Andrys Gómez trabaja para el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales como técnica de vida silvestre en la República Dominicana. La capacitación en técnicas de vida silvestre, como el anillamiento de aves, es esencial para su trabajo, tanto para ayudar a monitorear la fauna única de la República Dominicana como para otorgar permisos a otras personas que proponen proyectos de monitoreo de la vida silvestre. Nuestros talleres internacionales anuales sobre anillamiento de aves en el Caribe enseñan a biólogos caribeños como Andrys los conceptos básicos del anillamiento de aves, incluyendo la ética, las técnicas esenciales de manejo, cómo evaluar la condición corporal y el estado reproductivo, y cómo determinar la edad de las aves cuando se tienen en la mano. Los datos recopilados durante el anillamiento de aves pueden ayudar a los biólogos a estudiar la supervivencia, la demografía, la fenología y la calidad del hábitat. Obtén más información sobre la Red de Anillamiento de Aves del Caribe aquí.
En febrero de 2025, pasé una semana en Jarabacoa, rodeada de montañas, neblina mañanera y, lo más importante, ¡aves! Tuve la suerte de participar en el 4er Taller de Anillamiento de Aves en República Dominicana, organizado por BirdsCaribbean y otros aliados internacionales, junto a un equipo increíble de personas de diferentes partes del Caribe que viven, respiran y hacen posible la conservación de las aves.
Un amanecer mágico en las montañas de Jarabacoa, República Dominicana (foto Holly Garrod)
Cual ave será?
Desde el primer día supe que esto no iba a ser un simple curso. Cada día era levantarse antes de que saliera el sol, caminar entre el rocío para abrir redes de niebla, y esperar con emoción a ver quién caía primero: ¿un barrancolí (Todus subulatus)? ¿una cigua común (Coereba flaveola)? ¿un cuatro ojos (Phaenicophilus palmarum)?
Pero más allá de ver aves de cerca—lo cual ya de por sí es una maravilla—lo que realmente me marcó fue todo lo que aprendimos. Las técnicas que practicamos no solo son útiles, ¡son necesarias! En un país como el nuestro, donde aún hay tantos vacíos de información sobre nuestras aves, saber cómo anillarlas, cómo leer su muda, cómo tomar sus medidas y cómo registrar los datos correctamente, es dar un paso gigante hacia la conservación real y con base científica.
Un pitigre (Tyrannus dominicensus) esta anillado por un biólogo usando los anillos del BirdsCaribbean (foto Holly Garrod)
Entrenadora Daniela Ventura instruye participantes Justin Saunders, Kenrith Carter, y Bradley Watson en algunas de los básicos de anillamiento de aves con un Chua-chua (Turdus ardosiaceus) (foto Holly Garrod)
Una de las cosas que más agradezco fue el trabajo excepcional realizado por el equipo de instructores. Todos y cada uno de ellos (Holly, JC, Daniela y Zoya) supieron manejarse con un grupo súper diverso—desde personas que nunca habían tocado un ave, hasta otras que ya tenían mucha experiencia en campo—y nos hicieron sentir cómodos y valorados a todos.
El apoyo de Holly fue especialmente sobresaliente. Ella increíblemente traducía cada cosa para que nadie se perdiera de nada de lo que se decia, además de que tenía siempre una respuesta por más difícil que fuera la pregunta. Su paciencia, claridad y pasión hicieron que cada sesión fuera una oportunidad para aprender.
Se sentía como si estuviéramos aprendiendo todo el tiempo, incluso cuando no teníamos aves en las manos. En esos momentos de espera entre rondas, lejos de ser tiempo muerto, Zoya y Daniela aprovechaban para hacernos preguntas, retarnos a reflexionar o revisar conceptos clave. Cada pausa se convertía en una nueva oportunidad para afianzar lo aprendido.
Además, fue muy enriquecedor compartir con participantes de distintos niveles de experiencia. Aprendimos muchísimo observando las técnicas de quienes ya tenían más experiencia en anillamiento, como de Alejandro de Cuba nos enseñando consejos en como determinar edad en el chuá-chuá (Turdus ardosiaceus), e incluso gracias a JC conocimos distintas formas de hacer nudos y de recoger las redes que se utilizan en Europa. Ese intercambio de conocimientos y estilos fue un gran recordatorio de que, en este camino, siempre hay algo nuevo que aprender, y que crecer en comunidad lo hace aún más especial.
Garry Auguiste anilla una saltarina (Seiurus aurocapilla) mientras Andrys Gomez anota los datos (foto Holly Garrod)
Andrys Gomez anilla una ciguita común (Coereba flaveola) (Foto Holly Garrod)
Entrenadora Zoya Buckmire habla con participantes atentos en como utilizar el guía conocido como la bibla de anilladores de aves (foto Holly Garrod)
Retrato de una barrancolï (Todus subulatus) en la mano (foto Holly Garrod)
Que nos dice un ave en la mano?
Entre lo más importante que me llevo de este taller:
La muda de las aves y cómo interpretarla para estimar edad y condición. Quién diría que podías contar las etapas de la vida de un ave por sus plumas.
El uso de Pyle (ese libraco que al principio asusta pero luego te salva), una herramienta compleja pero invaluable para el anillador.
Como aplicar el sistema Wolfe-Ryder-Pyle o WRP para clasificar edades de forma más precisa basando en los plumajes de aves en lugar de un sistema basado en el calendario..
Para qué sirven todos los datos que se recogen al anillar: desde estudiar migración hasta estimar supervivencia y fidelidad al sitio, éxito reproductivo y muchos otros factores.
Y algo que nunca había considerado: cómo trabajar con el público mientras anillas, compartiendo conocimiento de manera responsable y educativa. Porque sí, enseñar también es parte del trabajo.
Ani, estas bien?
Una de las experiencias que más voy a recordar fue procesar nada más y nada menos que un Judío (Crotophaga ani). Nadie más quiso hacerlo porque, siendo sincera, ¡olía bastante mal! Aunque no pudimos anillarlo porque no teníamos anillos lo suficientemente grandes para su tamaño, tuve la oportunidad de tomar todas sus medidas y aplicar lo que habíamos aprendido sobre muda.
Usando el libro de Pyle y el sistema WRP, logramos determinar su ciclo de vida con bastante precisión. Fue como resolver un rompecabezas en tiempo real, conectando lo que veía con toda la teoría del taller. Nunca imaginé que leer plumas pudiera ser tan poderoso y emocionante.
El pico de un judió (Crotophaga ani) esta comparando a los dibujos en el guía de Pyle para determinar edad y sexo (foto Holly Garrod)
Andrys Gomez pone un judió (Crotophaga ani) dentro una copa para pesarlo (foto Holly Garrod)
Andrys Gomez anillando un judió (Crotophaga ani) mientras Jennifer Valiulis anota los datos (foto Holly Garrod)
Más que un anillo en un ave
Me fui del taller no solo con nuevas habilidades, sino con una perspectiva diferente. Más allá del conocimiento técnico, el taller nos ofreció la posibilidad de formar parte de una red regional de personas comprometidas con la conservación y el estudio de las aves. Fortalecimos vínculos, compartimos experiencias y, lo más importante, nos llevamos una responsabilidad: aplicar lo aprendido para cerrar brechas de información en nuestros propios países.
Además, me llevé amistades nuevas, historias compartidas y un sentimiento de comunidad que todavía me acompaña. Gente apasionada, con ganas de aprender y de proteger lo que tenemos. Jarabacoa fue el escenario perfecto para todo esto con ese frío de las mañanas, y la sensación constante de estar rodeada de vida.
Si algo me quedó claro es que anillar aves no es solamente ponerles un anillito. Es aprender a capturarlas y manejarlas con cuidado y respeto, de forma ética. Es comprometerte a cuidarlas, a conocerlas mejor y a ayudar a otros a hacer lo mismo.
Y yo, feliz, me apunto para seguir en ese camino.
Agradecimientos: Gracias al financiamiento del USFWS y al apoyo del Instituto de Poblaciones de Aves, que hicieron posible este taller.
Andrys Gómez es una bióloga dominicana especializada en la conservación de humedales, el monitoreo de la vida silvestre y la gestión de la biodiversidad. Actualmente trabaja como técnica de vida silvestre en el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales de la República Dominicana, donde contribuye al monitoreo y la gestión de humedales, áreas protegidas y especies de interés para la conservación. Su trabajo combina la investigación de campo, el monitoreo de la biodiversidad, las evaluaciones técnicas y la educación ambiental, con un interés particular en los ecosistemas de humedales y su conservación
Ayúdanos a capacitar a la próxima generación de anilladores de aves del Caribe
Talleres como este están ayudando a construir una red cada vez más grande de anilladores de aves caribeños capacitados que puedan recopilar los datos de alta calidad que necesitamos para comprender mejor —y conservar— las aves de nuestra región. Tu apoyo ayuda a BirdsCaribbean a brindar capacitación práctica, equipo, tutoría y oportunidades para los conservacionistas de toda la región. Apoya a la Red de Anillamiento de Aves del Caribe y ayúdanos a que este importante trabajo siga creciendo.
Andrys Gómez works for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources as a Wildlife Technician in the Dominican Republic. Training for wildlife techniques like bird banding are essential to her job both to help with monitoring the Dominican Republic’s unique wildlife and distribute permits to other people proposing wildlife monitoring projects. Our annual international Caribbean Bird Banding Workshops teaches Caribbean biologists like Andrys the basics of bird banding, including ethics, essential handling techniques, how to evaluate body condition and breeding status, and how to determine the age of birds in the hand. Data collected during bird banding can help biologists looking at survivorship, demography, phenology, and habitat quality. Learn more about the Caribbean Bird Banding Network here.
In February 2025, I spent a week in Jarabacoa, surrounded by mountains, morning mist, and, most importantly, birds! I was fortunate to attend the fourth annual Bird Banding Workshop in the Dominican Republic. This skills-building workshop is organized by BirdsCaribbean and facilitated by an incredible team of people from different parts of the Caribbean who live, breathe, and make bird conservation possible.
Sunrises are always magical in the misty mountains of Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. (photo by Holly Garrod)
Which bird will it be??
From the first day, I knew this wasn’t going to be a simple course. Every day involved waking up before sunrise, wading through the dew to open mist nets, and waiting with excitement to see who would we find in the nets first: a Broad-billed Tody (Todus subulatus)? A Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola)? A Black-crowned Palm-Tanager (Phaenicophilus palmarum)?
But beyond seeing birds up close—which is already a wonder in itself—what truly left its mark on me was everything we learned. The techniques we practiced are not only useful, they’re necessary! In a country like ours, where there are still so many information gaps about our birds, knowing how to band them, how to read their molt, take their measurements, and record the data correctly is a giant step toward real, science-based conservation.
Biologist bands a Gray Kingbird using BirdsCaribbean bands. (photo by Holly Garrod)
Trainer Daniela Ventura walks participants Justin Saunders, Kenrith Carter, and Bradley Watson through some of the bird banding basics with a Red-legged Thrush. (photo by Holly Garrod)
One of the things I’m most grateful for was the exceptional work of our team of instructors. Each and every one of them—Holly, Juan Carlos (JC), Daniela, and Zoya—knew how to handle a super diverse group, from people who had never handled a bird to others with extensive field experience, making us all feel comfortable and valued.
Holly’s support was especially outstanding. She translated everything incredibly well, ensuring that no one missed anything that was said, and always had an answer, no matter the difficulty of our questions. Her patience, clarity, and passion made every session a learning opportunity.
Even when we didn’t have birds in our hands, it felt like we were learning all the time. Rather than let the waits between net rounds become downtime, Zoya and Daniela used those moments to ask us questions, challenge us to reflect, and review key concepts. Each pause became another opportunity to reinforce what we had learned.
Learning alongside participants with varying levels of banding experience was incredibly valuable. We learned a lot by observing the techniques of the more experienced banders. Alejandro from Cuba shared some of his tips for aging Red-legged Thrushes, while JC showed us different methods for tying knots and collecting nets, including some techniques used in Europe.
This exchange of knowledge and styles was a great reminder that, on this path, there is always something new to learn—and that growing as a community makes the experience even more enriching and special.
Portrait of a Broad-billed Tody in the hand.
Trainer Zoya Buckmire talks to attentive participants about how to use the Pyle guide otherwsie known as the bander’s bible. (photo by Holly Garrod)
Andrys Gomez bands a Bananaquit. (photo by Holly Garrod)
Garry Auguiste bands an Ovenbird while Andrys Gomez scribes. (photo by Holly Garrod)
What a bird in the hand tells us
Among the most important things I took away from this workshop were:
How to use molt to interpret age and condition in birds. Who knew you could tell so much about a bird’s life just by looking at its feathers?
How to use Pyle—the bird bander’s bible, a thick book full of initially intimidating walls of text that are an invaluable tool for any bander.
How to apply Wolfe-Ryder-Pyle, or WRP, system to age birds based on their plumage rather than using the traditional calendar-year method.
Why all the data collected during banding matters. These records help us study migration, estimate survival and site fidelity, assess reproductive success, and gain many other valuable insights.
And something I’d never considered: how to work with the public while banding, sharing knowledge in a responsible and educational way. Because yes, teaching is also part of the job! A bird in the hand gives us a chance to show people a side of wildlife they don’t normally get to see.
Ani, are you okay?
One of the experiences I will remember most was processing a Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani). No one else wanted to do it because, to be honest, the bird smelled pretty bad—like overripened fruit!
Although we couldn’t band it because we didn’t have bands large enough, I had the opportunity to take its measurements and apply what we had learned about molt. Using Pyle’s book and the WRP system, we determined its age with a fair degree of confidence. The bill shape turned out to be very useful, indicating it was likely an adult female.
It was like solving a puzzle in real time, connecting what I could see in front of me with everything we had learned in the workshop. I never imagined that reading feathers could be so powerful—or so exciting.
Portrait of a Smooth-billed Ani. (photo by Holly Garrod)
A Smooth-billed Ani is held up to the drawings in the Pyle guide to determine age and sex (photo by Holly Garrod)
Andrys Gomez places a Smooth-billed Ani in a cup in order to weigh it. (photo by Holly Garrod)
Andrys Gomez bands a Smooth-billed Ani while Jennifer Valiulis scribes (photo by Holly Garrod)
More than a band on a bird
I left the workshop not only with new skills, but also with a different perspective. Beyond technical knowledge, the workshop offered us the opportunity to become part of a regional network of people committed to bird conservation and research. We strengthened ties, shared experiences, and, most importantly, took away a responsibility: to apply what we learned to help close information gaps in our own countries.
I also made new friends, shared stories, and gained a sense of community that still stays with me. I connected with passionate people, all eager to learn and protect what we have. Jarabacoa was the perfect setting for all of this, with its chilly mornings and the constant feeling of being surrounded by life.
If anything became clear to me, it’s that bird banding isn’t just about putting a little band on a bird. It’s about learning how to capture and handle birds with care, respect, and ethics. It’s about committing to caring for them, protecting them, improving our own understanding of them, and helping others do the same.
And I, happily, sign up to continue on that path.
Help Us Train the Next Generation of Caribbean Bird Banders
Workshops like this one are helping build a growing network of skilled Caribbean bird banders who can collect the high-quality data we need to better understand—and conserve—our region’s birds. Your support helps BirdsCaribbean provide hands-on training, equipment, mentorship, and opportunities for conservationists across the region. Support the Caribbean Bird Banding Network and help us keep this important work growing.
Thanks to funding from the USFWS and support from Institute of Bird Populations to make this workshop possible.
Andrys Gómez is a Dominican biologist specializing in wetland conservation, wildlife monitoring, and biodiversity management. She currently works as a Wildlife Technician at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic, where she contributes to the monitoring and management of wetlands, protected areas, and species of conservation concern. Her work combines field research, biodiversity monitoring, technical assessments, and environmental education, with a particular interest in wetland ecosystems and their conservation
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2026! This year’s theme is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: American Wigeon
The American Wigeon is a medium-sized dabbling duck that’s definitely not mid. Breeding males have a broad green stripe behind the eye that shimmers when the light hits it just right, a gleaming white cap—earning them the nickname “Baldpate”—and a light blue bill. Their bodies are mostly cinnamon brown, with white patches on the side of the rump that contrast with black undertail feathers. Females are mostly brown, with gray-brown heads and dark smoky eyes. In flight, look for the white belly, and especially on males, a bold white patch on the forewing and a green patch behind, an area on ducks called the speculum—uniquely colored secondary flight feathers that are helpful for ID.
This duck spends more time on deep water than most other dabbling ducks. But don’t let that fool you—it loves its greens! Its short gooselike bill has a strong tip, perfect for snipping grass and plucking plants from fields and lawns. During the breeding season, wigeons add protein-rich insects and aquatic invertebrates to their diet such as midges, horseflies, caddisflies, damselflies, beetles, mollusks, and crustaceans. Females eat more of these foods than males. After all, they need extra protein to lay a clutch averaging 8 eggs, and as many as 13!
American Wigeons breed mainly in western Canada, Alaska, and the Prairie Pothole region of the northern U.S. Their broad wintering range includes much of the southern US, Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean.
Wigeons migrate mostly during the day, moving in small groups in spring (March-May), and forming larger flocks, often over 100 birds in fall (September-November). In the Caribbean, they are a common to uncommon winter resident from October to April in Bermuda, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and Jamaica, but less common in the Lesser Antilles.
Like other migratory ducks, wigeons pair up on the wintering grounds. Males compete for females’ attention with courtship displays that show off their plumage, including tail-wagging, body-shaking, wing-lifting, turn-back-of-head, and jump-flights, accompanied by high-pitched whistles. Males simultaneously chase off rivals during courtship, sometimes fighting with their bills.
Once paired, males and females migrate to the breeding grounds together, returning to the female’s natal area (where she was born). There, the male defends a territory and guards his mate during nest building and egg-laying. The female builds a nest in a small depression on dry ground, lining it with grasses, reeds, cattails, and down feathers. Late in incubation, the male leaves for a molting area, where he replaces all his flight feathers at once and becomes flightless for several weeks. The female raises the ducklings alone before undergoing her own wing molt. When it’s time to migrate south, males depart first, followed a few weeks later by females and juveniles.
Healthy wetlands, including marshes, ponds, and lakes, are essential to American Wigeons. We must take care of these habitats so that this duck can continue to thrive for years to come. This includes protecting and restoring wetlands, reducing pollution runoff, and controlling invasive aquatic plant species. You can also help by recording your sightlings on eBird and joining citizen science initiatives like the Caribbean Waterbird Census and Global Big Day. Together, these actions help protect the wetlands this duck depends on throughout its journey. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Aliya Hosein for the text and Eden Garrod for the lovely illustration!
Color in the American Wigeon
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2026Carib
Listen to the calls of the American Wigeon
The calls of the American Wigeon, away from breeding areas, are high pitched, soft whistles, often used as a contact call.
Enjoy these photos of American Wigeons
Male American Wigeon in breeding plumage takes flight. (Photo by Bob Hurst, Macaulay Library-ML535861561)Female American Wigeon, swimming. (Photo by Matthew Plante, Macaulay Library- ML315246151)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Discover the migratory birds with Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, and learn how to fold a duck out of paper with this video! All you need is a square sheet of paper – 24 x 24 cm is ideal. The video will show you step by step how to fold and create your own duck!
Enjoy this video of an American Wigeon in the wild!
From July 16 to 30, delegates attending BirdsCaribbean’s 25th International Conference turned their lenses toward the birds, people, and beautiful landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago. Their 147 submissions gave our Photo Contest judges plenty to admire—and more than a few difficult decisions! Meet the talented photographers and wonderful images that rose to the top of the 2026 BirdsCaribbean Photography Contest.
With over 500 recorded bird species — including a dazzling 19 species of hummingbird — Trinidad and Tobago is a veritable mecca of Caribbean birding. From wild savannahs and lush rainforests, to rich mangroves and even right in the middle of the city — birds are everywhere! T&T’s unique location means that West Indian wonders fly amongst South American specialties, making the twin-island nation a visual treat like no other.
Photographers submitted 147 images across three categories: Birds of Trinidad and Tobago, Fun with Birds and People, and Landscapes and Nature, capturing everything from elusive endemics to raucous city parrots! Our judges considered technical skill, storytelling, and respect for wildlife while reviewing the entries.
MEET OUR WINNERS, WITH SOME COMMENTS FROM THE JUDGES:
The Grand Prize Goes To…
Bottoms Up by J.E. Foster. There’s a special magic in capturing a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment with such perfect timing! The judges praised Jerome’s delightful shot of a Great Kiskadee tossing a juicy caterpillar into the air—suspended for just an instant before its open beak. “This is a very unique moment that required technique, knowledge of bird behavior, and being at the right place at the right time.” “Super catch of both Kiskadee and caterpillar.”
Bottoms Up by J.E. Foster.
Kiskadees are ubiquitous in T&T. We love that Jerome’s photo delightfully reminds us to look for the extraordinary in the ordinary—there’s always a reward for the patient observer.
Jerome told us:
“Great Kiskadees are among the most common tyrant flycatchers in Trinidad & Tobago—and among the boldest. This boldness makes them one of my favourite birds to observe. I was driving into a favourite birding spot when I saw this individual acting very excitedly. After a few moments, I realised it had caught a sphinx moth caterpillar. For about 30 seconds, it tenderized the poor caterpillar by hitting it against its rocky perch and tossing it into the air until it was just the right degree of ‘cooked’! With one final toss, it swallowed it whole!
“Winning the grand prize reminds me to be grateful for the common species and moments we tend to overlook. Every bird matters, whether rare or common, and seeing them in action is always worthwhile! I’m so grateful to have been chosen and appreciate BirdsCaribbean’s continued efforts to protect our native birds. I hope photos like mine help others appreciate the complexity and beauty of nature all around us—even in these common ‘yellow birds’!”
Birds of Trinidad and Tobago
From charismatic macaws at home in the middle of the nation’s capital to Scarlet Ibises putting rainbows to shame, these entries celebrated the magnificent birds that make Trinidad and Tobago one of the Caribbean’s most thrilling birding destinations.
First Prize: Wings at Rest by Mario Marrero. “Exceptional clarity and sharpness, with the bird’s colours standing out beautifully against the soft, neutral background.”
Wings at Rest by Mario Marrero.
Second Prize: Male Barred Antshrike by Amy Vu. “The softly focused background invites you to study the subject, while the textured bark adds depth, context, and interest to the composition.”
Male Barred Antshrike by Amy Vu.
Third Prize: Eclipse Totality by Zakariyya Ali. “A beautifully atmospheric image that brings together light, colour, and movement in one fleeting moment — the kind of shot possible only when all the right circumstances align!”
Whether city-birding in the Queen’s Park Savannah or exploring the wild Aripo Savannas, T&T gave our delegates moments of wonder, joy — and intense concentration! This category highlights the connections between people, birds, and nature.
First Prize: Mangrove Expedition-Nariva Swamp by Jose Alberto. “The wide-angle lens creates a fascinating, immersive perspective, placing the viewer into the world of the photo, journeying with the delegates through the mangrove channel.”
Mangrove Expedition-Nariva Swamp by Jose Alberto.
Second Prize: Sunrise Birdwatching-Caroni Field Trip by Jose Alberto. “The more I looked at this photo, the more I fell in love with it — the beautiful early morning light, everyone looks like they are kind of in awe at the beautiful wetland and sunrise in front of them.” “Super composition — a real feeling of expectation at dawn.”
Sunrise Birdwatching-Caroni Field Trip by Jose Alberto.
Third Prize: Legless Lizard Photoshoot by Michelle Moyer. “Intense concentration!” “This entry perfectly typifies the category: three photographers all intently focused on their subject — each locked in a different stance — capturing the joy of going eagerly after the perfect shot!”
The birds may be the stars, but sometimes the supporting cast steals the show! This category showcases the beauty of Trinidad and Tobago’s forests, wetlands, coastlines, flora, and other native wildlife in their natural environments.
First Prize: Rainbow over Caroni Swamp by Jose Alberto. “The beautiful light and well-balanced composition make this image stand out, while the rainbow adds wonderful magic to an already atmospheric scene.” “A rainbow always adds to the success of a photo.”
Rainbow over Caroni Swamp by Jose Alberto.
Second Prize: Rise and Shine by Mirielle Villanueva. “Beautifully evocative, with striking reflections that add depth and a wonderful sense of stillness to the early-morning scene.”
Rise and Shine by Mirielle Villanueva.
Third Prize: Vine Snake by Sariah Ramcharitar. “A striking portrait with immediate visual impact — the snake’s elegant lines and piercing gaze draw the viewer in!”
A heartfelt thank you to our judges — Eladio Fernandez, Andrew Dobson, and John Webster — for their time and careful evaluation of each submission. We are tremendously grateful to Vortex Optics for generously donating the Grand Prize.
Thank you especially to every photographer who entered. Your images captured not only the extraordinary biodiversity of Trinidad and Tobago, but also the curiosity, joy, adventure, and sense of community that made our Silver Anniversary Conference so special.
Choosing only a handful of winners was no small task. Enjoy the Honorable Mentions below.
Reflections by Alana Joseph.
Family Matters II by J.E. Foster.
Accidental Rennaissance by Giselle Deane.
Close Encounter-Mark & Black Vulture by Jose Alberto.
Ruby-topaz Hummingbird by Amarylis Lebron.
Trini Kiskadee by Michael Ocasio.
A Perfect Perch by Mario Marrero.
Scarlet River, Caroni Swamp, Trinidad by Matt Williams.
Coconut Highway by J. E. Foster.
Into the Mangroves, Caroni Swamp by Dalini Oumade Singh.
From February through July 2026, the air across the Caribbean was alive with the sound of music — our community was listening and recording! Launched in partnership with the Grabando Aves initiative, the Sound Recording Challenge invited birders and nature lovers, in the Caribbean, of all experience levels, to hit “record” in their favorite birding spots (backyards and cities included!).
Why record bird sounds?
Miguel l Costas Sabatier recording Puerto Rican Euphonia calls and songs in Guánica State Forest.
Beyond filling our hearts with joy, bird sound recordings are critical tools for science and conservation. They help researchers track species distributions, understand bird ecology, and train automated audio identification systems like Merlin Sound ID. Every high-quality file uploaded helps bridge the data gap for the Caribbean, ensuring regional bird sounds are accurately recognized by modern tools.
To qualify for the grand prize which was a state-of-the-art field recording kit featuring a RØDE NTG2 shotgun microphone, a Zoom H1 XLR recorder, an XLR cable and headphones, participants had to submit 50 or more bird sound recordings, including at least three Caribbean priority species, and upload them via eBird.
Caribbean birders answered (and recorded) the call!
The response was staggering. Across the region, 310 passionate birders contributed a phenomenal 3,578 recordings spanning 376 species, including 161 priority species! Two grand prize winners were selected through a random draw.
Drumroll, please… we are thrilled to share the incredible winners who received their prizes at the 2026 BirdsCaribbean Conference:
*Click on the individual names to see their eBird profiles
Grand prize: Mirielle Villanueva(Puerto Rico) – 191 recordings, 47 species, and 7 priority species.
Mirielle Villanueva recieves her prize from Cullen Hanks (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) and Daniel Arias-Cruzatty (Cornell Lab of Ornithology / Grabando Aves). (Photo by Holly Garrod)
Grand prize: Serguei Alexander López Perez(Cuba) – 89 recordings, 37 species, and 13 priority species. Serguei was not present at the conference to receive his prize.
Sergei in the field recording bird calls in Cuba.
Honorable Mention goes toAdrián Domínguez(Cuba) – An astounding 333 recordings, 60 species, and 22 priority species.
Winners of the Sound Recording Challenge 2026. L to R: Daniel Arias-Cruzatty, Mirielle Villanueva, Lisa Sorenson, Adrián Domínguez and Cullen Hanks. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
A huge congratulations to our winners and every single participant who held up their phone or recorder and added their local soundscapes to the global archive.
“I was genuinely surprised by how many people across the Caribbean wanted to record bird sounds and contribute them to the Macaulay Library, both to help improve Merlin Sound ID and to support community science. During the conference events, that interest was everywhere. What excites me most is what comes next: a community that wants to keep contributing, learning, and sharing what it knows.”— Daniel Arias-Cruzatty, Cornell Lab of Ornithology / Grabando Aves
To date, Caribbean birders have uploaded 4,727 recordings of 395 species to the Macaulay Library (click here to explore the library!).
Upload your sound recordings directly in eBird mobile
You can now upload sound recordings directly to your checklists in eBird Mobile. No computer necessary: just your phone, your checklist, and the birds you’re already listening to.
To start, you’ll need a sound recording app (the actual recording doesn’t happen in the eBird Mobile app). We recommend Merlin Bird ID as a sound recording tool: use the Sound ID feature on the main page of Merlin, and then Save your recording in the upper right corner of the screen. Other sound recording apps work, too—we recommend Merlin because it collects high-quality files in .WAV format and also provides Sound ID results while you’re recording.
In the video below, Jay McGowan from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology demonstrates how you can upload your recordings to directly in eBird.
Want to keep the mic hot?
Even though the challenge has wrapped up, your acoustic adventures don’t have to end! The acoustic challenges continue over at Grabando Aves! Check out their ongoing challenges for 2026. These challenges are open to anyone in Latin America and the Caribbean.No sign-up needed: recordings uploaded to eBird count automatically!
Gray Trembler calling. (Photo by Michael Stubblefield, Macaulay Library-ML604068631)
Keep your ears open, your recorders ready, and let’s keep the Caribbean sounding loud and proud!
Wilson’s Plovers are one of the many shorebird species found in the Caribbean. (Photo by Hemant Keshan)
The English names we use for shorebirds that describe them by their color, physical characteristics or behavior can totally make sense, and even help with ID… until they totally don’t! Here is a Caribbean perspective of when shorebird names hit the mark and when they fall-flat.
Bird names come in all sorts of forms. Sometimes it’s easy to understand why a bird was given its name, or at least to trace the history behind it. Other times, things are not as clear! Shorebirds are no exception.
Some shorebirds are named after people, especially naturalists. For example theWilson’s Plover is named in honor of Alexander Wilson, often called the “father of American ornithology.” But honorifics don’t tell us what the birds actually look like. The name Wilson’s Plover certainly doesn’t tell you that this shorebird has a huge, heavy bill that helps you pick it out from other brown-and-white plovers!
Fortunately, descriptive names are extremely common amongst birds. Researchers who developed the AvianLexiconAtlas found that almost 90 percent of the 11,000 bird names they examined reflect appearance, habitat, or other characteristics, while only 11 percent are named after people. (You can explore the AvianLexiconAtlas and access their research publication here).
Descriptive names can tell us about a species’ appearance, where it lives, its favourite foods, or even its behavior. These clues can be remarkably helpful, especially for new birders. Shorebirds are notoriously tricky to identify, so any clues in their names that help with ID are VERY welcome!
But sometimes those supposedly ‘helpful’ descriptive names can be confusing—or downright misleading! That’s because the appearance, and even behavior, of shorebirds (and other birds) can change drastically across seasons and life stages. For instance, a name describing a bird’s plumage might only make sense during the breeding season, or apply to just one sex. Similarly, names referencing a particular location can be misleading when the bird migrates and spends much of the year elsewhere.
Semipalmated Plover feeding with peeps, Fosters, St. Lucy, Barbados. (Photo by Julian Moore)
Depending on the species, a descriptive moniker might hit the nail on the head, miss the mark entirely, or only ring true at certain times and in certain places. And of course, there are also bird names that sound descriptive but don’t tell us anything helpful at all!
Let’s take a look at some shorebird names and find out just how helpful they really are.
Rock flipping at its finest! Yes! Turnstones really do use their bills to flip rocks, pebbles, seaweed, and pieces of drift wood in search of small crustaceans and insects.
It’s the only oystercatcher native to the coastal regions of the Americas. Do they really catch oysters? You bet! They feed on oysters, clams, and other saltwater molluscs.
Note: Oystercatcher species found in the UK and Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Northwest rarely, if ever, feed on oysters.
Greater & Lesser Yellowlegs
These nearly identical shorebirds mainly differ in their size and proportion. The Greater Yellowlegs is larger and has a longer bill than the Lesser Yellowlegs. One is bigger, one is smaller, both species maintain their bright yellow legs year-round, so a great name for both these birds! The main challenge here is not understanding their name, but telling one from the other.
This shorebird lives up to its name in the most stylish way possible, with long bubblegum-pink legs and elegant black-and-white plumage. Only flamingos beat stilts when it comes to having the longest legs relative to body size among all birds.
The striking Black-necked Stilt has long legs for wading into deep water to find food. (Photo by Dan Pancamo)
White-rumped Sandpiper
In flight, that giveaway white “rump” is all it takes to help distinguish this bird from its lookalike shorebirds. Despite its name, its actual rump is dark! That famous white patch is formed by its uppertail coverts, the feathers covering the base of the tail. And because this doesn’t change through the year, whether in breeding or non-breeding plumage, the white “rump” is always there to help you ID this bird!
White-rumped Sandpiper in flight. (Photo by Bill Thompson, Macaulay Library-ML608554779)
The Short-billed Dowitcher wins the award for misleading naming. It definitely has a long bill—the “short” is just a comparative nod to its lookalike, the Long-billed Dowitcher, whose bill is microscopically longer.
And what on earth is a “dowitcher”? In the late 19th century, this bird was hunted in North America. It seems that Dutch and German immigrant hunters may have referred to them as “Deutscher” or “Duitsch” snipe (i.e., “German” or “Dutch” snipe). Over time, this may have evolved into “dowitcher” or “dowitch.” Short-billed Dowitchers do have a snipe-like appearance, with long straight bills, short-ish legs, and somewhat plump bodies.
Short-billed Dowitchers resting at Playa Las Canas. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
The English name might be confusing, but in Haiti they got this one right with their local name Bekasin mawon bèk long which more or less translates as “brown snipe with a long beak”.
This plover definitely rocks a jet black belly (and face), but only during the breeding season when it is important for them to be looking their best. Outside the season of love, look out for a drab plover with mottled gray-brown upperparts and whitish belly.
One of your best clues is actually the black wing-pits, which are present year-round and distinguish this species from the similar American Golden-Plover. But “Black-wing-pit Plover” is not a very catchy name!
Black-bellied Plover in breeding plumage. (Photo by Quinn Diaz. Macaulay Library-ML65782246)
Black-bellied Plover in non-breeding plumage. (Photo by Brad Winn)
Local Caribbean names better reflect its change to drabber plumage. In Cuba and Puerto Rico, these birds are called Pluvial Cabezón and Chorlito Cabezón, respectively, both translate to “big-headed plover.” In the Dominican Republic they’re called Chorlo Gris or “gray plover”—the same name (spelled “grey”), used in English for this wide-ranging species outside the western hemisphere (e.g., in Europe, Africa and Asia). In French, and thus in the French-speaking Caribbean, we get the much more poetic Pluvier argenté which refers to them being silvery-coloured.
If you’re looking for the red on a Red Knot, timing is everything! It only flashes that rich rust-red plumage during the breeding season, spending the rest of the year with brownish-gray upperparts and pale underparts.
Breeding Red Knot (Photo by Rick Evets)
Red Knot in winter plumage. (Photo by Beth Hamel)
Because that red color is fading or absent by the time Red Knots arrive on Caribbean islands, local names sometimes focus on other traits. In Cuba, they’re called Zarapico Raro, reflecting their status as uncommon migratory visitors to the island. In the Dominican Republic, the name is more literal: Playero Pechirrojo (“red-breasted shorebird”), perhaps because some birds still have reddish plumage during migration.
Puerto Rico, meanwhile, leans into a delightfully affectionate description: Playero Gordo, or “fat shorebird.” In French, this bird is Bécasseau maubèche, a name that references the woodcock (bécasse) and may also reflect the species’ plump appearance.
The Spotted Sandpiper wears its signature polka-dots during the breeding season, but swaps them out for a clean, plain coat when the season ends.
In Cuba it is called Zarapico Manchado, and in the Dominican Republic, Playerito Manchado. Manchado translates to “spotted,” suggesting that both local names refer to its breeding appearance. The same is true for the French-speaking islands, where its called Chevalier grivelé, or “speckled sandpiper.” They arrive in the Caribbean as early as August when they may still be sporting their breeding plumage.
Breeding Spotted Sandpiper (Photo by Paul Reeves)
Spotted Sandpiper in its winter plumage. (Photo by Darlene Friedman-Macaulay Library ML78856001)
In Puerto Rico they are called Playero Coleador. Coleador comes from cola (tail), most likely referring to the bird’s habit of bobbing its tail up and down. And in Haiti, the local name is Bekasin zèl tranble. The second part of this name means “trembling wings,” which likely refers to this species’ rapid, shallow, stiff wing-beats when it takes flight.
Western Sandpiper
This sandpiper sticks to its nesting grounds on the western half of North America during the breeding season, giving it a geographic edge over the similar Semipalmated Sandpiper, which has a more easterly breeding range. (Though we have to wonder: if the western bird gets a geographic name, why isn’t the Semipalmated Sandpiper called the “Eastern Sandpiper”?).
Once the breeding season wraps up and it’s time to migrate, you can spot these globe-trotters along eastern and southern coasts as well.
On the hunt for invertebrates: a Semipalmated (left) and Western Sandpiper (right) wade through a salt pond. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
In Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic the name Playero Occidental also means Western Sandpiper.But in Cuba, this bird is known as Zarapico Chico, which more or less translates to “small sandpiper.” Not the most helpful name for identification, given that several other small sandpipers can be found in Cuba!
Name that shorebird!
Naming birds can be a bit messy. If it were up to you, what would you call these birds? If you had a chance to rename them, what would you choose? Drop your best names in the comments below!
Interested in learning about the common names used for shorebirds and other bird species across the Caribbean? Visit Birds of the World species page and click on “Names” under each species main name,
Shorebirds feeding at Cargill, which is designated as Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) site of regional importance, and holds important number of shorebird species such a Red Knot and Short-billed Dowitcher. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
Now that you’ve been introduced… why not join the region-wide shorebird count?
Bird names might be full of quirks and surprises, but nothing beats seeing these amazing creatures in action. While you’re out looking for them at your island’s mangroves, beaches, salt ponds, and mud flats, you can help protect them, too!
With shorebird migration underway and continuing into November, it’s the perfect time to grab your binoculars and take part in the Caribbean Waterbird Census and International Shorebird Survey! The more information we gather about the wetlands our shorebirds use, the more we can learn about their populations and protect the critical places they need to survive.
As shorebirds have shown us, bird names carry history, geography, observations, language, and culture! Protecting these birds means protecting all of that, too! So the next time you spot a shorebird bobbing its tail or flipping rocks, remember: these amazing travelers, and the global community they connect, are entirely worth protecting.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2026! This year’s theme is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Chuck-will’s-widow
Who is Chuck Will? And more importantly, who is his widow?? While we can’t directly answer these questions, we can tell you that the Chuck-will’s-widow is actually a migratory bird from the Caprimuligidae, or goat-sucker family. And don’t worry—they don’t get their name for any nefarious reasons! Their name comes from their distinctive call, which sounds like “chuck-wills-WId-ow!”
These birds breed in the southeastern U.S. and overwinter in Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and of course – the Caribbean! In the Caribbean, we often see them both during migration and overwintering in the Greater Antilles and The Bahamas, including Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. During the day they rest on tree limbs or on the ground, where their cryptically patterned black, brown, and white plumage offers superb camouflage. So take a second look at those fluffy “rocks” in the middle of forest trails or even on roads – they might just be Chuck-wills-widows!
They are considered medium-distance migrants, as they don’t travel as far as other migratory birds. Birds breeding farther west likely take a more inland route, traveling along the Gulf of Mexico, whereas eastern breeders take a bolder route across the Gulf of Mexico, with some individuals even reported flying over the Atlantic Ocean!
When Chuck-will’s-widows arrive in the Caribbean, in October, they are pretty quiet, keeping their name to themselves! As spring approaches, they can be heard vocalizing more often before migrating back north. Males are quite eager to get their song on for breeding season and will usually leave the wintering grounds before females.
Chuck-will’s-widows, like other nightjars, are expert insect hunters. They catch night-flying insects like moths, beetles, and dragonflies with their enormous, gaping mouths! But get this—during migration, they’ve been known to munch on warblers and other small birds, swallowing them whole! Looks like a long journey can really work up an appetite!
Chuck-will’s-widows aren’t endangered, but their populations are declining. Habitat loss and pesticides that kill insects they depend on are among the threats they face. To help them, skip the pesticides and plant native plants that support a healthy diversity of insects. These simple actions can make a big difference for these migratory birds and other wildlife! Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Holly Garrod for the text and Eden Garrod for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Chuck-will’s-widow
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2026Carib
Listen to the song of the Chuck-will’s-widow
The song of the Chuck-will’s-widow is a loud whistling calling its name: “chuck-WILL’S-widow.”
Enjoy these photos of Chuck-will’s-widow
Chuck-will’s-widow in flight. This bird can be found year-round in parts of the Caribbean, such as The Bahamas, where is breeds. In the rest of the Caribbean it is a non-breeding visitor. (Photo by Laura Keene, Macaulay Library-ML484522171)
Chuck-will’s-widow. If you are lucky and have sharp eyes, you can find them by day, resting motionless on the ground or on a horizontal branch. (Photo by Bill Shreve, USFWS)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: We hope that you are enjoying learning all about the birds the migrate to, from and through the Caribbean! Sadly some of the birds we have featured are endangered and many others are under pressure, often from human activities. This means our beautiful Caribbean migratory birds need your help. Even simple things like picking up litter or being sure never to disturb birds when they are feeding or resting can make a difference.
You can download and print our pledge to help birds. Then sign your name and get started helping our birds by following some of the simple actions listed in the pledge. You can also colour in the pictures on the pledge and perhaps hang it up somewhere at home to remind you and others of how you can help birds.
You can look at all the Caribbean migratory birds we have featured so far, as part of World Migratory Bird Day here.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of a Chuck-will’s-widow in the wild!
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2026! This year’s theme is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Purple Martin
Attention, Caribbean birdwatchers! Each fall, our skies welcome an elegant, streamlined traveler: the Purple Martin. Between August and October, look up for flocks of these large, social swallows perched on wires or sweeping through the air in pursuit of insects. Their passage can be one of our region’s most striking migration spectacles!
An adult male is dark all over, with a glossy purple-blue sheen that catches the light. But identification can be tricky in the Caribbean: male Cuban Martins and Caribbean Martins can look very similar. Females and young birds offer more clues.
Female Purple Martins have a grayish breast and pale belly, often with faint streaks below. Female Cuban Martins tend to show a cleaner white belly with a sharper boundary between the dark breast and white underparts. Young Purple Martins are brownish above and pale below, often with streaking. A photo can help you study these details and compare similar species.
Purple Martins breed in North America. In the eastern United States, they nest almost entirely in houses and artificial gourds provided by people, though they also use natural cavities in other parts of their range. At the end of summer, they head south to spend the nonbreeding season in South America. Many pass through the Caribbean along the way, making our islands an important part of their long journey.
Their song is a rich, liquid, bubbling warble, and their calls can fill the air when they gather at communal roosts. Purple Martins are expert aerial insect hunters, catching flying insects on the wing. Watching a flock turn and swoop together is a wonderful reminder of how much is happening above us—even when we are not looking up.
Purple Martins depend on abundant flying insects throughout their journey and on safe places to rest during migration. Reducing pesticide use helps protect their food supply. If you find a flock resting on wires or gathering in trees, enjoy the spectacle from a distance and avoid disturbing the birds.
You can also help by recording your sightings in eBird. Note when and where you saw the martins, how many there were, and whether they were feeding, flying, or roosting. These observations help build a clearer picture of their migration through the Caribbean.
The next time you see a group of large swallows gathered on a wire, take a moment to watch. You could be witnessing a stop on a journey of thousands of kilometers. Let’s care for these incredible travelers together! Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Adrián Yanes Domínguez for the text and Eden Garrod for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Purple Martin
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2026Carib
Listen to the calls of the Purple Martin
One of the most common flight calls of the Purple Martin is a flight is a rich descending “cheur“.
Enjoy these photos of Purple Martins
A Male Purple Martin in flight. The blue traveler that shares our skies. (Photo by Ryan Sanderson, Macaulay Library-ML634611794)A female or immature Purple Martin feeding on a dragonfly.Male Purple Martin perched. (Photo by Jack Belleghem, Macaulay Library- ML656301549)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: The main area used by Purple Martins does not cover the whole Caribbean, which means that in some places it is a bird that is hard to see, or will not be around at all. But don’t worry, there are lots of beautiful migrant birds to look out for at this time of the year. From long-billed shorebirds flocking on the beaches, to the colorful gems of warblers flitting amongst the trees, there is so much to see!
When it comes to knowing who is who when out looking for birds, field guides and webpages with colorful illustrations, helpful maps and detailed descriptions of each bird are really useful. But these are not the only tools available to you!
Have you heard of the Merlin Bird ID app? When you see a bird, you just answer some simple questions about it, and the app helps you work out what bird you have spotted! Merlin Bird ID can also help you ID a bird from a photo you have taken or a recording of the birds song! Why not head out and look for some migratory birds and then use the Merlin Bird ID app to lend a helping hand?
We have handy instructions what to look for and how to use the app here. So grab you phone, binocular and camera and see what you can find!
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of a Purple Martins in the wild!
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2026! This year’s theme is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Ring-billed Gull
Today we stop to observe one of North America’s most adaptable gulls: the Ring-billed Gull. These medium-sized birds are a living example of population recovery and adaptation to changing environments.
At first glance, they may look like ordinary gulls, but observe closely and you’ll notice the details that make them unique. Adults have pale gray backs and wings, black wingtips, white underparts, yellow legs, pale eyes, and a yellow bill marked with the bold black ring that gives the species its name. Their heads are white during the breeding season but often show dark spots and streaks in winter, especially toward the back of the head and neck. Young birds look quite different, with mottled brown plumage and pink bills tipped in black. As they grow and molt, they gradually take on the adults’ cleaner gray-and-white appearance.
Their story is fascinating. Ring-billed Gulls declined sharply in the late 1800s as people encroached on their nesting grounds and hunted them for feathers. By the early 1900s, many breeding colonies had disappeared. Legal protection helped them recover, and their ability to adapt to human-modified habitats gave them another advantage. A true story of resilience!
These gulls are opportunists. Their remarkably broad diet includes fish, insects, earthworms, small mammals, grains, and food discarded by people. They search for food while walking on land, skim the water for fish, and sometimes stamp their feet in shallow water to uncover small creatures. You might also see them feeding in a freshly plowed field—or stealing a meal from another bird!
Ring-billed Gulls breed across the northern United States and Canada. During the breeding season, they gather in colonies, often on sparsely vegetated islands or other open ground near freshwater. Both parents help build a nest from locally gathered vegetation and take turns caring for their eggs and chicks. The chicks hatch covered in down and can soon move around near the nest, though they still depend on their parents for food and protection.
Ring-billed Gulls are highly social and vocal. Their calls range from short notes to loud, rising squeals, and they use both sounds and body movements to communicate. When defending a territory, a gull may lower its head, call, and then toss its head back in an emphatic display. Imagine the noise of an entire nesting colony calling at once!
After breeding, some Ring-billed Gulls migrate south to spend the nonbreeding season in the West Indies. They are most often seen in The Bahamas, Greater Antilles, Cayman Islands, and Barbados; sightings are less frequent elsewhere in the region. Although they have been recorded in every month of the year, your best chance of seeing one is October through May. Look near beaches, harbors, lakes, and other waters—or even in urban areas, where these resourceful birds sometimes gather to feed.
If you spot a gull this winter, take a closer look. An adult’s black bill ring, pale eye, yellow legs, and spotted winter head can help you identify it. Younger birds are mottled brown and lack the adult’s bright yellow bill. Each Ring-billed Gull tells a story of resilience, adaptability, and survival. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Ailen Anido Escalona for the text and Eden Garrod for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Ring-billed Gull
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2026Carib
Listen to the calls of the Ring-billed Gull
The call of the Ring-billed Gull include high-pitched squeals often followed by a series of short exclamatory notes.
Enjoy these photos of Ring-billed Gulls
Adult Ring-billed Gull in non-breeding plumage. (Photo by Brad Imhoff, Macaulay Library- ML366178951)Juvenile Ring-billed Gull. (Photo by Davey Walters, Macaulay Library- ML47271961)Adult Ring-billed Gull in flight, seen in Cuba. (Photo by Rafael Merchante, Macaulay Library- ML204436911)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Ring-billed Gulls love a seafood feast, including many types of fish.
Can you help this hungry Ring-billed Gull find its way through our maze to to grab a fish lunch?
Joshel Wilson, a wildlife biologist with the Environmental Awareness Group, has dedicated himself to protecting the biodiversity of both land and sea in Antigua and Barbuda, from tagging endangered sea turtles and sharks to conserving threatened island wildlife. In 2024, he decided to expand his impressive skill set by adding bird banding to his repertoire. In this piece, Joshel reflects on his experience returning to his homeland to join the third cohort of the Caribbean Bird Banding Training Workshop.
Back to my roots
In early March 2024, I embarked on a journey back to my roots in Grenada, a place that holds a special place in my heart. This time, it wasn’t my typical visit for family or familiar landscapes—I was there for the third Caribbean Bird Banding Training Workshop, hosted by BirdsCaribbean in collaboration with the Grenada Fund for Conservation, Gaea Conservation, and Klamath Bird Observatory. It was a unique opportunity to combine my passion for birds with the chance to reconnect with my homeland. I did not expect that this experience would be so much more than a technical workshop; it would be a journey into the heart of Grenada’s natural beauty, culture, and community!
Landscape photo of St. George’s, Grenada. (photo by John Alexander)
The workshop took place over five unforgettable days, blending hands-on bird banding with the theory behind this important conservation practice. The learning, discovery, and networking began promptly at the crack of dawn, whether we were venturing into the lush Grenada Dove Sanctuary at the Mt. Hartman Estate or exploring the grounds of the Blue Horizons Garden Hotel–the headquarters for the workshop. Located close to beautiful Grand Anse Beach and nestled in the vibrant Grenadian landscape, Blue Horizons was a haven for a variety of bird species. As the sun rose over the island, the air was filled with the songs of of landbirds such as Bananaquits and Grenada Wrens—the very species we aimed to study and band. It was a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with ornithology in the first place.
Trainer Holly Garrod shows Joshel Wilson and Simone Erroi how to measure morphometrics on a Bananaquit. (photo: Maya Wilson)
Birds, banding, and Caribbean camaraderie
While the birds and the scenery were spectacular, it was the people that truly made this workshop special. I met fellow conservationists from across the Caribbean, each bringing their own unique backgrounds and stories. There were Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Trinidadians, Saint Lucians, Saint-Martinois, Caymanians, and Grenadians like myself, all united by our shared passion for bird conservation.
The classroom sessions, led by experienced trainers and facilitators, were filled with lively discussions and bursts of laughter, especially when our Cuban colleagues, with their distinct accents, would jokingly plead, “¡Inglés, por favor!”(English, please!), hinting that the diverse Caribbean variations of English, combined with our unique accents, sometimes made conversations hard to follow.
While learning new techniques for removing birds from mist nets and mastering data recording was invaluable, the real magic happened in the connections we made. We swapped stories, compared conservation techniques, shared cultural traditions, and exchanged ideas on how to promote bird conservation in our respective countries. The mix of languages, positive energy, and camaraderie made each session feel more like a shared experience than a formal workshop.
Building Caribbean expertise
The role of BirdsCaribbean in ensuring the success of this workshop cannot be understated. The organisation’s dedication to fostering excellence in bird conservation was evident in every detail, from the well-organised, informative sessions to experiencing more of Grenada, including aboat trip arranged by the Grenada Fund for Conservation (GFC), where we enjoyed the famous Carenage and Underwater Sculpture Park.
Recently certified NABC trainers Daniela Ventura (left) and Zoya Buckmire (right) band a Bananaquit together. (photo by Holly Garrod)
It was incredibly meaningful to watch the certification of two new Caribbean Bird Banding trainers, Daniela Ventura (Cuba) and Zoya Buckmire, who is also from my homeland of Grenada – what a sense of pride! This certification symbolized not only the success of the workshop but also BirdsCaribbean’s long-term goal of fostering Caribbean expertise in ornithology.
Coming home with more than new skills
Participants (left to right) at the end of workshop banquet: Laura Arañaburo Acosta, Joshel Wilson, Kendon James, Daniela Ventura, Shawn Allard, Zoya Buckmire, Jadie Allard, Elien Domínguez Tan
As I received my Certificate of Achievement, I felt a mix of emotions. There was a sense of accomplishment for the skills I’d acquired, but also a profound sense of reconnection with my homeland. This workshop wasn’t just about learning bird banding techniques; it was about returning to Grenada, reconnecting with its people, and rediscovering the beauty of its natural world.
As I said goodbye to the friends I made and the birds I came to know, I knew this wouldn’t be the last time I would see them. This journey had reignited my passion for bird conservation and deepened my commitment to supporting the Caribbean’s ornithological community.
If you’re considering participating in a similar workshop, I can’t recommend it enough. The experience will not only enrich your knowledge but also connect you to a vibrant and welcoming community of biologists from across the Caribbean.
Bananaquit being held in photographer’s grip. Photo: Holly Garrod
Trainer Daniela Ventura show other bird banding workshop participants how to check a bird for breeding characteristics
The first step to banding a bird is first identifying the species, as shown here comparing this Yellow-bellied Elaenia to drawings in the field guide
The endangered and endemic Grenada Dove spotted at the banding site of Mount Hartman
Trainer Juan Carlos instructs participants on how to properly set up a mist net. (photo by Holly Garrod)
Shawn Allard extracts a Bananaquit from a mist net
Acknowledgements: The Caribbean Bird Banding Training Workshop was made possible through the generous support of our donors and funders, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Zoo New England. We would also like to thank our local and international partners, including the Grenada Fund for Conservation, Gaea Conservation Network, Grenada Forestry, Klamath Bird Observatory, and Institute for Bird Populations.
Joshel Wilson is a Wildlife Biologist with a B.Sc. in Marine, Wildlife, & Conservation Biology from St. George’s University and an MSc candidate at the University of Leeds. With expertise in biodiversity conservation, endangered species management, and research methodologies, including UAS and tagging techniques, he has contributed to projects across the Caribbean. Currently a Wildlife Officer with the Environmental Awareness Group, Joshel oversees conservation efforts in Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda. He also serves as Principal Investigator for the Antiguan Racer Census and holds certifications in marine conservation and climate resilience.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2026! This year’s theme is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Sora
Have you ever heard a horse whinnying from the middle of the marsh? Look again—it might be the Sora! The Sora is a small migratory waterbird species belonging to the rail and gallinule family (Rallidae). Its loud, distinctive whinny call is a familiar sound across marshes and wetlands of North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Also known as the “Sora Rail” or “Carolina Crake” in English, this bird goes by several names in Spanish, including “gallinuela oscura,” “gallito sora,” “gallinuela sora,” and “gallineta sora.” A secretive bird that spends much of its time hidden in dense wetland vegetation, the Sora is much more likely to be heard than seen!.
Adult Soras have short, rounded wings and plump bodies, measuring about 19-35 cm in length (roughly the length of a paperback book from top to bottom), and weighing between 72 and 88 g on average (about as heavy as two golf balls). Their upperparts are dark brown, with grayish-blue underparts and long, greenish legs. The thick bill is bright yellow, while distinctive black markings cover the face and throat. Males and females look very similar, although females tend to be slightly smaller and have a less extensive black face mask. Juveniles lack this black mask altogether.
Soras are champion travelers, flying hundreds—and sometimes thousands—of kilometers between their breeding and wintering grounds each year. During the breeding season, from late April to early August, they can be found across much of the northern US and southern Canada. As temperatures begin to drop, they head south to the Southern US, Central and northern South America and the islands of the West Indies. During migration and the breeding season, listen for that characteristic whinny—it can help reveal a Sora hiding deep within the marsh vegetation.
Soras spend much of their time foraging on the ground and in shallow water, searching for seeds, snails, insects, and other tasty morsels. Wetlands with shallow water and plenty of vegetation provide the food and shelter they need. Soras also build their nests well concealed in wetland vegetation, where females lay clutches of 8-13 eggs. Both parents share incubation duties, and their chicks ready to leave the nest just a day or two after hatching.
Soras depend on healthy wetlands for food, shelter, and breeding, making the loss and degradation of these habitats a serious concern. Changes in water levels can also affect the wetlands they rely on, while collisions with vehicles and other human-related threats add to the challenges they face.
So next time you’re exploring a Caribbean wetland, keep your ears open for that unmistakable whinny coming from the reeds. You may never catch a glimpse of the shy bird making all that noise—but now you’ll know who’s hiding in there! Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Saul Gonzalez Rosales for the text and Eden Garrod for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Sora
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2026
Listen to the calls of the Sora
The call of the Sora is a descending high-pitched whinny.
Enjoy these photos of Soras
Sora searching for food. (photo by Ryan Yann, Macaulay Library- ML95780801)Sora in flight. (Photo by Marky-Mutchler, Macaulay Library-ML198280791)
Activity of the Day
FOR ADULTS AND KIDS: During our 2026 celebration of Caribbean migratory birds we will be sharing a beautiful coloring page for every single bird we feature! These coloring pages have been created for us by Eden Garrod, who will also create a colored in version of every single bird! Get your colour pencils ready, and read these super helpful colouring in tips below. Use the beautiful examples from Eden as inspiration and go ahead, download and print each bird, and get colouring! Enjoy!
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of a Sora in the wild!
The annual BirdsCaribbean Seabird Working Group (SWG) newsletter is now available! Catch up on the latest research, conservation, restoration, and education projects happening across the Caribbean—in English, Spanish, and French.
In this issue of the SWG newsletter, learn about the removal of invasive goats from seabird nesting habitats in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; the seabird diversity across the Los Testigos Archipelago (Venezuela); how researchers are protecting seabirds from pollution and climate in the Dominican Republic; new methods to detect rats on Buck Island NWR (US Virgin Islands); how researchers are using floating rafts to provide biosecure resting and nesting habitats for shorebirds and seabirds in Anguilla, and more.
A Caribbean Seabird Census (CSC) update for you
The landmark 2023–2024 regional census confirmed the Caribbean’s critical importance for global seabird populations, identifying Sooty Terns, Bridled Terns, and Boobies as most abundant species recorded, alongside 38 Regionally Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and 10 sites meeting global criteria. As the team finalized the preliminary report during a regional webinar, 100% of participating conservationists called for Caribbean-specific threat criteria to better protect smaller, vulnerable island colonies. To address data gaps for challenging species like tropicbirds and shearwaters, regional monitoring efforts and recovery groups are now mobilizing. Check out the latest Seabird Working Group newsletter for deeper insights from the CSC preliminary report and contributor updates!
Sooty Tern, Aruba. (Photo by Michiel Oversteegen)
Juliana Coffey identifying seabirds with seabird patrol volunteers, Union Island. (Alison DeGraff Ollivierre)
The light morph of the Red-footed Booby. (Photo by Andrew Wright)
Conservation focus on the Sargasso Shearwater
The Sargasso Shearwater, recently renamed by the American Ornithological Society and split into a Caribbean (almost) endemic species, is facing heightened conservation priority due to documented population declines across the region. In response to its upcoming “Near Threatened” status on the IUCN Red List and its designation as a “Yellow-Alert Tipping Point” species by the Road to Recovery (R2R) initiative, the BirdsCaribbean Seabird Working Group (SWG) has established a new dedicated Sargasso Shearwater Recovery Group. Following a strategic workshop at the July 2026 BirdsCaribbean Conference in Trinidad, this new subgroup is actively working on a regional recovery strategy and report to address key data gaps, map population trends, and implement targeted conservation actions for this cryptic nocturnal species. Interested in joining this group? More details about the group and how to participate can be found in the newsletter.
Sargasso Shearwater. (Photo by Neo Morpheus ML620809864)
A regional first for Caribbean seabird science
The European Union co-funded CAMAC project is partnering with the BirdsCaribbean Seabird Working Group (SWG) to better understand interactions between Caribbean marine megafauna and human activities. Following a regional survey and species selection process, the SWG successfully secured the tender to lead a groundbreaking regional tracking study targeting boobies, terns, and noddies. Between November 2026 and May 2027, solar-powered remote-download GPS devices will be deployed across multiple colony sites without requiring bird recapture. This first-of-its-kind initiative for the Caribbean basin will map seabird foraging hotspots and habitat use to directly inform marine conservation and management. Learn more about this exciting project in the newsletter.
Interested in connecting with the SWG and its members? Visit the Seabird Working Group webpages and our Seabirds Resources page to access these resources. Please take advantage of the many avenues for communication described in the newsletter, including the SWG Facebook group. If you have seabird news to share, let us know! We would love to feature your work in the next issue!
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2026! This year’s theme is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Yellow-throated Warbler
I can feel it—the seasons are shifting. Fall is gearing up for its big debut, which means it’s time for me to head south.
Up north, you’ll find me raising my family in all sorts of habitats—pine and deciduous forests, cypress swamps, pine woodlands, and streamside forests. My nest? Practically impossible to spot. Good luck finding it! Once my chicks are strong enough to fly, I’m off to warmer skies, trading in cooler forests for the bright colours and tropical vibes of the West Indies and Central America.
Of course, migration isn’t easy: I dodge storms, skyscrapers, windows, cars, and the deadliest predators of all: free-roaming cats.
One of my favourite getaway spots is The Bahamas. People there start spotting me as early as July, darting around palm trees (my personal favourites). Honestly, I should’ve been called the Palm Warbler—funny enough, the real Palm Warbler mostly hangs out on the ground! But hey, my actual name, Yellow-throated Warbler, works too. After all, my bright yellow throat, black mask, bluish-grey back, and streaked sides make me one flashy little bird. I stand out among the warbler crowd.
Special shout-out to naturalist Mark Catesby for my original common name (Yellow-throated Creeper). That was a pretty spot-on description.
Sometimes, just before I head back north in spring, Bahamians hear me singing. Folks describe my song as sweet and lilting, ending with a sharper twist.
As for food? Bugs, bugs, and more bugs. I scour trunks and branches for tasty arthropods, but I won’t say no to nectar or juicy fruit when I find it.
If you’re in The Bahamas, especially in Abaco, you might even run into my cousin, the Bahama Warbler. From a distance, we look alike, but he’s got a yellow belly and throat, an even longer bill (the longest of any warbler, actually), and he’s a bit of a homebody, never straying far from Abaco’s pine forests. I, on the other hand, like to get around.
Now, here’s the tough part: even though my range is pretty wide, stretching from North America down through Central America and the West Indies, my future isn’t guaranteed. Habitat loss and dwindling food supplies on both my breeding and wintering grounds are making survival harder. Since I spend so much time on my wintering grounds, things like droughts, deforestation, or food shortages can leave me in poor condition for the long trip back north to breed.
But here’s where you can help. Plant native trees and skip the pesticides. The more insects around for me to munch on, the better! You can also add a bird bath—I enjoy a clean drink and quick dip too. Volunteering with local environmental organizations for habitat cleanups or tree planting is another great way to show your love to me and other wildlife. And please keep your pet cats indoors. It’s one of the best things you can do for their wellbeing and for birds!
Every little step makes a huge difference. Do that, and you’ll help keep my song alive in forests and swamps for generations to come.
Thanks to Scott Johnson for the text and Eden Garrod for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Yellow-throated Warbler
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2026
Listen to the song of the Yellow-throated Warbler
The song of the Yellow-throated Warbler is a series of sweet descending notes, followed by sharper notes at the end.
Enjoy these photos of Yellow-throated Warblers
Yellow-throated Warblers keep their bright plumage throughout the year. (Photo by Brad Imhoff, Macaulay Library- ML224374621)A Yellow-throated Warbler perched on a blossom-covered branch in spring-time. (Photo by Tyler Ficker, Macaulay Library-ML440234181)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Use your observation skills and go on a scavenger hunt! Print the cards on sturdy paper or pieces of cardboard.
Talk about this with your kids and then go outside to investigate your habitat and get looking! Instead of collecting the items, this is an observational scavenger hunt. If you have a camera or a phone you can take pictures of interesting things you see.
When your hunt is over you could come back together to chat about what was seen and where they were located. How many different bird did you see? Which habitat had the most insects? What else did you discover?
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of a Yellow-throated Warbler in the wild!
Proceeds from this raffle directly fund scientific research, fuel community education, and empower Caribbean wildlife professionals through scholarships to attend our regional workshops and conferences. Together, we can make a lasting impact for our Caribbean birds and communities.
But wait, we haven’t even mentioned the amazing prizes you could win! Are you ready to see if fortune favors you this year? This is your chance to make a tangible difference for Caribbean birds and score some incredible rewards. Talk about a win-win!
Grand Prize: “Puerto Rican Spindalis” Painting
Our Grand Prize is an exquisite original painting titled “Puerto Rican Spindalis” by award-winning Cuban scientific illustrator Arnaldo Toledo. It is one of Puerto Rico’s beloved endemics, locally called Reina Mora. Known for its sweet dawn song and show-stopping plumage, the male Puerto Rican Spindalis is a stunning bird with his bold, black-and-white striped head, fiery-orange neck collar, and bright yellow breast. This exquisite piece of art brings the bird’s radiant colors right off the treetops and into your home. Get your tickets for a chance to win!
This stunning 27×22.5 cm watercolor painting on Stonehenge Aqua paper was part of a special collection commissioned for the American Ornithological Society and BirdsCaribbean joint conference held in Puerto Rico.
In an interview, Arnaldo shared his process for creating this collection:
“I carefully researched each species and made an extensive study of reference material. This was essential for rendering each individual in a way that shows the beauty and life of the bird, as well as precisely draw and paint its field marks and diagnostic details. The pose and attitude of each bird is drawn to set the flow and balance of the composition, while at the same time showing all the splendor of these Puerto Rico endemics.”
Second Grand Prize: Vortex Razor HD 8X42 Binoculars
Vortex Razor HD 8X42 Binocular front view.
Vortex Razor HD 8X42 Binocular side view.
Birdwatchers will love the Vortex Razor HD 8×42 Binoculars, a premium-quality, award-winning optic packed with everything you need for stellar field observation. It is rugged, waterproof, compact, and its HD optical system delivers the sharpest, brightest images possible.
With so many high-end features, you might think this binocular is hefty. It is not! It is actually one of the lightest full-size binoculars on the market. To top it off, it comes with Vortex’s incredible, unconditional, lifetime VIP Warranty.
Additional Prizes: Giclée Prints by Nils Navarro
Winners will also have the chance to choose from stunning giclée prints by renowned Cuban wildlife artist and author, Nils Navarro. These beautiful prints expertly capture unique Cuban bird species and are signed, numbered, and measure approximately 8.5″ by 11″.
Cuban Trogon Giclée Print by Nils Navarro.
Blue-headed Quail Dove Giclee Print by Nils Navarro.
Cuban Tody Giclee Print by Nils Navarro.
Bee Hummingbird Giclée Print by Nils Navarro.
Get Your Tickets Now!
The Raffle drawing will take place on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, at 8 PM EDT(Extended)
Tickets are $5 each, or you can maximize your chances and get five tickets for $20 (get one FREE). The more tickets you buy, the closer you get to taking home one of these incredible prizes!
Piping Plovers and Sanderlings, South Caicos (photo by Craig Watson).
A spectacular arrival unfolds across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) in late August every year. Thousands of weary travelers touch down after extraordinary journeys spanning thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in Canada and the Arctic.
To celebrate these incredible journeys—and highlight the urgent need to protect the stopover and wintering habitats shorebirds depend on—BirdsCaribbean is proud to share this wonderful new 8-minute documentary. Explore the remarkable world of migratory shorebirds and discover why TCI’s wetlands and coastal habitats are so vital to their survival.
Storytelling that inspires conservation
This project was born from the vision and direction of Simon Busuttil, whose passion for birds and deep commitment to conservation in the Turks and Caicos Islands helped make this documentary possible. As the driving force behind the film, Simon understood that scientific data alone isn’t enough to save a species. We also need compelling stories that inspire people to care and turn knowledge into action.
By showcasing the magnificent migratory birds that depend on TCI, Simon hoped to inspire greater appreciation and stewardship of these remarkable species and the habitats they need to survive—and make their conservation a source of national pride.
Counting shorebirds on Turks and Caicos. (Photo by Simon Busuttil)
Small birds, extraordinary journeys
For many of the shorebirds visiting TCI, the journey begins on breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra. Imagine weighing only a few ounces and traveling thousands of miles—powered only by the beat of your wings! Tough travelers like the Ruddy Turnstone can bulk up to around 172 grams (6 ounces) before migration, storing precious energy reserves to fuel the extraordinary journey ahead.
Joining these incredible migrants is the plump and adorable Piping Plover. These diminutive Near Threatened shorebirds blend beautifully into coastal landscapes with their sandy-gray backs, often hiding in plain sight! You may not even realize you’re looking at one until it suddenly scurries toward the water on its bright orange legs.
But don’t let their small size and delicate appearance fool you: surviving migration requires extraordinary physiological adaptations.
Species like the Red Knot (Near Threatened), a master of long-distance travel, can fly for days without stopping. To prepare for these marathon flights, the birds undergo a dramatic physical transformation, shrinking internal organs like the intestines, liver and gizzard, and doubling their body mass by storing fat to act as high-grade fuel—remarkable adaptations that help make long-distance migration possible.
Black Rock: A haven within a haven
After burning through previous fat reserves during migration, these birds arrive at a physical breaking point, requiring healthy habitats that offer both safety and abundant food. In TCI, one such place is Black Rock, an isolated shoal cay nestled in the shallow, turquoise expanse of the Caicos Banks.
Observing thousands of shorebirds at Black Rock, Caicos Banks (Photo by Caleb Spiegel)
Its isolation from human disturbance and productive surrounding shallows make Black Rock an important refuge for birds. Mollusks and other invertebrates provide food for hungry migrants replenishing energy lost during their long journeys. Thousands of birds can gather here, including small shorebirds, larger wading birds such as egrets and herons, and even raptors.
Healthy wetlands—for birds and people
Protecting migratory shorebirds begins with protecting the habitats they depend on. TCI’s mangroves, salt ponds, tidal flats, beaches, and other coastal wetlands provide essential places for shorebirds to rest and refuel during migration, as well as vital habitat where many spend the winter.
But healthy wetlands aren’t important only for birds. Mangroves and other coastal habitats help buffer communities from storms and flooding, support fisheries and other marine life, and contribute to the extraordinary natural heritage that makes the Turks and Caicos Islands truly “Beautiful by Nature.”
By protecting these wetlands, we secure a win for birds and people alike—helping ensure that migratory shorebirds have safe havens to rely on and return to, year after year.
Watch A Haven for Migratory Shorebirds
Watch our new 8-minute documentary, A Haven for Migratory Shorebirds: The Wetlands of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and discover the extraordinary journeys connecting TCI’s shores to places thousands of miles away.
In Memory of Simon Busuttil
Simon Busuttil doing the fieldwork he loved most—surveying shorebirds and waterbirds in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
BirdsCaribbean and the wider conservation community were deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Simon Busuttil, on January 31, 2026. Simon was a key leader with the RSPB’s UK Overseas Territories Caribbean Team and manager of the Darwin-funded TCI Biosecurity Project. His passion for conservation in TCI, his humor, generosity, and extraordinary warmth inspired everyone who had the privilege of birdwatching and working alongside him.
We are immensely grateful for Simon’s friendship, dedication, and conservation legacy, which lives on through projects like this documentary and through our shared commitment to protecting the extraordinary birds and biodiversity of the Caribbean.
Credits and thanks
This documentary was made possible through the vision and unwavering dedication of Simon Busuttil and the contributions of many people who recognize that migratory bird conservation has no borders. We dedicate this film to Simon’s memory, and our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, friends, and colleagues in TCI and at the RSPB.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the funders and partners whose support made this documentary possible: Darwin Plus Initiative, Audubon Americas, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Turks and Caicos National Trust, the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, and Spotlight Communications.
Together, we can help ensure that the wetlands of TCI remain a haven for migratory shorebirds for generations to come.
Children recording bird calls in Laguna de Maya Wildlife Refuge. (Photo by Adrian Yanes)
From Earth Day (April 22nd) to International Biodiversity Day (May 22nd) the Caribbean came alive with nonstop watching, listening to, and recording of birds! Environmental organizations across the region united for the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) to celebrate the 187 unique bird species that call our islands home. This year, the festivities took on an active focus under the theme “Every Bird Counts — Your Observations Matter.” From island to island, our partners and local communities learned to admire these birds and discovered that even their casual sightings hold the power to protect them.
“Birds are hype!” as one young Jamaican birder put it and we couldn’t agree more. But to keep these incredible birds around for years to come, we have to look out for them and we can’t protect what we don’t know. This year’s theme underscores that fundamental truth in conservation. Many of our iconic Caribbean birds are single-island endemics, making them incredibly vulnerable to habitat loss, climate change, and human impacts like pollution, illegal persecution as pests, or trapping for the pet trade. By focusing on observation, CEBF 2026 helped everyday citizens to step up as data collecting champions, proving that a community with binoculars and checklists is a powerful force for protecting birds.
Every checklist submitted and call recorded builds a regional picture, helping us learn more about these birds and guiding conservationists to ensure the habitats we all depend on remain in tip-top shape.
CEBF coordinators rallied their communities to show that conservation is a collective team effort. Through birdwatching field trips, citizen science workshops, community counts, and educational school visits, participants discovered that their individual sightings carry real scientific weight.
JAMAICA
The Caribbean Coastal Area Management (C-CAM) foundation brought the theme to life at the Portland Bight Discovery Centre through a fun-for-all-ages bird fair. The day was packed with hands-on activities, including citizen science workshops, crafting bird feeders, drawing and coloring sessions, and an exciting bird walk. Participants hit the bird hide (bird blind) and successfully logged a mix of local and migratory species, including the White Ibis, Red-tailed Hawk, John Crow (Turkey Vulture), mockingbird, flycatcher, warbler, blackbird, Snowy Egret, Green Heron, Tricolored Heron, and Killdeer. The bird walk was an absolute crowd favorite, perfectly capturing the eye-opening magic of the festival. As one participant shared, “Wow, I did not know we had so many birds in Jamaica.”
BirdLife Jamaica sparked a passion for conservation with a two-part event hosted at the Hope Botanical Gardens and Red Hills Primary School. The adventure kicked off with an introductory bird walk and count where eager students identified at least 15 different species. For many of the young participants, peering through binoculars was a brand-new experience and while mastering the focus wheels was a bit of a struggle at first, they quickly transformed into engaged birdwatchers!
The event wrapped up with a lively DIY craft session building bird feeders, which was a hit among the students. In fact one of the students, Malika, was inspired to write a poem about her experience! You can read it in full here.To ensure the daily bird-watching continues, the team launched a Birdify Your School Yaard initiative, donating 25 pounds of wild bird feed and six hummingbird feeders (supplied by BirdsCaribbean) to the school’s Grade 4, Grade 5, and Special Education divisions.
Guiding the next generation of bird lovers, one DIY feeder at a time. (Photo by Michelle Roberts)
Rounding out the incredible impact in Jamaica, the Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ-IOJ) partnered with the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) to launch the Climate Resilient School Gardens Initiative in St. James. Developed as a recovery response following the impacts of Hurricane Melissa, this initiative brought habitat restoration and climate awareness directly into Western Jamaica’s schools. The project was rolled out across five schools: Herbert Morrison Technical School, Montego Bay High School, Niagara Primary School, Garlands Primary School, and the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf. By rolling up their sleeves to plant fruit trees, native ornamentals, and pollinator-friendly species, students and teachers rebuilt their green spaces, restored urban habitats for local wildlife, and boosted food security.
St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) made a massive splash with their multi-day Statia Bird Festival. Spreading the love for birds far and wide, the festival stretched across the island including two protected areas: the lush forests of the Quill National Park and the coastal stretches of Zeelandia Beach. The team utilized everything from newspaper articles and social media campaigns to packed workshops and citizen science bird counts. Youth engagement was at the heart of the celebration, featuring an action-packed lineup of educational games, arts and crafts, and an exciting scavenger hunt along the birding trails. Hands-on conservation took center stage as participants built 12 American Kestrel nesting boxes, a practical initiative that turned out to be a crowd-pleaser. As Jethro van’t Hul, STENAPA Terrestrial Parks Manager, noted, “Building the bird houses was a huge hit.” While the multi-day festival celebrated all things birds rather than strictly endemics, its impact on the next generation was undeniable. By the end one young participant proudly declared, “I like birds now.”
Statia Bird Fest group photo. (Photo by STENAPA)
Fun bird books for all! (Photo by STENAPA)
Kite building (a popular activity during the dry season in the Caribbean) at Zeelandia Beach. (Photo by STENAPA)
Kite flying at Zeelandia Beach. (Photo by STENAPA)
Building nest boxes for American Kestrels. (Photo by STENAPA)
Nest boxes almost completed! ((Photo by STENAPA)
Nest boxes for American Kestrels completed and ready to be installed. (Photo by STENAPA)
Stopping for a break while on a hike through Quill National Park. (Photo by STENAPA)
The shy Bridled Quail-Dove makes an appearance for CEBF! (Photo by STENAPA)
The bird festivities continued into the night with trivia. (Photo by STENAPA)
DOMINICA
WildDominique organized a cross-island educational tour that spanned from the urban center of Roseau, up the coastal dry scrub of the west coast, through the dry coastal forest of Cabrits National Park, and deep into the rural communities of the Kalinago Territory and the rainforest interior along the Syndicate Nature Trail in Morne Diablotin National Park. The team kicked things off digitally by hosting a webinar to prepare the island’s youth for Global Big Day, teaching them how to log sightings using the eBird app. The training paid off massively: on Global Big Day, the team and their young observers successfully logged a spectacular 40 bird species as they tracked birds across Dominica.
Passing the binoculars to the next generation at Syndicate Natural Trail, Dominica. (Photo by Jeanelle Brisbane)
The team also brought high-energy environmental education directly into four local primary schools in urban and rural communities. Using engaging, participatory tools, they delivered tailored presentations on Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and The Importance of Birds. The classrooms came alive with interactive Bird Sleuthing exercises, Bird Bingo, a lively migratory bird game, a nature scavenger hunt, and hands-on face mask crafting. The team shared “The kids were so enthusiastic they were practically jumping out of their seats to answer questions in exchange for stickers, showcasing an impressive preexisting knowledge of local bird names.” Several students having spotted the team out in public eagerly asked when’s the next birdwatching event.
View from Syndicate Nature Trail. (Photo by Garry Auguiste)
Out in the field at Cabrits National Park, WildDominique expanded their citizen science training by teaching older youth how to use iNaturalist alongside eBird to map local biodiversity. The teens had an absolute blast, with many expressing that they can’t wait for the next count, hopefully with their own binoculars. Best of all, several participants have independently continued to submit their own checklists long after the CEBF festivities wrapped up.
MARGARITA ISLAND
Bio Zoe orchestrated a phenomenal marathon of environmental education, hosting eight diverse events across the high school areas of Liceo Dr. Francisco Antonio Risquez, Cerro La Libertad, and Parque Nacional Cerro Copey. The festival’s lineup featured everything from radio interviews and social media campaigns to five immersive bird walks and counts. A major highlight included two role-playing performances where children acted out conservation challenges to better understand their complexity, alongside detailed drawing and craft sessions focusing on local species like the Yellow-shouldered Amazon, locally called Cotorra Margariteña. As 16-year-old Camila Bastardo shared, “I loved drawing the Cotorra Margariteña… you learn to detail the colors.” Jemimah Rivera, Founder of Bio Zoe, reflected,“Taking the theory into practice is fascinating—when they paint a bird in detail, and then go outside with binoculars and realize it’s the exact same bird, it’s pure adrenaline.” Eight year old Antonio Quintero agreed: “I liked seeing birds, I saw so many… I want you (Jemimah) to come back so we can do it again!”
Children proudly display their colored in bird coloring pages. (Photo by Jemimah Rivera)
Professor Marycarmen Indriago also noted how important these experiences are for youth, sharing that they “enthuse our children to be more sensitive to the environment… and appreciate details in their environment which is good for their mental health.”
Recognizing the severe institutional crisis and high staff turnover affecting local conservation efforts, Bio Zoe also stepped up to support the island’s frontline protectors. They invited park rangers to join the field counts and hosted two specialized workshops on endemic birds. The response was appreciative. Park Ranger Rosalinda Quijada expressed, “Thank you so much for taking us into account and teaching us to appreciate nature in all its splendor.”
Empowering our park rangers! Bio Zoe founder Jemimah Rivera (black sweatshirt) with the rangers who participated in our recent bird ID workshops.
Even unexpected challenges turned into powerful teaching moments; when a few unregistered children joined a school group and began throwing stones at birds, the original students immediately called them out. Jemimah was able to step in and mediate, noting how that behavior underscored just how vital these educational spaces truly are to bridge the information gaps in homes and schools.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Grupo Jaragua launched an ambitious, seven-stop national campaign that brought bird conservation into the hearts of both urban centers and rural communities. Their journey spanned seven distinct locations between April and June, taking the festival’s energy to the Museo del Hombre in Santo Domingo, Oviedo in Pedernales, the Jardín Botánico and KidsCreate School in Santiago, the Jardín Botánico Eugenio de Jesús Marcano, Escuela “La 100” in El Limón (Duvergé), and Galería 360 back in Santo Domingo. Enjoy these photos shared by Andrea Thomen, who organized and led most of the events.
The celebrations featured a vibrant blend of interactive talks on parrot conservation, guided bird walks, creative craft stations, and educational interpretive tables. In a standout hands-on effort for habitat restoration, the team also facilitated a collaborative community workshop where participants built 13 parrot nest boxes to support local breeding populations. Throughout the campaign, young attendees were completely captivated by the festival’s playful, immersive elements—especially a beloved parrot mascot costume, customized bird stickers, and lively, engaging presentations. The power of these experiences to ignite young minds was captured perfectly by one amazed child following a session, who exclaimed, “Wow, I did not know parrots were so incredible!”
SOH Conservación coordinated a landscape-scale campaign across the southwest region, seamlessly blending citizen science, habitat restoration, and community solidarity. The initiatives spanned the humid broadleaf canopy near the private reserve Bosque de las Nubes in Polo, Barahona (a critical site for ecological connectivity within the Bahoruco Oriental landscape as well as the municipalities of Duvergé and Vengan a Ver). The grand finale took place in the buffer zone of Sierra de Neiba National Park, where a coalition of local farmers, students, volunteers, environmental authorities, and community leaders rolled up their sleeves for a massive reforestation drive, successfully planting approximately 2,000 native trees including Caribbean Pine (Pinus occidentalis) and West Indian Cedar (Cedrela odorata) to reinforce the area’s watersheds.
The action-oriented approach of the festival sparked pride and connection to the land among the participants. Children and teenagers thrived outside the confines of a traditional classroom, captivated by the interactive outdoor workshops and guided birdwatching trips. One community member shared with the team, “I never imagined that planting a tree could make me feel part of something so important for the future of our communities,” while another noted that the activities “helped our children understand why forests and rivers must be protected.”
By bringing together everyday citizens and institutional leaders, the event united entire neighborhoods around long-term environmental stewardship and climate resilience, proving that protecting the Caribbean’s shared natural heritage truly is a collective team effort.
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Services staff proved that even when circumstances were beyond their control, scaled down yet dedicated field-based conservation makes a difference. Activities focused on strategic bird monitoring, outdoor education, and anti-poaching forest patrols in the dry forest of Pierre Hughes Barrouallie, Questelles Beach, and the rugged trail from Rose Hall Mountain to Chateaubelair.
S.V.G Forestry Officers practicing their birdwatching and ID skills. (Photos by Jodelia Simmons)
A major highlight of their outreach was an empowering outdoor educational session titled “Celebrating CEBF 2026 – Women in Forestry SVG.” This initiative put women in conservation center stage, providing participants with practical training in basic bird identification, key field marks, the distinct differences between shorebirds and landbirds, and proper binocular techniques.
The spirit of citizen science thrived as numerous eBird checklists were submitted throughout the festival month. In the field, the team used the outings to train colleagues on how to use the eBird app. While the elusive Whistling Warbler managed to dodge the ladies this time, they successfully documented two other endemics: the St. Vincent Amazon and St. Vincent Wren! To amplify their reach, the team shared informational social media posts about the St. Vincent Wren, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ recently recognized third endemic bird species!
PUERTO RICO
Con Ciencia Ciudadana PR Incbrought the celebration to life with a fantastic blend of education and citizen science at the CROEC School in the municipality of Ceiba and within the iconic canopy of El Yunque National Forest. When it came to the crowd favorites, participants of all ages consistently shared that they loved the hands-on crafts most, with children and youth fully immersed in creating vibrant art with their own hands. Another massive hit was the Endemic Birds Memory Game, which quickly became the most popular station on-site, prompting kids to exclaim, “¡Quiero jugar otra vez!” (I want to play again!) and “Ya me aprendí todas las aves” (I already learned all the birds!).
Kids playing the bird memory game. (Photo by Con Ciencia Ciudadana PR)
A young girl coloring the Puerto Rican Amazon coloring page. (Photo by Con Ciencia Ciudadana PR)
Members of Con Ciencia Ciudadana PR at their exhibition table.
Families creating feather art. (Photo by Con Ciencia Ciudadana PR)
While the youth dominated the game stations, adults highlighted just how much they enjoyed the immersive guided nature tours through the rainforest. They appreciated learning about local habitats and endemic island species from the experts, describing the field walks as “informative,” “eye-opening,” and “beautifully guided.” From the classrooms of Ceiba to the trails of El Yunque, both youth and adults left the event feeling connected to nature, and incredibly grateful for the shared experience
Eliezer Nieves Rodríguez, alongside Coral Aviles Santiago and Dr. Natalia Rodríguez, spearheaded 13 education and outreach activities engaging participants across the San Juan Bay Estuary watershed and surrounding regions. The program masterfully engaged a diverse audience: local families, volunteers, tour guides and university students, connecting all of them directly to Puerto Rico’s rich diversity of birds.
Future citizen scientists learning to use the iNaturalist app to log their observations. (Photo by Eliezer Rodriguez)
Young citizen scientists log wildlife sightings during the Capetillo Community BioBlitz. (Photo by Eliezer Rodriguez)
The festival kicked off with community-driven citizen science in Río Piedras, hosting an iNaturalist training session followed by the 3rd Capetillo Community BioBlitz, which mobilized residents to document local wildlife alongside guided bird walks. Outreach expanded through a mix of virtual and in-person events, including a virtual educational session on the San Juan Bay Estuary watershed, an Estuary Bird Census at the Jardín Botánico de Río Piedras, and a guest lecture at the University of Puerto Rico focusing on endemic birds within the island’s unique karst landscapes. Dedicated field experiences brought families and youth into nature with interpretive tours through the Piñones State Forest in Loíza, a Global Big Day birdwatching tour, and guided walks at the Fundación Luis Muñoz Marín and Julio E. Monagas National Park in Bayamón. The team also prioritized long-term regional capacity building by hosting a specialized identification and environmental education workshop for local tour guides at the Reserva Natural Estuarina de la Laguna del Condado.
Citizen scientists ready to observe and record birds at Jardín Botánico de Río Piedras. (Photo by Eliezer Rodriguez)
Coral introduces the tour guides to the endemic birds of Puerto Rico during the workshop. (Photo by Eliezer Rodriguez)
Eliezer speaking about landbirds with the tour guides during the workshop.
Throughout the birdwatching events, participants successfully saw and recorded regional species, including the Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Puerto Rican Flycatcher (Bienteveo), Puerto Rican Bullfinch, Puerto Rican Oriole, and Adelaide’s Warbler, alongside broader Caribbean endemics like the Scaly-naped Pigeon and Zenaida Dove. For many urban residents, the festival offered profound moments of first-time discovery! One participant expressed excitement over experiencing the Monagas Forest for the very first time, while another shared their gratitude, noting it was the “first time I saw and heard the Bienteveo.” By blending urban forest monitoring, academic lectures, and hands-on field identification, the project left local communities inspired and equipped to serve as guardians of Puerto Rico’s birds and habitats.
Puerto Rican Woodpecker. (Photo by Eliezer Rodriguez)
Scaly-naped Pigeon. (Photo by Eliezer Rodriguez)
Puerto Rican Flycatcher perched, showing off its crest. (Photo by Matt Grube)
Puerto Rican Oriole. (Photo by Michael Ocasio, Macaulay Library-ML599415791)
GUADELOUPE
The local environmental organization AMAZONA celebrated the festival by taking participants deep into the heart of the lush, totally protected humid forests of the Guadeloupe National Park. A group of 19 enthusiastic adults set out on a guided birding walk, immersing themselves in the canopy soundscapes and logging an impressive total of 17 different bird species. The absolute highlight of the excursion was catching clear, easy views of the Guadeloupe Woodpecker. The group was equally thrilled to spot the secretive Forest Thrush, a regional endemic that can be tough to see but thrives in these cool, shady rainforests. Watching these spectacular forest birds foraging in their natural, undisturbed habitat was an unforgettable experience for the group.
On the trail for Gaudeloupe’s birds! (Photo by Frantz Delcroix)
Guadeloupe Woodpecker. (Photo by Judd Patterson)
Forest Thrush (Photo by Alistair Homer)
SAINT MARTIN
Les Fruits de Mer hosted a spectacular Endemic Animals Festival at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House. The bird fair was, again, seamlessly woven into this larger, highly popular Festival, which naturally drew a massive crowd of both adults and kids eager to learn about the island’s unique wildlife and native plants. A major highlight of the festivities was a brilliant cross-border partnership that brought the whole island together. As the organizers shared, “This year we collaborated with Nature Foundation Sint Maarten, so that aspect was really fun.” Through a lively mix of hands-on arts and crafts, an interactive in-person bird fair, and engaging local newspaper features, the Festival continues to educate and inspire national pride in the island’s incredible biodiversity.
Jenn Yerkes, Co-founder of Les Fruits de Mer, welcomes attendees to the Endemic Animal Festival. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Endemic Animal Festival attendees show off their hand-painted native flora tiles. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Mark Yokoyama, Co-founder of Les Fruits de Mer, helps attendees answer ‘What’s in our soil?’ (Photo by Jenn Yerkes)
TOBAGO
Heading further south to Tobago, the festival took on a highly focused and specialized approach at the beautiful Bon Accord & Buccoo Wetlands. Organizers hosted an intimate “Sustainable Birder Trainer” workshop designed to deeply empower local conservation advocates. Tailored specifically for a dedicated cohort of two adult participants, this immersive session offered a close-up, intensive dive into the fundamentals of avian ecology and environmental stewardship. The trainees received hands-on, comprehensive instruction on recognizing various local bird habitats, implementing vital conservation strategies, and mastering practical bird identification techniques right in the field.
CUBA
The festival in Cuba was a testament to the sheer adaptability, resilience, and unwavering commitment of local conservationists. Coordinators refused to let the momentum stall when faced with challenges including fuel shortages and rolling power outages that frequently delayed scheduled events or forced sudden location changes. Instead, they adapted on the fly, shifting schedules and rearranging logistics to ensure that the next generation of bird protectors wouldn’t miss out on the joy of the festival.
Flora y Fauna Santiago de Cuba offered an incredible, multi-layered festival across the parks and schools of Santiago de Cuba and the municipality of Segundo Frente. The celebrations blended citizen science, art, and community action, featuring radio interviews, vibrant school competitions between Environmental Interest Groups, and a beach cleanup to restore habitats in the Estrella Aguadores protected area. Education took center stage with a special visit to the Tomás Romay Natural History Museum (home to the BIOECO research center), where the team broke down complex ecological roles, endemism, and bird biology into accessible, simple terms for the curious young crowd.
Kids birdwatching in Santiago de Cuba. (Photo by Inés Lourdes Fernández Rodríguez)
The team also hosted a hands-on crafts contest challenging the children to answer a vital question: How can we help birds from home? Yet, without a doubt, the absolute favorite activity of the festival was heading out into the city streets and local parks for urban birdwatching. The outdoor citizen science experience changed how the children saw their environment and themselves, perfectly captured by one young participant who exclaimed, “I feel like a scientist with these binoculars!”
In the community of Vista Alegre, the team from the Museo de Historia Natural “Tomás Romay Chacón” brought an inclusive and therapeutic energy to the festival. Working closely with local schools, organizers hosted a vibrant series of events that combined environmental interpretation tours, bird walks, and hands-on conservation. The children worked together to plant 50 fruit trees, including mango, guava, mamoncillo, orange, tangerine, and sugar apple (anón), creating a future food source for both local wildlife and the community.
Children waiting to plant the trees in their school yard. (Photo by Celene Forgas)
Breaking ground for a greener future in Vista Alegre.(Photo by Celene Forgas)
Creativity flowed freely across four specialized craft workshops, which included storytelling, puppetry, and animated comic-strip creation. A truly stand-out highlight of the festival was the introduction of art therapy tailored specifically for children on the autism spectrum. Blending detailed bird painting with sensory outdoor birdwatching, the initiative provided a gentle, immersive way for the children to connect with nature. The response from participants and educators was overwhelming, with many describing the inclusive sessions as precious, wonderful, educational, and full of joy.
In the Matanzas province, the Empresa Flora y Fauna de Matanzas made a massive splash by centering their festivities within the Laguna de Maya Wildlife Refuge; a protected coastal habitat flanked by mixed mangroves and semi-deciduous forests. The team maximized their outreach through radio and TV interviews, local newspaper spreads, and a large-scale coastal cleanup at the Punta Maya Lighthouse. Embracing the rich local history, they took participants to the historic Cafetal La Dionisia (established in 1820), where coffee has been sustainably cultivated under the natural forest canopy for over two centuries. To ensure the long-term survival of these coastal ecosystems, volunteers and community members rolled up their sleeves to plant native trees in the community of Carbonera and successfully restored habitats by planting seedlings of Sea Grape/Uva de Playa (Coccoloba uvifera) along the shoreline.
The crown jewel of their program was a massive in-person bird fair and a highly successful Global Big Day turnout. For this count, a passionate team of children hit the trails to record bird songs as part of the BirdsCaribbean and Grabando Aves’ Sound Recording Challenge. Participants were absolutely mesmerized to discover that spectacular, globally unique wildlife lived right in their own backyards.
Children recording their bird sightings and calls in Laguna de Maya. (Photo by Adrian Yanes)
This wave of pure excitement was captured beautifully by two young participants, Milena and Yelena:
Milena: “I discovered new birds today, and they are all so beautiful. We saw the Cuban Tody, which is one of my favorite birds. We also saw the Cuban Trogon, the Cuban Pygmy Owl, and… what’s the name of the one with the little yellow head? Oh yes, the Yellow-headed Warbler! They were all so pretty, and I loved listening to their songs.” You can watch Milena’s interview below.
Yelena: “I loved it! My favorite bird was the Cuban Tody because it’s so tiny and beautiful, with amazing colors. I also saw the Cuban Trogon, the Greater Antillean Grackle, and so many others!” You can watch Yelena’s interview below.
Riding this wave of inspiration, the youth immediately began sketching and coloring the endemic species they had just seen using the beloved educational coloring book “Aves del Jardín Botánico Nacional” by Karen Aguilar and Lourdes Múgica. For a deeper personal look at how this event touched the community, you can also check out this first-hand blog post on Patricia’s unique perspective of the festival.
Activities also stretched across the UNESCO World Heritage Site Alejandro de Humboldt National Park and the Yara-Majayara Outstanding Natural Feature in Baracoa. Despite challenging circumstances, the community turned out in full force, kicking off with a grand opening ceremony of over 150 children and wrapping up with an inspiring closing event for teenagers. The festival focused heavily on critical habitat restoration, with volunteers planting 350 native trees. This included positioning Caguairán (Guibourtia hymenaeifolia) to restore essential biological corridors for forest birds, planting Ocuje (Calophyllum antillanum) along the riparian buffer zones of the Nibujón and Santa María rivers, and undertaking the highly delicate task of planting Patabán and Yana mangrove species to strengthen coastal defenses. The community also participated in five beach cleanups across the coastal zones of Baracoa, each concluding with lively sports and cultural celebrations.
Cuban Trogon. (Photo by Jose Pantaleon)
Cuban Tody. (Photo by Ernesto Reyes)
Back in the classroom, local youth participated in lectures, drawing contests, and dynamic role-playing games where children simulated avian migration and nesting challenges. Out on the trails, deep in the lush forests, the guided birdwatching excursions became the absolute pinnacle of the festival. Watching species like the Cuban Trogon (Tocororo), the Cuban Tody (Cartacuba), and the Cuban Blackbird thrive in the wild sparked a profound wave of local pride and community resolve, beautifully captured in the participants’ own words:
“It was exciting to observe birds that only exist here and learn how we can help protect them for future generations. The birds look beautiful in their natural habitat.”
“The experience in Alejandro de Humboldt National Park allowed me to appreciate even more the natural wealth of our country… That is why we must fight to not keep birds in cages.”
“I learned that conservation is also our responsibility, the responsibility of local communities. Saving the birds is in our hands.”
Our journey through Cuba continues, heading to the coastal municipality of Gibara in the Holguín province. Here, the team from the Museo de Historia Natural Joaquín Fernández de la Vara Pi designed a campaign that directly targeted areas historically affected by wild bird trapping.
Spanning the communities of Las Marías, La Vigía, and the Cuartelón neighborhood, the museum hosted exhibition fairs to bring conservation messages straight to the heart of local families. A massive beach cleanup rallied secondary school students to protect coastal ecosystems, while students and professors from the Municipal University Center stepped up for citizen science, conducting bird counts for Global Big Day. Thanks to educational materials from BirdsCaribbean and Environment for the Americas, the team was able to bring dynamic learning to six distinct rural communities. The cultural heart of their festival was a poetry, painting, and craft contest themed “Birds Are…”, where youth poured their hearts into themes of avian freedom, in an effort to reshape how the community views pet birds.
The deep community impact and the loving energy of the organizers resonated immensely with local parents, who shared their gratitude like Lubia Mayo Ramírez who provided this comment on the event “Muchas felicidades a todos, una actividad maravillosa, todo estuvo muy bien organizado y fue creativo. Los niños aprendieron y lo disfrutaron mucho.” (Huge congratulations to everyone, a wonderful activity, everything was so well organized and creative. The children learned a lot and truly enjoyed it).
Enjoy these event photos shared by lead organizer Ailen Anido:
Rounding out our incredible journey through Cuba, Grupo de Ecología de Aves coordinated an extensive, multi-site educational campaign across Havana and neighboring Bauta in the Artemisa Province. The team relied on educational manuals like BirdSleuth Caribbean to teach communities about endemism, bird morphology, and habitat conservation. In the local community of Baracoa, the team partnered with the La Finquita del Arte to host four weekend sessions where children engaged in endemic bird puzzles, played interactive games like “Mobile Vote” and “Habitat Tag,” and created custom watercolor masks. Each child also walked away with a school art set and their own copy of the National Botanical Garden’s bird coloring book.
The team brought citizen science straight to local schools and community spaces. They visited three primary schools: Juan Gualberto Gómez, Francisco Zayas, and Ignacio Pérez Zamora. Students learned to use binoculars and conducted counts right on their school grounds. In a heartwarming milestone, the festival adapted its programming for toddlers at the Mariposita de Cristal daycare, where children brought toy birds from home to study their features and painted masks as Mother’s Day gifts. The team also hosted a day of traditional board games and coloring activities for youth at a local shelter for children without family support.
Global Big Day counts were activated across three major hubs: the National Botanical Garden, Laguna del Doctor, and Quinta de Los Molinos. At Laguna del Doctor, neighborhood children were treated to a binocular workshop and mini-safari, while the other hubs paired bird counts with advanced training workshops. This included bird banding demonstrations for students from the French School and scientific banding masterclasses for university research groups like the Grupo Científico Estudiantil Ara. Despite severe national transit constraints, the team successfully utilized grant funding to manage critical event mobility and provide refreshments for the children, ensuring that nothing stood in the way of environmental education.
The CEBF team extends a massive, heartfelt thank you to our incredible Cuban coordinators. Your passion, resourcefulness, and refusal to let these critical educational events fade out are what keep regional conservation aloft. We are profoundly grateful for your dedication to inspiring the next generation against all odds!
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
The Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) pulled out all the stops across Antigua and Barbuda, activating key Important Bird Areas (IBAs) like Wallings Forest, McKinnons Salt Pond, Johnson’s Point, and Darkwood Salt Pond, as well as the Codrington Lagoon National Park on Barbuda. Their jam-packed lineup featured a “Bird Maskerade,” an Earth Day Bird Celebration Fair, a fascinating bird banding demonstration, and a Global Big Day count. Hands-on habitat restoration took center stage as participants planted mango, cherry, and soursop trees. The seamless connectivity of the day’s activities fostered a beautiful sense of shared responsibility and environmental ownership among the youth, who even created a catchy impromptu song: “Mango is my favourite fruit!”
Students of New Winthorpes Primary School proudly displays their upcycled watering cans. (Photo by Johnella Bradshaw)
A student of the New Winthorpes Primary School plants a tree in his school yard. (Photo by Johnella Bradshaw)
Watering the tree with his upcycled watering can. (Photo by Johnella Bradshaw)
The tree planting crew! (Photo by Johnella Bradshaw)
Another massive highlight was an incredible, life-sized Barbuda Warbler costume that stole the hearts of the students, prompting one to exclaim, “Wow, I love the Barbuda Warbler! It is so special to our country and to me.” Between designing their own custom watering cans and planting trees, the children were so deeply engaged they simply didn’t want the day to end, begging for more time.
Boys will…birdwatch! (Photo by Johnella Bradshaw)
Of course, pulling off such a massive multi-island event brought its own unique set of logistical hurdles. Navigating event coordination right around a snap general election proved tricky, and the coordinators playfully noted that the kids’ absolute favorite tool was the binoculars, so much so that sharing was completely off the table, with every single participant demanding a pair and an activity kit entirely to themselves.
Fuel the festival, protect the birds
Festivals like CEBF—and the small grants that fund our local partners—are only possible because of bird lovers like you 💚. Consider making a donation today to help us keep these critical community conservation programs taking flight across the Caribbean!
Bring the festival to your community
Behind every successful festival is a network of passionate leaders, and we are always on the lookout for new coordinators to help bring the joy of birds to more communities! When you step up as a CEBF coordinator, you’re joining a vibrant, supportive community of like-minded bird and nature lovers. Plus, there are some great perks to joining our network, including:
Financial & Resource Support: Access to small grants to support your events, plus free educational materials, activities, and discounts on essential equipment where possible.
Professional Growth: Opportunities for advanced BirdsCaribbean research grants and specialized training workshops.
Skill Building: A chance to gain valuable, transferable skills in event planning and science communication.
This year’s CEBF is over—but don’t worry, we still have plenty of bird content for you to enjoy! Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and have joined the BirdsCaribbean mailing list, to ensure you are kept up to date with our latest news via our monthly newsletter.
Acknowledgements 😊: A massive THANK YOU to the island coordinators for your enthusiasm and dedication to making this another memorable CEBF! Each year we see a growing number of participants committed to increasing their knowledge of Caribbean birds and actively working to protect their habitats.
We also extend our gratitude to our donors and members 🙌 who help us provide the coordinators with the support and resources they need to educate and inspire future generations of bird and nature loving communities.
Global Big Day (GBD) 2026 was an absolute whirlwind of bird celebration, lively island community spirit, and talent behind the lens! We are incredibly grateful to everyone who sent in their wonderful photos and helped document the region’s fantastic birds and lively community spirit.
Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, after a bit of delay for preparations for the BirdsCaribbean 25th International Conference: we are thrilled to reveal the winners of the GBD 2026 Photo Contest! These spectacular photos capture the essence of our region’s birds and remind us of the incredible things we can achieve when we unite to support citizen science programs.
If you haven’t caught up on the full Global Big Day 2026 breakdown yet, click here to dive into the main highlights, review final team standings, and meet this year’s ultimate birding champions!
This massive regional effort simply wouldn’t happen without the infectious enthusiasm of our birding community, the tireless hustle of our team coordinators, and the vital generosity of our supporters. Your contributions support Caribbean conservationists in their mission to study and monitor birds and inspire community action for the long-term protection of birds and their habitats.
The Main Stage: Best Bird Photo Winners 2026
A huge round of applause goes out to this year’s First Place Best Bird Photo champion, Peter Rivera, representing Puerto Rico!
Here is what one of our judges had to say about this winning shot:
“Gorgeous capture of this special endemic duck, beautifully showing the bird’s enormous wings and rich chocolate-to-cinnamon brown plumage. I also love the tiny drop of water on the bird’s beak.”
West Indian Whistling Duck, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Peter Rivera)
Taking home Second Place Best Bird Photo is an incredible frame of Caribbean andAmerican Flamingos by Zak Ali. “A unique perspective, with the lines created by the incoming waves drawing your eye into the photo and toward the beauty of the flamingos living in this incredible landscape.”
Securing Third Place Best Bird Photo is a stunning capture of a Gray Kingbird with its chicks by Jerome Foster. “A powerful image that vividly shows how well birds have adapted to humankind’s impact on the planet.” “Seeing birds like this too is important—right here, in the middle of manmade structures—a reminder to always be mindful of and act with the understanding that we share our spaces with them.”
With so many exceptional submissions hitting our inbox, the selection process was incredibly tough, and our judges felt several more entries deserved time in the spotlight. Enjoy these standout Honorable Mentions:
La Sagra Flycatcher. (Photo by Jose Alberto)
Caribbean and American Flamingos, Trinidad. (Photo by Zakariyya Ali)
Behind every great bird is a vital habitat. These striking images turn the spotlight on the essential ecosystems like the forests, wetlands, and coastal shores where our birds feed, rest, and raise the next generation. They highlight both the artistry of our photographers and the urgent need to conserve these wild spaces.
Claiming First Place for Best Landscape Photo is New Providence, The Bahamas, captured by Lowell Coleby! You can view more of his stunning photos here.
“This image tells an important and sobering story about the relentless pace of development across the Caribbean. The small Gray Kingbird perched on a red mangrove branch is perfectly framed against a backdrop of active construction, with dredged material being loaded into a dump truck in the distance. The composition is outstanding, and the photograph succeeds as powerful visual storytelling—capturing both the resilience of wildlife and the growing pressures facing coastal habitats throughout our region.”
Second Place Best Landscape Photo:Artemisa, Cuba. (Photo by Jose Alberto)
Third Place Best Landscape Photo:Valle de Lajas. (Photo by Eric Torres)
We also want to give a massive shoutout to the rest of our talented landscape contributors. Your dedication to framing the raw beauty of these habitats is deeply appreciated!
Margarita Island. (Photo by Jemimah Rivera)
Viñales, Cuba. (Photo by Nils Navarro)
Best Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Moments
While GBD is fundamentally about the birds, half the fun is the beautifully chaotic human adventure happening just out of frame. We love that our birders gave us a sneak peek into the hilarious, exhausting, and uplifting realities of a 24-hour birding blitz.
Climbing to the top of the leaderboard for our First Place Behind The Scenes (BTS) category is Nils Navarro from the Cuban Birding Team with “Birding by Bike!”
“Cuba is facing very difficult conditions right now, with severe shortages of fuel and electricity. Yet, as usual, the Cuban teams absolutely crushed it on Global Big Day—birding joyfully from their backyards and traveling by bicycle, on foot, and by motorbike to find birds. This photo beautifully captures the resilience, passion, and optimism of our Cuban colleagues, who always find a way to contribute and make a difference despite the challenges.”
Our Second Place Behind the Scenes honor goes to Dr. Leandra Dass for capturing her young, enthusiastic birder son doing what he loves–birdwatching, in Moruga (central-south coast of Trinidad).
“This capture is feels like a delightful moment where everything came together just right—Xavier framed in the heart foliage is technically a pretty shot—but it also captures the love and joy that we feel when birding. A beautifully charming photo!”
The Third Place Behind the Scenes award goes to Davian Amore of Simon’s TCI Royal Terns. We suspect the local birds are running a very effective distraction strategy.
“A wonderfully humorous photo of five birders in tiny South Caicos, each looking in a completely different direction through binoculars or a camera. You just know they had a fantastic day in the field. The TCI Royal Terns turned out in force this year to celebrate birds and honor the legacy of beloved team leader, Simon Busuttil, whose passion for birds and conservation continues to inspire the team.”
Special congratulations again to the TCI Royal Terns for placing 5th in the world on eBird’s official count of countries with an increase in Global Big Day eBirders from 2025!
Honorable mentions:
Birding from the truck bed. (Photo by Serene Ramjohn)
Arecibo, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Diego A. Bisbal Rodriguez)
Piping Pawis team up and about before the crack of dawn. (Photo by Leandra Dass)
Youngest GBD-er 2026
We love to see when young people connect with the incredible bird communities in their home countries and we hope to see more young naturalists participating in next year’s GBD!
Kids birdwatching in the Dominican Republic. (Photo by Andrea Thomen)
Golden Hour
Silhouettes are a beautiful way to play with light and add drama to your photos.
Brown Pelican at sunset, USVI. (Photo by Jennifer Valiulis)
You’ve got the wrong guy!
Members of the President’s Perch team in England said they were scanning the skies and tree tops for birds but sent us this photo of an adorable Water Vole. We asked our eBird guru if this counts as a furry, flightless waterfowl. He still has not replied.
Water Vole. (Photo by Andrew Dobson)
Ready for my close up
Seabird research ❎ Vogue photoshoot ✅
Masked Booby. (Photo by Jemimah Rivera)
Best hair style
This Tufted Coquette secured the crown for ‘Best Hair’ with the kind of gravity-defying volume that most salon products can only promise.
Tufted Coquette. (Photo by Josh Bajnath)
Best Team Selfie
Are field selfies an essential GBD tradition? Absolutely! We love seeing your smiling, sun-baked faces. To view these snapshots in high resolution, just click on the first image and scroll through our community gallery.
There is a beautiful parallel between the tiny endemics that call Jamaica home and the children who came out to protect them in May: neither can be underestimated because of their size! As Jamaica’s green spaces slowly bounce back from Hurricane Melissa, a new generation of backyard birders is stepping up to prove that the future of bird conservation is in capable hands.
This inspiring spirit of action was on full display during this year’s Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF). Centered around the theme ‘Every Bird Counts—Your Observations Matter,’ BirdLife Jamaica hosted a Global Big Day event designed to help the next generation realize that their curiosity is paramount to tracking, understanding, and ultimately protecting Jamaica’s birds.
Hope Gardens (Photo by Doris Gross)
The perfect location for this was at the Hope Royal Botanical Gardens in Kingston. Often called the “green lung” of the city, these sprawling lawns, shaded forest trails, and vibrant flower beds serve as a sanctuary for Jamaica’s native wildlife and some of the country’s endemic birds like the Yellow-billed Parrot, Jamaican Woodpecker, Red-billed Streamertail and Jamaican Oriole. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which stripped away nesting spots and food sources, urban green spaces like Hope Gardens have become more important than ever. It was here that eager young conservationists gathered to look at and give back to their feathered friends, spending the afternoon building and decorating custom bird feeders to help local populations recover and thrive.
Red Hills Primary School student Malika with a printed copy of her poem.
Vervain Hummingbird (Photo by Suzanne Labbé ML211863431)
Among the young nature enthusiasts was Malika Smith, a student from Red Hills Primary School. Her unforgettable encounter with one of our most spectacular endemic birds perfectly captures how a single observation can spark a love for conservation. Here is the delightful poem she wrote about her big day:
The Day I Met the Vervain Hummingbird
One sunny day we went away,
To Hope Gardens for a special day.
With smiles and laughter, full of cheer,
We knew a great adventure was near.
We walked the trails and looked around,
Listening carefully to every sound.
The birds were singing in the trees,
Their sweet songs floating on the breeze.
Then something tiny caught my eye,
A little bird zooming through the sky.
It was the Vervain Hummingbird, they said,
The smallest hummingbird in the world, we read!*
It hovered softly from flower to flower,
Showing its beauty and amazing power.
Though it was tiny, it moved so fast,
A wonderful memory that will surely last.
My favorite activity was making a bird feeder, too,
Bananaquit at a feeder (Photo by Michael Stubblefield ML545532751)
If you live in one of the western parishes, you can also contact BirdLife Jamaica via email at 📧 [email protected] or call 📞 1-876-295-7766 to see if you qualify to receive hurricane relief bird feeders and specialized energy-mix bird seed.
Additionally, if you can help get bird feeders and seed to the western parishes, please get in touch with the organization today. Thank you! 🖤 💚 💛
For everyone else looking to lend a helping hand, crafting your own backyard bird feeder is a fantastic, simple project for the entire family!Using basic upcycled materials from around the house, you can create a welcoming haven for local endemics. Check out our DIY guides below:
Malika’s story reminds us that looking after nature takes a whole community. As Jamaica’s forests and gardens continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Melissa, our unique birds need our help more than ever to find safe spaces, food, and care.
By supporting BirdLife Jamaica and BirdsCaribbean, you directly fund vital habitat restoration, community education programs, and essential resources for youth outreach events just like this one. Your generosity ensures that more children across the region can discover the joy of birdwatching and become the environmental stewards our islands need for the future.
It’s an exciting time of year as Migratory Shorebirds start arriving in the Caribbean! This year we’re asking you to help conserve them and the wetlands they rely on by counting them for shorebird conservation. If you do at least three shorebird counts during migration your data will contribute to the Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) AND the International Shorebird Survey (ISS)! We are also getting ready to celebrate World Shorebirds Day on September 6. BirdsCaribbean has everything you need to help you take part. Read on to find out how to take part, and why you should join the count this year!
Our migratory shorebirds are more vulnerable than ever—they are threatened by human activities such as destruction of their habitats, pollution, disturbance, and climate change. Shorebirds in North America are declining more than any other group of birds; in fact, more than half of 28 species studied were estimated to have lost more than 50% of their abundance in the last 30 years.
The Caribbean is an important region for migratory shorebirds. They rely on our mangroves, salt ponds, beaches, sand flats, and mud flats to rest and refuel as they continue on their long migrations. Some shorebirds may even spend the entire winter with us!
Counting Shorebirds for Conservation
Data from citizen science initiatives like our CWC program are essential to help us identify and protect the key stopover and/or wintering habitats that shorebirds use. Protecting these habitats benefits people too because healthy coastal areas provide vital ecosystem services such as clean water, food, sustainable livelihoods, protection from storm surge, and much more.
Counting shorebirds. (Photo by Nahira Arocho Hernandez)
The more information we have about shorebirds using Caribbean wetlands the more we can learn about their populations and which places are most important for them. This means that carrying out multiple counts at the shorebirds’ favorite wetlands during migration season (August-October) increases our ability to conserve them.
A CWC x ISS collaboration … as easy as 1,2,3!
Monti Cristi in the Dominican Republic is estimated to host 20,000+ migrating shorebirds per year—making it a regionally important site! (Photo by Maria Paulino)
What if the CWC data you collect during shorebird migration could contribute to not one but two long-term databases that help shorebird conservation?
Well the great news is they can!
The ISS is a volunteer survey effort that has been run by Manomet Conservation since 1974! It collects shorebird count data from 100s of sites across the Americas, including the Caribbean. These counts help inform where conservation action is need and are used to estimate trends in shorebird populations. Your CWC data can be part of this effort.
Here’s how: first make sure your site is used by shorebirds—if it’s not somewhere you’ve been before, you can check eBird for what birds have been seen there. Then be sure to carry out at least three counts spread through the migration season. Be sure to add your counts to the CWC eBird project AND the ISS eBird project (for more information about using eBird see below).
ISS recommends that counts are from July 15th, through to October 15th. In the Caribbean, we suggest aiming for doing counts in August, September, and October. You can certainly do more counts if you want your data to be even more useful. For example, you can do six counts—visiting your site(s) twice in each of August, September and October OR you could try to fit counts in every 10 days (roughly three times a month). Remember though, our message to you is to do at least three CWC counts evenly spread from August to October. If you want to find out more about ISS and how to take part you can check out this excellent introduction and training webinar or if want more details about doing more then three CWC x ISS counts, and the ideal timing for these then lookhere.
Celebrate World Shorebirds Day!
World Shorebirds Day is held every year on September 6. This day celebrates shorebirds, their amazing migration journeys, and most importantly, raises awareness of the threats they face and actively promotes their monitoring and conservation. The key event associated with this day is the Global Shorebird Count (GSC), which this year runs from September 1-7. Why not make sure that one of your CWC x ISS counts happens during this week? Then you’ll be contributing to three survey efforts for shorebirds!
Shanna explains bird ID at McKinnons Pond, Antigua, during the 2025 CWC Count. (Photo by Sherrel Charles)
How do you join in?
Getting a CWC list on eBird. (Photo by EAG)
Joining is as simple as heading out to your local wetland sites, counting shorebirds, and submitting your list on eBird! Super easy! Remember to record all the species you see and/or hear (including other non-shorebird species), and to note how many individuals of each species you spot. Take your time and scan the habitats carefully for birds, but be extra careful to stand and walk only in places where you won’t disturb the birds you are trying to count!
Be sure to select “Caribbean Waterbird Census” AND “International Shorebird Survey (ISS)” from your projects when starting a new checklist. Haven’t joined these projects on eBird yet, or want to know more about how to use projects? We’ve got you! Get all the details here (you can use these instructions to join both projects). To make sure your data can help contribute to ISS you should aim to do three counts through migration (see above). The great news is that you only need to do a single checklist and as long as you select both projects when starting your list it will count towards both projects!
Remember that when you do repeated CWC counts at the same site you need to try to cover the same area, and make the conditions of your count as similar as possible e.g. spend a similar amount of time, cover a similar distance (traveling count) or stand in the same spot (stationary count), try to match the time of day and tidal conditions etc. This is also true for the ISS.
Don’t forget that any counts you do at Caribbean wetlands, mangroves, mud flats, coastal areas or beaches at any time of year can be Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) counts!
Finally, to contribute to World Shorebirds Day and the Global Shorebird Count, share each list you do between September 1-7 with the eBird user ‘worldshorebirdsday’. This will ensure that your checklists are included in data analyses for the Global Shorebird Count. If you are new to checklist sharing, check out this quick tutorial on how to do it.
If you do not have an account, it is easy to register—here’s a quick guide on how to enter eBird data online. Check out our helpful video here on how to use eBird and Merlin. If you have questions about eBird checklists, or need help with setting up an eBird account, do contact Dr. Alex Sansom our Waterbird Program Manager at [email protected] .
We know that Shorebirds can be tricky to identify, with some being especially difficult to tell apart. BirdsCaribbean is here to help with some useful tools! We have a Shorebird Poster and “Quick ID Guide” to get you started as well as handy Shorebird ID cards that you can download and print featuring common shorebirds of the Caribbean. Go to our shorebird resources page to find everything you need. Of course, don’t forget to take your favorite bird ID guide with you when you do your shorebird counts!
You can brush up on your CWC survey skills, waterbird ID, and shorebird ID before you go out on your surveys by watching our fantastic CWC and Shorebird ID webinars on YouTube. We also have a series of shorebird ID shorts pointing out key features to help you distinguish between those tough-to-tell-apart species. Check our latest video all about separating Willets from other similar looking shorebrids below, and see them all on our social media accounts or our YouTube Shorebirds Short Videos Playlist.
If you can get photos or even sound recording of the birds you see, these can be looked at/ listened to later. If you encounter any birds that are difficult for you to identify in the field, visual (or sound) evidence can be shared with birding colleagues and experts for ID support. If you can get photos or even sound recording of the birds you see, these can be looked at/ listened to later! Remember that every survey is a chance to sharpen your bird identification skills, learn to spot new species, and become more confident in the field!
Where to find shorebirds?
The simple answer is: anywhere there is water. This means that, as their name suggests, you can find them at the beach and on other types of shorelines. However, some shorebirds will be further inland, including in salt ponds and salinas, freshwater pools, agricultural fields, and at brackish marshes and ponds. Shorebirds will also gather on mud flats, in mangrove areas, and on tidal flats.
The Cargill Salt Ponds site also supports other habitat types, like these mangroves. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Orange Valley Mudflat in Trinidad during CWC2021 (photo by Mark Hulme)
Pectoral Sandpiper. (Photo by Jesse Gordon)
You may not be quite sure of the best places to look in your area. If so, why not take a look for ‘hotspots’ at your local wetlands on eBird. Just take a look at the eBird hotspots map. Zoom in on your local area and then click on a hotspot to see what types of birds have been seen there recently. And as bonus of taking part you get a great excuse to get outdoors, to spend time in our wetlands, enjoy nature, and discover some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful habitats!
What should you do if you spot a banded bird?
While counting shorebirds you may see birds with colorful bands on their legs. These are very special birds! Do your best to record the band colors and any numbers or letters paying special attention to the location of the band or bands on the bird’s legs. Binoculars or zoom photography may allow you to clearly see the band colors and the numbers engraved onto the band—if you get a photo you will be able to send it along with your sighting. You can report your sightings and send any photos you have to BandedBirds.org and the USGS Bird Banding Lab, which oversee all banding in the United States.
Banded Ruddy Turnstone in Anguilla, “2EY” – keep an eye out for banded birds!
Bird surveys are a rewarding way to contribute to real conservation while enjoying peaceful mornings surrounded by wildlife. Taking part is also a fantastic way to meet fellow birders and nature enthusiasts, share knowledge, and make new friends with a passion for conservation. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of birding experience, every survey is an opportunity to learn something new! If you’d like to survey with others, keep an eye on social media for any posts from local organizations for survey opportunities, or get in touch with your local nature NGO or bird club to find out if they have plans for counts in your area.
We love looking at photos of shorebirds, your local wetlands, and your smiling faces; so please share the highlights of your shorebird counts with us! Use a phone or any other camera that is available, but remember to tag @birdscaribbean. We look forward to seeing and sharing your amazing photos and reading your stories!
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about counting shorebirds. Reach out to Alex Sansom at [email protected]
Our online Conference Merch Store for the upcoming BirdsCaribbean 25th International Conference is now OPEN! Order all your #BCTT26 merchandise online for pick-up in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, from 23 to 27 July 2026.
As we count down the days to gathering in sweet, sweet Trinidad and Tobago, it’s time to secure your exclusive conference merch! Trinbago culture is famous for its infectious energy, rich rhythm, and unparalleled flair, and our birds have just as much attitude and beauty! To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’ve blended that creativity with our love for Caribbean birds to bring you a collection that is pure vibes. Whether you’re liming (hanging) with friends, heading to the next pump (social event), or out in the field, these pieces are designed to make a statement.
We’ve got a wonderful variety of items on sale to delight any fashionista, bird or nature lover, including conference t-shirts, hats, and buffs. These items double as souvenirs and keepsakes that will remind you of your amazing time in the Land of the Hummingbird for years to come. Plus, we have a new t-shirt design, “Parrots of the Caribbean” featuring all 11 endemic Caribbean parrots!
These items will make unique gifts for your family and friends. But the best part? Your order will directly support our work to help Caribbean birds and people thrive.Check out all the offerings at our e-shop https://bit.ly/BC-TT-Merch
Important Pick-up Notice: All merchandise items purchased on this site must be collected during the conference at the Hyatt Regency. We cannot ship items to anyone. If you can’t attend the conference, you can arrange with a friend or colleague attending the conference, or residing in Trinidad, to pick up your items for you.
The excitement doesn’t end online! Attendees can also stop by our merch table at the Hyatt Regency for a retail therapy break in between sessions to purchase something beautiful and fun that will help them remember the conference.
Our inventory is bound to be ram-cram with eager shoppers, and quantities are limited! So, as the local saying goes, “take front before front take you” – be sure to shop early to get your desired styles, sizes, and amounts.
Our conservation impact is stronger when we work together. We can’t wait to see you in Trinidad and Tobago!
Acknowledgments: A huge thank you to Andrea González del Rey and Ariel Contreras (Cúa Conservation Agency), Jessica Cañizares (BirdsCaribbean) and Eden Garrod (Eden Garrod Design) for the incredible designs, and to Josh Bajnath (Bajnath’s Estate) for providing us with hummingbird photos to create the buff.
The countdown is officially on for the Caribbean’s biggest gathering of bird conservationists, and we have an exciting milestone to celebrate. For the first time ever, the BirdsCaribbean International Conference will feature a Caribbean Parrot Conservation Summit dedicated entirely to the conservation of our remarkable endemic parrots. Read on to learn more about this must-attend event—and how you can reserve your spot!
From July 23–27, 2026, bird conservationists, researchers, educators, students, ecotourism professionals, and bird enthusiasts will gather in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, for BirdsCaribbean’s 25th International Conference. The program features inspiring keynote speakers, skills-building workshops, memorable field trips, and—the first-everCaribbean Parrot Conservation Summit: From Science to Solutions: Parrot Conservation under the Birds, People, Prosperity Framework.
Conservation leaders working to protect our Caribbean endemic parrots have been invited to participate in this inaugural Summit, creating an unprecedented opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and advance parrot conservation across the region.
The Caribbean is home to 11 endemic parrot species, each found nowhere else on Earth. From the St. Vincent Amazon and Imperial Amazon to the Cuban Amazon and Puerto Rican Amazon, these remarkable birds are among the Caribbean’s most treasured natural icons.
These charismatic ambassadors face mounting threats, including habitat loss, illegal trapping for the pet trade, climate change, and persecution when viewed as agricultural pests. As a result, all 11 species are on the IUCN Red List of threatened species, with most classified as Vulnerable or Endangered.
Despite these challenges, there is hope.
Across the Caribbean, local researchers and communities are already doing incredible work on their respective islands to protect their endemic parrots. With this foundation in place, the next logical step is to connect and upscale our efforts. Recognizing this need for regional unity, our partners at SoCal Parrot and Friends of the IUCN Wild Parrot Specialist Group stepped forward to support this inaugural Summit, helping bring our shared vision of a stronger Caribbean parrot conservation network to life.
Parrot people unite!
We are bringing together a diverse network of NGOs, government agencies, researchers, educators, conservation practitioners, and policymakers from The Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.
Leading the Summit is BirdsCaribbean Acting President Andrea Thomen, a conservationist from the Dominican Republic who has dedicated many years to protecting the Hispaniolan Amazon and Hispaniolan Parakeet through research, education, and community engagement to combat the illegal pet trade.
Building a united front for parrots and people
Our goal is to create a dynamic space where conservationists can share experiences, strengthen collaborations, identify common barriers, and advance practical solutions. To make this happen, the Summit is divided into two interactive components: a symposium and a workshop.
During the symposium, we’ll highlight recent advances in research, population monitoring, education, community engagement, species recovery, habitat management, policy, and conservation action across the region.
Moving beyond presentations, the interactive workshop will provide participants with the time and structure to network, identify shared priorities, and develop opportunities for cross-island collaboration.
The St Vincent Amazon Problem Tree created by workshop participants. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
St. Vincent Amazon Solutions Tree created by participants.
The reality is, many Caribbean parrot conservationists work on small islands with limited staff, resources, and often have few opportunities to exchange ideas face-to-face with colleagues confronting similar challenges. While every island is unique, many of the threats and opportunities are intertwined.
Together, we are stronger than any one island can be alone. By sharing what has—and hasn’t—worked, we can scale up our successes.
Our goal is for each participant to leave with new ideas, stronger partnerships, practical tools they can apply at home, and a renewed sense of momentum for parrot conservation across the region.
Whether you work directly with parrots or simply care about the future of Caribbean biodiversity, this historic Summit offers a unique opportunity to learn from colleagues across the region, build lasting partnerships, and help shape the future of parrot conservation.
Getting to grips with shorebird ID in Puerto Rico. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
From February 23-28, 2026, BirdsCaribbean, together with the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico and Manomet Conservation Sciences, hosted a five-day Shorebird and Waterbird Identification and Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) training workshop at Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The workshop brought together 27 conservationists from 10 Caribbean countries for a week of bird identification, wetland conservation, field surveys, and collaborative learning.
Caribbean wetlands are some of the region’s most important ecosystems. From mangroves and mudflats to salt ponds and beaches, these wetlands are special places for birds! They provide critical habitat for regional endemics like the West Indian Whistling-Duck, as well as thousands of migratory shorebirds traveling on the Atlantic Flyway. Yet these habitats continue to face mounting pressure from pollution, habitat degradation and development, disturbance, and climate change.
Monitoring helps conservationists identify and protect important sites, track population changes, understand threats, and guide management decisions. But effective monitoring requires people with the skills and confidence to identify birds, conduct surveys, and build long-term programs.
The perfect location?
Located on Puerto Rico’s southern coast, Jobos Bay NERR could not have been a better place to host a wetland and waterbird workshop. Its mangroves, salt flats, lagoons, and coastal wetlands support an impressive diversity of resident and migratory waterbirds, offering participants daily opportunities to practice identification and survey techniques in the field! Not only that, Jobos Bay has a wonderful classroom space to gather each day for presentations, quizzes and discussions. It was the ideal place to bring people together to learn about wetlands, waterbirds, and monitoring techniques. Participants gathered from across the region for a week of learning, idea-sharing, and fun.
Wetlands at Jobos Bay. (Photo by Lisa Schibley)
Wetlands at Jobos Bay, NERR. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Getting to know each other… and the birds
The workshop began with introductions, as participants got to know one another and learned about Jobos Bay and the surrounding area. With so many Spanish speakers in the room it was great to have the translation services of Efrén Esquivel, to make the workshop bilingual and smooth the way for seamless introductions and information sharing for the whole week.
Once everyone knew who everyone else was and all about our special location for the week it was time to find out more about BirdsCaribbean and our partners for the week Manomet Conservation Sciences. Everyone got to grips with the plan and aims for the week – including plenty of learning both in the classroom and out in the field.
On this first day the group got an overview of the Caribbean Waterbird Census program, and about the importance of wetlands across the Caribbean. Bird ID began with a gentle introduction getting everyone to think about key field marks to look for and thinking about how different groups of birds look and behave differently. But soon it was time to dive deeper and get an introduction to some of the common shorebirds and waterbirds of the Caribbean and how to identify them.
Coral gives out a bag-full of useful waterbird resources. (Photo by Sasha Collie)
Lisa Sorenson introduces waterbird ID. (Photo by Alex Sansom)
Milton introduces the Jobos bay area. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Our translator Efren and his wife Blanca help this bilingual workshop run smoothly. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Everyone received a full set of resources to ensure they were ‘field-ready’, including binoculars, bird ID cards, tally counters, and survey forms. Before the end of the day it was time to put these resources to use and head into the field for the first time, for the first of many days, combining classroom learning with field practice. This made sure that everything that was learned in the classroom could be immediately practiced in the real world!
Nia birding at Jobos Bay wetlands. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
A Wilson’s Plover at Jobos. (Photo by Lisa Shibley)
Wading into waterbirds
The second day focused on more bird identification and introduced participants to conducting surveys and survey methods. The day kicked off with a fun field session at Lago Canta Sapo, a small pond that punched above its weight in terms of wetland bird diversity. Participants had the chance to put the ID skills they learned the day before into practice. Small groups worked through identification challenges together while instructors were on hand with helpful tips and and identification challenges suited to all skill levels. Highlights included a Ruddy Duck and Least Bittern.
Bird ID practice onf day two. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Lago Canta Sapo. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Birding at Lago Canta Sapo. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Back in the classroom the ID learning continues with more on waterbirds, shorebirds and landbirds! The group also started on a key topic for the week – monitoring. Finding out about the Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) and getting a great introduction to the International Shorebird Survey (ISS). The good news for everyone was the CWC survey also ‘count’ as ISS surveys so they can contribute to two survey efforts in one go!
Alex Sansom, BirdsCaribbean’s waterbird program manager introduces CWC. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Coral Aviles presents on landbird ID. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Lisa Schibley from Manomet introduces the ISS. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Studying shorebirds and understanding threats
The next day started early with a trip to Las Mareas – mangrove and mudflat area that is part of Jobos Bay NERR. Shorebird ID was the main focus of the morning. The birds certainly cooperated, providing everything from large Hudsonian Whimbrels down to the smallest “peeps” (small sandpipers) for participants to practice on.
Shorebird ID practice at Las Mareas. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
This distant shorebirds provided an excellent ID challenge for participants. This group includes Black-bellied Plover, Long-billed Dowitcher and Ruddy Turnstone. (Photo by Lisa Schibley)
Shorebird ID practice at Las Mareas. (Photo by Alex Sansom)
In the classroom sessions shifted towards thinking about wetland sites, including monitoring and conservation challenges. Participants learned how monitoring programs can document habitat change, identify emerging threats, and support conservation planning and management decisions. Discussions explored threats facing Caribbean wetlands, including coastal development, pollution, invasive species, disturbance, and climate-related impacts such as sea level rise.
Discussing threats to Caribbean wetlands. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Sharing discussion outcomes. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
It wasn’t all doom and gloom, as the group also learned about site protection, and designation. This included an introduction to the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) and what is needed to get a site designated. This was followed up by an inspiring example of Cargill Salt Pond in Bonaire, the Caribbean’s second WHSRN site!
Juanita Fonseca from Manomet tells the group about WHSRN designation. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Data, surveys, and building programs
As the week continued, participants continued to practice their bird ID at some of the wonderful wetlands in Jobos, whilst also focusing on the practical side of running monitoring programs. There had been a distinct lack of birds during pre-workshop scouting visits, so it was a huge relief when they seemingly appeared on cue throughout the week! They must have known it was important to be there! In the classroom, sessions covered survey design, data recording, and the use of tools such as eBird to store and share observations. And, of course, participants continued honing their skills in the field.
More Shorebird ID practice. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Birding on day four. (Photo by Lisa Schibley)
Some of the group enjoying the wetlands at Playita. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Learning about using CWC data. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Learning heron an egret ID at Jobos Bay. (Photo by Alex Sansom)
Rainbows and shorebirds at Playita. (Photo by Alex Sansom)
The workshop emphasized that successful monitoring is not only about collecting data, but also about sustaining programs over time, training volunteers, and engaging local communities. Participants discussed how they might adapt what they learned to fit the realities of their own islands and organizations. By this point in the week, many participants were already talking about plans for expanding monitoring efforts back home.
Practice makes perfect
The final day brought together everything participants had learned throughout the week. The group spent the whole morning in the field at Aguirre State Forest and Punta Pozuelo. This gave everyone a final opportunity to practice identification and survey techniques before heading home. Then a quick stop by the beach and back to the Jobos Bay classroom via a fantastic local spot to cool down with some ‘Limbers’ (delicious frozen desserts in a cup).
At Aguirre Forest. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
The group looking at shorebirds. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Bird ID at Aguirre Forest. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Lisa and Israel birding on the beach at Punta Pozuelo. (Photo by Alex Sansom)
Watching shorebirds. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
A refreshing break for ‘Limbers’. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Back at Jobos the group talked about funding and fundraising as well as discussing next steps for their local monitoring program, and local and regional collaboration and monitoring. We closed out with some fun, but highly competitive bird ID quizzes, some much deserved prizes from some of the outstanding participants from the week and certificates for everyone!
Looking ahead
Beyond the technical skills and many hours of practice in the field, the workshop also created space for Caribbean conservationists to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Participants left with stronger identification skills, muddy boots, memorable bird sightings, and an even stronger regional network of conservationists working toward a shared goal—protecting the Caribbean’s wetlands and waterbirds.
While the workshop was full of enthusiasm, discovery, and shared learning, it also highlighted the urgency of the work ahead. Wetlands across the region continue to face growing threats, and many migratory shorebird populations are declining. Building regional monitoring capacity is an important step toward better understanding and protecting these species and the habitats they depend on. Workshops like this help ensure that Caribbean conservationists have the knowledge, tools, and support needed to continue that work together.
We thank the US Forest Service International Programs, Vortex Optics, BirdsCaribbean donors & Cape Cod Bird Club for funding and supporting this workshop, Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for kindly hosting us, and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and Manomet Conservation Sciences for their invaluable partnership and support.
“The workshop highlighted how similar the conservation challenges are across the Caribbean. My favorite part was the opportunity to have discussions with people from different islands and cultures, share experiences, and learn from one another.”
“The usefulness of shorebird identification by size, shape, behavior, leg color, and other field characteristics was eye-opening. I also gained a much better understanding of how bird monitoring contributes directly to conservation action across the Caribbean.”
“There is always something new to learn from someone else. The workshop reinforced the importance of sharing knowledge and learning from people with different backgrounds and expertise.”
“I really appreciated the knowledge and quality of instruction provided by all the facilitators and organizers. I learned a tremendous amount and felt well supported throughout the workshop. I especially enjoyed the field exercises, quizzes, and the positive energy, generosity, and sense of community fostered by both the leaders and participants.”
“I learned how my local monitoring efforts can contribute to regional and global conservation programs through initiatives like the Caribbean Waterbird Census and International Shorebird Survey.”
“Big takeaways for me were that shorebirds are more than just a conservation issue—they are a fascinating group of birds. I also learned that doing counts really does feed into meaningful conservation work happening across the Caribbean.”
Before screens, it was the original escape. It was the first place you tested the limits of your independence and imagination. We’re talking about the great outdoors! Today, we’re taking you back to the days when the world was wide open and waiting to be discovered, as we see the wonders of nature and birds through a child’s eyes.
Our story begins more than 20 years ago when the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) was established to spark a region-wide love for the unique birds that call our islands home. Fast forward to today, and that spark is a roaring fire. Across the Caribbean, CEBF coordinators are helping local communities rediscover their islands through birding walks, fairs with hands-on activities, and workshops, turning national pride into conservation action for birds and their habitats.
Students learn to use binoculars and a spotting scope to look at birds at Hope Gardens, Jamaica. (Photo by Natural History Museum of Jamaica)
Driving this momentum is the 2026 CEBF theme, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter.” It shines a spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don’t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community.
To see this theme in action, we are zooming in on a spectacular celebration in Cuba, spearheaded by Adrián Yanes Domínguezand his passionate team at Empresa Flora y Fauna Matanzas. They brought the festival to life at the Laguna de Maya protected area, welcoming curious minds like 13-year-old Patricia. Step into her shoes (or should that be boots?) as she explores the mangroves and tells us about the vibrant birdlife of her home island.
Laguna de Maya. (Photo by Adrián Yanes Domínguez)
Located just 12 kilometers from Matanzas, Laguna de Maya Wildlife Refuge is a natural playground for nature enthusiasts and haven for birds, consisting of coastal shores, mangrove forests, and serene lagoons connected to the sea. Visitors, on marked trails or tour boats, can spot species like Roseate Spoonbills, Tricolored Herons, and woodpeckers. During the winter, the calm waters become a bustling sanctuary where local birds share their home with seasonal migratory guests, including Wood Ducks arriving from North America.
When Cartacuba Taught Me to See the Forest
This blog has been translated from Spanish to English.
My name is Patricia, I’m 13 years old, and I live in Cuba, in a place called Carbonera. This year for the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, we visited Laguna de Maya Wildlife Refuge, which is a very beautiful protected area where there are many birds.
Patricia (wearing white headband) and her friends excitedly look for birds. (Photo by Adrián Yanes Domínguez)
When we arrived, I took out my binoculars right away because I wanted to see everything! We walked along a trail where there were plants that grow on trees, like the Curujey (wild bromeliads), which is very useful because it stores rainwater in its leaves, and some birds drink that water! Because of their rosette shape, Curujeyes catch and store rainwater in their tightly overlapping leaves. In the dry season, they become important water sources for frogs, insects, and birds.
In the trees, we saw some little nests, like the one belonging to the thrush with red legs (Western Red-legged Thrush). We learned a lot about the birds on my island and about the plants they eat and use to build their little nests. In the protected area, there are thirteen bird species that live only in Cuba and also in the Caribbean. We saw many beautiful birds, such as the Tocororo (Cuban Trogon), which is our national bird because it has the colors of the Cuban flag; the Green Woodpecker; the Sijú Platanero (Cuban Pygmy Owl); the Cartacuba (Cuban Tody); the Toti (Cuban Blackbird); the Cabrero (Cuban Bullfinch); and one with a yellow head whose name I don’t remember. They all had very beautiful colors and songs.
The national bird of Cuba – the Cuban Trogon. (Photo by Rafy Rodriguez)
Cuban Pygmy Owl (Photo by Ernesto Reyes)
The male Cuban Bullfinch is glossy black with white wing patches. It’s bill is a little smaller than the Grand Cayman Bullfinch. (Photo by Greg Lavaty)
My favorite bird is the Cartacuba (Cuban Tody), because it’s tiny and has lots of colors. It likes to perch very close to you so I was able to take photos and videos of it with my phone. At one point, it moved its head and shifted its body to face us, as if it wanted us to look at it. It sings a lot and flits around hunting for flies, and then it lands back in the same spot. This year I discovered that my favorite bird also makes a whirring rattle sound with its wings, allowing you to identify it before you ever see it! Unlike other birds, it doesn’t like to build its nest in trees; it digs a little tunnel into a bank or slope. I just don’t know how it has so much strength for how tiny it is!
Patricia recording a Cuban Tody at Laguna de Maya Wildlife Refuge. (Photo by Adrián Yanes Domínguez)
Cuban Tody (Photo by Aslam Castellon)
I also learned that some birds, like sinsontes (mockingbirds) and the zorzales (thrushes), don’t like others, like the Sijú Platanero (Cuban Pygmy Owl), to get close to their nests because they’re taking care of their chicks.
At the festival, we played several games. The one I liked best was one where we spread our arms to see which bird we matched in wingspan. We also colored a new book from the Botanical Garden of Cuba. My teacher says it is very special because it was created by professors who help the protected area and the birds of the wetland a lot! To top it off, I also participated in a contest to record bird songs.
Patricia stands tall to see how her own ‘wingspan’ measures up against some of nature’s finest fliers. (Photo by Adrián Yanes Domínguez )
I think protecting birds is important because they eat pests, help the forest, and some, like the Zunzún (Cuban Emerald), pollinate flowers. Others eat seeds,helping new trees grow. Some of these birds only live on our island and don’t exist anywhere else in the world, so we have to take extra care of them. We kids can help by putting out water in the schoolyards, planting flowers, and not keeping them in cages. Adults can help by taking care of the trees and teaching us about nature.
I can’t wait for next year’s festival so I can see the Cartacuba again and learn more about the birds on my island! 🦜🎉🦉
CEBF coordinator Adrián with the dedicated group of participants at Laguna de Maya, united by a love for birds and nature. (Photo by Adrián Yanes Domínguez )
Patricia’s story is a beautiful reminder that conservation begins where curiosity meets nature. BirdsCaribbean has spent more than two decades fueling this curiosity and passion, proving that empowered communities can protect their natural heritage. If you want to help keep this vital work moving forward, consider supporting BirdsCaribbean with a donation. Your contribution supports youth birdwatching trips, supplies field equipment like binoculars and field guides, and materials to create fun and interactive games and experiments. Every contribution matters. Support the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival HERE.
Keep up with the activities at Laguna de Maya on Instagram here and Facebook here.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2026 is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter” — shining the spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don’t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Grenada Wren
Small but full of personality, the Grenada Wren is a little bird with a big voice. Found only on the island of Grenada, this wren is often heard before it’s seen, filling the air with a bubbly, melodious song. It has a warm brown back, finely streaked with darker markings, a pale eyebrow stripe, and a lightly speckled chest. With its compact size and energetic movements, it’s a delight to spot darting through dense undergrowth, foraging for food.
Grenada Wrens are masters of adaptation, thriving in forests, scrublands, and even gardens. They primarily feast on insects and small invertebrates, using their sharp beaks to pick through leaf litter and bark. During the breeding season, they build dome-shaped nests hidden in vegetation, where the female lays a clutch of tiny eggs. Both parents take part in feeding their chicks, ensuring the next generation of these charismatic birds takes flight.
Despite their adaptability, Grenada Wrens face growing threats. Habitat loss due to deforestation and development is reducing their available nesting and feeding areas. Climate change also poses risks, as shifting weather patterns could disrupt their food supply and breeding cycles. While they are not currently considered endangered, continued habitat destruction could put them at risk in the future.
Helping the Grenada Wren is simple! Protecting natural areas, planting native trees, reducing pesticide use, and keeping cats indoors can all support their survival. Even in urban areas, creating green spaces and maintaining backyard gardens with native plants can provide important refuge.
Whether you’re hiking in Grenada’s forests or enjoying a morning coffee in your backyard, keep an ear out for their cheerful calls—it’s a reminder of the island’s unique and irreplaceable wildlife. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Kendon James for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration.
Colour in the Grenada Wren
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Grenada Wren
The song of the Grenada Wren is loud, with clear trills interspersed with chattering notes.
Enjoy these photos of the Grenada Wren
Grenada Wren singing. (Photo by David Hollie, Macaulay Library- ML602673661)Grenada Wren perched. (Photo by Nathan Goldberg, Macaulay Library-ML631314978)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Grenada Wrens love to feed on insects like beetles, flies and moths!
Can you help this hungry Grenada Wren find its way through our maze to to grab a tasty moth?
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2026 is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter” — shining the spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don’t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Cuban Vireo
As one of Cuba’s endemic jewels, the Cuban Vireo is widely distributed throughout the island and is considered one of the most common species on the island. Its coloration is not very conspicuous, with mainly grayish olive green on the back, and pale yellowish underneath. Males and females look the same. Its eyes are large and dark, and appear to be larger because of the ring of light-colored feathers around the eye. For this reason, in some parts of Cuba it is known as “ojón” which translates to “big-eyed.” Because of the sound it makes when singing, it is also popularly known in Cuba as “juanchiví.”
The species favors wooded areas , but it can also be found in thickets. It inhabits all types of forests, natural, secondary, coffee and pine plantations. Usually flying short distances within the vegetation, where it roosts and forages mostly in the lower down in the vegetation (1-3m). Occasionally, it mixes in mixed flocks with other Cuban endemic species such as Yellow- headed and Oriente Warblers. It feeds mainly on insects, arachnids, fruits and small reptiles.
Like other vireos, the nest is cup-shaped and the breeding season begins in March and ends in August. The species usually lays three white eggs with small brown or purplish spots.
It is not globally threatened. To keep this “endemic jewel” shining for years to come, we need to make sure its habitats remain healthy and connected. You can plant native plants and berries in your garden to give them a safe place to eat and seek shelter. By spreading the word about the ojón’s funny “juanchiví” song and supporting local environmental organizations, you also help this big-eyed bird stay a common sight for everyone to enjoy for years to come! Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Alieny González for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration.
Colour in the Cuban Vireo
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Cuban Vireo
The song of the Cuban Vireo is a “chweee-ch-byuuu,” with an upslurred first note and a downslurred final note.
Enjoy these photos of the Cuban Vireo
Cuban Vireo. (Photo by Aslam Ibrahim Castellón Maure)
Cuban Vireo. (Photo by Roberto Jovel)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Do you know what the different parts of a bird are called? Knowing them can help you to learn how to describe and identify birds, as well as colour them in. Learn the names for the parts of a bird by checking out the diagram in this page.
Test your knowledge on today’s endemic bird by matching the correct names to the correct parts of a Cuban Vireo and completing this sheet.
Want to check your answers? You can see where all the words matched up to here.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2026 is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter” — shining the spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don’t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Western Chat-Tanager
Way up in the misty mountains of Hispaniola lives a bird called the Western Chat-Tanager. Imagine a bird kind of like a Mockingbird, just a bit smaller and more mysterious! This shy little bird is part of the Caribbean endemic bird family, Calyptophilidae, from the Greek word Calyptophilus which means “loves to hide.” And do they take that seriously!
They live in broadleaf forests and dense thickets which no doubt helps them to stay hidden. Even scientists have a tough time finding them in these habitats! Our tip is to keep your eyesight low. Western Chat-Tanagers usually hang out in pairs, poking through fallen leaves looking for their next meal. They make a “chip-chip” sound while foraging. Their favorite foods are insects, small invertebrates and a little bit of fruit now and then.
How will you know you’re looking at the elusive Western Chat-Tanager and not the Eastern Chat-Tanager?! One big clue is that it has no white eyering, but it does have a small yellow patch between its eye and beak. The upperparts of the Western Chat-Tanager are dark brown. The breast and throat are white shading into the grey-brown belly and flanks. Its tail is long, rounded, and has a chestnut tint. On the other hand, the Eastern Chat-Tanager has dark brown upperparts and a white eye ring but no yellow face patch. Its tail is shorter and more squared off.
During the breeding season, May to July, they build a large and unusual cup-shaped nest with an overhanging dome and a front entrance. They use small woody stems, vines, moss, and lichens for the outer part and line the inside with stems and pieces of leaves. Clutch size is 2 pale blue eggs with brown spots.
Both parents help feed their chicks. The dad doesn’t bring food very often, but the mom shows up with food every 15 to 20 minutes when she’s not keeping the chicks warm. The mom also cleans up after the chicks by carrying away their faecal pellets (poop). Meanwhile, the dad watches nearby and sings often, usually from a perch within 10 meters of the nest.
The conservation status of the Western Chat-Tanager is considered to be Vulnerable by the IUCN, due to widespread clearing of forests particularly in Haiti. The Dominican Republic has several protected areas. One of these places is the Sierra de Bahoruco, a big mountain range where the Western Chat-Tanager can be found. That’s why it’s so important to support environmental groups that work hard to protect these wild places from pollution and deforestation so amazing birds like the Western Chat-Tanager can have a safe home to live and hide. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Aliya Hosein and Holly Garrod for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration.
Colour in the Western Chat-Tanager
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Western Chat-Tanager
The song of the Western Chat-Tanager is a loud, whistled “tsew, tsee-ew, tsee-ew, tsu, tsu, tsu.”
Enjoy these photos of the Western Chat-Tanager
Western Chat-Tanager. (Photo by Dax Roman)Western Chat-Tanager. (Photo by Dax Roman)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Can you find the words in our Western Chat-Tanager word search? Read the text above all about this endemic bird to remind yourself of some of the interesting facts and information, as you look for all 15 hidden words!
Remember the words appear forwards and backwards, as are horizontal, vertical and diagonal! Need some help? Or want to check your answers? You can see where all the words were here.
Enjoy this video of a Western Chat-Tanager in the wild!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2026 is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter” — shining the spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don’t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Grand Cayman Bullfinch
Also known as the “Black Sparrow”, the Grand Cayman Bullfinch bears no resemblance to any other birds in its neighborhood. With a body size and shape typical to finches, the Grand Cayman Bullfinch is only around 5.5 inches long, entirely black) and sports a sleek white stripe along the borders of a closed wing. Females and immatures are duller, grayish olive with a darker head. The stubby, thick and strong bill tells us it’s a seed-eater who forages on fruits in different kinds of habitats.
With a distinctive look, and perhaps an even more distinctive insect-like call “chi-p and zee zee”, the endemic Grand Cayman Bullfinch has only recently been recognized as a full species. Up until July 2023, the Bullfinch found on Grand Cayman was considered a subspecies of the Cuban Bullfinch. The split marks exciting news for the islands, since the only other endemic and full species to inhabit Grand Cayman was the Grand Cayman Thrush, last seen in 1938—and now only found to adorn the local one cent copper coins.
Despite relatively low detections, the Department of Environment (DoE) has in 2023 estimated the population of the Grand Cayman Bullfinch at around 2,500 birds; however, data is sparse so this number should be understood as a guide only. Historically found throughout the small island of Grand Cayman (76 square miles), the bullfinch has been pushed further and further east due to the rapid rate of development and general urbanization. Usually seen in small flocks and inhabiting primary forest as well as dry shrubland, pastures, and buttonwood, the species is found foraging at ground level as well as at the top of the canopy.
Globular nests are built by both parents, usually using an intricate web woven of multiple materials such as grasses, roots, and vines. The nest entrance is found to the side whereby both parents come and go to feed their young after the successful hatching of their 2 – 4 whitish-green eggs with brown spots.
Interestingly, the DoE recorded bullfinch detections west of Savannah during the 2025 population monitoring effort, which is uncommon in recent times due to the above-mentioned development encroachment of eastward habitat. IUCN Red List reclassification of this species to a Near Threatened species of Global Concern is likely to occur in the future given the bullfinch’s restricted range as a single island endemic.
Retaining wild and natural vegetation is a key first step to protecting this Bullfinch and avoiding the monotone short lawns and/or stone gardens which offer little to no value to it. Letting patches of grass and shrubbery stand tall and wild will provide seeds and fruits and tall trees will offer protection and nesting resources.Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Jane Haakonsson for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration.
Colour in the Grand Cayman Bullfinch
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Grand Cayman Bullfinch
The song of the Grand Cayman Bullfinch is a buzzy trill dropping in pitch then rising again.
Enjoy these photos of the Grand Cayman Bullfinch
Grand Cayman Bullfinch, male feeding. (Photo by Aaron Boone, Macaulay Library- ML151426391)
Grand Cayman Bullfinch, female. (Photo by Karen Fung, Macaulay Library- ML565760171)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Test your knowledge of where Caribbean endemic birds live with our ‘Fly away home’ Map Matching Activity!
Draw lines from the picture of each Caribbean endemic bird to match each one with its home. You can find out more about Caribbean endemic birds by reading our posts each day or you can go back and find all the endemic birds that we have featured in previous years here. You can also find out all about our Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book with even more birds to colour in!
Here is the Answer Key – don’t look until you have completed the activity!!!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2026 is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter” — shining the spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don’t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Black-billed Streamertail
The Streamertail is a symbol of Jamaica’s national pride and our rich biodiversity. While the average Jamaican may not be able to easily differentiate the Black-billed Streamertail from its more widespread compatriot, the Red-billed Streamertail, this striking bird still captures the eyes and hearts of Jamaicans and visitors alike.
It is primarily found in eastern Jamaica, particularly in the parishes of Portland, St. Thomas, and parts of St. Mary. It is closely related to the Red-billed Streamertail known locally as “Doctor Bird”, but the two are distinct species, separated by both geography and subtle differences in appearance and behavior.
Measuring about 22-24 cm in body length including their tail streamers—long, prominent trailing tail feathers for which the male Black-billed Streamertail is most famous for! These tail streamers, which curve and flutter behind it as it flies, produce a distinctive humming sound. Males are an iridescent emerald green with a black bill, while females lack the extravagant tail and have a duller greenish-brown appearance with a white belly. The females of both species are very similar and not always distinguishable in the field. Identity is usually assumed based on location.
Black-billed Streamertails are nectarivores (primarily feed on nectar). They feed on the flowers of native plants like heliconias, wild bananas, and mistletoe; in doing so, they play a critical role in pollination, transferring pollen from flower to flower. They also snack on small insects and spiders to get the protein they need to stay strong. These agile birds are fiercely territorial, often defending feeding sites from rivals and other nectar-feeding species.
During breeding season, females build tiny cup-shaped nests out of plant fibers, moss, and cobwebs, usually attaching them to tree branches or vines. They lay one or two tiny eggs, which they incubate alone, while males focus on displaying and defending their territories.
Although currently classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, the Black-billed Streamertail faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. Conservation efforts, including habitat protection and responsible land management, are crucial to ensuring the survival of this extraordinary hummingbird.
A true gem of Jamaica’s forests, the Black-billed Streamertail is always a treat for nature lovers with its dazzling plumage and acrobatic flight, serving as a reminder of the island’s unique and fragile ecosystems.Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Justin Saunders for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration.
Colour in the Black-billed Streamertail
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Black-billed Streamertail
The calls of the Black-billed Streamertail are a high pitched ‘twink–twink–twink’
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the images below to do the puzzles. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Black-billed Streamertail looks for food. (Photo by Glenn Bartley)Black-billed Streamertail feeding on nectar. (Photo by Glenn Bartley)Black-billed Streamertail in flight. (Photo by Dubi Shapiro, Macaulay Library-ML205120501)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: During our 2026 celebration of Caribbean endemic birds we will be sharing a beautiful colouring page for every single bird we feature! These lovely pages were created for us by Arnaldo Toledo, who also created a coloured in version of each bird as inspiration. Get your colour pencils ready, and read these super helpful colouring in tips below. Then go ahead, download and print each bird, and get colouring! Enjoy!
These tips are also available in Spanish:
Discover the birds of the Caribbean with Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, and learn how to fold a hummingbird out of paper with this video! All you need is a square sheet of paper – 24 x 24 cm is ideal. The video will show you step by step how to fold and create your hummingbird!
Enjoy this video of a Black-billed Streamertail in the wild!
Did you know that the simple act of noticing a bird in your backyard could be key to saving a species? From the misty peaks of the Blue Mountains in Jamaica to the sun-drenched mangroves of Bonaire, our 187 endemic bird species are a shared heritage found nowhere else on Earth—and it’s up to us to protect them. As we prepare for the 2026 Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF), we are calling on everyone—tell your parents, your friends, even your Nan—to turn their eyes to the skies, the trees, and the ground (we can’t forget our beloved doves!). This year we are celebrating, counting, and conserving our birds together.
CEBF begins on April 22nd (Earth Day) and runs through May 22nd (International Biodiversity Day). This annual regional festival raises awareness of the amazing birds that live only in the Caribbean—their natural history, the threats to their survival, and how we can act to protect them and ensure that they thrive for generations to come.
This year’s theme “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter” shines the spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don’t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community. When we say “Every Bird Counts,”we mean it. Whether it is a tiny, iridescent Antillean Crested Hummingbird darting through your garden or the elusive Imperial Amazon (Sisserou) high up in the canopy in the rainforest, every single sighting you record provides a vital data point. These observations help us build a regional map showing us exactly where our endemic species are thriving and where they might be in trouble.
Dominica’s Imperial Seekers seeking out the magnificent Imperial Amazon for Global Big Day 2024. (Photo by Garry Auguiste)
The Sisserou is endangered and endemic to Dominica. (Photo by Paul Reillo)
This community-collected data is the backbone of informed conservation action because we cannot protect what we do not know. By involving everyone, from curious school children to seasoned experts, we create a massive, islands-wide “neighborhood watch” for our birds. By involving the whole community, we move people beyond casual observation and into the role of proud environmental stewards. Cool, right?
Your contributions help scientists identify which habitats need urgent protection and provide real-time results through platforms like eBird. This allows us to see population trends as they happen, giving us the power to respond faster to environmental changes and ensure our endemic birds are around for years to come.
A little more on citizen science…
While professional biologists work tirelessly to study and protect our birds, they cannot be everywhere at once. That is where you come in. Citizen science is a powerful collaboration where everyday people all around the world collect data, by watching and recording birds mostly on phones via eBird checklists—this data helps scientists solve real-world problems. In the Caribbean, many of our endemic birds live on just a single island, making them incredibly vulnerable to habitat loss, pollution, illegal trapping/killing, and climate change. To protect them, we first need to know exactly where they are and how their populations are changing. Your observations tell scientists if a species is declining or expanding its range and provide the “hard data” needed to advocate for the protection of critical forests, wetlands, and even green spaces within cities.
Entering data into eBird. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
To our fabulous island coordinators, this year is an invitation to mentor a new generation of citizen scientists, sharing your deep knowledge and passion to help the movement grow. To our new participants—welcome! This is your invitation to join your community in protecting and promoting your incredible natural heritage. If you’re new to citizen science you’ll want to read this beginner’s guide. There is an immense sense of pride in knowing that your backyard is part of a global treasure, and by participating, you are ensuring it stays that way. You don’t need expensive gear to make a difference; you just need a pair of binoculars or a keen eye. If you don’t own a pair of binoculars yet, don’t let that stop you! Your local coordinators and environmental organizations will have binoculars available for use at their CEBF events. They will teach you how to use the binoculars to get a crystal-clear look at our endemic icons, identify them, and make sure they count toward your checklist.
A lot more on community connection…
If you are looking for more than birdwatching and checklists, you have come to the right place. Our enthusiastic island coordinators and educators infuse the festival with a vibrant mix of in-person and online events that turn learning about birds into an unforgettable experience. It’s about reconnecting with nature, discovering hidden talents, strengthening our collective power to improve our communities, and taking pride in the vibrant biodiversity that defines our islands.It’s about exploring together, pulling up those boots and venturing into mangroves, dry forests, and wetlands that we often pass by every day without realizing the biodiversity they hold.
Hey! Are you taking a photo of us? Adults and children birdwatch by the pond at Hope Gardens, Jamaica.(Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Most importantly, it’s about belonging. By joining an event, you become part of a massive movement dedicated to ensuring that bird conservation becomes a seamless part of our daily lives. We want every Caribbean citizen to stand ready and knowledgeable, equipped with the facts, to speak up for our birds and the places they call home. Whether it’s advocating for the protection of a local wetland from unsustainable development, discouraging the illegal trapping and persecution of our endemic birds or simply sharing why a healthy forest matters for both birds and people, your voice is a powerful tool. When joined with a chorus of like-minded nature lovers, that voice becomes an unstoppable force for the Caribbean’s wildlife.
So what else can you expect at a CEBF event?
These events are usually held where life happens: on school grounds, in lush Botanical Gardens in cities, or at visitor centers bringing together students and teachers, local community groups, religious organizations, and service clubs like Rotary. Last year, the Environmental Awareness Group in Antigua even hosted a special birding tour for the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force! Everyone is encouraged to come as they are: to think, to question, to challenge, and to exchange stories through:
Guided Birding Walks: Explore local hotspots with knowledgeable guides who help you spot birds and master your binoculars.
Shanna and students birdwatching at the Princess Margaret School. (Photo by Sherrel Charles)
Birds are everywhere, even at your university campus — and certainly at the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras campus. (Photo by Alondra Norat)
Creative Workshops: From bird-themed “Sip & Paint” sessions to photography classes and youth art contests.
Mask painting and bird identification station at the TTBO bird festival. (Photo by TTBO)
Young artists at work on bird-themed bags at Les Fruits de Mer’s Migratory Bird Festival in St. Martin. (photo by Mark Yokoyama).
Children display their completed Bee Hummingbird habitat with flowers for the bird to feed on and a water source. (Photo by TTBO)
A young girl decorating her pouch using bird stencils during the Endemic Animal Festival. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Habitat Restoration: Roll up your sleeves for mangrove plantings and beach clean-ups to give our birds a cleaner, safer home.
Volunteers receive instructions before the start of the clean-up. (photo by Conservation Opportunity)
A volunteer ensures no trash is left behind. (Photo by Conservation Opportunity)
Approximately 150 pounds of trash were collected. (photo by Conservation Opportunity)
River in Charco Dos Bocas Ciales after spectacular cleanup effort by volunteers. (photo by Conservation Opportunity)
Games & Interactive Science: Get hands-on with fun experiments and games that reveal how different beaks work, to discovering all the amazing ways birds survive.
Youth learning how birds eat and build their nests through sensory play. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
We did it! Students display the results of their BirdSleuth Caribbean Scavenger Hunt in Salt River, Jamaica. (photo by Emma Lewis)
“Birdscaping” Your Backyard: Learn which native plants turn your garden into the neighborhood hotspot where all the birds want to be.
Students from St. Martin Primary School in Dominica planted native plants for CEBF 2018.
Virtual Festivals: Can’t make it in person? Join webinars and social media posts that connect bird lovers across the entire Caribbean.
Here are a few members of our powerhouse alliance of local NGOs and educators across the region.
Jamaica: BirdLife Jamaica, the Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ), Caribbean Coastal Area Management
Cuba: Empresa Flora y Fauna Matanzas, Grupo Ecologia de Aves, Empresa Flora y Fauna Santiago de Cuba, Museo de Historia Natural “Tomas Romay Chacón”, BIOECO, Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt, Museo de Historia Natural Joaquin Fernandez de la Vara Pi Gibara
Dominican Republic: SOH Conservacion, Grupo Jaragua
Puerto Rico: Estuario de la Bahia de San Juan, Con Ciencia Ciudadana PR Inc
Antigua & Barbuda: Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) Antigua, BarbudanGO
St Eustatius: St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation
Dominica: WildDominique
Trinidad & Tobago: Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research and Research Centre, ECONETICS
Don’t see your island listed? Use our CEBF Coordinators Directory to connect with local conservation organizations and find out what’s going on near you!
Got a serious case of FOMOOTCEBF (fear of missing out on the CEBF)? Sign up for our mailing list HERE to ensure that you get the latest CEBF event news, and find out first about the fantastic celebrations happening on your island.
Good for our islands, great for your legacy.
Your support for the CEBF keeps nature education accessible to all, providing the tools and workshops needed to protect our shared natural heritage. From “birdscaping” backyards to youth art contests, every dollar helps us provide these resources at no cost to our communities. Join us in making a lasting impact—donate securely HERE* and help every bird count. *Under ‘Designate your gift’ please select Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival.
The biggest birding day of the year returns on Saturday, May 9th, 2026! Global Big Day (GBD) is more than a mass data collection event, it is a global celebration of magnificent birds and the incredible people who protect them, all focused on amplifying our potential to create a lasting, positive impact on our planet. On this day, bird enthusiasts and nature lovers around the world head outdoors to document as many bird species as possible in just 24 hours. These observations help scientists monitor bird populations, track migration patterns, and identify habitats in need of conservation.
What makes GBD truly special is that it’s open to everyone wherever they are. Whether you’re an expert birder chasing a rare endemic deep in the forest or just starting out with backyard birds, there’s a place for you in this global effort to understand and protect birds.
Compete for the Cause: Join Our Team Challenge!
We’re thrilled to bring back our popular teams competition for GBD 2026, and we’d love for you to be a part of it! Both national (individual islands) and multinational teams are invited to join in the effort to make a lasting impact on the birds and ecosystems of the Caribbean.
We’re especially eager to see a team representing each Caribbean island, so if you don’t see your island listed here, now’s your chance to step up and take the lead (more details below).
We are calling on you to unite with local birders to help bring attention to your island’s irreplaceable and incredible diversity of birds as well as the BirdsCaribbean programs that enhance our understanding and drive the action needed to protect these iconic species.
By participating, you and your team will play an important role in advancing our understanding of Caribbean birds and their habitats, showing the world just how incredible your island is.
Bare-legged Owl. (Photo by Aslam Ibrahim Castellon)
Green-winged Teals in flight, their green wing-patches clearly visible. (Photo by Andrew Reding)
Lesser Antillean Bullfinch in St Vincent. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
Bahama Woodstar, male. The Bahama Woodstar can only be found on the Turks and Caicos Islands and The Bahamas! This near-endemic can be easily spotted in a range of habitats around TCI. (Photo by Keith Salveson)
Hispaniolan Nightjar. (Photo by Dax Roman)
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)
Bridled Quail-Dove, Guadeloupe. (Photo by Birding the Islands client, Beatrice Henricot)
A pair of Hudsonian Godwits in Barbados. (Photo by John Webster)
Their entire population of Prairie Warblers spends the winter either in the Caribbean or Florida, making this a very important region for the species. During the winter Prairie Warblers like to live in coastal dry forests, mangroves, woodlands, orchards, and coffee farms; they may even show up in your garden!
The Ridgway’s Hawk is one of the most critically endangered raptors in the world and is endemic to Hispaniola. (Photo by Dax Román)
Last year we had 31 teams compete with members spanning across 47 countries and raised over $64,000US to keep our core programs going. This year let’s take it to the next level—more islands, more energy, more data—and show the world how passionate and serious we are about bird conservation!
Birding for a Cause: Empowering the Next Generation
In addition to hosting what is (unofficially) the most exciting birding competition in the region, we’ll also be raising funds to provide travel scholarships to deserving bird conservationists to attend our upcoming 25th International Conference in Trinidad and Tobago! It’s an invaluable opportunity for international networking and learning new skills to help save our Caribbean birds.
24 Joyous Hours of Birding, Exploring, and Making Friends!
During peak migration time in the spring, birders around the world head out to their favorite birding spots, or venture into new areas, to see, hear and record as many bird species as they can in a 24-hr period of time. Global Big Day runs from midnight to midnight in your local time zone. The data is entered into eBird checklists (more about using eBird below).
Members of the team BirdersSKN birdwatching on Global Big Day.
Members of The Palmchatters. (Photo by Andrea Thomen)
A few members of Statia’s Golden Warblers in St. Eustatius, Global Big Day 2025. (Photo by Jethro van’t Hul)
Beny Wilson and friends birding in Panama for the Flying Pintails.
No matter where you are—at home, a botanical garden, beach, river or nature reserve—you can contribute important data about the birds around you. You don’t need to be an expert birder or spend the entire day looking for birds. Just 10 minutes of birding in your backyard or from your balcony will count too. Imagine, while enjoying your morning coffee, you can also be contributing valuable data for bird conservation.
This is not Microsoft Teams
If you’re looking to make your GBD experience more social, consider teaming up with a friend or group. Pairs or groups can carpool, help out with tricky bird IDs, share equipment like spotting scopes.. and possibly snacks!
We are calling on our community to bird together in virtual teams (you don’t need to be birding together in the same place) during Global Big Day and engage in friendly competition to see which team can:
1) collectively see the most species of birds, and
2) raise the most funds.
Additional recognition will be given to
the team with the most creative name!
the “country/island team” that sees the highest proportion of their birds on Global Big Day (to control for differences in the number of species on each island!)
the team with the best “find” of the day (unusual, rare, plumage aberration, etc.)
the team with the best bird photo of the day (must be posted on eBird along with your list)
Last year the Piping Pawis from Trinidad and Tobago and the Gundlach Team from Cuba swept the competition. Will your team be the one to dethrone these champs?
The Best Global Big Day Starts with the Right Prep!
Ready to make the most of Global Big Day? Joining our competition is easy—just follow these simple steps to prepare for a successful birding adventure!
Getting a CWC list on eBird. (Photo by EAG)
Step 1: Get Set Up with eBird First things first, if you don’t already have one, download the eBird app and set up your account. You will need it to submit your checklist/s! It’s FREE and you can sign up here! Don’t forget to check out Getting Started with eBird to get familiar with the app.
Step 2: Join Your Island Team By joining your island team, you’ll gain access to shared resources—if you don’t have binoculars or a field guide, other birders may offer a spotting scope and copies for you to use.
Chances are that your island already has an existing team! Team Up by heading over to our Givebutter BC GBD Teams page to find your team! Just click the ‘JOIN A TEAM’ button on the campaign page to get started.
Step 3: Choose Your Birding Location/s Choose your birding location carefully. Local parks, nature reserves, and wetlands offer a wide range of species. Team leaders will be your best resource for advice on where to go and the best times to visit.
Want to Create Your Own Team?
Not seeing a team for your island and want to create your own? We love your initiative! Just email [email protected] to get set up. We’ll help you with the groundwork of getting your team set up, including setting up your must-have eBird trip report, so that you and your crew can soar to GBD success! After setup, you’ll have full control to manage it, so be sure to really make it your own with a fun name, photos, and your own lingo!
All team leaders and members should then invite family, friends, colleagues, and members of your birding community to join your team and/or donate to your team. It helps to set your own personal fundraising goal to help your team reach its overall goal!
By inviting people to your team, you’ll be:
(1) raising awareness for BirdsCaribbean and the critical bird research and conservation work we do in the region,
(2) helping to raise funds to support rising Caribbean conservation leaders, and
(3) promoting Global Big Day, citizen science, and the importance of conserving birds and their habitats.
If you can’t join the GBD team competition fun this year, you can still show support by making a donation.
Why We Really Need Your Support this Global Big Day
This Global Big Day fundraiser will fund travel scholarships for Caribbean students and wildlife professionals to attend our upcoming International Conference, 23rd – 27th July, 2026, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. These are dedicated persons who are on the ground, doing the work everyday to secure a future for birds and their habitats. Attending the conference is an invaluable opportunity for them to 1) build upon or gain new skills to address threats to bird conservation on their respective islands, and 2) network with the wider conservation community, share their work, and learn from others. For Caribbean students, this experience will help to kickstart their introduction into the ornithological and conservation community and they will benefit from mentorship opportunities.
Our plan is to raise funds to help cover travel costs that will allow deserving participants to attend—including covering registration, airfare and/or hotel costs as necessary.
We hope everyone, whether or not they join a team or fundraise, will commit to spending some time (or the entire day!) birding on Global Big Day (May 9), being sure to keep track of what you see and then enter that information into eBird.
As with everything in the Caribbean, we will be successful when our whole community pitches in, so let’s do this together! We need your help to do this!
