ken Pinnow, White-breasted Thrasher by Hank Tseng and Adams Toussaint, St Vincent Parrot by Nandani Bridglal , Golden Swallow by Francisco Alba, Jamaican Blackbird by Tom Johnson (ML890623210), Guadeloupe Woodpecker by Frantz Delcroix, Grenada Dove by Greg Homel, Bahama Oriole by Dan Stonko
Twelve Birds of Christmas – BirdsCaribbean Remix
An Oriole in a Pine Tree – Bahama Oriole
🎄On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, A Partridge in a Pear Tree.🎶 But wait, that doesn’t seem quite right for the Caribbean 🤔, so let’s turn up the heat ☀️, amp up the vibrancy, migrate south 🌎, and what do we get…. An oriole in a pine tree 🌲 . That is, of course, the Bahama Oriole. This striking bird stands bright at the tree tops boasting shiny black ⚫️ plumage on its head, back and chest, and bright yellow 🟡 plumage on its shoulders, belly, and rump. It can only be found on Andros Island in the Bahamas 🇧🇸 , where it nests in native pine forests.
Unfortunately, this bird faces multiple threats, including brood parasitism from the Shiny Cowbird, depredation by free-ranging domestic cats 🐈 , and habitat loss due to logging and residential development 🏘. There’s also the looming threat of increasingly frequent and severe hurricanes that could easily wipe out the Bahama Oriole’s entire small population 📉.
However, all hope is not lost! ✨ Our partners at the Bahamas National Trust and University of Maryland, Baltimore Maryland are doing exciting research to learn more about this species 🤓 and educating local communities on Andros about the importance of its pine forests. Click here for more facts ℹ️, to listen to its song 🎵, and free Bahama Oriole themed activities 🧩 for adults and children!
Two Grenada Doves
🎄The second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Two Turtle Doves 🎶. Those turtle doves are adorable ☺️, but come on down to the southern Caribbean 🌎 and we can do you one better – two Grenada Doves!
As their name implies, these shy and elusive birds live only on the island of Grenada 🇬🇩. This somewhat plump dove has brown 🟤 upperparts, buffy cinnamon-colored chest and neck, and grayish forehead, face and crown, with bright pinkish-red 🔴 statement legs and feet. How can you tell you’re looking at the ultra-rare Grenada Dove and not another dove 🧐? Be sure to take a look at its belly where you’ll find a strip of white ⚪️ feathers that extends from its side up around the bend of the wing!
The Grenada Dove prefers the coastal dry forests of deciduous thorn-scrub thickets and some emergent trees 🌳. Watch your step 👣 as these doves are typically found on the ground, searching for food; small seeds, fruits 🫐 and insects 🪱. IBut if you aren’t lucky enough to see this dove, keep an ear 👂 out for its characteristic call 🎶 which is a single descending note hooooooo that is repeated every 7-8 seconds.
Two Protected Areas have been established for the conservation of the Grenada Dove, but habitat loss remains a major threat. Its coastal habitats are unfortunately prime areas for development by the tourism 🏝 and industry sectors 🏭. We have been working with our partners in Grenada to try and halt 🛑 these unsustainable developments as well as remove mongoose, invasive predators of the Grenada Dove. Click here to learn more about the Grenada Dove, listen to its song, and access free activities.
With your support 🙌🏽, we can continue to protect the Critically Endangered Grenada Dove as we work to reverse the trend of habitat loss for this beautiful species. ✨Please consider making a donation.
Three French Peckers – Guadeloupe Woodpecker
🎄On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Three French hens 🎶. To be honest, that’s not a bad gift 🎁 at all, especially if those hens are good layers 🥚. But domestic fowl 🐓 pale in comparison to some of the wild French birds you can find in the Caribbean 😎, including the Trois Toto bwa —un oiseau magnifique found only in Guadeloupe 🇬🇵! In local French Creole the Guadeloupe Woodpecker is called Toto bwa for the tapping noise it makes.
It appears to be an all black bird ⚫️ however its head and upperparts actually have a blue glossy sheen. Their underparts are a sooty black except for a reddish 🔴 hue on the chest and their tail feathers are brownish-black with blue-black legs. Females look like the male, but are smaller 📏. Interestingly, there are size differences within the island—woodpeckers found on the peaks of Basse-Terre are slightly bigger than those of Grande-Terre!
These fine French birds inhabit all different forest types, including swamp forests and mangroves, but they rely on dead coconut palm trees 🌴 for nesting. They are monogamous and pairs remain in their territory throughout the year. Young woodpeckers will take about a month 📆 to fledge and afterwards juveniles spend several months with their parents. They might even hang around until the next breeding season.
Although considered a Least Concern species, this handsome woodpecker is restricted to the island of Guadeloupe and is threatened by hurricanes 🌀, habitat conversion 🏘 and the removal of dead trees which they depend upon for nesting. Continued protection of this species and conservation of its habitats will help ensure that this beautiful species survives for future generations to enjoy! ✨
🎄The fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Four colly birds 🎶. But you had no idea what those were 💬. Did you say “colly birds” or “calling birds”? Our basic research 💻 suggests both phrases are correct, though “colly” is the Old English word for coal while “calling” refers to birds that “call out” in song, or songbirds. Either way, it’s an odd gift, so today we’re featuring a Jamaican endemic that fits both versions; the Jamaican Blackbird 🇯🇲.
High up in Cockpit Country and the Blue and John Crow Mountains ⛰ National Park lives the Jamaican Blackbird. It is Endangered, with the greatest threat to its populations stemming from Bauxite mining, agriculture 🌾 and human developments 🏘. This taxonomically and ecologically distinct bird is all black with a slight blue gloss, short bill, legs and tails. Unlike other blackbirds it is mostly found feeding high in the trees 🌳 in montane forest. It feeds by pecking, like a woodpecker, in bromeliads, lichens and mosses, but will also probe tree bark and cavities for beetles 🪲 and caterpillars 🐛 . This bird is more likely to be heard than seen. Its song is a wheezy whee-whee-oooo; common call is a squeaky wheet. 🎶
Learn more about this fascinating bird here. This species was also an inspiration for an amazing bird song album by our partner Shika Shika, undertaken to raise funds to protect endangered birds in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean – check out the project and songs here.
✨Together with our on-the-ground partners we work to protect incredibly unique birds like the Jamaican Blackbird that are threatened by habitat loss. Please consider making a contribution and give the gift 🎁 of birds to future generations.
Five Golden Swallows
🎄The fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me…Five gold rings 🎶. But you’re not a materialistic person, nor can you tolerate the environmental impact that comes with the extraction of precious metals 💍, so you looked your lover 💞 in the eye and said “Honey, I’d rather see gold in its natural form – take me birding for Golden Swallows!”
The upperparts of male Golden Swallows often appear golden ✨ but are ever-changing as they fly around and catch the sunlight ☀️ at different angles. In a few seconds you might observe a blue-ish 🔵 sheen changing to a golden iridescence that then changes to an olive-green 🟢! Their underparts are white with dusky bronze-green wings and tail. The female on the other hand, is duller, with some gray-brown mottling on the chest.
One can spend hours ⏳ watching and being entertained by these amazing birds as they twist 🔀, turn ⤴️ , and dive ⤵️ through the air with incredible grace and precision. They feed on airborne insects like beetles 🪲 and wasps.
The Golden Swallow has disappeared from the island of Jamaica 🇯🇲 and is restricted to patches of montane pine forest🌲in Hispaniola. They have possibly disappeared from Jamaica due to lack of food. Insect populations have been steadily decreasing 📉 due to destruction of native habitats as well as the widespread use of chemicals to kill insects ☠️. The good news is that everyone can help by planting native plants 🌱 at home. Native plants attract native insects, and these insects provide lots of food for MANY different bird species 😃.
Learn more about the Golden Swallow and access free activities and resources here. Read about our VP 👨🏻💼 Justin Procter’s quest to find the Golden Swallow in Jamaica’s Ram Goat Cave.
Six Songbirds Singing – Summer Tanager
🎄The sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Six Geese-a-laying🎶. While we often think of egg-laying as a beautiful, miraculous event (and it is), have you given any thought to the size of those eggs and the mechanics involved🤔? Needless to say, six geese-a-laying won’t be a peaceful scene, but rather a headache of hissing and honking 📣. Let’s reduce holiday stress where we can and consider down-sizing to six songbirds singing 🎶 instead.
‘Songbirds’ are beautiful passerine birds with melodious songs, a great example is the Summer Tanager. This neotropical migrant has strawberry 🍓 coloured plumage and is quite vocal. Its call is described as pi-tuck or pi-ti-tuck or ki-ti-tuck while its song is similar to that of an American Robin with a series of warbling phrases.
The Summer Tanager is one of many songbirds illegally captured 📦 in Cuba for the pet trade. Although it has a beautiful song, this bird is mainly captured for its ornamental beauty. Sadly, many migratory songbirds like the Indigo Bunting and Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and resident/ endemic birds like the Cuban Bullfinch and Cuban Grassquit, are targeted by trappers for their singing abilities.
Songbird competitions are very popular in Cuba 🇨🇺, Trinidad 🇹🇹, and Venezuela 🇻🇪 , with betting and cash prizes 💰 for the best singer. These birds are inhumanely trapped using cages with lures, perches covered with glue, and nets. Many die from the process or soon after due to improper care. The surviving birds are readily offered for sale on social media 📲 platforms reaching more potential buyers. The songbird trade is rampant in the Caribbean and is emptying our forests of both song and life 😞.
ℹ️ For more information about the alarming numbers of birds illegally captured in Cuba and our proposed strategies to combat this unsustainable and cruel trade please read our investigative report.
This crisis can end with your support 🙌🏽! Please consider making a contribution here. Your gift will help us in our appeals to local governments to enforce the laws mandated to protect birds, help our partners develop a national media campaign, and create other livelihoods like eco-tourism 🏞.
Seven Parrots Squawking – St. Vincent Parrot
🎄The seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Seven Swans a-Swimming🎶. Swans 🦢 are the universal symbol of grace and beauty🪞. But here in the Caribbean, Christmas is a time for noisy merriment and flocking together 🎊 so we present you with Seven Parrots Squawking!
The striking Saint Vincent Parrot 🦜 is the national bird of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 🇻🇨 and is endemic to the island. If you look carefully, it has the yellow 🟡, blue 🔵 and green 🟢 colours of the national flag, making it extra special to Vincentians!
There are two colour morphs for this uniquely coloured parrot: yellow-brown (more common) and green. Both have pale heads and bronze-colored underparts, a blue, yellow and orange tail, and green-and-blue flight feathers.
The Saint Vincent Parrot can be found in mature rainforest 🏞 along western and eastern slopes of the island’s central mountain range and, occasionally, in nearby cultivated lands. They are loud birds with an impressive vocal repertoire, so listen for their call 🎶 in the early morning ☀️ or late afternoon when they are most active! Males and females look similar and are usually seen flying in pairs but have been observed in flocks foraging on fruits 🥭, seeds, flowers 🌺 and leaves.
Its small population of around 850 birds has been slowly increasing however, this vulnerable parrot suffered devastating habitat loss and food scarcity after the La Soufriere volcanic eruptions 🌋 earlier this year. With assistance from BirdsCaribbean donors and other partners, the St Vincent Forestry Dept has been working hard to assess the status of the parrot and restore habitat.You can help to save this iconic bird from extinction. ✨.
Click here for more facts, to listen to its call, and free Saint Vincent Parrot themed activities 🧩 for adults and children!
🎄The eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Eight Maids-a-Milking🎶. In 15th and 16th century England, the phrase “let’s go-a-milking” was a euphemism for “let’s get married.” 💍 We’re going to update this to the 21st century with a spunky yet elegant Caribbean bird and give you Eight Thrashers Thrashing! While you may not want these birds in your house at Christmas time, they certainly are dashing 🎩!
The White-breasted Thrasher, with a chocolate brown 🟤 back, striking white chest, and piercing red 🔴 eye, was described by James Bond as “one of the rarest birds in the West Indies.” Not surprisingly, Bond was onto something! Found only in Saint Lucia 🇱🇨 and Martinique 🇲🇶, where it is known as Gòj Blan and Moqueur Gorge Blanche, respectively, there are fewer than 2,000 thrashers left. White-breasted Thrashers also display a unique behavior called cooperative breeding, where they delay independent breeding, and instead help their parents in raising their siblings – how lucky for Mom and Dad 😊!
The White-breasted Thrasher population is thought to be declining 📉 due to increased predation by non-native invasive species, such as rats 🐀 , domestic cats 🐈 , and mongoose. Our incredible partners in Saint Lucia safely continued their critical work throughout the pandemic and recorded a total of 19 White-breasted Thrasher nests in 2020 🏆
✨Learn more about this unique and endangered species here.
For more information on the White-breasted Thrasher Species Recovery Plan and field work by our partners 📑, supported in part by BirdsCaribbean donors , click here.
Nine Flickers Flicking – Fernandina’s Flicker
🎄On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, nine drummers drumming🎶. But of course no drum sticks or snare drums 🥁 showed up, because your true love has style 😎, and appreciates nature’s real drummers – the woodpeckers! So pop some aspirin 💊 and get ready for the ensuing explosive sound of nine Fernandina’s Flickers tearing apart your house’s 🏠 new cedar wood siding.
The island of Cuba 🇨🇺 is home to one of the world’s most threatened flickers – the Fernandina’s Flicker. The male has a buff-cinnamon head with fine black ⚫️ streaking. It has a distinct black malar stripe, sometimes with a red tinge. This mark is absent ❌ in the female. Chin and throat are heavily but finely streaked black. Its bill is black, long, pointed and curved. Its body and tail are largely barred mustard yellow 🟡 and black.
Interestingly you’re likely to see this woodpecker foraging on the ground, in open woodlands and savanna-palm 🌴 habitats, for insects 🕷 , seeds, and worms 🪱 . Pairs nest in both live and old hollowed-out palms and share these breeding trees with other secondary cavity nesting birds such as the American Kestrel, and fellow-endemics the Bare-legged Owl 🦉 and Cuban Parakeet 🦜. During the breeding season, however, the West Indian Woodpecker and Fernandina’s Flicker fight for nesting sites 😠, even though the nesting holes were most likely excavated by the West Indian Woodpecker! The West Indian Woodpecker is very territorial, they will even destroy eggs 🥚 and remove chicks 🐣 of other secondary nesting birds, including those of the Fernandina’s Flicker!
Its population is estimated at no more than 400 pairs with the largest occurring in the Zapata Swamp. It was once common across Cuba but habitat loss due to logging and conversion for agriculture 🌱 have resulted in its patchy distribution. Another major driver is loss of prime nesting sites when dead palms are cut down to illegally collect parrots and parakeets for the pet trade 😞. Learn more about this Cuban endemic here.
Ten Plovers Piping – Piping Plover
🎄On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Ten Pipers Piping🎶. But we’re still in a pandemic 😷 and, where you are, gatherings might be restricted 🚫. Instead we present you with 10 Plovers Piping 😀.
Small, chubby, and adorable ☺️, the Piping Plover is a sand-coloured shorebird with white underparts, a black ⚫️ neck band, orange 🟠 legs, and a short stubby beak. Most striking of all, its dark round eyes that give it that “I’m a good cuddler” look. They have a two-part piping whistle 🎵 that drops in pitch, pwee-doo.”
The Piping Plover breeds in North America but heads south for the winter 🌎. They do not go as far south as other shorebirds, instead they stop off in The Bahamas 🇧🇸 , Turks and Caicos Islands 🇹🇨 and Cuba 🇨🇺 . You are most likely to find them on open sandy beaches, wetlands, and mudflats feeding on small invertebrates. It is also a pretty clever feeder. On the beach 🏝 , after a wave 🌊 rolls up and leaves a glassy film, the Piping Plover will extend one foot slightly forward and vibrate it against water-saturated sand bringing invertebrates in the sand to the surface before pecking 🍽.
Developments on beaches 🏙 and lake shores mean Piping Plovers have lost some of their breeding habitats and are now far less common than they used to be 😔. Nesting areas on beaches are now often protected ⚠️ from disturbance to try to help the population grow.
Making sure they have safe places to feed and rest 💤 in the Caribbean during the winter is also important. Click here for some tips on how you can #ShareTheShore with these lovable little shorebirds. And learn more about the Piping Plover and access free activities and resources here.
Eleven egrets dancing – Reddish Egret
🎄The eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, eleven ladies dancing 💃🏻. Your true love 💗 may have been trying to pull a fast one, knowing all too well that the men usually dance to get the ladies’ attention in the animal kingdom! In the spirit of gender equality, you both get in on the dancing 💃🏻🕺🏻, showing off snazzy moves inspired by Eleven Egrets Dancing.
The Reddish Egret is a relatively large and elegant 🪞 bird known for its entertaining feeding behavior – often described as a ‘drunken dance’ 🍻 – running through shallow water with long strides, staggering sideways, leaping in the air ⬆️, raising one or both wings, and abruptly stabbing at fish 🐠 . Holding its wings over the water while hunting is thought to reduce glare and help the egret more accurately sight 👀 and spear its prey – or maybe it’s to regain its balance, we’re not sure! 🤔
During the 1800s this egret and others were hunted almost to extinction for their beautiful feathers 🪶, used to adorn ladies’ hats and other apparel! Thankfully, two women jump started a conservation movement which put an end to the slaughter. You can learn all about this fascinating history in our webinar: https://bit.ly/Killer-Fashion
Reddish Egrets come in two morphs: the dark morph, with shaggy reddish head 🔴 and neck and slate gray body (more common in the southern U.S. and Mexico); and the more rare white morph, with entirely white plumage ⚪️ (more common in the Bahamas 🇧🇸 and Greater Antilles). Breeding adults of both morphs have a two-toned bill, pinkish at the base and black at the tip.
The Reddish Egret is our rarest and least-studied Ardeid (Family of herons, egrets, and bitterns) – the total population is estimated at only 7,000 to 11,000 birds. It is a Species of Conservation Concern.
✨ Learn more about the Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) here and show your support for our citizen science programs like the annual CWC, which gathers critical data to conserve the Reddish Egret and many other threatened birds.
Twelve Whistlers Whistling – West Indian Whistling-Duck
🎄On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, twelve fiddlers fiddling🎶. A kind gesture, but you’d think that after all this time your true love would have recognized your greater appreciation for acapella-style whistling. It’s an acquired taste that only a refined individual like yourself 😎 could truly appreciate. So redirect those fiddlers to the neighbor’s house 🏡 , and head over to a nearby pond to enjoy a musical production 🎭 of Twelve Whistlers Whistling!
We thought it fitting to bring our 12 Birds of Christmas to a close with the grace of the West Indian Whistling-Duck 🦆 . You can only hear the hauntingly beautiful calls of this Caribbean bird at twilight 🌅, when the sun begins to dip toward the horizon. West Indian Whistling-Ducks often remain hidden during the day, roosting in mangrove trees 🌳 or other vegetation, and become active at sunset when they feed.
This gorgeous mostly-brown duck was once common, but populations are now very small 📉 and isolated on each island. Destruction of wetland habitats, illegal hunting, and invasive predators (like mongoose) have all contributed to the decline of this species.
The West Indian Whistling-Duck is our flagship species for the conservation of mangroves and wetlands throughout the West Indies! We have a fun curriculum, “Wondrous West Indian Wetlands—Teachers’ Resource Book,” 📖with many hands-on activities 🧩 to learn 🧠 about wetlands and birds, and other resources available on our website. 😉
You can also visit our webpage for more facts, to listen to its song, and free West Indian Whistling-Duck themed activities for adults and children! 😃
And now our 12 Caribbean Birds of Christmas Advent calendar is complete!
Our conference theme refers to our optimism that we can revitalize our science and community. Our meeting location, Puerto Rico, is a symbol of perseverance and revival. We gather together to support and reconnect after our shared struggles during the global pandemic and to forge a path towards recovery.
We will be flying together! For the first time, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) and BirdsCaribbean will host a joint conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from 27 June to 2 July, 2022, partnering with local hosts Para la Naturaleza and Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña. Held under the theme, “On the Wings of Recovery: Resilience and Action,” the conference will mark the 140th Annual Meeting of the AOS and the 23rd International Conference of BirdsCaribbean.
The conference will bring together ornithologists, wildlife professionals, educators, community leaders, students, and others to share information and learn about the latest research and innovative initiatives to conserve birds and their habitats. There will be exciting keynote and plenary speakers, symposia, workshops, roundtable discussions, contributed papers, and posters. In addition, we will have a variety of exhibitors from the commercial, non-profit, and government sectors. We will also host a series of daily, fun networking events for you to make new connections and reconnect with colleagues. Finally, numerous field trips will be offered to give you a chance to explore and bird in fabulous Puerto Rico. We are looking forward to meeting in person!*
Latest News and Updates
Registration is now open: You can register for the conference at this link!
The call for abstracts for oral presentations and posters has closed.
Workshops and Training Opportunities: See the list of full list of exciting and invaluable learning opportunities here. Most workshops will be held on Monday, 27 June, the day before the conference paper sessions begin, however, two workshops will be held during the conference, and one on Saturday, July 2nd, after the conference ends on July 1st.
Symposia: Check this link to see the symposia that have been accepted for the conference – there are 4 symposia that are focussed on the Caribbean and many others that will be of interest to all. If you’ve been invited to give a talk in a symposia, be sure to submit your abstract by the March 8th deadline.
Travel Support: Thanks to generous donors and sponsors, some funding will be available to assist students, post-docs, early career professionals, and Caribbean nationals with travel costs to the conference. There is also a category in support of D&I (Diversity and Inclusion) participation and participation by Puerto Ricans. Click here to learn about the Travel Awards and submit an application!Note that although you don’t have to give a paper or poster at the conference to apply for travel support, those persons who are giving a paper or poster or contributing in some way to the conference program will be strongly favored for award selection.
Round-tables: Check out the interesting Round-tables on the conference schedule here.
Silent Auction: This event is a tradition at our BirdsCaribbean conferences. Learn more about it at this link! Please bring at least one awesome item to donate to the auction and bring some money to shop. It’s all for a great cause – supporting travel of Caribbean nationals and students to attend our conference!!!
All of BirdsCaribbean’s Working Groups (Endangered and Threatened Species, Seabirds, Waterbirds, West Indian Duck and Wetlands, Diablotin/ Black-capped Petrel, Monitoring, Bird Education, Checklist, Media, Caribbean Parrots, etc.) will be meeting at the conference – we need everyone there to share your work and plan activities!!! Travel Visa Application Letter of Invitation – If you are a resident of a country outside of the United States and need a letter of invitation to the AOS & BC 2022 conference for a travel visa application, please fill out the form on this page. Please allow up to five business days for your request to be processed. Mark your calendars and plan to join us on the beautiful tropical island of Puerto Rico, one of the four islands of the Greater Antilles, in a region which is one of the top five hotspots of endemism in plant and vertebrate species globally. Puerto Rico is home to 370 bird species, with 17 out of the 171 endemic species of the region. Its intriguing landscapes – from mangrove wetlands to beaches to rainforests – are there to be enjoyed.
Field Trips: Conference partners and local hosts, Para la Naturaleza (PLN) and the Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña, Inc. (SOPI), have organized field trips across the island. Field trips are available before, during and after the conference. Learn more here. Note that registration for field trips is separate from conference registration.
Conference logo celebrates theme: “On the Wings of Recovery: Resilience and Action”
Now let us take a closer look at the conference logo. Designed by the super-talented young artist and biologist Josmar Esteban Marquez, the logo reflects the theme, depicting six of Puerto Rico’s 17 endemic species or subspecies and one regional endemic. These include the Puerto Rican Parrot (Iguaca) which has made a remarkable recovery since 1975, when only a handful remained in the wild. There are now over 500, thanks to captive breeding and the release of individuals into their forest habitat, with more than half now reproducing in the wild. What an example of resiliency!
Here are the species so beautifully depicted in our logo, from left to right:
The Elfin-woods Warbler (Setophaga angelae) is a dainty, mostly black and white warbler, endemic to a few forested areas on the island such as the El Yunque. It was first discovered by ornithologists in 1969! Its call is not as musical as you might expect, but territorial pairs do sing duets while defending territory – and they apparently mate for life.
The Puerto Rican Nightjar (Antrostomus noctitherus) is an Endangered endemic species. The males sing throughout the year and during the breeding season they incubate young on the ground in the daytime. They are more abundant in the upland forest in and around the Guánica Biosphere Reserve, where they feed on insects under the canopy during the night.
The Yellow-shouldered Blackbird, (Agelaius xanthomus), locally named “Mariquita,” is another Endangered endemic species mainly to be found in the mangrove zone of southwestern Puerto Rico and on Mona Island. It has suffered greatly from brood parasitism by the invasive Shiny Cowbird, which lays its eggs in the Blackbird’s nests. The blackbird has many displays and vocalizations and usually walks on the ground.
The elegant West Indian Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna arborea) is endemic to the Caribbean region and one of the rarest ducks in the Americas – despite being down-listed to Vulnerable status in 2019 by BirdLife International. It can be found in freshwater and saline wetlands, including coastal mangroves, lagoons, and tidal flats, and forages for berries, seeds and grain, mostly at night.
The Critically Endangered Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) is a beautiful endemic species threatened by predation, the caged bird trade, and natural disasters such as hurricanes; but is benefiting greatly from the ongoing recovery program. It is almost entirely green, with blue-edged wings and a bright red frontal band.
An endemic species, the Puerto Rican Tody (Todus mexicanus) is called San Pedrito, Medio peso, and Papagayo locally. This bright gem of a bird lives in wooded areas from the coast to mountainous areas and often makes itself heard. It nests in burrows in earth banks.
The Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk, (Accipiter striatus venator), an endemic subspecies, is a rare sight, best spotted in the Toro Negro and Maricao forests. A solitary, rather secretive hawk with a small head and large eyes, it usually launches surprise attacks on its prey from the air, but will also pursue prey on the ground.
As we have already noted, habitat destruction for urban developments and agriculture has been a contributing factor to the declining numbers of these species, as well as predation by invasive species. In recent years, the increased frequency and severity of tropical storms (such as Hurricanes Irma and María in 2017) and other impacts of climate change have also created problems for humans and wildlife in general. Puerto Rico’s endemics and other bird species face many challenges.
At our joint conference in San Juan, we will discuss actions to be taken to boost the resilience of these and other birds, and to give them “wings of recovery!” We look forward to having you join us, as we strategize for a better tomorrow – not only for the island’s wonderful birds, but for those across the Americas!
*NOTE: We are closely monitoring current pandemic conditions and will follow guidance and ordinances provided by local health authorities regarding travel, masking, and social-distancing requirements during the conference. All attendees of AOS & BC 2022 will be required to be fully vaccinated, as defined by U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Conference hashtag: #AOS_BC_22 https://youtu.be/5YsUEviRYiw
BirdsCaribbean is excited to invite applications to participate in a 5-day training workshop focused on bird banding, an important tool for research and monitoring! Through a blend of classroom and field-based activities, participants will learn about the basics of bird banding, from setting up a mist net to examining molt patterns.
We’ll also discuss and demonstrate some of the benefits of joining our new Caribbean Bird Banding Network. In partnership with the Bahamas National Trust, the workshop will take place at The Retreat Garden in Nassau, The Bahamas from March 8-12, 2022.
Why do we need to band birds?
Bird surveys, like those we will cover in our upcoming Landbird Monitoring Training Workshop, provide valuable information about bird communities. Bird banding is another tool that can give us deeper insight into how our birds are doing. By individually marking and assessing birds in the hand, we can collect data that can tell us about their demography and health, including: looking at fat scores and weights to assess the body condition of birds in different habitats and at different times of the year; aging birds using plumage to investigate demographic patterns; using recapture records to learn about survivorship and longevity; using the presence of breeding characteristics to understand phenology. Over the long-term, banding can also help us understand patterns and trends of bird populations.
Launching the Caribbean Bird Banding (CBB) Network
As part of BirdsCaribbean’s new Landbird Monitoring Project, we are excited to work with our partners to initiate the Caribbean Bird Banding (CBB) Network, which aims to grow and unify bird banding activities in the Caribbean. In addition to training opportunities, the CBB Network will provide:
Caribbean Bird Bands. We are creating our own bird bands to distribute to qualified banders throughout the Caribbean. Our system will be similar to the USGS system, which no longer distributes bands outside of the U.S. The bands will be stamped with contact information so that anyone who finds a band can report it and find out where it came from!
Bird Banding Database. We want to make it easy for banding data to be collected consistently across the islands, and compiled to find recaptured birds. To do so, we are developing a user-friendly bird banding database that can be used by CBB banders.
Connection. We also want to facilitate communication and collaboration among bird banders throughout the Caribbean. We will work with members of the CBB to set up chats (e.g., WhatsApp) where banders can share information and ask questions, whether it be about molt patterns for resident species or sex and age of a rare migratory bird captured We will also include our banding partners on the CBB website (coming soon!) so that those looking to collaborate or volunteer with banders in the Caribbean can easily find this information.
About the workshop
This workshop is designed for Caribbean wildlife professionals and volunteers who are interested in gaining more experience with bird banding. The workshop also officially launches our Caribbean Bird Banding (CBB) Network! This workshop will focus on banding landbirds, although we hope to provide banding training opportunities for other bird groups in the future.
The purpose of the workshop is to:
Provide participants with a basic understanding of bird banding techniques and best practices.
Discuss what it takes to set-up and run a bird banding station.
Prepare participants for additional bird banding training and potential North American Banding Council (NABC) certifications.
Share information about the resources that will be available through the CBB Network.
Our banding trainer, Holly Garrod, banding a Tody in the Dominican Republic for her M.S. thesis research.
Several NABC-certified trainers will share their knowledge in the classroom, at the mist net, and at the banding table, covering topics like:
Proper set-up and placement of a mist-net
Extracting birds from mist-nets using the body-grasp technique
Starting a banding station
Bird first-aid and safety
Bird banding ethics and basics
Using bird banding for education and public demonstrations
Aging birds using both WRP and Howell-Pyle terminology
Molt patterns
Bird banding is a complex skill to learn. This workshop is intended to be a starting point, and participants should not expect to leave the workshop with the necessary qualifications to band birds independently. To become fully immersed and practice what was learned at the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to be considered for a bird banding internship at one of several bird observatories in the U.S. and Canada. Following this, we are aiming for interns to continue working with a trainer in the Caribbean, providing the opportunity to band Caribbean species and include additional local professionals and volunteers in bird banding activities.
In an effort to decrease the amount of time spent in the classroom, some workshop sessions will be held virtually prior to the in-person workshop. These virtual sessions will also be made available to a wider audience. Stay tuned for more information!
Funding and logistics
We are aiming to include approximately 12 participants in this workshop. BirdsCaribbean has limited funding to cover the cost of travel, meals, accommodation, and workshop materials. Participants who are able to contribute all or part of their costs can help us enhance the workshop content and allow us to include additional participants/trainers. Participants should plan to arrive in The Bahamas on March 7 and depart on March 13.
COVID-19 Policy: BirdsCaribbean is committed to the safety of all workshop participants, trainers, and local communities. Proof of full vaccination will be required to participate in this workshop. Additional guidelines (e.g., negative tests, masks) will be provided to participants prior to the start of the workshop based on the most updated information.
Applications
If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please fill out this form by 5 PM EST on January 13th, 2022. (note: this workshop opportunity was posted on our BirdsCaribbean listserve in December; if you are not on this groups.io listserve, please consider signing up to receive announcements about workshops and other opportunities and bird news. Thanks!)
Participants and facilitators enjoying a birding walk at The Retreat, Bahamas National Trust, Nassau, Bahamas.
The Retreat Garden is a national park located in Nassau, The Bahamas. The 11-acre botanical garden was the previous headquarters for the Bahamas National Trust, showcasing a mix of rare native and exotic plants. Resident and migratory birds are drawn to this oasis, making it the most popular birding spot on the island. In particular, participants can expect to see many migratory warbler species (hopefully, in the hand!), such as the Prairie Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and Worm-eating Warbler.
If you have any questions, please send an email to:
There is no doubt that birding is all about community. We enjoy spending time together, binoculars in hand, sharing sightings and experiences, enjoying birds and nature.
But then, are we leaving some people out?
Birdability is a new non-profit organization founded by Virginia Rose, who fell off a horse at the age of 14 and has been in a wheelchair since then. She began birding 17 years ago and wanted to share her passion and joy with others with disability challenges. Inspired by movements such as #BlackBirdersWeek, Virginia founded Birdability in 2020. Its vision is that birding is for everyone – including those with disabilities and other health concerns.
The first Birdability Week (October 18 to 24, 2020) introduced the organization as not only a celebration of birders with disabilities, but as a sharing of information and resources to encourage the birding community to be more inclusive and diverse. It is supported by National Audubon in the U.S. and many other organizations and businesses.
Birdability focuses on people with mobility challenges, blindness or low vision, chronic illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental illness, and those who are neurodivergent, deaf or hard of hearing, or who have other health concerns.
“At BirdsCaribbean, we welcome this ground-breaking and inspiring initiative,” says Executive Director Lisa Sorenson. “Diversity is very important to us – it enhances the birding experience for everyone. We encourage our partners across the Caribbean to reach out to different communities who may sometimes feel left out, including those with disabilities and other challenges.”
“I recall that a number of years ago, SOPI (Sociedad Ornitólogica Puertorriqueña) held a birding program for blind youth, allowing them to “see” different birds through exploring and handling carved wooden birds,” commented Lisa further. “I remember thinking what a great initiative this is, and that we need to do more of this kind of outreach.”
In her introductory talk on October 7, Birdability founder Virginia Rose shared her experiences of birding in a wheelchair, encouraging those with mobility concerns to go out and get into nature. The discussion included some important issues to be explored in more depth during Birdability Week, such as access considerations for birding locations such as making sure that trails are accessible and safe for those in wheelchairs and interpretive signs are a good height for everyone. They will also talk about adaptive birding equipment; and tips for inclusive communication and language use. You can find the full recording here.
So, if you are wondering how to get started, and to learn more about the practical aspects of “birdability,” there will be an opportunity to chat with birders and potential future birders with disabilities and other health concerns at a free webinar on Tuesday, October 19 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The theme is “Empowering exploration: Birding with an access challenge.” This will be followed by a series of useful, instructive webinars throughout Birdability Week, ending with a guided workshop on “Slow Birding” on Sunday, October 24. You can sign up for all these fun and interesting sessions here.
Birdability Week offers the opportunity for birding groups, non-governmental organizations, and groups of family and friends to host an accessible bird outing. Lisa Sorenson comments: “With a little thought and planning, and using the great resources that Birdability offers, we can create innovative and enjoyable activities that will include more of our citizens. Let’s do it!”
Save the date for a workshop where we celebrate our successes and plan our future work together!
We all love seabirds: the soaring Magnificent Frigatebirds, the Boobies’ expert diving, the entrancing Tropicbirds. But…what is a Seabird Fest?
Well, it is a half-day workshop, hosted by the BirdsCaribbean Seabird Working Group (SWG) planned for Thursday, December 2, 2021, 12 to 3 pm EST. During this event we want to hear from you with brief updates from the islands on how the seabirds are doing. The SWG will learn more – and share more – on what is taking place across the Caribbean in terms of seabird monitoring and conservation. Be sure to REGISTER HERE!
The purpose of the Seabird Fest is more than information gathering and sharing, however, although that is important. The SWG plans to discuss ways forward for a Caribbean Seabird Census (CSC) programme, modeled on the successful Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC). We hope to introduce the CSC in 2023!
Caribbean Seabirds
The Caribbean is home to over twenty species of seabirds, with many more visiting the region’s marine environment on a yearly basis. Understanding where seabirds breed, and in what numbers, is essential for determining the pressures that they may face. This, in turn, helps managers minimise threats to their populations. However, monitoring seabird populations within our suite of remote and inaccessible islands in the Caribbean is no easy task!
Although great strides have been made in recent years with monitoring populations on some islands (e.g., the Grenadines, Antigua’s offshore cays, Cayman Islands etc.), many islands have not been routinely surveyed, and population estimates that do exist are outdated. Furthermore, formal regional overviews of seabird population information are a decade old (see Seabird Resources). Considering the range of factors with potential to cause change in the marine and coastal environments around our shores, such as large-scale events like Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, there is an urgent need to monitor seabirds.
The initial goal will be to update our knowledge on the status of and threats to seabird populations in the Caribbean. If repeated regularly, seabird surveys will go on to help conservation scientists and managers understand how seabird populations are changing over time in our region, supporting efforts to protect them. By forming partnerships among interested groups and individuals that monitor seabirds, we can better tackle the logistical challenges of surveying hundreds of islands and cays. For this, we need to get as many interested organisations, communities and individuals involved in the effort as possible!
Why count seabirds?
Project Assistant Quincy Augustine and Wildlife Biologist Wayne Smart lead a team of Grenadian biologists conducting seabird surveys at Diamond Rock (Photo by Q. Augustine)
Understanding seabird populations and monitoring changes in the size and health of populations is extremely important for conserving them. On land, many breeding sites are under threat from coastal development, introduced predators, disturbance, and egging. At sea, seabirds contend with threats from fishing activities, pollution, climate change, and offshore development.
Monitoring colonies and understanding population trends is therefore more important than ever. While some Caribbean islands already have active seabird monitoring programmes in place, others are home to large populations of seabirds that are not currently monitored. As such, our Seabird Working Group is working hard to try and secure funding for this programme, which will allow for training, data collection, and community engagement, particularly on islands where there are gaps in capacity for these activities.
Be sure to register for the Seabird Fest here, and keep an eye on our Seabird Working Group webpages, listserv and facebook group in the coming months for updates on Seabird Fest! Our SWG co-chairs are also looking for help to plan the event, as well as other ongoing SWG tasks, so please get in touch with us if you are interested!
Learn more about Seabird activities in the Caribbean below!
They have their flyways, and they bring their songs. Our migratory birds are on the move again, and on October 9, World Migratory Bird Day, they will be “officially” welcomed and celebrated in style in the Caribbean.
For our region, World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is on October 9th, 2021 (but we encourage everyone to celebrate anytime during fall migration that works best for you). By this date, gardens, parks, forests, mountains, and seashores are filled with feathered newcomers, who have traveled thousands of miles and are either passing through or settling down for the milder winter months in the Caribbean.
The WMBD 2021 theme is “Sing, Fly, Soar—Like a Bird!” Activities organized by Environment for the Americas (EFTA), BirdsCaribbean, and our partners throughout the region will tap into this lively concept and, focus on some of the eleven featured species selected this year. Some of these, such as the Turkey Vulture, Royal Tern, Yellow Warbler, and Belted Kingfisher, are either resident or fairly common migrant species in the region. Others, such as the Green-winged Teal, Wood Thrush, Upland Sandpiper, and Ruby-throated Hummingbird, are rare. The Sandhill Crane is an uncommon resident in Cuba.
This year, EFTA will be hosting a live online event, or series of events from October 7 to 9, entitled “World Migratory Bird Day Live.” Friday, October 8 will be a special day reserved for youth and schools. Caribbean educators are valuable partners, helping to convey the messages of conservation and protection of birds and habitats. The creative arts – including a “sing like a bird” competition, videos, and art demonstrations, will play a role this year, besides informational speakers and workshops.
A featured WMBD webinar this year will be on the Lesser Yellowlegs, a shorebird that is undergoing an alarming decline. The webinar, hosted by BirdsCaribbean, will be presented by US Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, Laura McDuffie. Laura has been tracking these birds on their long migrations and has some fascinating and enlightening results to share with us. The webinar will take place on Friday, October 8 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Here is the link to register: https://bit.ly/LesserYellowlegs
Most of all, WMBD promises to have a strong element of fun. EFTA is hosting a bird costume party and competition for children up to 12 years old, with the focus on one of the featured eleven species. Costumes should use only recyclable or reusable material – new materials should not be used. The deadline for submission of costume entries is Friday, October 1. Prizes will be awarded on October 9th.
There is also a Bird Song Contest!Submit your song inspired by birds anytime between now and October 8th for a chance to win a cash prize! Winners will be announced on October 9th – See details in the Flyer below.
If you are interested in celebrating WMBD in your country, we encourage you to visit the WMBD website for more information or contact the Caribbean Regional Coordinator, Laura Baboolal, at lbaboolal@environmentamericas.org. If you have an event planned, you can register it and put the Caribbean on the global events map.
WMBD 2021 digital materials from EFTA are available in English and Spanish, at this link.
Information on migratory birds in the Caribbean, including colouring pages, activity sheets , photos, videos, and puzzles are available from BirdsCaribbean at this link.
Last, but not least, don’t forget to share your WMBD events and experiences on social media with EFTA and BirdsCaribbean. You can find us on all major platforms. If pandemic restrictions allow on your island, go out and enjoy the birds. Most of all, have fun!
BirdsCaribbean will be holding our General Business Meeting on Thursday October 28th, from 3 to 5 PM EDT – all are welcome! Register here.
Please join us for the latest exciting news and updates from BirdsCaribbean Projects and Working Groups. Members and all others are welcome and encouraged to attend. Our General Business Meeting will provide an opportunity to meet the current BirdsCaribbean Board and dive deeper into our organization’s activities. Our Working Groups, including Seabirds, Bird Monitoring , Endemic and Threatened Species, Media , Black-capped Petrel, Waterbirds, Bird Education, and Invasive Species, have been working tirelessly to protect Caribbean birds and the habitats they depend upon. They will provide exciting updates on what they’ve accomplished during the last two years.
We will also be talking about the progress of current projects in advancing conservation of Caribbean birds and habitats , as well as some exciting new developments on the horizon, including our joint conference in summer 2022 with the American Ornithological Society and Para La Naturaleza in Puerto Rico (June 27-July 2nd, 2021).
You’ll also get the chance to hear about what our partners have been working on and ways to collaborate to protect and celebrate Caribbean birds, their habitats, and the communities that live alongside them. All are welcome to attend so bring a friend or two. Come gain a deeper understanding of how BirdsCaribbean stays a well-oiled machine – and how you can be a part of our important work!
Birders around the world are polishing up their binoculars and scopes as they prepare for one of their busiest weekends of the year. This 24-hour opportunity called October Big Day – Saturday, October 9, 2021 – has been extended for the second time into a Global Bird Weekend (October 8, 9 and 10). The goal is to watch, record, and celebrate birds, whether it is in your backyard, neighborhood park, seashore or woodland. October Big Day coincides with World Migratory Bird Day (October 9). It is hoped that this concerted effort will bring in a record number of bird sightings from citizen scientists around the world, contributing to bird knowledge and a deeper understanding of conservation.
Where are the birds, and what are they doing?
The data collected will be used by birders and scientists to better understand and protect birds. This is also an opportunity for the individual birdwatcher to contemplate birds, their behavior, and the places where they may be found. For example, are there birds you are only likely to see in the late morning or early afternoon? And if so, are they at specific locations? Tanagers and bullfinches are often very active during the morning hours. As the day heats up, you may see raptors soaring above. Seagulls and shorebirds can be observed at almost any time of day. Migratory warblers generally show up in early morning or evening hours, feeding and bathing in suburban gardens and parks.
Make your birding count—submit & share your data!
Participating is easy with the essential tool, eBird, where you should record all the birds you see (and even hear) on Saturday 9th October via the eBird website or mobile app. If you’re in the Caribbean, be sure to use eBird Caribbean (and choose the eBird Caribbean portal in your eBird app settings on mobile). If you do not already have one, it’s easy to sign up for a free eBird account and here’s a quick guide on how to use eBird. Eager birders should spot as many birds as they can from midnight to midnight in their local time zone on October 9th. Or bird anytime during the weekend of Oct. 8-10 for the Global Bird Weekend. The handy mobile app allows you to keep and submit lists while you’re still out birding, perhaps exploring nearby Hotspots. It will even track how far you have walked while watching birds. Remember to submit eBird checklists before October 13, 2021 to be included in the initial results announcement!
In the past year, many Caribbean islands have restricted movements and gatherings in public spaces, due to the pandemic. Since many of these are still in place and vary from country to country, please keep local regulations in mind and observe all protocols. Remember, too, that there is always the option of birding at home.
Share your sightings with us, and join BirdsCaribbean!
We look forward to seeing your stories and photos on social media. You can find us on Facebook and on Twitter and Instagram @birdscaribbean. Be sure to tag us! If you’re not on social media, consider joining our discussion group where you’ll be able to share your October Big Day experience with over 850 members.
May we remind you that BirdsCaribbean membership has so many benefits; for a reasonable membership fee you are entitled to a FREE subscription to Birds of the World ($49 value) – the most comprehensive online resource on birds. Additionally, you may receive discounts on our products, workshops and conferences; meet and network with fellow birders, scientists, educators and conservationists across the region; and keep in touch with birding trends and news through our monthly newsletters (free sign-up here). Join us today and help us save our Caribbean birds and their important habitats!
See you on October Big Day 2021 – and let’s see some birds!
On World Shorebirds Day, Benoit Laliberté, a Shorebird Biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service, tells us about the connections between the shorebirds that breed in Canada and the Caribbean and shares his thoughts on the main conservation issues for shorebirds in the Caribbean.
Shorebirds are fascinating. Given their size, it can be hard to even try to imagine the incredible journeys they accomplish every year on migration. For example, Red Knots can fly more than 30,000 km annually! It is amazing that these birds weigh only 180g but can fly from the Canadian tundra to the tip of Tierra del Fuego, and back, within 10 months. Because these birds travel to (and stop over in) so many different countries, their conservation requires us to take a multi-national approach.
Enjoy our short video, created in honor of World Shorebirds Day 2021!
Conservation Across Borders
How do we address this cross-border challenge? To do this, the shorebird conservation community has developed flyway conservation initiatives. Flyways are major routes, like ‘migration highways,’ that shorebirds use to travel from breeding to wintering areas and back. Here in the Americas they are: the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Mid-continental Flyways. The Caribbean islands are located in the Atlantic Flyway
Migration routes of shorebirds on the Atlantic Flyway; many other migratory birds follow these same routes. (map courtesy of the Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative)
The Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative (AFSI) aims to conserve and protect the 30 or so species of shorebirds that use this route. These birds range from the small Plovers and Sandpipers to the large Whimbrels and Godwits. Unfortunately, the ongoing, ceaseless deterioration of our planet has led to large declines in shorebird populations. Across all shorebird species that occur in Canada – most of which also travel to the Caribbean – this decrease in numbers is estimated at -40% since 1970. However, the drop is much steeper for some species, like the Red Knot (-70% since 2000) or the Lesser Yellowlegs (-65% since 1970). In fact, many shorebirds are at the top of the list of ‘species of conservation concern’ worldwide.
Why are Shorebirds in Trouble?
Lesser Yellowlegs are a common migratory shorebird in the Caribbean; they are also one of the most hunted shorebirds in the Atlantic Flyway. (photo by Hemant Kishan)
The main threats to shorebirds in the Atlantic Flyway are hunting, predators, human disturbance, habitat loss and change, and climate change. Most of these occur in the Caribbean, but the threats of hunting, habitat loss, and climate change are the most relevant for the region.
We know that shorebirds are hunted on Barbados, Martinique and Guadeloupe. If we are able to address the threat of hunting, we in the conservation community can make rapid gains. This does not mean that hunting should be banned. In Canada and the United States, we have more than 100 years of experience working with hunters to develop sustainable hunting policies and working with the hunting community to conserve and restore bird habitats. We need to focus on raising awareness about this threat, measuring its impacts, and developing sustainable hunting policies that will allow birds to thrive and hunters to pursue their hobby – now, and in the future.
Habitat loss is more difficult for us to tackle. Shorebirds use a variety of habitats, whether it is beaches, intertidal sandflats and mudflats, mangroves, or salt, brackish, and freshwater ponds. This means that multiple types of developments and changes, for example those that alter the wetland’s hydrology, can threaten the shorebirds’ homes. Secondly, changes to habitat can ‘creep’ in slowly, with both human developments and the impacts of climate change gradually changing the places where shorebirds live – or removing those places altogether. Damaged habitats can take a long time to recover, so it is imperative to ensure that those that are still relatively intact are conserved for future generations.
What Can We Do the Help Shorebirds?
Red Knot in August molting from breeding plumage to plain winter plumage which is all gray. Red Knots have declined markedly in the last 25 years. Some Red Knots winter in the Caribbean; many use the islands as a refueling stop on their long journeys to South America. (photo by Hemant Kishan)
We need to make sure that key places for shorebirds are identified. To do this we need to carry out surveys such as the Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC). Information from these surveys can help identify and increase protection for vital shorebird habitats. Local communities have a key role to play. Anyone can carry out CWC surveys! BirdsCaribbean has provided training for people across the region on Shorebird ID and how to carry out surveys, both online and in person.
Shorebirds need safe habitats with clean water and abundant invertebrate food, when they stop during migration. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of hurricanes, it is possible that the Caribbean will play a bigger role for migrating shorebirds. Shorebirds are migrating through the region during the peak hurricane season. The wetland habitats on Caribbean islands should serve as refuge for these birds. This means local initiatives to restore and clean-up habitats can help shorebirds. Recent projects to restore mangroves in Puerto Rico and increase awareness of shorebirds in Montserrat, through community initiatives like beach clean-ups, will help both shorebirds and people!
Curbing the decline of shorebird populations needs global cooperation. It might seem like an overwhelming task, but every little step helps. To ensure future generations are in a good position to continue the work we start today, we need to spread the word. As a child, I was fortunate to get involved in activities that got me interested in nature and birds, and this inspired me to pursue a career in conserving biodiversity. Outreach and education programs, such as BirdsCaribbean’s BirdSleuth Caribbean, Wondrous West Indian Wetlands, World Migratory Bird Day, and the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival help to raise awareness and build a sense of responsibility in our communities. They do have long-term positive impacts, especially among our younger citizens.
As a final remark, I hope that as you read this post you have learned a little bit more about shorebird conservation and are reminded that small actions can make a difference. Learning is knowing. Knowing is loving. And loving is caring.
Ajhermae White helps students of the Grade 5 class of Look Out Primary School with shorebird ID during their field trip at Marguerita Bay. (Photo by Stephen Mendes)
Please enjoy and share our video!
Many thanks to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Atlantic Flyways Shorebird Initiative, US Forest Service International Programs, film maker Esther Figueroa, talented photographers and videographers, and our partners, members, and donors for your generous support to create this video (second in a series!) and carry out Caribbean shorebird and waterbird conservation initiatives.
We hope that you will be able to visit many areas across your island and invite local birders and/or birding groups to get involved. Note that shorebirds are a type of waterbird; any tallies you do, whether it is at wetlands, mangroves, mud flats, coastal areas or beaches, are also considered as Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) counts. To increase the value of your count to science, be sure to count ALL birds at your site, including seabirds, herons and egrets, land birds, and so on.
Complete instructions on how to do a Global Shorebird Count/ Caribbean Waterbird Census count are available here and here; Shorebird ID resources are available here. Before you head out, it might well be helpful to watch our webinars on Waterbird ID and Shorebird ID to bone up on your ID skills!
Are you looking for a good birding read? We recommend that you log on to “The Cuban Birder,” a quarterly, digital, free magazine, published in English and Spanish. Richly illustrated and packed with information, it is a gem of a publication for birders in all walks of life, and the first of its kind in Cuba. An initiative of Birding Havana, its third issue was released in August 2021, and it is supported by BirdsCaribbean.
The magazine is more than just a substantial and fascinating read. The goal of the publication is simple: to get Cubans – especially the younger generations – excited about birds, so that they can take it up as a hobby. After all, Cuba has the highest number of recorded species in the insular Caribbean (397), of which around 262 are migratory. Once new devotees learn more and become engaged, this will lead to a deeper understanding of how the environment works, as well as a desire to protect and conserve the birds and the places where they live. In other words, it is hoped that the magazine will light a spark of awareness about Cuban birds and the serious, pressing challenges they face. The first issues have already received good readership.
The Cuban Birder has been a long-cherished dream of Birding Havana’s founding director Mr Vladimir Mirabal, former diplomat, lawyer, photographer and passionate birder. He says: “We have needed a magazine like this for a long time. There is great joy in birdwatching, and we want to express this through our publication. It is an educational tool that we hope will support our plans to rebuild a Cuban Birdwatchers Movement. Already, the Cuban Birders Club (Club de Observadores de Aves Cubanas) has experienced growth of over 3,000 new members in the past two months.” All who are seeking more information on Cuban birds and birding activities may join the Club’s Facebook page.
Helping to combat the caged bird threat
The magazine is especially timely as Cuba’s birds and nature face an uncertain future. The threats of climate change and habitat destruction loom large for Cuba, as they do for other Caribbean countries. Another significant threat is capturing and keeping wild birds to sell and keep as pets. Although illegal, this practice, long part of the culture, is growing among the Cuban population. Parrots, parakeets, grassquits, the Cuban Bullfinch, and many songbirds (residents, endemics, and migrants) are trapped, sold, and trained to compete in songbird competitions and kept as pets.
Fall migration is prime “hunting season” for the trappers and private Facebook groups in Cuba show off hundreds of migratory birds for sale, including Painted Buntings, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and dozens of warbler species. Even children are involved in the trapping. BirdsCaribbean will continue to assist with efforts to reduce these harmful behaviors by supplying birding gear and educational materials to help promote birding and develop Bird Clubs in each province. Bird watchers are a growing voice in Cuba. Vladimir commented, “With your support we will be able to reach out to a lot more people in our communities as part of our efforts to replace bird cages and traps with binoculars and field guides by increasing the appreciation for Cuban birds and supporting conservation efforts.” Many of our Cuban colleagues and partners have been working hard to educate and raise awareness about this issue for many years, but it remains a huge challenge. If you would like to donate to help us send binoculars and field guides to Cuba, please click here and select “Reducing bird trapping in Cuba” for your gift designation.
“The first bird of the season fell” – August 2021 Facebook post by a bird trapper in Cuba showing a migratory warbler, the Northern Parula.The caption reads “Ready for the hunt.” Painted Buntings in cages for sale – August 2021 Facebook post by a bird trapper in Cuba.Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, a migratory warbler in a cage in Cuba, for sale on a private Facebook group.Cuban boy trapping wild birds, posted on Cuban social media.Bird hunters in Cuba heading out with their traps, shared on social media.Painted Buntings in cages in Cuba – this colorful bird is a popular species for the caged bird trade.
The legacy of Juan Cristóbal Gundlach in Cuba
So what will you find, as you turn the digital pages of this third issue of The Cuban Birder? If you love science history, you will enjoy browsing through articles on the life and work of Juan Cristóbal Gundlach (1810 – 1896), who was born in Germany but left a rich legacy in Cuban scientific discovery. The author of the first major work on Cuban ornithology, among other studies, his name is included in the Latin names of no less than sixty animal species – among the birds he discovered, these included the Gundlach’s Hawk and the Cuban Vireo.
According to a 1915 account, the avid collector and descriptor of thousands of species did not drink and was a frugal eater, often departing in the morning with a biscuit and a sandwich in his pocket – which he forgot to eat during the day. He was tall and reportedly had a bit of a limp, but he was quiet and unassuming, traveling from one end of the island to the other. What a dedicated man! You will enjoy getting to know Juan Cristóbal Gundlach better in the pages of the Cuban Birder. This fascinating section of the magazine, about a significant figure in Cuban natural history is illustrated with photographs of some of the birds he discovered, accompanied by his own descriptions.
Don Juan, as he was known, was also the man who first discovered the smallest bird in the world – the Bee Hummingbird, which is the topic of another article in The Cuban Birder. Noting the tiny bird’s mating ritual, Gundlach noted, rather sweetly: “I have also seen the male when he is in love, go up perpendicularly with a non-progressive flight, sometimes singing, others not, stop, hover for a moment at the female, and then drop down.” Unfortunately, it is not as widely distributed as it was in Gundlach’s day, and is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. You can read a detailed description of this exquisite but endangered bird in the magazine. On another page, there is a very useful fact sheet on Hummingbirds; there are some 343 species identified in the Americas, and they are surprisingly aggressive for their size!
This is just a taste of what you can find in the latest issue of The Cuban Birder. It is an absorbing read that also includes helpful advice on the art of birdwatching and the best cameras for wildlife photography; as well as a gorgeous photo feature on the Alexander Humboldt National Park. A section on identifying hotspots using the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Caribbean includes how to determine the criteria for a hotspot, and how to navigate the website to suggest one. This section also emphasizes the importance of using the portal, which is specially designed for the Caribbean – especially on days when there are special “counts,” such as the eleven-year-old Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) established by BirdsCaribbean. Data on Cuban birds – and our island birds in general – is more important than ever!
Previous issues have featured interviews with well-known Caribbean scientists like the legendary Orlando Garrido, and artist and naturalist, Nils Navarro, author of Field Guide to the Endemic Birds of Cuba. The magazine is also packed with tips on how to photograph birds, how to identify them, and places to visit and stay to enjoy Cuba’s amazing bird life.
We warmly recommend this digital magazine to our BirdsCaribbean members, and to anyone who wants to learn about and protect Cuba’s birds. We congratulate the editorial team and all the contributors, and hope that readers will share the publication widely online – including, of course, on social media. We eagerly look forward to the next issue of The Cuban Birder!
Here are some readers’ reviews:
José Eugenio Martínez González:
I have been very excited about this idea. You have given us a nice surprise. As a birder, which I have practiced alone or in the company of my family, without equipment, but with a lot of desire, I take my hat off to this initiative.
Daniela Ventura del Puerto:
Excellent! I hope this magazine contributes to more people leaving the cages and changing them for cameras and binoculars. Success in that work!
Alejandro Padrón:
Excellent work for Cuban nature. Congratulations to all the members of this Club. I will follow you with attention.
Agustín Dimas López Guevara:
What good news! Graphic showcase and sample of the work of this great team that brings to light, with image, nature; fauna and flora, beauties to appreciate.
Lázaro Ramón Sosa Morell:
Great initiative, something very worthy of the culture of respect in our country and the effort that so many people have made for years to make it so! Congratulations!
BirdsCaribbean extends heartfelt congratulations to our dedicated partners from the Bird Ecology Group (BEG) in Cuba, led by Dr. Martin Acosta Cruz. The group has received the American Ornithological Society’s (AOS) Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award. We applaud BEG members: Lourdes M. Mugica Valdés, Alieny González Alfonso, Ianela García Lau, Alejandro Rodriguez Ochoa, Daniela Ventura del Puerto, and Elio A. Fontes Otero; and former BEG members Orlando Torres Fundora, Dennis Denis Ávila, Ariam Jiménez Reyes Antonio, Rodríguez Suarez, and Jose L. Ponce de León García. Hats off to you all, we are so proud!
Part of the current Bird Ecology Group at the University of Havana, Cuba. Left to right: Elio Fontes, Ianela Garcia, Martín Acosta, Alieny González Alfonso, Lourdes Mugica, Daniela Ventura y Alejandro Rodriguez
Who was Dr. Schreiber?
The annual AOS award, named for Dr. Ralph Schreiber, honors extraordinary conservation-related scientific contributions by an individual or small team. Dr. Schreiber was an ornithologist and curator of birds and mammals at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. He is well known for his studies of Pacific seabirds, including the Brown Pelican, and the effects of El Niño on bird and mammal populations. The El Niño phenomenon occurs when the surface of the tropical Pacific Ocean becomes unusually warm, especially at the equator and along the coasts of South and Central America, disrupting the availability of fish populations that these birds feed on.
All about the Bird Ecology Group (BEG)
Drs. Martin Acosta and Lourdes Mugica in the field in Cuba.
Since 1978, the BEG has dedicated its research work to Cuban bird ecology. Motivated by their unwavering fascination for birds, its members have worked hard, overcoming many financial and logistic al obstacles. The BEG has combined university teaching with research, capacity building, and environmental education, to contribute significantly to the knowledge and conservation of Cuban birds.
The group’s research has led to the publication of 128 peer-reviewed papers and 18 books. The most recently published book, Ecología de las aves acuáticas en las arroceras de Cuba (Ecology of Waterbirds in the Rice Fields in Cuba), describes research on the birds that are connected with the second most important agricultural crop in the country, and the importance of the rice paddies for their conservation.
The BEG has proposed two new protected areas in two important coastal wetlands: those south of Los Palacios, and the Delta del Agabama. It has supported the proposal for five Cuban Important Bird Areas (IBAs): CU003 Humedal Sur de Pinar del Río; CU006 Ciénaga de Zapata; CU009 Humedal Sur de Sancti Spiritus; CU014 Río Máximo-Cayo Guajaba, and CU020 Delta del Cauto. The group also recommended the inclusion of the West Indian Whistling-Duck and the Masked Duck in the Red Book of Threatened Species of Cuba and the Birdlife Red Data Bird List. BEG members are engaged in the study of waterbird species; the structure of bird communities in coastal ecosystems; the ecology of birds using rice paddies and shrimp farms; and birds using Havana city ecosystems (mangroves, parks, and botanical gardens).
The BEG: Busy with Piping Plovers
Since 2016, the BEG has annually surveyed between 68 to 180 km of coastline to assess the conservation status of wintering Piping Plovers frequenting the Cuban archipelago. In this same year they reported the highest number of individuals for Cuba:104 plovers! Through many hours of dedicated band resighting (finding and reporting band numbers of plovers that have come to Cuba for the winter) they have also helped to identify the breeding origin of wintering Piping Plovers on Cuban coastlines. And while other islands continue to battle with hunting quotas and regulations, the BEG has successfully banned the hunting of two historical game species in Cuba: the endemic and threatened West Indian Whistling-Duck and White-Crowned Pigeon. The group has also carried out years of vital Caribbean Waterbird Census counts at Cuba’s many important wetlands to learn more about numbers and trends of resident and migratory waterbirds and shorebirds.
A group of Piping Plovers foraging in Cayo Paredon Grande, Cuba. (Photo by Martin Acosta)A banded Piping Plover sighted by the Bird Ecology Group at Guanabo Beach, Cuba, east of Havana City (photo by Karen-Aguilar)
BEG has received many awards and plaudits!
Both internationally and locally, the BEG has received significant commendations for its efforts to protect Cuban birds and expand our understanding of bird ecology. In the past 42 years the small team has accepted 48 prestigious awards. Internationally, the BEG received the Whitley Award for Birdlife Conservation in 2002 and the Continuation Award; and the Silver Award from BP Conservation Award in 2002. Dr. Martin Acosta Cruz and Lourdes M. Mugica Valdés have received Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2001 and 2017, respectively, from BirdsCaribbean. Ianela García Lau received the Founders Award from BirdsCaribbean for outstanding student research, while she and Alieny González Alfonso received the Educators Award for their leadership in organizing bird festivals and bird education projects in Cuba. Lourdes was honored with an Honorary Fellowship from AOS in 2020.
The Bird Ecology Group after receiving the National Environment Award from the Cuban government in 2008. From left to right: Antonio Rodriguez, Alieny Gonzalez, Martin Acosta, Lourdes Mugica, José Luis Ponce.
The local scientific community has also recognized their invaluable contributions. Two members have received the Carlos J. Finlay Order (the highest recognition given by the Cuban government for personal outstanding contributions to science). Martin and Lourdes have each received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Havana University President. The BEG remains the only research group to have won the National Environmental Award, given by the Cuban Government. They have also won five Academy Awards from the Cuban Academy of Sciences.
Nurturing the ornithologists and educators of the future
The BEG also places emphasis on training and supporting the future ornithologists of Cuba and beyond. So far, nine PhD theses, 14 Masters theses. and 46 undergraduate theses have been supervised by BEG ornithologists. Three more PhD theses and 2 Master theses are in progress.
In addition to providing quality tertiary education to students, the BEG extends its capacity building to staff from Cuban protected areas and other conservation institutions. Over 127 participants have benefited from these workshops. The group has also provided teacher-training workshops for primary and secondary school teachers – a total of 120 participants, in both urban and rural regions of the island. These workshops have enabled teachers to encourage student enquiry, feed their curiosity, and deepen their understanding of ornithological concepts.
Dr. Lourdes Mugica and the Bird Ecology Group share educational materials on birds with the local community and children, Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival.
The thriving Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival in Cuba
For the past 15 years, the BEG has been the Cuban organizers of the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, a month-long festival to celebrate birds only found within the region. BEG members have worked to promote the value of and foster respect for Cuban birds and ecosystems among the public, using a mix of traditional (TV, radio, print) and new media (social media and apps). An astonishing 3,622 activities have taken place in the 15 Cuban provinces, with the participation of about 166,000 people, mainly children.
We are extremely proud to support and work alongside the Bird Ecology Group to study, conserve, and educate about Cuban birds and look forward to continuing our vibrant partnership. We wish the team many more years of success!
Alieny Gonzalez shows a young child how to use binoculars to see a bird for the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival in Cuba. (photo by Lourdes Mugica)Ianela Garcia (left) and Alieny González (right) during a shorebirds habitat use study in Rïo Máximo Fauna Refuge. (photo by Lourdes Mugica)
The poster entitled “The Endemic Birds of Jamaica – 31 More Reasons to be Proud of Jamaica” will be distributed island wide, free of cost to all public education institutions. National school distribution efforts will commence on September 1st. The artwork is from “A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies” by Herb Raffaele et al., illustrations by Tracy Pedersen and Kristin Williams.
It was October 2001, a few weeks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when BirdLife Jamaica launched the first ever poster to illustrate all of Jamaica’s endemic birds at the Public Affairs Auditorium of the United States Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica. The newly minted U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica, Sue McCourt Cobb, attended the launch.
Dr. Herbert A. Raffaele, then Chief of Division of International Conservation at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was scheduled to be the keynote presenter at that event, but was unfortunately not able to attend. All senior-level U.S. federal government employees were on high alert and non-essential international travel had been banned. Despite the stress-filled and unusual atmosphere, the launch of Birdlife Jamaica’s poster and associated booklet, entitled “Birds of Jamaica — A Celebration,” to illustrate all of Jamaica’s endemic birds proceeded and was an immediate success. The 2001 poster, along with copies of the Teacher’s Guide to the Birds of Jamaica and the book “Birds of Jamaica” by Downer & Sutton – which provided full photographic coverage of every resident bird species in Jamaica – was distributed free of cost to almost 600 primary, all-age and secondary schools across the island.
Twenty years later, Dr. Raffaele was again guest speaker on July 25, 2021, when BirdLife Jamaica launched a new, updated poster to illustrate Jamaica’s endemic birds. This time he was able to attend the launch, albeit on Zoom, due to the pandemic. Raffaele applauded BirdLife Jamaica for the organization’s leadership in shedding light on the island’s commonly marginalized natural history. He emphasized that today there was more interest, and greater opportunities to bring Jamaicans face-to-face with the island’s biodiversity and to magnify the local eco-culture. Raffaele said, “This is what conservation is all about! Working with local people to develop respect and pride in THEIR biodiversity.”
He added, “Your success at this will ultimately be reflected in the extent to which future generations of Jamaicans will have prospering populations of local birds to enjoy. This poster can prove a valuable tool in such a process. I and the Cape Cod Bird Club congratulate you on this especially important accomplishment.”
This new poster features thirty one species of birds (download the PDF here). The 2001 edition featured 30 species. So why thirty-one? On the new poster, the Olive-throated Parakeet (Eupsittula nana) which has one subspecies in Jamaica (E.n. nana) and one in Central America (E.n. astec), is now considered by some taxonomists as two full species—the Jamaican Parakeet (Eupsittula nana) and Aztec Parakeet (Eupsittula astec). BirdLife Jamaica President Damany Calder explained:
“As with a number of other birds, whether the Jamaican Parakeet (or Olive-throated Parakeet) is considered an endemic species or not depends on which classification system is used.
During the launch webinar event, BirdLife Jamaica also unveiled their new logo. It pays homage to the original logo but has a new modern look to it.
“The American Ornithological Society, which publishes the AOS Checklist of North and Middle American Birds* does not consider the bird endemic at the species level. It is lumped together with the Central American bird. However, AOS did change the scientific names of a number of parakeets, including Jamaica’s. The Jamaican and Central American population are now Eupsittula nana and the Jamaican subspecies is E.n. nana. In the UK, however, they use a different taxonomy. By the closest of votes, the British Ornithologists’ Union adopted the International Ornithological Council’s World Bird List as its favored taxonomy. So that list too classifies the Jamaican parakeet as a subspecies. A third classification system is that of Birdlife International, which compiled the Handbook of Birds of the World. That is the system used in the recent “Birds of the West Indies” (Lynx and BirdLife International Field Guides) written by Kirwan et al. That system splits many more species, including the Jamaican Parakeet as a distinct species, using the same scientific name as above – that is, Eupsittula nana.
“So, it comes down to preferences. The two primary ornithological societies lump the Jamaican population with the Central American population; the UK’s top bird non-profit organization splits it. A paper in Zootaxa by Remsen et al. reviews the genetics of these birds and led to the change in the genus name. For us working in Jamaica, we are inclined to split the bird into a distinct species, because it can be justified by a solid source and it gives us another important selling point to push for the conservation of this widely persecuted Jamaican species, which is perceived as a pest.”
The first poster of the Endemic Birds of Jamaica, published in 2001.
The production of the first poster and informational booklet in 2001 received broad corporate sponsorship and support (from Shell Jamaica Ltd, The Caribbean Cement Company, The Hilton Hotel, and the Jamaica Gleaner Company, among others). The poster quickly became a fixture at major hotels across the island. On this occasion, BirdLife Jamaica took the position not to solicit sponsorship directly from corporations whose values and goals directly conflicted with the conservation of birds and their habitats. BirdLife Jamaica believes this to be a critical issue. Calder noted: “We felt it might be confusing and even counterproductive to add the names and logos of businesses whose existence depended on the continued degradation, pollution and marginalization of the natural world.”
This time around, the Cape Cod Bird Club in Massachusetts is a major sponsor of the new poster. BirdLife Jamaica provided a 100% match to the Cape Cod Bird Club grant through donations from its Board. The Club provides small grants of up to US$1,000 to the Caribbean for projects relating directly or indirectly to the well-being and protection of birds.
In launching this long-anticipated public educational resource, BirdLife Jamaica Calder described the poster as invaluable for school education programs. He believes it will help all Jamaicans learn about the island’s rich and globally significant natural heritage, encouraging Jamaicans to value nature and to acknowledge the public’s right to a clean, healthy environment.
BirdLife Jamaica is the only organization on the island specifically concerned with the conservation of birds and their habitats. Ten species of Jamaican birds are considered globally threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), that is, at risk of becoming globally extinct, and at least two Jamaican species have become extinct since the 1800s. Field-based efforts are ongoing to determine whether the latter two species, namely the Jamaican Petrel and the Jamaican Pauraque, may yet survive in remnant populations within the most inaccessible areas of the island, such as the Cockpit Country and Blue & John Crow Mountains National Park.
The poster is perfect for schools, libraries, and anyone who loves birds. It will be officially available from September 1st, 2021 but you can pre-order yours using this form.
*The AOS Checklist is considered the official source on the taxonomy of birds in North and Middle America, including adjacent islands. It is the checklist used by Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s popular eBird program and Birds of the World – the new comprehensive website on all of the world’s birds, bringing together content from 4 different resources (a subscription to this website is included in BirdsCaribbean membership). Hence, if you are entering your sightings of the Jamaican Parakeet in eBird Caribbean you will not find Jamaican Parakeet, you need to search for Olive-throated Parakeet and enter it as such in your eBird checklists. If, in the future, the species is deemed to merit full species status by the AOS Checklist Committee, then your sightings will be updated to the new name, Jamaican Parakeet. Similarly, note that the Red-billed Streamertail and Black-billed Streamertail are no longer considered two distinct species by the AOS. They are now lumped into one species “Streamertail” (Trochilus polytmus) with two subspecies: Streamertail (Red-billed) – T.p. polytmus and Streamertail (Black-billed) – T.p. scitulus). In ebird you have the option to enter your sighting as Streamertail or Streamertail (Red-billed).
Enjoy the Gallery of Photos below showing presentations of the poster to different agencies and organizations in Jamaica and also a few screen shots from the July 25th poster launch event on zoom. Click on each photo to see it larger and to view as a slide show.
Poster presentation to Mr. Ainsley Henry, CEO & Conservator of Forests at the Jamaican Forestry Dept, by Ricardo Miller, BirdLife Jamaica.
Birding legend John Fletcher is interviewed by Damion Whyte about his life as a birder and how ornithology and birding has developed in Jamaica over the years.
Poster presentation to Dr. Tracy Commock, The Director, Natural History Museum of Jamica, Institute of Jamaica by Ricardo Miller, BirdLife Jamaica
Poster presentation to Dr. Dwight Robinson, Head of the Dept of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, by Ricardo Miller, BirdLife Jamaica & NEPA (National Environment and Planning Agency).
Damany Calder, BirdLife Jamaica President, welcomes viewers at launch webinar on Zoom.
Herb Raffaele, keynote speaker, at the poster launch event on Zoom.
Poster presentation to Gary Allen, RGR Gleaner Communications Group by Damion Whyte, BirdLife Jamaica.
Poster presentation to Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, CEO, Jamaica Environment Trust by Damany Calder, BirdLife Jamaica President.
Poster presentation to Heather Pinnock, Urban Development Corporation, by Damion Whyte, BirdLife Jamaica
Poster presentation to Ms. Shanique Hamilton, Senior Teacher at Denham Town High School, by Damion Whyte, BirdLife Jamaica.
During the webinar launch on zoom, Ricardo Miller explained why the new poster has 31 species.
Poster presentation to Mrs. Helen Austin, Vice Principal of Charlie Smith High School, by Damion Whyte, BirdLife Jamaica.
Flock together with us this August for the AOS 2021 Virtual Meeting! The meeting, August 9-13, features a fantastic line-up of keynote and plenary speakers, workshops, symposia, discussions, and social events. The meeting theme, Birds of Many Feathers Flock Together, aims to harness the power of all the individuals who study, conserve, and educate about birds. BirdsCaribbean is excited to be a part of the meeting through several events, including a symposium, and a meet and greet social hour. Mark your calendars, be sure to register, and read more about these events below!
BirdsCaribbean Symposium Will Showcase Caribbean Research and Conservation
On August 11th and 12th, BirdsCaribbean will host a three-part symposium entitled, “Resilient Caribbean Birds—Surviving and Thriving in a Challenging World.” This symposium will highlight lessons learned from recent avian research and conservation projects in the Caribbean that focus on the resilience of birds and people to cope with numerous threats, including storms and hurricanes, invasive species, habitat destruction, and more. Sixteen ornithologists and conservationists will share their work and there will be time for Q&A and discussion. See the full abstract below; the AOS Meeting program and abstracts are available for download here.
Get Social with Us!
BirdsCaribbean will host a Meet and Greet Social Hour on Tues Aug 10 from 4-5pm EDT. We all miss live events and getting to catch up in person. We’re hoping you’ll join us on Zoom, where we can all grab our favorite Caribbean cocktails and see your smiling faces! Our Meet and Greet is a fantastic opportunity for BirdsCaribbean members to reconnect and for new recruits to meet some friendly colleagues. Come mingle with our amazing community and hopefully get inspired to learn more during our three-part symposium over the following two days. We’ll be starting out with some ice breakers (think favorite Caribbean bird and Caribbean cocktail), followed by a fun bird trivia quiz to test how well you know your Caribbean birds (studying encouraged!).
BirdsCaribbean Symposium Abstract: Resilient Caribbean birds: Surviving and thriving in a challenging world
Organizers: Lisa G. Sorenson and Adrianne G. Tossas
The insular Caribbean is recognized as one of the top five global biodiversity conservation hotspots, yet this important region’s wildlife face numerous threats, from destruction of habitats for development to more frequent and extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. The region is of exceptional importance to birds, hosting 171 endemic species. It also serves as a key migratory route for more than 100 migrants, whose journeys between the North and South American mainlands depend on quality habitat throughout the islands. BirdsCaribbean and its wide network of partners across the Caribbean have recognized that in order for birds and their habitats to survive and thrive during these times of rapid change, conservationists and communities must share resources, collaborate, and flock together to stem the tides of avian loss.
During our symposium, members of the BirdsCaribbean community—scientists, conservationists, students, and volunteers—will share their work and lessons learned on building resilience for the region’s resident and migratory bird species. The diversity of research and accomplishments showcased in this symposium is a testament to the region’s tenacious spirit, camaraderie, resourcefulness, and inherent passion for their natural world. It is also a testament to the resilience of birds, demonstrating that many species of birds can survive if we give them the chance to do so, by alleviating threats, protecting habitats, and engaging communities in conservation.
The Bahama Nuthatch is finally declared a full species. Sadly, due to recent hurricanes, it may now be extinct. (photo by Bill Hayes)
The Bahama Nuthatch (Sitta insularis), formerly considered a subspecies of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla), has finally been split from the Brown-headed Nuthatch. This elevates the Bahama Nuthatch to a full species, meaning we now have a new Caribbean and Bahamas endemic!
The Bahama Nuthatch was split from the Brown-headed Nuthatch due to research showing differences in vocalizations. The calls of the Bahama Nuthatch are strikingly different from those of the Brown-headed Nuthatch, including a unique, rapid, high “warble.” In addition, there is a weak response of each species to playback of vocalizations of the other species. In other words, each species does not recognize the other as members of the same species. Additionally, there are some physical differences that distinguish the Bahama Nuthatch such as a much darker brown facial stripe, much longer bill, and considerably shorter wings.
Bahamian Biologist, Scott Johnson commented, “After many years and a lot of research, the Bahama Nuthatch has been elevated to full species status (although many of us knew and recognized it as such for a while now). Sadly, we are not sure if it is still alive. Hurricane Dorian destroyed the only place on Grand Bahama where it was found. I will be keeping an eye and ear out for this species during my next trip to GB.”
More surveys are urgently needed. We hope we can still find this incredibly special bird and find a way to bring it back. In the meantime, conserving its pine forest habitat is paramount!
St. Kitts Bullfinch granted full species status
Since it was first described by George Lawrence in 1881, the St. Kitts Bullfinch was considered a sub-species of the Puerto Rican Bullfinch (Milopyrrha portorinsis). This bird, locally known as the St. Kitts Bullfinch (Melopyrrha portoricensis grandis), was living in St. Kitts with a restricted distribution on the upper slopes of Mt. Misery.
However, the AOS have formally amended the status of the St. Kitts bird from a subspecies to a distinct full species, now officially named the St. Kitts Bullfinch (Milopyrrha grandis). This gives St. Kitts its first and only endemic bird! The catch – this bird has been extinct for almost 100 years!
Thanks to a few specimens and a PhD study on this unique bullfinch, the St. Kitt’s Bullfinch was differentiated from the Puerto Rican Bullfinch by a larger size of about 25%, bigger and heavier beak, and differences in coloration. The St. Kitts Bullfinch has consistent black markings on the undertail coverts that the Puerto Rico birds do not have. In addition, the plumage of St. Kitts birds is more glossy black and the throat and upper breast patch is more extended and darker reddish-brown.
What caused the extinction of this species? It’s hypothesized that the St. Kitt’s Bullfinch likely existed with a very restricted range on Mt. Liamuiga. It was thought to be common in the 1890s but when two large hurricanes struck in 1899, the bullfinch disappeared. You can read more about the St. Kitt’s Bullfinch here and here.
Museum specimens showing the marked difference in size between a male St. Kitts Bullfinch (upper) and male Puerto Rican Bullfinch (lower). (photo by Douglas Wechsler)
Mounted specimen of a St. Kitts Bullfinch. (Naturalis Zoology andGeology catalogues)
Other Caribbean taxonomic updates
Additionally, there were a few interesting broader reclassifications published in the AOS Supplement. The Antillean Piculet (Nesoctites micromegas) is reclassified as no longer belonging to the Piculet subfamily. Recent genetic evidence shows that these unique Caribbean picids are more closely related to woodpeckers (subfamily Picinae) than to the smaller South American piculets. However, the Antillean Piculet still lacks some classic woodpecker features such as stiffened rectrices (tail feathers) and adaptations for drilling, making it unique among both piculets and woodpeckers.
Antillean Euphonia, Puerto Rican Subspecies (Photo by Aldredo Irizarry)
Another Caribbean classic, the Antillean Euphonia (Euphonia musica), has been reclassified with the genus name—Chlorophonia musica. Recent genetic analyses have distinguished Antillean Euphonia as well as its cousin, the Elegant Euphonia, as more closely related to the Chlorophonia finches than the Euphonias (all within Family Fringillidae).
Another generic change—Jamaican Owl has been moved from Pseudoscops grammicus to Asio grammicus.
Finally, Crested Caracara (Caracara cherway) and Southern Caracara (Caracara plancus) have been lumped into a single species Caracara plancus.
We are excited to welcome the two new species of endemics to the BirdsCaribbean family, and hope beyond hope that they somehow still survive. Caribbean birds remain understudied and we hope future research will help us solve some other taxonomic mysteries in the Caribbean.
BirdsCaribbean hosted its first Bird Zine (pronounced zeen) Contest during the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival. Now, what is a Zine, you may ask?
A zine is a self-published booklet. Zines tend to be a collage of different images, text, and messages put together by writing, drawing, and/or cutting and gluing content into a booklet. In other words, it’s a hands-on creation utilizing various techniques that showcase informational content. We recognize the value of encouraging this form of expression and acknowledging the talent and knowledge of both novice and experienced birders.
The contest was presented as an opportunity for anyone with a love for birds to dig deep into one of the following topics that fascinates them: Bird Sounds; Bird Flight; Caribbean Endemic Bird Species Spotlight; and Why Caribbean Birds Matter.
We received 33 zines (22 in Spanish and 11 in English) from Barbados, Bonaire, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago. Some zines were handmade while others – like Allison Perkins’ zine about the Blue-headed Quail Dove and Alondra Del Mar Norat Pérez’s zine ‘Get to Know Me – the Puerto Rican Emerald’ – were beautifully made using free online design software.
All zines submitted are worthy of celebration! The unique quality of a zine is how its ability to share an idea/s will differ depending on the context and reader. We honour the work of all the zine creators. They were artistically unique and effective at expanding our knowledge of the bird and topic.
Grand Prize Winners
Adults (16 and older)
Arnaldo Toledo, Cuba, was the winner of our Grand Prize for adults (ages 16 and older). Arnaldo Toledo, Cuba- “Apuntes de campo Carpintero Churroso” (Field Notes Fernandina’s Flicker). Arnaldo’s zine explores the amazing adaptations of a Cuban endemic bird, the Fernandina’s Flicker. He beautifully combines art & science with his exquisite drawings and his deep knowledge of the species. One judge commented, “This zine is beautifully designed and packed with information. It reminds me of artwork I would find in The Naturalist’s Library by Sir Jardine Williams (published in the 19th Century).”
We asked Arnaldo what inspired him to create his zine. He replied, “Woodpeckers are among my favorite birds, they are so active and full of cool adaptations. The Fernandina’s Flicker is special for me, I have spent a lot of time observing it and studying its life. It is a Threatened species that needs all the help we can give it. I had a lot of fun creating the Zine. I was able to draw freely about a topic I love, mixing a lot of art techniques and ideas. My hope was to make anyone who opens my zine interested in our beautiful flicker.”
Children (15 and under)
Dayami Ravelo, Cuba, age 9, created a lovely zine on the topic of Why Caribbean Birds Matter. Dayami Ravelo, Cuba- “Por qué importan las aves del Caribe” (Why Caribbean Birds Matter). Dayami’s zine showcases many Cuban endemic birds and why they are important. It is inspirational to both children and adults. Dayami’s zine received great reviews from the judges. One judge commented, “It is visually appealing with the hand drawn photos of all the birds and landscapes. A lot of effort was put into creating this zine and I am curious to learn more about Cuba’s endemic birds.”
Prizes for Each Age Category
After much deliberation, the judges made their selections in the following age group categories:
Adults (ages 16+)
First Place:1st Beatriz Hernandez, Puerto Rico – “Why Caribbean Birds Matter” Beatriz’ lovely sketches and handwritten information on Todies makes this zine an absolute delight to read. Beatriz was delighted to hear that she was a winner and commented, “I was not only making something, I was learning along the way! Creating the zine was an incredible opportunity to think about how to combine art and words to talk about Why Caribbean Birds Matter. By using the iconic todies, endemic and well represented in the Caribbean, I hope to engage others to learn about the importance of birds in our region as well as ways to protect them and their habitats.”
Winner: 13 to 15 years old: Miguel Alejandro, 13, Cuba – “Por qué importan las aves del Caribe” (Why Caribbean Birds Matter)
Winner: 10 to 12 years old: Luis Yaniel, 10, Cuba – “Vuelos de aves” (Bird flight)
Winner: 7 to 9 years old: Iris Garrido, 9, Cuba – “Tesoro de mi país” (Treasure of My Country)
We would like to express our deepest thanks to everyone who entered their zine; and to the judges, who had the undoubtedly difficult task of reviewing all the zines and selecting the winners.
We invite you to visit our Caribbean Bird Zine Library at this link and below to explore and enjoy the amazing bird zines we received. We would love to see this collection of bird zines grow! Please contact Aliya.Hosein@birdscaribbean.org and info@birdscaribbean.org if you would like to contribute a zine – or two – to our library.
Binkie takes kids birding at a nearby sports field. It did not long for the kids to become hooked on birds!
Binkie van Es shares his experience of working with disadvantaged youth in Sint Maarten—introducing them to birds and science through the BirdSleuth Caribbean education program. Was he successful in getting kids interested in birds? Read on to find out!
In 2014 BirdsCaribbean provided me with training to their BirdSleuth Caribbean Education Program. The training venue for the 3-day workshop was in the beautiful Retreat Garden at the Bahamas National Trust in Nassau. I will never forget how I was introduced into a wonderful new world that will be with me the rest of my life. Birding has never been the same since that week.
From the very first training day I was hooked on the program. I enjoyed every aspect of it.
For those of you that are not familiar with BirdSleuth, it is a program geared to young people. It teaches the life cycle of birds, the challenges birds face, their importance for us, and human influences (both positive and negative) on birds. The goal is to reconnect children with nature – and birds.
The program is set up as a classroom curriculum, but is extremely easy to adapt to other settings. Separate sections can be taught outdoors and during daytime events. With a bit of creativity, “birdsleuthing” can take place off grid. Over the years, I have used BirdSleuth in different ways – whether it is training educators, or teaching children in class myself.
How is the BirdSleuth program received? This varies, depending on the group. The greatest challenge is to get it introduced into school curriculums. The teachers are willing, but school boards are not so keen. The best memories, and greatest successes, have been working with children directly.
Bird feeders in the outdoor classroom in Sint Maarten, part of the Player Development Foundation’s afterschool program for youth that now includes bird watching!
In the summer of 2020, I started working with an afterschool program in Sint Maarten, called Player Development Foundation. This foundation had evolved from a sports activity/ baseball little league to after-school experience-based education. The ages of the children range from 6 – 14 years; they come from difficult backgrounds, many with broken families and living in poverty.
I started visiting them one afternoon per week to teach them about birds. Using BirdSleuth Caribbean, they learn about nature, how to help keep our environment healthy, and how they can learn from bird behavior.
In the first lesson I introduced myself and started talking with them about birds, to find out what they already knew. Importantly, I made them realize that they knew more than they thought they did.
Over the course of several weeks, I taught these children how to use binoculars. They got to see birds close up for the first time in their lives and they were mesmerized.
We also made their location more bird-friendly, installing bird feeders (including feeders the kids made themselves), and attracting an ever-growing variety of birds into their outdoor classroom. Now, they get to see Bananaquits, Black-Faced Grassquits, Bullfinches, Carib Grackles, Pearly-Eyed Thrashers, and Zenaida Doves on a daily basis.
Then the community where they all live became a COVID hotspot, and their coach advised me to stay away until the risk was manageable again. They had to shut down twice for a fortnight because of exposure to the virus.
Nevertheless, the children had become thoroughly hooked on bird watching by that time. They continued to observe the feeders and study the bird’s behavior. Whenever they spotted a bird that they could not name, they would send me a picture for identification. On a weekly basis, the coach would post pictures of their bird adventures on Facebook.
Then the most amazing thing happened. The children were asked by the local newspaper if they were willing to write about the birds in their classroom, and willing they were!!!
A bully bird at the feeders – Find out what happened to the quesadilla!
So far, they have published three newspaper articles. Each story covers one bird species—the first one was on Bananaquits, the second on Carib Grackles, and third about Pearly-Eyed Thrashers.
The children are amazing. They observe carefully and they work hard on their research, although they only have access to one laptop with internet access. They observed, for example, the pecking order between the various species and between male and female birds.
I must admit that the children are better story tellers than I am, and the only help they got from their teacher was with grammar.
If you work with children or are planning to work with them, please consider the BirdSleuth Caribbean program if you are not using it already. It will open up a wonderful new world for you also.
A week after writing this blog post, I will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and am already planning my return to the children, who in turn, are also excited to hear that I am coming back to them to continue their bird education.
I extend gratitude to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for developing BirdSleuth and would like to thank BirdsCaribbean for adapting the program for the Caribbean, for introducing me to it and providing all the teaching materials and binoculars. I appreciate all the children and adults who have so far been willing to be taught by me. Most of all, I extend my appreciation to Lisa Sorensen at BirdsCaribbean, who kept me motivated with her boundless energy, and who gave me this new, very rewarding, purpose in life.
By Cornelis “Binkie” van Es is retired from his career in sales and now working full-time on his second “career” as a bird educator, volunteer for several environmental non-profits, and bird tour guide on Sint Maarten/ St. Martin. He is a certified Bird Guide with BirdsCaribbean’s Caribbean Birding Trail program. Do visit this wonderful island – you’ll have the best time birding with Binkie!
BirdsCaribbean thanks the US Fish and Wildlife Service, NMBCA (Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act) Program, and our members and generous donors for funding support for our BirdSleuth Caribbean program. We also thank Jennifer Fee and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for their partnership and assistance.
Happy World Rainforest Day! We want to take today to appreciate some of the Caribbean’s beautiful tropical forests and the unique birds residing within them, as well as provide you with some tips to help conserve the world’s rainforests.
Did you know that the poop of these birds helps keeps these forests growing? Birds are some of the most important seed dispersers, especially in the Caribbean where many of the typical tropical mammals such as monkeys and peccaries are lacking. As birds fly around the forest eating many a tropical fruit, they poop out the seeds, planting many future plants. Some studies have even used birds to help reforest areas using perches and feeders to encourage extra pooping!
The biggest rainforest in the Caribbean is the El Yunque Forest in Puerto Rico. Several years ago this forest took a hard hit during Hurricane Maria. Many of the Caribbean rainforests are actually adapted to the annual hurricane season, tropical plants such as Cecropias are some of the first recolonizers. But climate change has made recent hurricanes far more destructive than many rainforests are accustomed to.
Only 25% of the rainforest remains in the Caribbean. And with continuous destruction for agriculture and growing development we might continue to lose the lush, tropical hills of the Caribbean.
Take a look at our infographic for some ideas on how you can make some of your daily habits more rainforest friendly. Feel free to download and share with others!
