Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2022 is “Loving Birds is Human Nature”. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Green Mango
Today, we’re in search of a Green Mango – and we don’t mean the well-known tropical fruit! The Green Mango (Anthracothorax viridis) is one of two endemic hummingbird species that inhabit Puerto Rico – the other being the Puerto Rican Emerald (Chlorostilbon maugaeus). A total of five hummingbird species can be found on the island, but they are segregated by geographical areas, elevations, habitats and preferences for flower resources. The Green Mango is a forest specialist, look for it in montane habitats, forest edges, and shade coffee plantations of the central and western parts of the island.
The Green Mango is a large dark-green hummer (11-12 cm, 6-7 g) with a black, down-curved bill, and rounded tail. Its upperparts are glossy emerald-green, underparts metallic blue-green, and tail metallic blue-black. The sexes look alike; the only difference is the presence of a tiny white eye spot in adult females.
The Green Mango might be confused with the similar-sized Antillean Mango which also has a curved, black bill. However, they are easy to tell apart. The Antillean Mango is lighter green above. The male has black underparts, iridescent green throat, and dark purple tail. The female is whitish-gray below with whitish tail tips. Although both species overlap in habitats at mid-elevation, the Antillean Mango is mainly found in the coastal scrub, open habitats and gardens at lowlands.
Green Mangos feed on insects, spiders, and nectar; and are particularly fond of Heliconia flowers. They are “trapliners,” which means that they forage on widely dispersed flowers that last only one day. Thus, they rely on extended blooming periods of individual plants. This species is the primary pollinator of flowers with long-tube corollas, like those of native bromeliads and Heliconias. They aggressively defend territories of flowering plants with high sugar content in the nectar (often red and tubular-shaped flowers). Males are known to defend their feeding area, often an entire flowering tree!
The female builds a cup-shaped nest with woven plant fibers lined with lichen. She lays two white eggs and incubates and feeds the chicks with regurgitated food, mostly insects. The chicks leave the nest when they are about 20 days old.
The Green Mango is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is a restricted range species, however, and thus vulnerable to impacts from severe storms and hurricanes, which may damage its habitats and food sources.Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Green Mango
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 calls of the Green Mango
The calls of the Green Mango include a high-pitched twitter and can also include rattling or chattering notes.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. 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!
Green Mango in flight. As well as eating nectar from flowers, Green Mangos eat insects, often caught in the air, above tree tops. (Photo by Ricardo Sanchez)
Green Mango. Males and females of this species look very similar to each other. Males will defend a territory around flowering trees, sometimes defending an entire tree! (Photo by Jose Santiago- from the Macaulay Library- ML98678841)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Green Mangos love to feed on nectar! Why not try making this hummingbird feeder? You can can fill it with home-made nectar, and hang in your garden to keep the hummingbirds well fed. Be sure to follow our nectar recipe carefully so that your hummingbirds get the correct levels of sugar in their food! Not in Puerto Rico – the home of these beautiful endemic hummingbirds? No problem, hummingbirds that live near you will love this feeder! Hang it out, fill it with nectar and see who comes to visit for lunch. Remember that this activity involves using scissors and an electric drill, so you will need an adult to help with making this.
Once you have made your hummingbird feeder make sure that you follow the “Hummingbirds Feeder Tips” given in the instructions, so that your feeder is hung in the right place for the birds and is kept safe and clean for them to feed from.
Even if you aren’t able to make this feeder or don’t live in a place where there are hummingbirds you can still enjoy this video of a Green Mango in the wild!
The Endemic and Threatened Species Working Group (ETSWG) is conducting a survey of conservation action on Caribbean endemics to better plan, support, and understand current conservation efforts to protect Caribbean endemic birds.
You don’t need to be a member of the ETSWG to take the survey! Anyone working on Caribbean endemics, in any capacity, is invited to complete the survey. Your valuable feedback will help the ETSWG better support conservation work on these amazing species!
The ETSWG includes academics, funders, practitioners, independent researchers, government agency and NGO staff, and amateur ornithologists, who all have an interest in conserving the Caribbean’s endemic and threatened bird species. The ETSWG meets online quarterly for members to update each other on their recent conservation and research activities, share information about opportunities such as funding, and support one another to address conservation challenges such as development activity. The Group also holds in-person meetings at the biannual BirdsCaribbean conferences – the last one was held in Guadeloupe in 2019 – and plans are underway to host another in-person meeting at the AOS-BC Conference in Puerto Rico this June!
ETSWG in-person meeting in Guadeloupe, 2019.
Why a survey?
We already know that human and resource capacity is a challenge for conservation across the region. We also know that while some Caribbean endemic species are getting excellent conservation and research focus, many others need more. To try to address these issues, the ETSWG is keen to develop activities that facilitate information sharing and support collaborations between researchers and practitioners. To help the Working Group develop future activities, the wider BirdsCaribbean community is asked to share what could be done to best address needs in Caribbean endemic bird conservation.
A local team member in the DR climbs a Ridgway’s Hawk nest tree in order to band nestlings before they fledge. (Photo by Nicholas Lormand)
Holly Garrod bands a Broad-billed Tody in the Dominican Republic for her M.Sc. thesis research.
The survey seeks to first get a sense of current conservation capacity within the region. Questions such as, “where are you located?” and “how much do you collaborate within the region?” aim to collect this information. The survey also asks about the threats to species, as this helps the group to understand the kinds of conservation needs across the region (e.g., training on policy engagement, invasive species management, etc.), as well as provides a horizon scan of emerging threats and which species may not be getting the conservation effort they need. In addition, the survey asks what activities you want to see the ETSWG provide to help your conservation efforts.
Share your ideas in the survey! Let us know what would help build your capacity – whether it’s training on species recovery planning or monitoring, hosting a database, mentoring, or more – and we’ll work on developing future activities to fit these needs.
BVI Conservation Department’s Atoya George in the field at Fallen Jerusalem. (Photo by Jost van Dyke Preservation Society)
Want to get involved?
Visit the ETSWG’s webpage to learn more about member activities and read summaries from previous meetings to get an idea of the issues monitored. The ETSWG listserv, a sub-group within the BirdsCaribbean listserv, shares announcements of meetings, funding opportunities, ideas and news about Caribbean endemics – sign up on the ETSWG webpage! The group also uses WhatsApp as an informal means to share information. Let us know if you’d like to be added to the group! Anyone on the BirdsCaribbean listserv with an interest in endemic and threatened bird species can request to join and new members are encouraged!
Red-billed Streamertail – endemic in Jamaica. (Photo by Claude Fletcher)
Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, an endemic bird to the Lesser Antilles. (Photo by Ted Eubanks).
Cuban Emerald, hummingbird endemic to The Bahamas and Cuba. (Photo by Garry Donaldson)
The Guadeloupe Woodpecker is endemic to Guadeloupe. (Photo by Frantz Delcroix)
The Barbuda Warbler is endemic to the island of Barbuda, which was heavily damaged by the recent storms. (Photo by Ted Eubanks)
Hispaniola Woodpecker, endemic to the Dominican Republic was photographed by Michael Good in Puerto Plata, DR on his Global Big Day count.
Black-crowned Palm Tanager, endemic to Hispaniola. (Photo by Dax Román E.)
Cuban Bullfinch, another one of Cuba’s 27 endemic birds. (Photo by David Hill)
Cuban Black Hawk, endemic to Cuba. (Photo by Garry Donaldson)
The endemic Bahama Warbler. (Photo by Martha Cartwright)
Blue-headed Hummingbird, endemic to Dominica and Martinique. (Photo by Paul Reillo)
The beautiful Scaly-breasted Thrasher is endemic to the Lesser Antilles. (Photo by Frantz Delcroix)
The Purple-throated Carib is endemic to a handful of islands in the Lesser Antilles. (Photo by Barbara and Frank Lilievre)
West Indian Whistling Ducks are a threatened regional endemic, resident in the Portland Bight Protected Area in Jamaica. They have been declining in Jamaica due to loss of wetland habitat. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2022 is “Loving Birds is Human Nature” . Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Ring-tailed Pigeon
If you are hiking or camping in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, you will likely see the Ring-tailed Pigeon flying gracefully across the valleys, awakening the forest with its resonating calls. The National Park, as well as Cockpit Country, are Protected Areas – providing a safe haven for this beautiful bird. One of Jamaica’s 29 endemic bird species, it is also the largest pigeon native to the Caribbean, measuring up to 48cm (approx. 19 inches) in length.
Living up to its name, the Ring-tail has a dark band or ring around the upper parts of its light gray tail. This is most visible in flight as it likes to flare its tail, especially as it approaches to land. The dark tail-band can sometimes be hard to spot when the bird is perched; but its large size and pinkish head and underparts, contrasting with the dark gray wings, are easy to identify. Look for its bright red eyes and short dark bill. The back of its neck reflects metallic bluish-green colors. You may hear it calling softly: “oooOOO-hooo,” or a throaty “croo-croo-croooo.”
The Ring-tail’s main habitat is the interior wet broadleaf forests along Jamaica’s spinal ridge. The wet limestone forest of the Cockpit Country and Blue and John Crow Mountains are where it is most at home, nesting in mid-canopy in tall trees between March and September. Ring-tails often descend to lower elevations in cooler months and move higher into the mountains during the summer.
The Ring-tail feeds exclusively on small fruits. Some of its favorite feeding trees include Jamaica’s native trumpet tree and hogberry. Some introduced berries, such as cheeseberry, wild raspberry and billberry may also be on its menu. Surprisingly, in 2021 it was seen going to ground and feeding on vegetables in farmers’ fields.
Illegal hunting is a concern for this species because of its large size, its flocking tendency and seemingly nonchalant demeanor. This, along with habitat loss from agriculture and mining are the main reasons the Ring-tailed Pigeon is considered vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Ring-tailed Pigeon
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 calls of the Ring-tailed Pigeon
The calls of the Ring-tailed Pigeon are a soft repeated, “oooOOO-hooo, oooOOO-hooo.”
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. 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!
Ring-tailed Pigeons feeds on small fruits. Some of its favorite feeding trees include Jamaica’s native Trumpet Tree and Hogberry. (Photo by Frantz Delcroix)
A small group of Ring-tailed Pigeons perched in a pine tree. Look for the banded tail, this feature is unique among pigeons in its range (Photo by Paul Jones)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Ring-tailed Pigeons love to make their homes in the humid broadleaf forests of Jamaica’s mountains. Sadly, numbers of Ring-tailed Pigeons are decreasing and this bird is considered to be a vulnerable. Read the text above, all about Ring-tailed Pigeons, carefully and find out what the threats to this beautiful bird are. Then take a look at this image and circle all the things you can see in it that would a danger to Ring-tailed Pigeons. Think about where these birds live and what they eat. Once you think you have found them all you can check your answers here.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy the video below of Ring-tailed Pigeons in the wild!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2022 is “Loving Birds is Human Nature” Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Broad-billed Tody
Who’s that beep-beeping in your Dominican yard?? It’s the Broad-billed Tody!
The Broad-billed Tody looks similar to the other todies of the Caribbean, with a bright green back and ruby red throat. However, Hispaniola is the only island with two todies to tease apart instead of one. Where to start? First look at the breast, the Broad-billed Tody has a gray-yellowish wash on the breast whereas the Narrow-billed Tody has a stark white breast. Next check the iris, the Broad-billed Tody has a dark iris contrasting the pale blue of the other species. Finally, look at the namesake bill, the Broad-billed Tody of course has a broader bill that is pale orange underneath whereas the Narrow-billed Tody has a narrower bill with a dusky underside.
If you’re still stumped, take a listen. The Broad-billed Tody gives a monotonous whistled terp-terp-terp-terp call, similar to that of a peeping chick, as well as a chatter call reminiscent of their Kingfisher cousins. The Narrow-billed Tody sounds drastically different, making a succinct staccato call and an insect-like chi-cui sound.
The Broad-billed Tody is the only one of the two species to do a wing flick display, which sounds like running your fingers through a comb. But if you get them really mad they’ll do a threatening fluff display where they’ll take their cotton candy pink flank feathers and fluff them over their wings. The angriest colorful cotton ball you’ve ever seen!
Broad-billed Todies are found throughout Hispaniola at lower elevations in humid tropical forest, dry forest, mangroves, and fragmented landscapes. As their Dominican name implies, the Barrancolí can be found creating nest burrows in dirt banks. And they’re not picky! They’ll take a pile of dirt behind your house or the slope from a recently made trail. They usually nest from April – July, laying 3-4 eggs. They are avid insectivores, constantly sallying from small perches to catch anything flying from mosquitos to butterflies. Interestingly, todies change their diet during the breeding season to include more local fruits and have been found foraging on as many as 27 different kinds!
Their adaptability has allowed them to thrive with increasing urbanization, but they’re still losing habitat to deforestation and face nest predation from invasive mammals like rats and mongoose. Although currently considered by the IUCN as Least Concern, we definitely want to keep an eye on these adorable fluffs. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Broad-billed Tody
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 calls of the Broad-billed Tody
The Broad-billed Tody makes repeated and persistent “terp, terp, terp….” calls.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. 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!
Broad-billed Todies are insectivores and you might see one sallying out from its perch to snatch its insect prey out of the air. (Photo by Dax Roman)
Broad-billed Tody. Hispaniola is the only island with two todies the Narrow and Broad-billed. Don’t just look for the broader bill you can also tell the two apart by looking for the distinctive dark iris of the Broad-billed Tody and gray-yellowish color of the breast (not white like the Narrow-billed). (Photo by Tony Pe)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Can you find the words in our Broad-billed Tody word search? Remind yourself of some of the interesting facts about this endemic bird 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.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Read all about the problems that invasive mammals can cause to breeding Broad-billed and Narrow-billed Todies in the Dominican Republic. Holly Garrod explains from her first-hand experience, how species such as rats and mongooses could cause decreases in the populations of Todies by predating their nests. Find out more about Holly’s research on Todies in our blog post (link below).
Enjoy the video below of a Broad-billed Tody in the wild! List out for the persistent and slightly disgruntled sounding calls that are typical of these colourful little birds.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2022 is “Loving Birds is Human Nature”. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Cuban Bullfinch
You’re walking through a scrubby forest and suddenly you see a blur of black zip by and land in a thick shrub. You hear it calling, a series of short, repeated tsee notes. What could it be? Finally, it pops out – a small, chubby, black bird with a short, thick, curved bill and bright white band on the wing edge. It’s a Cuban Bullfinch!
Despite its name, the Cuban Bullfinch is not found only in Cuba, it is also found on Grand Cayman. The male of the Cuban subspecies, called Negrito, is shiny black while the female and juvenile are duller black with a smaller white wing patch. The Cayman subspecies, called Black Sparrow, has a slightly larger bill and the female is a paler slate-gray-black tinged with olive.
The Cuban Bullfinch is found all across Cuba, the Isle of Youth, and surrounding coastal cays, from sea level up to mid-elevations in different kinds of forests. It is usually absent from open areas and cultivated fields. On Grand Cayman, it lives in woodland, dry shrubland, buttonwood and mangrove edge, rough pasture and inland gardens.
It feeds on a great diversity of fruits, seeds, flower buds, and nectar. In fact, 72 plant species have been recorded in its diet! Small insects are also a tasty meal. During the breeding season, from March to August, Cuban Bullfinches are usually found in pairs. Leaves, grass, twigs, vines, roots, hair, and feathers are used to build a large globular nest with a side entrance. Females lay three to five greenish-white eggs with reddish-brown spots. Both parents feed the chicks.
The Cuban Bullfinch is among the greatest singers of the forest. Its song is a soft and melodious trill that descends and then ascends in pitch, ‘ti, ti, ti, ti, si-sssiiittt-sssiii.’ Although not studied, its song repertoire is said to vary in different parts of Cuba. Males sing most frequently in the breeding season, especially when determining territory boundaries, during flying displays, and nest construction. Although it is considered by IUCN as a “Least Concern” species, Cuban ornithologists have categorized the Cuban Bullfinch as “Near Threatened” in the “Red Book of Cuban Vertebrates” due to growing demand for wild caught birds in the live song and caged bird trade.Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Cuban 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 Cuban Bullfinch
The Cuban Bullfinch has a trilling and melodious ‘buzzy’ song that descends and then ascends in pitch at the end, ‘ti, ti, ti, ti, si-sssiiittt-sssiii.’
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. 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!
Cuban Bullfinch male in Cuba. Note the glossy black plumage and white wing border, usually showing prominently in males but not so much in this photo. (Photo by Greg Lavaty)Cuban Bullfinch female in Cuba. Females and juveniles are duller black and have a less prominent white wing patch. (Photo by Mario Olteanu)Cuban Bullfinch male on Grand-Cayman. He is black with a greenish gloss and has a prominent white wing border. Note that the Cayman subspecies has a slightly larger and heavier bill than the Cuban subspecies. (Photo by Ray Robles)Cuban Bullfinch female on Grand-Cayman. Her color is dull slate-black tinged with olive. (Photo by Ray Robles)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Get creative and try singing (or playing a musical instrument) like a bird! Be inspired by the lovely song of today’s bird the Cuban Bullfinch, or one of our other featured endemic birds or get outside and listen out for the sounds the birds are making and create your own birdsong! You can download our instructions here to help you make some melodious bird-inspired tunes.
Please note that by submitting your video you give BirdsCaribbean consent to use your photos and/or videos on our website and social media accounts.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy the video below of a Cuban Bullfinch! Filmed in Cuba, this striking black-and-white bird is taking a break from singing and is busy feeding on seeds.
Sadly, the song of the Cuban Bullfinch makes it, and other song birds in Cuba, vulnerable to the increasing threat from capture and illegal bird trafficking. Catching and keeping wild birds in cages is a common and widespread tradition in Cuba that dates back to the colonial days of Spanish rule. The birds, including migrants, residents, and endemics, were kept as pets in families and communities. In recent years, however, the trapping of wild birds has increased dramatically. BirdsCaribbean and its partners are deeply concerned by the number individual and range of species being trapped and have called on the Cuban Government to do much more to protect their resident and migratory wildlife. You can read more in our blog post below, which is also available in Spanish.
A brand new Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) competition is here! Sharpen your pencil, polish your pen, hit the keyboard—we are hosting a Story and Poetry Competition! Storytelling is one of the great Caribbean traditions. Only a few would call themselves storytellers but we know everyone has a story to tell. We are calling on the Caribbean community to write about a unique, but factual, experience that you have had with a bird or birds that reflects our theme, Loving Birds is Human Nature. Lee las guías de la competencia en Español aquí.
It could have happened in your backyard, nearby park, garden, wetland, forest or anywhere! It could be about the first time you really noticed a bird and got hooked on birding, or about how birds have changed your life in some way, or an unusual or special encounter that you had with a bird. We’re looking for uplifting stories that express our connection to birds and nature and what your experience revealed to you personally. Featured stories and poems will be published in an electronic booklet, shared on our blog and social media and there will be prizes!
Vervain Hummingbird feeding its chick. (Photo by Tony Pe)
Observing birds from a safe distance.
Prizes:
All winning poems and short stories will be published on the BirdsCaribbean website and awarded Amazon eGift cards. The top three poems and short stories will each receive gift cards in the amounts listed below (for a total of 6 prizes):
1st prize- $75
2nd prize- $50
3rd prize- $25
Need some help getting started?
Nature is often a source of inspiration for writers. If you can get outside to write a poem or true short story, by all means do! But even if you’re stuck indoors, tap into your memory to head back to a place and time where you had a memorable experience with birds in your backyard, neighborhood park, forests or wetlands.
Share this experience with us, through poetry or a true short story. It does not have to be profound but should allow readers an insight into your thoughts, feelings and surroundings. We hope to collect a variety of poems and stories about different birds throughout the region.
Judges will be looking for originality, voice, and a poem or story that holds the attention of the reader by making use of imagery.
Carib Grackle singing in a tree, Saint Lucia.
Important Dates:
Submission deadline for both poems and true short stories: Wednesday 25th May, 2022 at 11:59PM EST
Rules (General):
The competition is open to any Caribbean national, aged 16 or over at the time of entering.
*We welcome submissions to the contest from all the insular West Indies including: The Bahamas, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos Islands, the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Cayman Islands), the Lesser Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.
Children and adults from other countries are most welcome to write and share their poems and short stories with us, to be included in the e-book, but only nationals from the countries/ islands listed above are eligible to be part of the contest.
2. Participants may enter ONE poem OR ONE true short story.
3. Works of fiction involving mythical creatures, alternate reality, superhuman powers etc., will be disqualified.
4. Submissions should be typed (Font: Arial, Font size: 12), single- spaced, titled and saved as a Word file.
6. Under no circumstances can poems and short stories be edited once submitted.
7. Submissions must not be published, self-published or published on a website or social media before Sunday, April 24, 2022.
8. The copyright of each submission remains with the author. However, by entering the competition, authors grant BirdsCaribbean permission to publish and/or broadcast their poems and true stories on the BirdsCaribbean website and social media and in an electronic booklet, produced by BirdsCaribbean.
Pair of Cuban Parakeets. (Photo by Sergey Uryadnikov)
Put pencil to paper and get creative!
Rules (Poems):
Poems may be in English, Spanish or French.
Poems can be written in any poetic style.
All poems must have a title.
Poems must be at least 10 lines and not exceed 30 lines in length (excluding title). Lines should not exceed 40 characters (including spaces between words).
Poems must be entrants’ original work. Plagiarism is a serious offense and will result in immediate disqualification.
Rules (True Short Stories):
Short stories may be in English, Spanish or French.
All stories must have a title.
Stories must be at least 450 words (1 page) and not exceed 1,000 words. Please check your word count. Submissions above the word limit will be disqualified.
Short stories must be entrants’ original work. Plagiarism is a serious offense and will result in immediate disqualification.
We will accept photos and artwork of birds, natural areas, and communities featured in both poems and short stories. They may be original work or participants must obtain permission to use the photos and/or artwork. However this is completely optional and will not be used during judging. Therefore they must be emailed as separate attachments.
Participants are also encouraged to share with us an audio recording of their poems and stories. The recordings are completely optional and will not be used during judging. All that is needed is a smartphone or laptop capable of recording audio.
All suitable submissions will be shared after the CEBF 2022 on the BirdsCaribbean website and social media accounts, in addition to an electronic booklet.
Use your laptop to help those creative juices flow.
Lesser Antillean Flycatcher on a fence.
Guidelines and Tips for Creating a Recording of Your Story or Poem (optional)
Instructions for content:
Have fun! Remember this is not a school project or work assignment.
Speak in your native language; if possible, please send us the English script (if English is not your first language).
First, introduce yourself: your name and where you’re from.
Then, let us know how birds inspire you.
Finally, recite your poem or short story.
Instructions for your audio recording:
You can use a smartphone or tablet to record your audio.
Record your audio in a quiet room
Please try to keep your recording under 10minutes.
Use headphones to listen to your audio recording. This will help you to hear any other noises the device picked up during the recording like mic pops, room noise or echo.
Audio recordings must be sent in one of the following formats: MP3, M4A or AAC
Recordings must NOT contain:
Copyrighted material (such as music tracks) without the necessary authorizations.
Material that is inappropriate, indecent, obscene or hateful.
Instructions for sending us your recording:
Email audio file, consent form (if needed), and English script (if needed) to Aliya.Hosein@birdscaribbean.org.
For adults, by submitting a recording you give BirdsCaribbean consent to use the file for purposes specified above.
For those under the adult age in your country, the minor’s audio recording must be accompanied with a consent form signed by a parent or guardian – download the form here.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2022 is “Loving Birds is Human Nature” Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Pearly-eyed Thrasher
Meet the “supertramp” of species—the Pearly-eyed Thrasher! This belligerent and highly intelligent bird is found throughout many islands in the Caribbean basin, including The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, many Lesser Antilles Islands, Bonaire and Curacao. They occupy a variety of forest and scrub habitats from seashore to mountain tops. They also live in urban areas, farms, and orchards where they take advantage of crops, fruit trees, and man-made structures for nesting. Like a popular Caribbean phrase, the Pearly-eyed Thrasher is a ‘sometime-ish’ bird—sometimes bold and vocal and other times shy and secretive.
Pearly-eyed Thrashers measure ~11-12 inches in length. They are medium to dark brown on top, and white with brown streaking below. They might be mistaken for a close cousin, the Scaly-breasted Thrasher, but can be distinguished by their large pale bill and conspicuous pearly-white iris, as well as subtle differences in streaking (the Scaly-breasted Thrasher is barred, not streaked, below). Males and females are similar in appearance, though females tend to be slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults.
Pearly-eyed Thrashers are a classic example of an avian “supertramp” – a highly successful generalist species that is able to colonize and exploit all available habitats, sometimes to the detriment of other resident birds. They feed on fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and even carrion. This famously aggressive bird also preys on eggs and chicks of other birds. Although they prefer to nest in cavities in trees, rock crevices and man-made structures, they may also build open-cup stick nests in trees, palms and other vegetation. In Puerto Rico, Pearly-eyed Thrashers compete for nesting cavities with the Critically Endangered Puerto Rican Parrot.
Local names for these birds include Thrushie, Zorzal Pardo, Chucho, Truche, Grosse Give, Paw-Paw Bird, Sour-sop Bird and Mango Bird, the latter names for their deep love of these fruits.
Pearly-eyed Thrashers sing one to three-note whistled phrases all day and into the night in the breeding season. They also utter several rough, guttural calls, “craw-craw” and a harsh “chook-chook.”
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Pearly-eyed Thrashers’ conservation status is listed as Least Concern. Their population sizes can fluctuate a lot, however, and they face predation by invasive species and habitat loss. Thus, they should be monitored, especially on small islands. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Pearly-eyed Thrasher
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 Pearly-eyed Thrasher
The song of the Pearly-eyed Thrasher is made up of slow whistled notes with one to three phrases.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. 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!
A Pearly-eyed Thrasher in the Dominican Republic. Across the Caribbean, this bird is known by more than 40 different local names in English, Spanish, Dutch, and French, including Creole and Patois! (Photo by Tony Pe)
A Pearly-eyed Thrasher seen perching in a Seagrape tree. It is similar to the Scaly-breasted Thrasher, but is larger with a longer yellowish to horn-colored (not black) bill, and has the distinctive white iris. (Photo by Francisco Alba)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: With lots more Caribbean endemic birds to enjoy and colour in during the coming weeks take a look at our colouring-in guide. This will give you some hints and tips on how to make your endemic birds look even more beautiful! Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Enjoy the video below of a Pearly-eyed Thrasher in the wild!
The following short story is an excerpt from “A Collection of Cultural Myths, Tales and Beliefs About Caribbean Birds” – a fascinating electronic compilation of stories, poems, and art that highlight the roles birds play in shaping our understanding of the natural world, social norms, and even beliefs about the afterlife. The ebook will be launched as part of our 2022 Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) celebrations, held from April 22–May 22.
Enjoy this short story by José Raúl (Jari) Montalvo Torres, titled Sweet Bird, which perfectly embodies the 2022 CEBF theme: “Loving Birds is Human Nature”.
Most of my life has been spent near or on the sea. I have always been amazed at the relationship between fish, man and bird. Ernest Hemingway used to fly a kite that looked like a bird when he was fishing to fool and catch marlin. I have never been as close to this than the time I will now tell you about.
It was a warm summer night in 1996 when we departed La Parguera harbor in southwest Puerto Rico, straight towards Mayagüez Bay. We sailed south through the buoys until we reached a distance of three miles from the coast. We started to head west, this would lead us two miles south of Margarita Reef, which is a safe distance to be in the nighttime. We continued this course, 270 degrees, parallel to the south coast until eventually we changed course north towards Mayagüez Bay.
Mayagüez can be seen in red, on the western coast of Puerto Rico.
I was a mechanic on this trip, aboard a research vessel belonging to the University of Puerto Rico. We were transporting a group of students from the Marine Science department that would be attending a class in Marine Ecology early next morning in the Mayagüez Bay.
After about one hour at sea, the electric generator started having problems. It eventually shut off completely and everything went dark. I moved to the upper deck to try to restart the generator. We needed to keep the freezers going to keep our perishables cold.
While I was trying to restart the generator, the swells were coming from the stern. The ship just surfed the waves creating a sensation of speed and movement. A nice feeling in the dark, in the quiet sea. The ship remained quiet and stable. After passing the Cabo Rojo lighthouse, the ship turned north on course towards its destination of Mayagüez Bay. Now, the swells were no longer coming from the stern. They came from the starboard side causing the ship to roll wildly. A not so pleasant feeling this time.
The rolling was getting stronger and the boat was becoming more inclined and my position more dangerous. I was unsuccessful starting the generator, so I decided to come down to the lower deck where I would be more secure. The ship had a crane on the top deck, and it was the crane’s strut that I used as a ladder to climb up or down from this deck. I put my hands on the “ladder” to hold as I went down. Just then, the crane swung to the side due to the angle of the ship. I was able to hang on to the crane for a short time but I had to let go.
I fell into the water and immediately pushed myself away from the hull to stay away from the propeller suction. I could feel the turbulence created by the propeller. It must have been luck that helped me stay safe. I was not injured in the fall. I was complete, still in one piece. I briefly contemplated how much worse this could have been.
Nobody saw my fall. I cried out and yelled people’s names, but nobody heard me. I could see how the ship was leaving me behind, a little bit further every second. I watched the stern light until it disappeared in the horizon, moving steadily north, still on route to Mayagüez.
At a distance I could see lights near Combate beach. Behind me, I could see the light from the lighthouse so clearly that I felt I could swim until I reached it. Yet, the feeling of loneliness and helplessness took over me. I swam every way I could to keep myself moving and calm. I swam front stroke, I swam sidestroke, I swam backstroke. I could see some lights on land and was able to align lights and use them as reference points. I noticed that the current was strong and against me, moving me away from where I wanted, and knew I should go. I wanted to swim. I felt lonely and scared.
Reassuring glow from a distant lighthouse.
I was never afraid of being unable to swim to shore, but I was afraid of darkness, afraid of the place I was floating. I was afraid that any moment I could be pulled down into the deep and be dismembered. I wanted to cry, scream, or walk over the water. Every minute pictures of my entire life kept running through my mind, until they kept being interrupted by fear.
I perceived sounds and smells. I could hear voices around me. Every minute seemed to be so long. Sometimes, I could see the stars reflected in the water. It felt like I was swimming in the universe. I felt part of it. I could hear the sound that the air makes coming out of a dolphin’s blowhole. Listening to this sound and trying to figure out where it was coming from, kept me busy for a while. I felt consoled when I thought that I was being escorted by wandering mammals, who could sense my fear. At different times I could feel a sweet voice, that without words kept telling me, reassuring me, that I would be safe, a promise of sorts, that “they” were going to help me.
With every minute the dawn was beginning to light up the sky. My fear was disappearing with the coming of day, and my faith and confidence that it would all be alright were growing. I kept searching for the feeling of peace that the sound of the dolphins gave me, but my escorts seemed to have disappeared.
I could see a bit of sky. I could see the last stars of the night leaving and telling me that there was a new day coming. Then, there was a silhouette above me. It was a bird, flying very high over my head…going around and around and around. It made me feel happy. Now I could look up instead of down. Daylight continued increasing and I could make out that my new friend was a male Frigatebird. I wanted to touch it, to reach it with my hands.
Magnificent Frigatebird (male) flying overhead. (Photo by Melissa McMasters)
That sweet voice, without words, was now more real to me with every passing minute. I did not feel fear anymore because, now, I was not alone. With every flight above my head, I could hear, feel that voice, hear that sweet voice going around and around with the Frigatebird. The voice without words stayed with me constantly, talking to me, reassuring me, telling me that it was going to help me.
Sunrise was close. I looked to the east where there was more light, where I could already see the shapes of mountains and coast. Far, very far away, I could hear the sound of a motorboat that had most likely left Combate harbor. I did not know their destination but, according to their course, they were going to pass far from me…maybe a mile away. It was almost impossible that on this course they would find me.
Magnificent Frigatebird (female) soaring overhead. (Photo by Tobias Verfuss)
This is when I noticed something strange. My Frigatebird friend decided to put on a show. The bird flew higher and higher, showing off in the air. Its movements were very defined and almost flirtatious. It went up so high over my head that I could hardly see it, but I could still feel the promise of hope it gave me, that it would not abandon me, that it had never abandoned me.
The sun lit up the mountains on the coast and I heard the sound again…a far away motorboat. The only boat. It seemed to have changed course. I could see two men putting something into the water that looked like bait…and they were coming towards me. The Frigatebird kept showing off movements over my head and I could see it trying to touch me with its beak every time it circled me. The boat was not approaching because of me, it was approaching because it thought the bird signaled fish. The fishermen wanted to troll the bait under the bird with the hope of catching something good. I could see the boat getting closer and closer.
Even at a distance I elevated my arms with the hope of being seen. I could hear their voices asking how could it be possible that a coconut has arms? And being answered “don’t get too close, it could be an undocumented immigrant”. I started screaming: “I am Jari Montalvo from Boquerón! A friend of Tano! A friend of Tali and Annie! I work in La Parguera! I fell in the water last night! Come close, come close!”
Motorboat on the open water.
It was a local fishing boat called Petrel (another seabird). The two fishermen who picked me up took me to Combate beach. They kept saying that they found me because the strange movements of the Frigatebird tempted them to change course. It was the bird that brought them to me.
The “sweet voice without words” that I heard that night, with the dolphins and the bird, kept me safe, kept me calm, and kept me hopeful. I felt this voice once more since then, when I was diagnosed with and successfully treated for cancer. The feeling of faith and hope stays alive in me forever.
It’s that time of year again! We’ll be hosting our annual celebration of Global Big Day—the biggest birding day of the year—on Saturday, May 14, 2022. This time, we are raising funds for travel scholarships to help Caribbean students and wildlife professionals attend the AOS-BC Conference in Puerto Rico this June*.
We are bringing back our popular teams competition from 2021, and celebrating together the energy, excitement, and camaraderie that’s associated with Global Big Day.
Last year was a resounding success, with people from 192 countries reporting 7,234 species in a single day—the biggest Global Big Day turnout ever! For BirdsCaribbean, our numbers were also impressive—15 teams with members from 36 countries reported a total of 1,348 species and raised over $20,000, and we had so much fun doing this. Let’s make this year even better!
What is Global Big Day (GBD)?
Twice a year, during peak migration times (once in spring and once in fall) birders around the world go out (often in small groups) and travel around an area trying to observe as many bird species as they can in a 24-hr period of time. The checklists that the global community collects and submit to eBird are hugely valuable for science and conservation!
This annual event raises the profile of birds and conservation issues, and gathers a snapshot of bird distribution around the globe—and we need your help to do it!
The “Join a Team” button can be found just below the header graphic.
Joining a team is easy! Sign up with your email or Facebook account, scroll through the list in the dropdown menu and select the team you’d like to join. If you’d like to create a new team, you can do so by clicking the words “create a new team” to the right of the blue button.
Once on a team, invite family, friends, colleagues, or members of your birding community to join your team and/or donate to your team. Learn more in this “how to” guide.
and/or . . .
Simply making a donation to one of the birding and fundraising teams.
and/or . . .
Committing to spending some time (or the entire day!) birding on Global Big Day (May 14), being sure to keep track of what you see and then entering that information into eBird.
You can bird from your backyard for as little as 10 minutes, or visit sites throughout the day to see as many birds as you can. By being on a team, your observations will contribute to that team’s total list for the day. Who will win top prizes this year for most species seen and most checklists submitted and most endemics seen?! Someone needs to contest the Bee Hummers Dream Team, who cleaned up last year!
This will be a fun event to fundraise for and get excited about! Be ready to go birdwatching for as much of the day as possible, knowing that all of your teammates, friends, and BirdsCaribbean community members are doing the same!
Everyone should plan to submit their observations to eBird (or eBird Caribbean if you’re in the islands). Then we’ll tally them up and see how we all did! We will send out more information about this as the event draws closer.
https://youtu.be/ErkKZZ1aKEw
Why this is Important
The insular Caribbean is a critical region for birds. There are 171 species that occur here and nowhere else in the world! In addition, the islands provide a winter home for numerous migrants—many stay 6 months or longer while others rely on the islands as stopover sites to rest and refuel during their long journeys north and south.
The development of a strong regional conservation community, through capacity-building training and career development opportunities at the island level for local people, is critical to ensure the sustainable preservation of island birds and their habitats.
How your Gift Will be Used
This Global Big Day fundraiser will fund travel scholarships for Caribbean wildlife students and professionals to attend our upcoming AOS & BC Conference, June 27-July 2, 2022, in San Juan, Puerto Rico*. These are dedicated persons who are on the ground, doing the everyday work 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.
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!
Prizes will be awarded to
the team that raises the most funds
the team with the most creative name and stylish fundraising page
the team that sees the most bird species on Global Big Day
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)
And others, TBD!
Safety
While COVID is decreasing in many islands and more and more people are getting vaccinated, it’s still important to be cautious. Be sure to choose birding locations that (1) comply with your municipality’s COVID-19 safety guidelines (i.e. social distancing, wearing a mask, and travel guidelines), and (2) comply with your personal safety preferences. And so whether you will be birding at local parks, reserves, wetlands, beaches, neighborhood or backyard, we will all be enjoying the opportunity to distract ourselves with some safe, fun birdwatching. Additionally, we will all be birdwatching “together” for a great cause that unites us!
*Note: Since our Cuban colleagues, very sadly, are unable to attend the conference this June because it’s in the U.S., any money the Cuban team raises will go towards installing Motus stations in Cuba – plans are in the works for this!
Scaly-naped Pigeon in St. Lucia (Jerome Foster)
Part of a group of Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers resting on Trinidad’s west coast during spring migration. (Photo by Jerome Foster)
Youth spotting birds for Global Big Day, Puerto Rico.
Greater Yellowlegs (Niels Larsen)
Red-billed Streamertail – endemic in Jamaica. (Photo by Claude Fletcher)
Maria Paulino (gray shirt) leading a group of urban birders in Santo Domino, Dominican Republic on Global Big Day, 2021.
A yellow warbler on a small island in the Portland Bight Protected Area, Jamaica. (Photo: Robin Moore)
For 48 long and terrifying hours, Hurricane Dorian–one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record–pummeled the northwest islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama in The Bahamas. The aftermath was absolute devastation to homes, communities and habitats for wildlife including some of The Bahamas’ charismatic species like the Bahama Parrot, Bahama Nuthatch, Bahama Warbler and Bahama Swallow. Martha Cartwright and several birding companions once again visited the East End of Grand Bahama (GB) Island two and a half years after Dorian. The group documents the continued recovery of the wetlands, pine forests, birds, and people. It was also the first birding trip without Erika Gates, who passed away in December 2021. Martha reflects on loss, growth, renewal, and her hopes for the future.
It was a nostalgic visit, filled with conflicting emotions, infused with memories, and ultimately, inspired by new seeds of hope in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.
Dorian destroyed much of the north side and the east end of Grand Bahama in September 2019. One month later six members of Grand Bahama Island Birders (GBIB) went east to document the habitat destruction and count birds. I wrote a BirdsCaribbean blog about that trip with Bridget Davis, Erika Gates, Gena Granger, and Delores Kellman. We submitted eBird lists for five locations. After Hurricane Dorian, An Emotional Birding Trip on Grand Bahama – BirdsCaribbean
When it was time for a third survey in October 2021, our mentor, Erika Gates, was in Germany having treatment for cancer. We chose to wait for her return. Her enthusiastic and engaging love of birding and her knowledgeable guidance were the bedrock of our surveys. We did not know then that when she came home in November, she would not regain her strength nor her stamina. Erika passed away on December 14, 2021.
When Lisa Sorenson and Jennifer Wheeler of BirdsCaribbean visited for Erika’s Memorial Service on February 24, 2022, Delores and I decided to take them out East to see the five sites listed on our previous surveys. We were missing four of our original survey team. Gail Woon, a photographer and founder of Earth Care Bahamas, joined us. So, the makeup of “the team” had changed. Our route was different; due to COVID testing requirements for travel, we worked backwards, from Pelican Point to our original starting point, Owl’s Hole. Also, it was not the same time of the year. I took fewer pictures. Lisa did the recording for eBird. We did not wear masks when outside.
Simply put, it was not the same experience – but then, nothing ever is the same. If I found our first post-Dorian survey in October 2019 heart-breaking and difficult, I found this journey equally so – but for different reasons. I was missing Erika.
Bend in the Road Beach, low tide. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
Bend in the Road Beach after Hurricane Dorian, high tide. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
Large numbers of shorebirds on our southern shores are not a common sight. As usual, we found only a few Sanderlings and plovers. We were surprised and thrilled to discover an ephemeral wetland between the road and the beach, where we spotted Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Little Blue Herons, a Reddish Egret, and Yellowlegs. When I visited the site one month later, the water was gone and so were the birds.
Lisa and Jennifer enjoying Pelican Point Beach. (photo by Martha Cartwright)A storm battered utility pole finds new use. (photo by Martha Cartwright)Pelican Point is rebuilding; the church, homes, and even a restaurant mark the resilience of island people. “This is home,” residents will tell you, “We’re staying right here.” (photo by Martha Cartwright)
Buttonwood and Mangroves are growing well along the side of the track road, creating a sheltered habitat for the birds. They also created a challenge for us to see and count the birds. As Lisa and Delores walked ahead of the car, we saw many large wading birds and Yellowlegs fly off to a more secluded area of the wetlands. It was wonderful to know that birds were back in the area. Lisa scrambled up on my trusty old car for a better look.
Lisa and Delores walk through wetlands. (photo by Martha Cartwright)Lisa, on the hood of Martha’s car, counting waterbirds at the wetlands west of Statoil. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
2022: Lucayan National Park is open for visitors and birds. The trails through the bush and to the beach have been restored. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
2019: The elevation near the Lucayan National Park Visitors’ Center afforded us a view of the ocean. This is unprecedented in our lifetimes; usually the elevation of the dune blocked the view. The dune with its sea oats, trailing Morning Glory and other dune stabilizers had been washed away by the storm. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
Lisa and Delores walk through Lucayan National Park. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
The desolate moonscape, scarred by hurricane and fire, is now covered with low scrub bush, ferns, thatch palms, vines, and flowers. With the rains, the lower floor of forest started growing almost immediately.
Poisonwood – many new plants were growing – they provide great food for the birds.. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
Purple flower. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
However, endless miles of dead pine tree trunks throughout East Grand Bahama still dominate the upward gaze. Winds have blown off the top smaller branches, and now the trunks stand like toothpicks as stark reminders of Dorian’s wrath and its long-term effect on the habitat.
2022: Owl’s Hole. Note the recovery from the burnt ground in the 2019 photo (right) taken in the same location. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
2019: Owl’s Hole. Six Grand Bahama Island Birders carried out the first bird survey of the Eastern End of Grand Bahama Island one month after Hurricane Dorian. Left to right – Shelagh Paton-Ash, Delores Kellman, Gena Granger, Bridget David (recorder) and Erika Gates (our leader and driver). We’re smiling for the camera, but we were not a happy group. I’m behind the camera, just where I like to be. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
There is good news about the pines; look closely and you will find an abundance of seedlings reaching for the sunlight. In our lifetime, this is the third growth of the Caribbean pine on Grand Bahama. The first growth was harvested commercially from 1955 through the 1970s. (Source: The Bahamian Pine Forest – EcoTings Bahamas). East of the Bridge, the second growth was flooded with Dorian’s wave of sea water. Although fire does not kill the pine, seawater over the roots does. Known as a fast-growing pine, these Caribbean pines on East Grand Bahama will take decades to reach maturity. Erika wrote eloquently of the loss of the pine forests in our second blog, “Emotions Renewed.”
This year we were happy to spot Palm Warblers, Prairie Warblers, and Common Yellowthroats in the lower shrubs. Pine top dwellers? None. Who knows if or when the sounds of the Pine Warbler, the Bahama Warbler (endemic to the Bahamas; found only in GB and Abaco) and Olive-Capped Warblers (found only in Grand Bahama and Abaco, and a few areas in Cuba) will return to the pine forests of East Grand Bahama? Will we ever again hear the Bahama Nuthatch? I doubt it; this little bird has not been seen on Grand Bahama since Dorian. Bruce Purdy commented during the last Christmas Bird Count, “You now have an extinct bird on your Life List.”
2022: Lisa with young pine after 17 months of growth. Delores commented, “It is truly comforting to see the new growth of the Caribbean pine, and wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs thriving – bringing the forest back to life. Restoration is well on the way. I am relieved!” (photo by Martha Cartwright)
2020: Delores jumped out of the car, excited to point out more young pine trees—look closely and you’ll see them. She wrote, “It was somewhat depressing; especially seeing the death of the Caribbean pine forest. Don’t think I’ll be around when it comes back to life.”
Beyond Loss: Towards Growth and Renewal
The forces of Nature feel no remorse. Death comes. With the proper conditions, life continues. A seed does not debate whether to grow or not to grow. A bird does not ponder, Shall I have a family this year? If it can woo a mate, find a safe place for its nest, and forage enough food, it raises a family. The sun rises, the moon sets, the Earth tilts into its seasons.
It is we humans that fall so far from the natural rhythms of nature. In our falling away, we choose to fill our minds and hearts with emotions of anger, greed, and short-sighted self-interest. We harbor emotions that wreak havoc and destruction on our neighbors, our lands, our seas, and the air that sustains us. We are changing the Planet. In our naïveté, we thought that Life on Earth would consist of endless cycles of abundance. And yet, there is the underbelly of habitat destruction, air pollution, toxic chemicals, and global warming threatening the plants and animals with whom we share Earth.
Despite everything, I believe profoundly in the good-will and intelligence of human beings working together to find a healthy and sustainable path into the future. There are legions of people devoted to and working for the health of Planet Earth.
One such person was my friend, our GBIB mentor, Erika Gates. She cared, and she was effective in the world. She shared generously her knowledge, her skills, her finances, and her time with people and organizations. She nurtured hundreds of people, of all ages. She was tender and compassionate for all creatures. In sharing her love of life, through her books and articles, through her classes, with her eco-tourism businesses, during myriad conferences and on fieldtrips, she was a force of renewal.
I found myself deeply sad on this journey east. I am sure all five of us had our memories of times with Erika and felt her legacy. I still bird with her on my shoulder.
We just never know how much time we have left to live. So, while you can, choose, choose to care. Choose to make a difference. Donate to an organization helping the planet. Hug a child or plant a tree. Be kind. Teach. Help organize a local birding group. Share. Look in on your neighbor. Put out water for the birds.
Erika lived a large and beautiful life. I know she will continue to be an inspiration for all of us who had the good fortune to know her.
Addendum by Lisa Sorenson: Our dear friend, Erika Gates, passed away on 14 December 2022 – we wrote about her incredible life and contributions to bird conservation and BirdsCaribbean here. Thank you to, Martha, for this heartfelt article about our trip out east. Jennifer Wheeler and I were most grateful to be in Grand Bahama for Erika’s beautiful Memorial Service and to be able to spend time with her beloved husband, Ed Gates, other family members, and many friends. We appreciated the chance to bird at all the places we visited with Erika and to make the birding trip out east with Martha, Delores, and Gail. It was good to see how the pine forest, wetlands, and other habitats are recovering and to celebrate Erika’s life together. We shared many funny stories and happy memories about Erika. Her generous spirit, love of birds, and passion for conservation will live on in all of us.
Sanderings at Bend in the Road Beach. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
Four Wilson’s Plovers on a rocky beach at Bend in the Road Beach. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
Lisa, Delores and Martha at Owl’s Hole.
Mangroves at Lucayan National Park. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Lisa, Delores, Martha and Jennifer on an earlier walk to Princess Park, the last site that Erika restored before her passing with beautiful signage and trails.
New pine trees and poisonwood growth. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Martha, Lisa, Gail and Delores at Owl’s Hole. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Emerald Pond. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Sunrise on the drive out to East End, Grand Bahama. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Martha and Delores at Owl’s Hole. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Replanting of native beach plants underway at Gold Rock Beach. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Wetlands west of Statoil. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Lisa and Delores at Lucayan National Park. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Hurricane Dorian damage to pine trees. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Wilson’s Plover at Bend in the Road Beach. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
New understory growth amidst the dead Caribbean Pine trees. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Cuban Emerald at Lucayan National Park. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
Black-bellied Plover and Sanderlings at Pelican Point Beach. (photo by Martha Cartwright)
Daniela Ventura, a Cuban student and dedicated ornithologist, describes her impressions and experiences at BirdsCaribbean’s first Landbird Monitoring Workshop in the Dominican Republic this past February.
Daniela in the field in the DR. This was her first trip abroad from her native Cuba.(Photo by Daniela Ventura).
“What do you do for a living?” is among the top-ten questions you will be asked throughout your life, whether it comes from a stranger—like the immigration officer at the airport—or from close friends and even family. “I am an ornithologist,” is a tricky answer because, for most people, counting birds may not sound like a real job. In these situations, where you’re often met with a blank stare or a judging look, it’s best to respond with your sweetest smile – knowing that few people understand the complexity of the skills needed for proper bird identification in the wild. In the case of close friends and family, you can invite them on a field trip to become an “ornithologist” for one day. Then, you’ll only need to sit back and enjoy watching their eyes, as they are mesmerized trying to figure out and make some sense of so many shapes, colors, sounds, and behaviors.
Counting birds is not easy. And even less so if you’re trying to do it scientifically and methodically, to make a real impact on our understanding of bird population dynamics and aid in conservation. This was the purpose of my trip to the Dominican Republic from February 16th-20th, 2022 – to attend the first Caribbean Landbird Monitoring Training Workshop. Bird lovers and conservationists from across the Caribbean gathered at the beautiful town of Jarabacoa to learn from experts how to count and monitor birds more efficiently and meaningfully. I consider myself lucky to have participated in this life-changing experience. In this blog, I will try to do this incredible training justice and translate into words the whirlwind of emotions, feelings, and events that come to my mind, when I recall those memorable and intense days. This is the account of “La Cubanita,” as the charming and welcoming Dominicans called me.
Adventure Awaits
Dominican Republic first impressions. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
My first memory of the Dominican Republic is dream-like. A foamy sea of golden clouds, tinged with orange and pink reflections, dotted at intervals by green-crowned mountains and river beds. Just as the sun was setting and the early stars appeared in the sky, I beheld the first lights of Santo Domingo. My heart was pumping fast. I couldn’t be happier. As a Cuban, I carry with me the Caribbean pride in my blood and soul. This, my first trip abroad, was taking me into the home of a sister island. I was ready to dive in and immerse myself with all my senses. I knew this would be a defining professional and personal experience.
What quirky turn of the road brought me here? I must say, I’ve found that the best things in life are the result of a perfect balance between perseverance and mere chance. Instead of worrying too much and asking oneself unhelpful questions like, “do I deserve this?” it’s better to be thankful, make the most of every opportunity, and be ready to do the same for others.
Santo Domingo lights to misty Jarabacoa mountains
A giant mural greets visitors upon arrival at the International Airport: “Las noches de Santo Domingo” (The nights of Santo Domingo). The welcome couldn’t have been more precise. My first contact with the city happened at dusk. I barely had time to make sense of the blurry city lights before the taxi hired to take me to the central mountains of the Dominican Republic whisked me away towards my destination. Three hours later, I arrived in Jarabacoa, “the land of waters,” named by the original inhabitants of the island. This name was also just right, as I was greeted by a cold drizzle and the humid air coming through my lungs. When I disembarked the taxi at Rancho Baiguate, almost everyone had already gone to bed. All but Maya Wilson, the tireless workshop organizer, who kindly welcomed me with a belated dinner, and my first taste of Dominican cuisine. For my hungry tummy, it felt like a kiss from home.
Maria Paulino and Ivan Mota, the local trainers, were also up late making the last arrangements for their early morning presentations. Maria’s big and warm smile swept away all the cold of the Jarabacoa night. This was the first time I experienced the world-famous hospitality and friendliness of the Dominican people. Over the next few days, I would have the huge privilege of enjoying such generosity on countless occasions.
The nights of Santo Domingo. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
The sound of the forest
I woke up very early the next morning. There was no use wasting time in bed, while there were so many things to see and learn. I dressed quickly, grabbed my binoculars, and stepped out of my room to greet the cloudy forest. It was cold outside, the leaves were heavy with dew. I took a few steps, and then it dawned on me – the forest looked familiar but SOUNDED so different. I was not able to recognize even one bird song. Even the common and widespread Red-legged Thrushes were speaking a totally distinct language. It felt so bizarre. Cuba and the Dominican Republic, both so close, and yet our shared birds were almost acting like different species. I had so much to see, and so much to learn. Still dazed by the discovery, I headed towards the conference facilities with my mind filled with expectations.
Rancho Baiguate in the morning, Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Sunrise in the forest. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Caribbean waves
The workshop had one major goal: to train participants in the use of the PROALAS protocol – a standardized set of survey methods for monitoring birds, specially designed for tropical habitats. Identifying birds in a Caribbean or Latin American rainforest can prove a hard pill to swallow for even the most experienced birder. But, before diving into the more difficult topics of the workshop, we had a lovely welcome session. The fantastic organizers, Maya Wilson, Holly Garrod, and Jeff Gerbracht did their best to make us feel at ease from the beginning.
Their jobs were made easier by two important elements. First, we were situated in the incredibly beautiful setting at Rancho Baiguate. We had the conference sessions at an outdoor facility next to the Rancho’s pool, and a few steps away from the Baiguate river and the cloud forest. It was easy to get distracted by the noisy Bananaquits and the purple shine of the Antillean Mangos.
During the first break, I skipped coffee and ran to the nearby trees to try my luck on lifers. I was extremely fortunate that the first bird I glimpsed was the stunning Black-crowned Palm Tanager, a Hispaniolan endemic! The bird kindly allowed me to enjoy its beautiful green-olive feathers and the black crown spotted with white that makes it look as if it has four eyes (“cuatrojos” in Spanish). I could have spent all day contemplating this fascinating bird, but a call from the conference room brought me back to reality. We had some PROALAS to learn.
PROALAS practice exercise (Pictured: Miguel Landestoy, Demonica Brown, David Walters, Holly Garrod, Ivan Mota, Laura Baboolal, Shanna Challenger, and Jilly Sarpong). (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
The second thing that made us feel at home from the start was the people. No matter where they were from in the Caribbean: the Dutch islands, the British, or the Spanish-speaking countries, it seemed as if the fact that all of us are bathed by the same warm and bright-blue Caribbean sea, magically turns us into a one-big family. After the initial presentations, we were all long-time friends. The shared passion for our birds and our unique ecosystems brings us together despite barriers of language or political systems.
The conference sessions started with an introduction given by Maya Wilson, the Landbird Monitoring Program Manager for BirdsCaribbean. I barely managed to keep seated quietly, because the excitement of being part of such a fascinating project was too much to handle for a ‘hatchling’ like me. While Maya was detailing the goals and scope of the program, my mind was racing, already picturing how much could be done across our islands with such a powerful tool, like PROALAS, to widen our knowledge of our resident and endemic birds. I was not alone in this. The discussions began just as soon as Maya finished her presentation. It was my first glimpse into the amazing community of conservationists gathered in the room.
I learned from the challenges that face birds and their habitats in small and tourism-driven islands like Aruba, Bonaire, or Trinidad and Tobago. I learned first-hand about the hard and successful work done in Antigua to get rid of some invasive species. I marveled at the community-based initiatives that organizations like Para La Naturaleza in Puerto Rico, and Grupo Jaragua and Grupo Acción Ecológica in the Dominican Republic are doing to increase awareness and engage local actors in conservation efforts. And that was just the beginning. Everyone had something to share and while sessions went by, the newly acquired tools made the debates richer and more stimulating for all.
But soon the talks delved into more detailed aspects of landbird monitoring. Entire sessions on the theory behind point counts and transects, survey design and bias minimization, distance estimation, and eBird as a tool for gathering scientific data, comprised most of the morning and afternoon classroom sessions. And of course, how could I forget the introductions into everyone’s favorite subject: statistics. Hopefully, you’ll notice my sarcasm in the last sentence. But I have to give credit to our outstanding teachers: Holly Garrod, Jeff Gerbracht, and especially to Ingrid Molina. Ingrid reminded us all that Costa Rica also shares some Caribbean waves and her special charm and her ease at teaching made it a lot easier for all of us, as we tried to grasp the essentials of occupancy models.
Class on Statistics. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Field activity at Ebano Verde. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Broad-billed Tody in a tree. (Photo by Zara Palmer).
Field Training or Boot Camp?
PROALAS is not a thing you can master just from a classroom. You will need field sessions and some hands-on practice to have a more complete understanding of how it works and how it can be effectively employed for addressing basic research or management objectives. Jarabacoa was the perfect setting for the workshop practice activities. It is home to incredible birds like the endemic Todies (two species!) and the Palmchat, with a variety of habitat encompassing recovered cattle pastures as well as well-preserved evergreen forests.
The morning and afternoon field trips were the most cherished moments of the day for me. They offered the chance to get to know my colleagues more closely and the opportunity to immerse myself in the stunning biodiversity of the Dominican Republic. To meet the first objective, I joined a different field group every time I could. I first hung out with the so-called ‘Latin team’ during the first bird ID training sessions. It was really chaotic for me trying to make sense of the different names we Cubans, Dominicans, and Puerto Ricans have for the same birds. Bijirita, Ciguita, Reinita – all of them just for warblers. Sometimes we have the same names, but use them for different species, like the name ‘Ruiseñor’, which is the Dominican name for the Northern Mockingbird, while for Cubans it refers to our endemic Cuban Solitaire.
This cultural chaos was just superficial, however. The Latin team felt like home. The large group from the DR consistently exhibited the well-deserved fame of incredibly gracious hosts. I won’t single anyone out because they all, students and trainers alike, left such a profound impact on me that I don’t want to miss out any names. I learned from them all, and their sympathy and good humor made my days in the Dominican Republic one of the most precious memories of my short life. And what to say about the Puerto Ricans! Just that the motto that states that Cuba and Puerto Rico are the two wings of the same bird couldn’t be more accurate and meaningful in this particular setting.
Team Latino (L-R: Daniela Ventura, Omar Monzón, Alcides Morales-Pérez, Coral Avilés, and Pablo Feliz). (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Practice at Rancho Baiguate (L-R: Daniela Ventura, Tadzio Bervoets, Lauren Dombowsky, Kai Wulf, and Giancarlo Nunes). (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
The Latin team was surprised to see that I decided to spend some time with the Dutch Caribbean participants during the next morning’s field trip. I really enjoyed learning how culturally different we are despite being so geographically close. I also, at the cost of some personal embarrassment, realized there were islands which I had never heard of before, like Saba. Even though I felt bad about it, it was an invaluable lesson and represented personal growth. As a result, I updated my 2022 New Year’s resolutions: getting to know more of our Caribbean shared history, nature, and culture.
After a very productive training session establishing PROALAS point counts and transects, and my first time watching the Narrow-billed Tody, we were all back to Rancho Baiguate for more talks. The Latin team was waiting for me to rub my nose in the unique experience that I missed during their trip. They had an amazing opportunity to watch the Antillean Euphonia from a photographer’s perspective. I almost cried.
Before I move on, I must share two more highlights from our field trip experiences, both closely intertwined. First —and the other workshop participants won’t let me lie— never take Holly’s word regarding the trip’s difficulty level as a good standard measure. If Holly assures you that the field paths are going to be child’s play, be sure they WON’T and that you will enjoy, but also suffer every minute of it. And if Holly tells you that it will be a hard and strenuous trail to walk – run for your life, and NEVER, EVER go that way!
The Barbed Wire Deluxe Team can attest to this. Holly is made from another brew not yet understood by us, common folks, and her resistance and fieldwork aptitudes are simply admirable. We deduced that the many years working in the Jarabacoa mountains have made her immune to fatigue. Shanna Challenger, and her other team members, learned that lesson all too well, when, while trying to set some PROALAS point counts they had to jump, climb, and roll (sometimes all at once) to pass a barbed wire fence. Shanna’s witty mind, and contagious sense of humor, came up with the hilarious name of Barbed Wire Deluxe to baptize their team. She made all of us laugh at the joke; it made the event an unforgettable anecdote of the DR workshop.
The inspiration for Team Barbed Wire. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Participants engage in point counts. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Ébano Verde and bitter-sweet goodbyes
The days go fast when you’re having fun. During the daily hustle and bustle of setting PROALAS point counts, practicing distance estimation, enjoying the incredible bird diversity of Jarabacoa, and the constant discussions and idea-sharing moments, it was easy to forget what day of the week it was. But Sunday was swiftly approaching and with it, the last day of the workshop. When we thought all the surprises were exhausted, it turned out the organizers were just leaving the best for the end.
The trip to the Scientific Reserve of Ébano Verde, a rainforest paradise rising 800 feet above sea level, was the perfect choice for spending the last moments with our new friends. The stunning diversity of the mountains of the Dominican Republic left us all blown away. There, trees and ferns have a different shade of green. Birds seemed to be aware of that, and their songs were like an ode in celebration of beauty.
Hispaniolan Trogon. (Photo by Jose M. Pantaleon)
Now, I have a confession to make. In Ébano Verde, I felt my national pride quiver. I was lucky to admire the elegant and majestic Hispaniolan Trogon. This vision brought doubts in my mind as to which one was the prettiest: the Cuban Trogon or the Hispaniolan Trogon? This thought haunted me during the entire walk. I almost forgot my internal questioning when I had the chance to watch the other Tody, the Broad-billed, or admire the shiny blend of sky-blue and orange of the Antillean Euphonia, or marveled at the melodious song of the Rufous-Throated Solitaire.
I became easily distracted by birds, and for a moment I was separated from the group. Then, at a twist of the road, my eyes encountered a magical scene. There they were, the Dominicans, triggering with their constant jokes the boisterous laughter from the guys of the Dutch Caribbean. Somewhere close, the Puerto Ricans were showing some birds (and plants) to the girls from Grenada and The Bahamas. A little ahead in the same path were Holly, Ingrid, and Jeff doing some PROALAS point counts with the students from Antigua, Jamaica, and Cayman Islands. And then, the answer came as a realization. It didn’t matter which Trogon was the prettiest. This was not about a contest. All birds are equally important and deserve our utmost commitment to their conservation. That’s why we were there: to learn new skills that will empower us to make more accurate assessments of the health of their populations. To create a strong community of partners across our islands that can work together and spread knowledge and success stories in conservation.
The main lesson I learned during the workshop, I must admit, was not PROALAS-related. The main lesson was that, since birds don’t know or care about borders, countries, or nationalities, we, the “Humans of BirdsCaribbean,” must try to overcome these differences, in order to achieve our supreme goal: jointly working for the conservation of birds and their habitats.
Daniela Ventura is a Cuban ornithologist working in the Bird Ecology Group at the University of Havana. She became interested in birds during her first year in college, where she conducted undergraduate research on the Reddish Egret´s trophic behavior. She is currently a master’s student working on the movement ecology of resident Turkey Vultures. Daniela considers herself a molt nerd, so her future careergoal encompasses creating a permanent banding station at the National Botanical Garden in Havana to study molt patterns of Cuba’s resident birds.
Gallery
Up close views. (Photo by Zara Palmer).
PROALAS point counts. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Looking for Todies
Rancho Baiguate, Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Out in the field. (Photo by Zara Palmer).
Ebano Verde. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Winning team at Ebano Verde. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Rancho Baiguate, Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
In the field with colleagues. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Peering through the trees, birdwatching. (Photo by Zara Palmer).
Counting birds. (Photo by Zara Palmer).
Dominican Republic Landscapes.
Mobile photography in the field. (Photo by Zara Palmer).
Waterfall at Ebano Verde. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Group Photo at Certificate Ceremony.
Waterfall at Ebano Verde. (Photo by Daniela Ventura).
Baiguate River, Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic.
Acknowledgments: BirdsCaribbean is grateful to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for funding to develop our new Landbird Monitoring Program and hold this training workshop. We are also grateful to the US Forest Service International Programs, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Dutch Conservation Nature Alliance for additional funding support. Thanks also to Optics for the Tropics and Vortex Optics for providing binoculars for all participants, and to the friendly and helpful staff at Rancho Baiguate for hosting us. A special thank you to interpreter, Efrén Esquivel-Obregón, for his excellent and patient work with the group all week. Finally, we thank BirdsCaribbean members, partners, and donors for your support, which made this work possible.
It was one year ago that volcanic ash began billowing out of the La Soufrière volcano on the main island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines—the first time in 42 years. Vincentians were alerted to increased activity within the volcano and knew the eruption was imminent, but there was little that could prepare the community for the first massive eruption on April 9th and weeks of continued eruptions and ash fall that would ensue.
Communities in the north were forced to evacuate, moving south towards safety and away from the intense ash fall. The wildlife in the area attempted a similar trajectory. Unable to forage in the wild as normal, however, and disoriented by the ash fall, many wildlife species – including the vulnerable St. Vincent Parrot, the National bird – were in danger.
BirdsCaribbean jumped into action, joining concerned wildlife conservation organizations to create an emergency group* that quickly raised funds and provided much-needed assistance to the Forestry Department working on-the-ground in St. Vincent. Key partner, the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF), provided critical help in getting all the supplies purchased by BirdsCaribbean, their organization, and our group to St. Vincent. Items included boots for all Forestry staff, binoculars, cutlasses, knives, backpacks, two-way radios, GPS units, Go Pro and Canon cameras, respirators, camping gear, ponchos, veterinary supplies, parrot food, chain saws, aviary wire, and many other tools and hardware to repair and enhance the parrot aviary.
To mark one year since the devastating eruptions, we caught up with Bradford Latham, Program Officer for Wildlife and Law Compliance and Enforcement in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department, to learn how the island, its people, and the wildlife are recovering.
Post-eruption clean-up exercise in Hermitage, St. Vincent, on April 2, 2021. (Photo by the St. Vincent Forestry Department).
Post-eruption assessment in Richmond, St. Vincent, on May 4, 2021. (Photo by the St. Vincent Forestry Department).
Post-eruption assessment in Richmond, St. Vincent, on May 2, 2021. (Photo by the St. Vincent Forestry Department).
Take us back to the first few days of the eruptions. What was that like?
“The 9th of April was a Friday and I was busy making preparations. I am in charge of the Nicholls Wildlife Complex at the St Vincent Botanical Gardens, where we do captive breeding, so I was installing water tanks at the aviaries, trying to ensure that I had extra water storage in place for the care of the birds in case of an eruption – which we were expecting. I had just completed that task when I learned that La Soufrière had erupted.”
Bradford recalls that people in the community were nervous but admits that the severity of the event was not fully grasped because the effects could not yet be seen. It wasn’t until the following morning, however, that the gravity of the situation began to unfold.
“On Saturday morning everything was gray. Everything was gloomy, and there was ash everywhere. Then, the water authority had to turn off their systems to prevent clogging – so that essential service was affected.”
“Thankfully, I had already gotten some assistance from the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary in Barbados to prepare and secure the captive birds at the Nicholls Wildlife Complex. We needed plastic sheeting to try to secure the birds and we also needed dried foods, because getting fresh fruit would have been a challenge – and it was indeed. So, the dried nuts and fruit, and other food that we quickly received from our international partners was really useful.”
St. Vincent Parrot at Nicholls Wildlife Complex, Botanical Gardens, St. Vincent. (Photo by Aliya Hosein).
Measuring the thickness of the ash fall in St. Vincent. (Photo by UWI Seismic Research Centre).
How did you cope with the situation? What were some of the short to medium-term solutions that were implemented by the Forestry Department and partners?
Volcanic Hazard Map sectioned into zones. (Image by NEMO St. Vincent and the Grenadines).
“The plight of the birds in the forest was of major concern, given the heavy ash fall that would have affected food availability for these species. An emergency group was formed, which comprised BirdsCaribbean, Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, Flora and Fauna International (FFI), UNDP Reef to Ridge Project, Houston Zoo, IWECo Project St. Vincent and the Grenadines, SCIENCE, and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Environmental Fund (SVGEF). This group provided invaluable support to on-the-ground efforts and helped to plan what would be done if food was unable to be collected from the countryside – which was really destroyed.
We considered ideas to be able to help wildlife species, especially the St. Vincent Parrots, and we came up with a plan of creating feeding stations. We made platforms and sourced daily fresh fruits for the stations. We cleaned the fruits, cut them up, and went out on mornings and evenings to replenish the platforms in some of the major parrot habitats—especially near La Soufrière, such as Cumberland, Congo Valley, and Jennings.
We prioritized the areas that were most impacted. We concentrated our efforts within the orange and yellow zones, just off the red zone area, to provide some assistance of water and food to these wildlife species.
We started in April, in the weeks following the first eruptions, and continued through the month of April, May and up to June. Once the rains began to fall in June and certain trees began fruiting, like the mango and the plum rose, we curtailed the feeding assistance because we knew that there were now available food sources for the parrots and other wildlife species.”
Tell me about the Parrot Surveys conducted in September, 2021. Did you see many birds? Did you get a sense that they are faring well?
Sadly, this rescued St. Vincent Parrot did not survive its injuries from the volcanic eruption, including eyes crusted over with ash and respiratory problems. (Photo by the St. Vincent Forestry Department).
“After the volcanic eruptions, we decided to do a rapid assessment to get a better understanding of what was happening to the parrots because we hadn’t had a census or a check for parrots since 2010—there was a long lapse. I recall one time that the team was out clearing rivers and they came across a bird that was suffering and later died, as a result of ash inhalation. So we were preparing ourselves for the worst impact on wildlife.
We completed the assessment in one week, for the first time. All five major sectors of 20 watch points were done in one week, from Tuesday 17th September to Friday 22nd September, 2021. The team of over 60 participants monitored the different sectors and also areas what we call gap watches, where we know a smaller numbers of birds exist. A very rough estimate suggests that parrot numbers are in the high hundreds, indicating the birds are resilient and many managed to survive the volcano and its aftermath. However, we note that updated methodology and analyses are needed to better assess parrot numbers.
We also noticed that many of the birds that were near the Red Zones, the La Soufrière areas, successfully moved to safer areas. That’s what we picked up. Prior to the eruption, we used to have a lot of cases of parrot predation on crops in the northern part of the island. This is something that we are still going to be looking out for as the parrots seem to be moving back into those areas. Crop predation is a concern. So, we will be looking at the food sources that are available in the forest to try to understand why the parrots are moving towards farmland areas.”
St. Vincent Parrots in flight. (Photo by the Ministry of Agriculture, St. Vincent and the Grenadines).
Group photo of Forestry staff. (Photo by the St. Vincent Forestry Department).
St. Vincent Parrot Watch Points for the 2021 survey.
Forestry staff using a radio to report a parrot sighting. (Photo by the St. Vincent Forestry Department).
Forestry Department training on how to count parrots. (Photo by the St. Vincent Forestry Department).
Forestry staff using a radio to communicate with other census teams. (Photo by the St. Vincent Forestry Department).
Bradford Latham speaks to staff during the parrot-census training, August, 2021. (Photo by the St. Vincent Forestry Department).
Forestry staff, Terrance Roberts, on the look out for St. Vincent Parrots. (Photo by the St. Vincent Forestry Department).
How quickly has the forest been recovering and trees flowering and fruiting again for the birds?
“The recovery is really excellent in the areas within the yellow and green zones and even the orange zones. The greatest impact on habitat is the northern section, on the slopes of La Soufrière. The foliage was really heavily damaged but now we can see that it’s coming back, there’s a lot of greenery. So, it’s recovering well. We have been getting a lot of rain, and there’s still some danger of lahars (mud slides) and flash flooding. We conducted some coastal assessments, going out on the boat and taking some photos. One of the follow-up things that we would really like to do is go back again to see how things have changed, in terms of the recovery and vegetative growth in those areas.”
St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Forestry Director, Fitzgerald Providence, recently visited an area impacted from the volcanic eruptions. He shared photos of some of the vegetation now growing in the shade of the La Soufriere volcano and commented, “The process of regeneration is evident along the eastern slope of La Soufriere. What was described as destruction by some, shows evidence of how our island became a land so beautiful.” He noted, however, that the western slope was hardest hit with pyroclastic flows and that he planned to visit there soon.
Decimated landscape near La Soufrière in the aftermath of the volcanic eruptions. (Photo by Bradford Latham).
Begonia flowers blooming and other plants growing back on the bare volcanic soil on the eastern slope of La Soufrière. (Photo by Fitzgerald Providence).
New growth and plants recovering on the eastern slope of La Soufrière. (Photo by Fitzgerald Providence).
What do you think can be done currently to help the situation on the ground? What are some of the things that the Forestry Department needs right now, as far as support?
“One area that we need support in is research methodology. We’ve had some general training but it would be good to be able to develop something that is specific to a particular species. To know when might be the best time to go looking and where to be looking for this species, knowing the nest type, and the behavior. For example, there’s not much known about the Whistling Warbler, an Endangered songbird endemic to St. Vincent; it will be good for us to look at doing more research on this species. Also, we have other endemic species such as the endemic tree frog and the whistling frog that may have been impacted by the eruption. The uniqueness of endemic species is important to the country, so it would be good to know how well they are doing and learn about their populations. These are the areas that we would really like assistance in, training and capacity building, to better monitor and manage these endemic species that we have. We would also like assistance for our environmental education program – learning how to prepare a blog, for example, and taking better photos in the field.”
Are you optimistic that the on-island bird population will return to pre-eruption numbers in the near future?
“The parrots are resilient. We have seen areas where numbers were few – especially areas that we recorded as gap watches – and we have recorded higher numbers in those gaps. I believe that eventually the numbers will really recover.
The methodology that we’re using to monitor the parrots needs to improve, however. It is scientific, but there are gaps that we really need to improve in order to get a better estimate of the parrot’s population size and monitor this over time.
These are areas that we are hoping to build upon in the near future, so that we may not be reporting a higher number than what it actually is on the ground. Or vice versa, that we may be reporting numbers that are lower than what is actually represented in the wild. We have a young staff and the training and capacity building is something that is really needed.”
Youth learning how to count St. Vincent Parrots. (Photo by the Forestry Department).
Speaking at an outdoor field exercise in August 2021, organized by the Forestry Department to raise awareness about and provide training in parrot census activities, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labor of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Hon. Saboto Caesar, acknowledged and thanked Forestry workers and international conservation partners for their continued dedication to protecting the island’s national bird, especially in the wake of varied natural disasters in recent years that have adversely affected the birds and their habitat.
“The Amazona guildingii, the national bird of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is very dear to us. Recently, we had 32 eruptions of La Soufriere and we are all aware of the negative impact this has had on the habitat of the national bird. We also had Hurricane Tomas on October 30, 2010, that destroyed a significant percentage of the habitat of the national bird. I want to thank all the international agencies and to thank the hard working staff of the Forestry Department for the excellent work that they continue to do. I also want to encourage all the farmers and all forest users to respect the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
Continued Work to Conserve St Vincent’s Forest Birds
BirdsCaribbean Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Sorenson, RSCF, and other partners, continue to monitor updates and maintain contact with key members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department with a view to providing continued assistance, where needed. Dr. Sorenson welcomed the reports of resilience outlined in the most recent parrot survey and will continue work with the team at the Forestry Department to ensure the St. Vincent Parrot, and other vulnerable endemics, such as the Whistling Warbler and Forest Thrush are able to be adequately monitored and supported in the wild.
Starting in May 2022, ornithologists from Florida International University will be working with the Forestry Department to establish improved standard methods of censusing St. Vincent Parrots and train the staff in these methods to enable long-term monitoring of the species. This will allow better assessment of the short and long-term impacts of natural events like volcanic eruptions and hurricanes on parrot population size and density, as well as monitor human-caused population changes from deforestation, poaching, and other threats to the parrot.
Also in May 2022, pending funding, a team of ornithologists from BirdsCaribbean and Antioch University will work with the Forestry Dept on a pilot study to establish population monitoring for the endangeredWhistling Warbler, using ARUs (Autonomous Recording Units) with the goal of creating a Conservation Action Plan. The project will also provide training in monitoring land birds to Forestry staff using methodology from our new Landbird Monitoring Program, as well as build capacity for outreach and education and community engagement in bird conservation in St Vincent.
Acknowledgements: Once again, we thank the many generous members of our community who donated to help with the recovery effort for birds in St Vincent impacted by the April 2021 explosive eruptions of La Soufrière Volcano. If you would like to donate to help with our continued work with the Forestry Department and local communities, please click here and designate “St Vincent Volcano Recovery” as the specific purpose for your donation. Thank you!
*The “emergency group” that came together to assist with funding support and recovery of the St Vincent Parrot and other wildlife consisted of the following organizations: BirdsCaribbean, Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, Fauna and Flora International, Caribaea Initiative, Houston Zoo, Grenada Dove Conservation Programme, UNDP Reef to Ridge Project, Houston Zoo, IWECo Project St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Vortex Optics, and the Farallon Islands Foundation. We thank our amazing local partners SCIENCE Initiative, the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Environment Fund, and the Forestry Department for your support and hard work.
Journal of Caribbean Ornithology, Volume 35, featuring new weblink.
The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology (JCO), BirdsCaribbean’s peer reviewed scientific journal, is committed to increasing the visibility of its publications to researchers, conservationists, and other interested users. To further this goal, JCO has recently enrolled in Crossref, a non-profit registration agency that issues Digital Object Identifiers, DOIs for short. A unique DOI will be applied to each article published in JCO, which will facilitate its identification and discovery while searching the internet.
Dr. Stefan Gleissberg, JCO’s Managing Editor who oversees the implementation, is excited about how this will impact the journal and its Caribbean community:
“This is an important step for our efforts at the JCO to increase visibility and raise the profile of our journal in the academic community. DOIs make it easier for readers, researchers, reviewers, and funding agencies to find JCO publications because of the permanent weblink these identifiers create. It will boost the impact of our authors’ research and help them better connect with the important work of other researchers.”
JCO has begun implementing these DOIs into its 35th volume that has just been launched, and over time will retroactively assign these identifiers to back volumes and articles as well. Other BirdsCaribbean publications and reports can also be issued DOIs.
Past JCO Publications.
The JCO editorial team will be hosting a roundtable at the AOS/BC 2022 conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico this summer, to discuss this and other recent developments at the journal. This will be a great opportunity to receive input from the ornithological community, so we hope you can join us!
Holly Garrod, one of the BirdsCaribbean’s trainers at the recent workshop in the hills of central Dominican Republic, describes some highlights of the event. Wildlife professionals from 16 countries had the opportunity to get together in person and learn to address the challenges of identifying, counting, and tracking our fascinating landbirds – in a variety of beautiful habitats.
Rio Baiguate in the Jarabacoa Valley offers restored riparian tropical forest and edge habitat – great for a diversity of endemic and migratory birds. (photo by Dax Roman E.)
Our first Caribbean Landbird Monitoring Training Workshop (February 16–20, 2022) took place in the beautiful Jarabacoa Valley of the Dominican Republic. Wildlife professionals from across the region gathered for five days of non-stop learning, sharing, and growing. From the classroom to the forest, the workshop provided participants with the knowledge and confidence to train a monitoring team and institute a sustainable, local landbird monitoring program in their home countries using the Programa de América Latina para las Aves Silvestres (PROALAS) Manual bird survey protocols.
The workshop, led by BirdsCaribbean staff and local ornithologists, seeks to lay the foundation for a regional network of people dedicated to standardizing monitoring and conservation of landbirds. The Dominican Republic was selected as the workshop location for its undeniably rich variety of birds, including endemics, residents and many migrants. The workshop is just one part of a much bigger picture: BirdsCaribbean’s ambitious goal of developing regional networks to support our wonderfully diverse landbird species. This brand new project aims to build regional capacity to study, monitor, and conserve our Caribbean landbirds through the use of standardized surveys, bird banding, and the Motus Wildlife Tracking System.
Welcome to Jarabacoa
Fieldwork in the beautiful countryside of Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic.
It was a quiet morning in the hills of Jarabacoa. Participants gripped their seats as the bus stumbled up the rocky road and entered into the cattle ranch of Jose Brache, blasting a steady stream of Dominican Bachata music with colored interior lights to match. The property, locally known as “Los Cerros” or “The Hills,” is a conglomeration of many smaller plots of land, filled with rolling hillsides and riparian corridors along river margins and banks. While the property is still an active cattle ranch, the owner has maintained some of the historic tropical broadleaf forest, and the resulting bird activity is evidence that these efforts have paid off. Some participants may have been doubtful at first about the idea of going to an active cattle ranch to survey birds, but their doubts were quieted upon exiting the bus. The sun began to rise above the undulating hills, hitting the mist and illuminating the surrounding slopes as bird song echoed through the treetops. The hills of Jarabacoa had come alive.
Landbird Monitoring: The Basics
As any experienced birder can attest, landbirds are the next level of birding. These birds are constantly on the move. They require birders to remember not just key identification features but also different vocalizations, habitat types, and behavior of various species to better narrow down who that little brown bird really is. Landbirds are one of our canaries in the coal mine; they help us better understand our changing world. And the first step to protecting our beloved birds is to teach people how to start monitoring them.
The Broad-billed Tody (locally known as the Barrancoli for its habit of nesting in burrows) earned its name by having the broadest bill of all 5 tody species. (Photo by Dax Roman E.)
BirdsCaribbean brought 34 wildlife professionals from all across the Caribbean to the stunning mountain valley of Jarabacoa. Settled near center of the Dominican Republic, we chose Jarabacoa for our landbird monitoring training as it is well known for its variety of montane habitats, picturesque landscapes, and of course, because it is home to many of Hispaniola’s notable endemic species, as well as many migrants. Our host for the workshop was the beautiful ecolodge, Rancho Baiguate, a calm oasis situated just outside the bustling mountain town of Jarabacoa.
In an outdoor classroom, we held sessions where participants learned about multiple aspects of landbird monitoring, including how to select sites, what the PROALAS protocols entail, tips for identifying and teaching people to identify landbirds, plus some key tools of the trade from estimating distances to entering data in eBird Caribbean. Our excellent trainers also put some sweet prizes on the line to incentivize trainees on how to practice wildlife counts, accurately estimate distances, and of course identify landbirds!
Participants in the classroom.
It’s always better to be birding!
After a steady stream of knowledge we were all ready to put our new landbird monitoring skills to the test and head out to the field. Participants started at the locally known cattle ranch of José Brache’s Los Cerros property. Here, participants learned how to survey in more open habitats, an important reminder that even fragmented landscapes can be important birding hotspots. Then, we climbed a little higher to the property of La Serena, sitting in the buffer zone of the Scientific Reserve, Ebano Verde. Here, participants learned the challenges of steeper survey points and practiced narrow transects with little visibility in a restored high elevation cloud forest. We then climbed a bit higher, ending the week with a hike through Ébano Verde, where participants learned about surveying in protected areas and everyone got epic views of the Hispaniolan Trogon.
Overall we had 26 participants and 8 workshop leaders representing 16 countries! We saw a total of 63 species (and counting!) spread over an elevational range of 550 m to 1,200 m above sea level. Check out our trip list for the workshop here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/43434
Workshop participants – don’t forget to submit those eBird checklists!
Workshop participants learn about surveys in an outdoor setting.
What was one of the favorite parts of the Landbird Monitoring Training? Finally getting to connect in person again with the BirdsCaribbean community! It was so refreshing to see familiar faces and finally go birding with people we’ve spent many hours chatting with on Zoom calls. Not only did we all come away with a newfound appreciation for many of Hispaniola’s gems (including of course the Hispaniolan Emerald), but we all had the opportunity to learn how landbirds vary by island and just how different landbird monitoring might look across the Caribbean.
What’s the next step?
After a non-stop week of birding and learning, participants returned to their home countries to start the next phase. We’re getting ready to launch our Small Grants program, so people across the Caribbean can take the knowledge they gained and begin implementing their own landbird monitoring programs, including training local communities to learn about their local landbirds. We hope to see many more PROALAS workshops sprouting up in future months.
If the FOMO (or Fear of Missing Out, as the kids say) is getting to you down, don’t worry! This is far from our last Landbird Monitoring Workshop! To start, we’ll be holding another short (one-day) workshop to introduce the PROALAS protocols at our upcoming joint conference with AOS this summer.
Birdwatching in Ebano Verde. (Photo by Zara Palmer)
La Selle Thrush. (Photo by Paul Noakes).
Holly Garrod presenting at Landbird Monitoring Workshop. (Photo by Maya Wilson)
What did PROALAS do for you?
Participants shared their thoughts on the workshop and how the practical knowledge shared can be implemented in their respective countries.
Angela Ramsey, Wildlife Biologist at Tobago House of Assembly
“I am very happy to participate in this first Landbird Training in the Dominican Republic, using the PROALAS Protocol and eBird – which was a first for me. I’m hoping to go back to Tobago and be able to implement right away in the communities. We lack data, so we want to be able to incorporate community participation, in terms of trying to acquire the necessary data on landbirds, so that we can build our database and be able to improve our tourism sector. It was really good being here and participating with everyone, meeting a lot of people from the wider Caribbean region, and being able to just enjoy the time learning and sharing.”
Tadzio Bervoets, Director of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance
“We are very proud to be able to partner with BirdsCaribbean and to have representatives from the protected areas of Arbua, Bonaire, Sint Maarten and Saba attend the workshop to learn about the PROALAS method for landbird monitoring. We are looking forward to rolling out the methodology on all 6 islands of the Dutch Caribbean to help with the Protected Area Management in all those islands – specifically on the islands and then regionally, to answer questions related to climate change and interactions of different eco systems. We’re very grateful that we’ve been able to attend and we’re looking forward to closer collaboration with BirdsCaribbean in the future.”
Daniela Ventura, Student at Havana University, Cuba
“This is the first BirdsCaribbean workshop that I’m participating in and it has truly been an incredible experience to be here in the Dominican Republic – a beautiful country with friendly people. It has also been interesting to meet people from the entire Caribbean and learn from the dilemmas that they are facing in bird conservation. This introduction, and all that we’ve covered on the PROALAS Protocol and they ways to monitor birds in our home countries, has been excellent. I leave here with many new friendships and with many new ideas to be able to use this protocol in my country and to understand a bit more about basic ecology and the Cuban species that we don’t have much information on. I hope to be able to use my knowledge to contribute to the conservation of Caribbean birds.”
Giselle Dean, Science Officer at the Bahamas National Trust
“This is my first BirdsCaribbean event after working at the Bahamas National Trust for the last 6 and a half years. I am pleased to say that it was an incredible experience where I got to meet so many different people working with birds across the Caribbean. I got to learn about the PROALAS Protocol, which we plan on using in the future to monitor bird populations within The Bahamas National Trust park system, including endangered species – such as the Bahama Oriole and Bahama Swallow. It was a great experience. I really loved being able to participate – finally! I’m excited for what the future.”
Other comments shared by workshop participants:
“Extremely grateful to BirdsCaribbean and Para La Naturaleza for the opportunity to be part of the first Landbird Monitoring Training using the PROALAS protocol on the eBird platform. This will allow us to more effectively monitor our endemic, native and neotropical migratory populations.”
“The Landbird Monitoring Workshop strengthened my knowledge, with which I am multiplying the lessons learned, giving workshops to park rangers and tour guides from different regions of the country.”
“I feel confident in my abilities to set up and train people in PROALAS method for monitoring.”
“I learned a lot and reached many of my goals.”
“[The Landbird Monitoring Workshop] was a good introduction for me and I feel equipped to facilitate further training activities within my organization and develop our monitoring program.”
“Comprehensive instructions, well delivered!”
“I feel that I walked away with a great deal more knowledge than I began with.”
The entire group at Rancho Baiguate. (Photo by Zara Palmer)
Acknowledgments: BirdsCaribbean is grateful to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for funding to develop our new Landbird Monitoring Program and hold this training workshop. We are also grateful to the US Forest Service International Programs, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Dutch Conservation Nature Alliance for additional funding support. Thanks also to Optics for the Tropics and Vortex Optics for providing binoculars for all participants, and to the friendly and helpful staff at Rancho Baiguate for hosting us. A special thank you to interpreter, Efrén Esquivel-Obregón, for his excellent and patient work with the group all week. Finally, we thank BirdsCaribbean members, partners, and donors for your support, which made this work possible.
Gallery
Enjoy more photos from the Landbird Monitoring Workshop below. Click the images to enlarge and see their captions.
Putting knowledge into practice, participants take to the outdoors.
Participants explore Ebano Verde. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
Hispaniolan Trogon. (Photo by Jose M. Pantaleon).
Greater Antillean Mango on Hispaniola. (Photo by Pavel Parkhaev)
Group at Ebano Verde. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
Workshop Facilitator, Holly Garrod, prepares the group for Ebano Verde. (Photo by Zara Palmer)
The always enchanting Ovenbird responded to our scold tape.
Miguel Landestoy calls in a bird for ID. (Photo by Adrianne Tossas)
Group photo at Baiguate Waterfall, Dominican Republic.
Workshop facilitator, Ingrid Molina, delivers a presentation on PROALAS protocols.
Ivan Mota teaches in the field. (Photo by Adrianne-Tossas).
Group photo on the bus.
Participants attend a classroom session on PROALAS protocols.
Ingrid Molina explains PROALAS. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
Palmchat. (Photo by Dax Roman)
Jeff Gerbracht presents at Landbird Monitoring Workshop in the Dominican Republic. (Photo by Adrianne Tossas).
Adelaide’s Warbler Illustration by Arnaldo Toledo.
We’re thrilled to announce that the T-shirt designs for our upcoming AOS & BC Conference are complete – and they are gorgeous! The endemic birds of Puerto Rico, the location for this year’s conference, are the stars of the design, elegantly presented on the front and back of the garment.
The idea to create this T-shirt was conceptualized by Gabriel Lugo, past president of the Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña, Inc. (SOPI) and Tour Guide for Wildside Nature Tours. In partnership with renowned Cuban artist and friend of BirdsCaribbean, Arnaldo Toledo, the pair created this timeless piece that will undoubtedly be a source of pride for all Puerto Ricans and friends of Puerto Rico.
BirdsCaribbean Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Sorenson, highlighted the excellence of the artistic piece and expressed gratitude and excitement that these designs will be launched at the AOS-BC Conference in Puerto Rico.
“We are extremely honored to be debuting this wearable piece of art as our official conference T-shirt. The love that was poured into this project by Arnaldo and Gabriel is apparent. Arnaldo really captured the essence of Puerto Rico’s endemic birds with intricate details and special care taken to display each bird in a life-like, vibrant manner. We are certain these T-shirts will be a success at the conference, and beyond, to raise awareness about Puerto Rico’s 17 endemic birds and the importance of conserving these unique island treasures.”
Endemic birds of Puerto Rico design for 2022 AOS-BC Conference T-shirt. The bird art on the back is a draft, still in progress; Arnaldo is working hard to complete it!
Behind the Design
We sat down with Gabriel Lugo to learn more about his passion for birds, conservation, and art – and how he used all three to honor his homeland.
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you become interested in birds?
Birds have always interested me. I’ve liked being in nature since I was a little kid, but it was when I worked with SOPI that I really got involved in birding and bird conservation. I visited one of the properties that the company managed to do some scouting for a Christmas bird count and that experience really piqued my interest. A short time after this I began birding – trying to identify my backyard birds – and the rest is history.
What inspired you to embark on this project?
When I was a kid, I enjoyed painting and drawing. Not necessarily birds, and not necessarily anything about nature, but I liked art. It’s something that always attracted me. I admire the artists that paint these beautiful birds and I try to support them and their work.
I also studied graphic arts and did screen printing because art is something that is in me. I knew that, at some point, I wanted to do a project that combined the things that I liked: birds and art.
Looking for a way to help SOPI, which I am still involved with – having worked with the organization for 12 years – we noticed that T-shirts are an item that sells well, so I decided to go for it! With the economic support of Wildside Nature Tours, I got in contact with Arnaldo and jumped into the project.
Phase 1: Sketches of the Puerto Rican Tody begin the design by Arnaldo Toledo.
Phase 2: Painting begins with inspiration from the initial sketches.
Phase 3: Finishing touches are added to the bird and its surroundings.
How did you collaborate with Arnaldo to bring the vision to reality?
The process with Arnaldo was easy. When you are working on a project that you love, altogether, it seems easy. I got in contact with Arnaldo and I explained to him the basics of what I wanted – something that he probably did many times with clients and with other T-shirt projects.
I shared my ideas for the design. I wanted to use his scientific illustrations of birds in the most realistic way possible without it seeming like photos. I wanted the artistic representations to combine art, song, and creativity on the T-shirt. Once I shared my vision with him, Arnaldo made the sketch and that was the only one we needed. Right away, he got my idea and we started working from there.
Did you encounter any challenges?
At the beginning, we were creating this T-shirt design for SOPI, to feature our endemic birds, so there was no hurry.
We were then asked by BirdsCaribbean if we could use the artwork for the NAOC (North American Ornithological Conference) scheduled for August 2020 in Puerto Rico. Once we learned of plans for the conference, we began to work towards completion with a set date in mind. We did encounter some difficulties, however. The in-person NAOC was canceled, due to the pandemic, and then Arnaldo suffered an unfortunate accident. We put a pause on the project to give him time to properly heal and he recovered well, which was the most important thing.
The organization of this year’s AOS-BC Conference, and a new working deadline, got us back on our path towards completion. I spoke with Arnaldo and he agreed that it was time to put the paint on the paper and start drawing.
I began working with friends to source photos of birds that we can use as references for the artwork, because there are some features on the birds that we needed specific poses – like the beak, the wings, and some feathers. That’s probably the hardest part from my side, to get the specifics that Arnaldo would need to complete the painting.
What do you hope to achieve with these wearable pieces of art?
Everything that I do relating to birds, aside from my guiding tours, is for educational purposes. I’ve been taking photos of birds for about 10 years now and I don’t use my photography as a way to earn money, it is for education.
The idea is to create something that would last for many years. I saw the potential of the T-shirt because I’ve designed simple T-shirts in the past and people loved them.
This vision of the “Endemic Birds of Puerto Rico T-shirt” has come to life now and I know it’s going to be a big success – not just at the conference, but in the years to come. In addition to local support, I already have clients, participants in my past tours, that have requested four or five orders and I had to let them know that the T-shirts are not yet available. People love it and this is what I was hoping to achieve.
I just want to share our birds – in my business, with participants, but also locally to teach about the birds. The T-shirt is a piece of art, a talking point. This is already happening, so hopefully when people begin wearing it this will happen even more. What you see on the website and in the photos is the near-complete version. We are going to have different colors that will showcase the designs, it is going to be beautiful.
Puerto Rican Parrot Illustration in progress.
Adding details, Puerto Rican Parrot.
Tell us about your partnership with BirdsCaribbean to raise awareness on bird conservation through Wildside Nature Tours.
This project was made possible because of Wildside Nature Tours owner, Kevin Loughlin. Kevin is often recognized as one of the most generous persons in bird conservation and, in my opinion, he really is. Whatever I need, especially if there is a hurricane, he is always ready to help and provide economic support for conservation and education.
I help with bird conservation in the best way that I know how – by birding and showing others. I don’t consider myself to be the best communicator or the best speaker but this is my way to help SOPI and BirdsCaribbean, through my tours, to raise awareness about bird conservation and habitat preservation.
What are your plans for the future?
A pretty obvious next step, as we have all the illustrations, is to make individual species shirts – especially with the most popular birds, like the Puerto Rican Woodpecker, the Puerto Rican Tody, and the Puerto Rican Parrot.
I plan to work on another T-shirt and a poster as well. It is going to be a really good one, so I don’t want to give away too much information just yet, but everyone will love it.
How can interested persons contact you?
For now, the T-shirts will be made available for the AOS-BC Conference, and can be purchased through BirdsCaribbean’s website (link coming soon) or in person at the conference in Puerto Rico.
Outside of the Conference, the T-shirts will be available on the SOPI website: sopipr.org. As I mentioned before, the whole idea behind the project is to help SOPI with their conservation efforts. Interested persons can also reach me on the SOPI website or through the Wildside Nature Tours website: wildsidenaturetours.com.
Artist’s Statement
Arnaldo Toledo also shared with us his vision and process for creating this artwork:
Artist, Arnaldo Toledo, at work.
“The artwork features the endemic birds of Puerto Rico in an artistic design for a T-shirt. It was conceived to be part of two compositions, one that includes eight of these birds on the front and another including nine birds on the back, creating in this way a more dynamic and attractive art design. The birds are the main subjects and protagonists of this artwork. Each bird is made as an individual high-quality watercolor illustration.
First, I carefully researched each species and made an extensive study of reference material. This was essential in order for me to render 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.”
Arnaldo is a Cuban Scientific Illustrator, Wildlife Artist, and Photographer. He is renowned for his artwork on both plants and animals. In 2019, he created the magnificent art for theWorld Migratory Bird Day poster with theme: Protect Birds—Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution. The poster is available for sale at Environment for the Americas’website. Arnaldo was also the grand prize winner of our first-ever Zine Competition for our Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival in 2021 for his amazing zine on the Fernandina’s Flicker –see his winning zine here.
Pre Orders
All of the proceeds from T-shirt sales for the AOS-BC Conference will go towards funding travel scholarships for Caribbean nationals to attend the conference. If you would like to pre-order T-shirts before the conference, stay tuned, we will be sharing a link to do so soon!
Acknowledgements: We are grateful to Gabriel Lugo for conceiving this T-shirt design and sharing the artwork with us for our upcoming AOS & BC Conference, and to Arnaldo Toledo for once again allowing us to be the beneficiaries of his wonderful artistic talent and hard work. We also thank Kevin Loughlin, owner of Wildside Nature Tours, for his support of this project and BirdsCaribbean through his company’s partnership with us. If you are interested in a birding tour in the Caribbean or beyond, we encourage you to visit Wildside’s website – they offer outstanding tours to many different countries. If you are coming to the AOS-BC Conference in Puerto Rico, we strongly recommend you to sign up for Gabriel’s pre- or post-conference tours of Puerto Rican endemics! Information will be soon be available on the AOS-BC Conference website.
We’re delighted to share an exciting new education project, “Into the Wild with the EAG.” This program, which includes engaging short videos and an activity booklet for students, was developed by our partner, the Environmental Awareness Group in Antigua and Barbuda. Learn all about it from Program Coordinator Shanna Challenger and find out how you can access and enjoy these creative learning materials.
After 20 years of successfully delivering a ‘Floating Classroom’ educational experience to students in Antigua – encouraging offshore classroom excursions – theEnvironmental Awareness Group (EAG) was forced to adapt to the ‘new normal’ brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic and expand its environmental conservation programme to the virtual space.
In partnership with the Sandals Foundation, the organization launched “Into the Wild with the EAG“: a virtual field-trip journey into Antigua and Barbuda’s exceptional ecosystems. The exciting three-part video series seeks to teach children about the value of their environment, with specific focus on the ecosystems within the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA).
Grade 4 students at Pares Primary School, Antigua, take a photo with their new Into The Wild Booklets. (Photo by Johnella Bradshaw)
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ‘Floating Classroom’ initiative took thousands of primary school students and teachers on field trips to the offshore islands and mangrove wetlands. These trips provided first-hand experiences to young impressionable minds about the importance of local ecosystems, the wildlife that live there, and the threats that endanger them. However, since 2020, restrictions on gatherings halted activities and caused the EAG to re-imagine what these field trips would look like in a pandemic world. The team opted to give Antiguan and Barbudan children year-round access to the wonders of their local environment through a carefully curated sequence of environmental videos shot and edited by CHASO Media.
“Working with wildlife was vastly different from what I’m used to, as pre-pandemic we focused on fetes and other Carnival events. Nature doesn’t strike a pose and wait on you. My team learned that you have to be prepared at any moment to snap a photo or press record. I definitely have a greater appreciation for the work the EAG does to prevent the extinction of the Antiguan Racer,” said videographer Chas Clarke when asked about his journey into environmental filmmaking.
The series, now available on the Environmental Awareness Group Antigua’s YouTube channel, features three episodes:
Each episode takes place in a unique ecosystem and introduces the audience to the importance of the wildlife and habitats found there, existing threats, and how individuals can make a difference.
Accompanying the videos are a Student Activity Booklet and Teacher’s Resource Guide developed by EAG staff and reviewed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Creative Industries.
“The [Into the Wild] books and supporting videos are based very closely on our national curriculum and provide a close-up look at aspects of our environment that might be difficult to find elsewhere. They help to contextualize science by personalizing the content, and the intangible benefits of this approach should not be understated,” said W. Anthony Spencer, Science Coordinator, Ministry of Education, Science and Creative Industries.
When asked how the Ministry foresees the series assisting teachers in preparing students for the world, Spencer added:
“One of the first things we hope to accomplish is a realization that each person can make a difference. It is hoped that students will be motivated to translate their knowledge into actions and lifelong commitments to learn more about the environment and contribute to its care.”
The Into the Wild booklets were designed by local graphic artist Patrick “Stooge” Joseph of Stooge Co., who captured the feel of the videos through his art and was able to bring our cheery cartoon guide through the series, Acer the Antiguan Racer, to life.
“I especially enjoyed capturing the emotions of the snake through his movements; it was definitely a learning experience that required me to really pay close attention to details and stay true to its harmless nature,” said Joseph.
Cover page of the Into the Wild Student Activity Booklet.
The Antiguan Racer, protagonist of the Into The Wild booklet.
Having locally relevant visuals, wildlife features, and educational messaging wasn’t the only priority for the EAG, as the team made sure videos were catchy and keeping true to Antigua’s cultural roots musically. As such, the ‘Into the Wild’ jingle gives the videos an unmistakably local sound that is accredited to local calypsonian Ge’Eve Philip and renowned deejay, Blashford “DJ Quest” Wilkins, with support from musical legend, Toriano “Onyan” Edwards.
When asked about the unique sound of the jingle as producer, Quest mentioned his inclusion of percussion and drums, that are unique to this part of the world, to give it its West Indian flair:
“Although this is an EAG project, I wanted to maintain that unique Caribbean feel since these videos have the potential to be seen not just in Antigua but throughout the Caribbean, and even the world.”
This virtual spin on the EAG’s Floating Classroom was made possible through funding provided by the Sandals Foundation, who have supported the EAG for years.
“The Sandals Foundation has been a key partner in environmental education, empowering children to be active stewards for its protection and conservation. By providing funding towards the development of the virtual Floating Classroom experience, educational resources, and videos, we are helping the EAG use the tools at their fingertips to meet children where they are, bringing the wonders of the wild into the consciousness of our young ones. Together, we will help the next generation develop an appreciation for the interconnectivity of their actions and the preservation of the precious natural resources that make Antigua and Barbuda so unique,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director, Sandals Foundation.
A student at St Michael’s School, Antigua, learns about mangroves. (Photo by Johnella Bradshaw)
Into the Wild with the EAG promotes the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme (OICP)’s vision which anticipates: Adaptively managed, flourishing offshore island ecosystems where wildlife thrives, people are meaningfully engaged, and sustainable use is valued and practiced for the benefit of all.
“We believe that environmental consciousness is a quality that can never be sacrificed, and these videos have not only given us a way to pay homage to that belief, but to ensure that local talents are displayed plainly and loudly for the world to see in our efforts,” said EAG’s OICP Coordinator, Shanna Challenger.
She continued: “Seeing the joy on students’ faces when we delivered the booklets and how grateful teachers were to have materials that highlighted wildlife found right here in Antigua and Barbuda has been truly invaluable.”
To date, the EAG has been able to share this timely educational package with over 1200 students and 78 teachers from across Antigua and Barbuda.
Students at the New Winthorpes Primary School, Antigua, show off their Into The Wild Booklets. (Photo by Johnella Bradshaw)
The EAG hopes that all members of the public, students, teachers, and parents alike, are able to learn something new about Antigua and Barbuda’s outstanding local ecosystems through the Into The Wild videos and looks forward to developing more videos and supporting resources for other critical ecosystems.
Into the Wild with the EAG would not be possible without the support of: the Sandals Foundation, the Global Environment Facility, BirdsCaribbean, Disney Conservation Fund, and Antigua Nature Tours.
If you would like become a member of the EAG or support their work with a donation, please click here.
“Loving Birds is Human Nature” – CEBF 2022 Theme. 25 new Endemic Birds of the Day will be featured! On the graphic from the left: Cuban Black Hawk, St Lucia Warbler, Broad-billed Tody, Green Mango, Jamaican Owl, Bahama Swallow
We are very excited to announce that the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) will be back this spring from April 22nd (Earth Day), to May 22nd (International Biodiversity Day. This year’s theme is “Loving Birds Is Human Nature.”
When members of the Media Working Group began brainstorming for possible 2022 CEBF themes, it was clear that we wanted the theme to express our understanding that a close relationship with our environment is natural! Our best selves acknowledge that an appreciation for what nature provides for us is essential to our survival. Humans have had a special kinship with birds for eons—their beautiful colors and songs bring us much joy and they provide us with so many ecosystem services and other benefits. In this year’s festival we aim to explore and celebrate this theme.
Endemic Bird of the Day
You can expect another fabulous line-up of new birds – 25 – for Endemic Bird of the Day on our website and social media (be sure to follow us, @BirdsCaribbean on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!). Each day we will feature a bird that is only found in the Caribbean. Along with stunning photos, range maps, and bird calls, we will provide free downloadable bird-centric activities and games – like the exclusive Caribbean endemic birds coloring pages, for your family or classroom!
Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival Coloring Map
Dr. Lourdes Mugica and the Bird Ecology Group share educational materials on birds with the local community and children, Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival.
You also won’t want to miss our webinars, which will 1) discover and learn how how to draw and color a Caribbean endemic bird, the Puerto Rican Spindalis, 2) teach the basics of bird identification, in our How to Identify Birds 101 presentation, 3) help you create a backyard that is a haven for birds and other wildlife but also the envy of your neighbors, and 4) share inspiring stories about how some of our members have connected to birds and helped them in extraordinary ways. See info to sign up for the first graphic below; we’ll share details to other webinars closer to the dates so you’ll be able to add them to your calendar. These will be held via Zoom and live streamed to our Facebook page.
Please register to attend at the bit.ly link above!
Story and Poetry Competition
Sharpen your pencil, polish your pen, hit the keyboard—we are also hosting a Story and Poetry Competition! We are calling on the Caribbean community to write about a unique experience that you have had with a bird or birds that reflects our theme, Loving Birds is Human Nature. It could have happened in your backyard, nearby park, garden, wetland, forest or anywhere! It could be about the first time you really noticed a bird and got hooked on birding, or about how birds have changed your life in some way, or an unusual or special encounter that you had with a bird. We’re looking for uplifting stories that express our connection to birds and nature and what your experience revealed to you personally. Featured stories and poems will be shared on our blog and social media and there will be prizes! Stay tuned for more details on this competition!
Lloyd giving his dramatic presentation about Ashton Lagoon in poetry (photo by Beny Wilson)
CEBF Small Grants
In spite of COVID-19 restrictions continuing across parts of the region, our incredible CEBF island coordinators and educators find different ways to carry on with the festivities on their respective islands. BirdsCaribbean will once again offer small grants to help cover some CEBF expenses.
To apply, send a short proposal (via this form), no later than Monday 28 March, 2022 , with the following information:1) Coordinator name, address, phone number and email (if applicable: name and email of a second person on the coordination team);2) Country where CEBF will be held;3) Organization(s) that will benefit from this grant;4) A brief description of the activities you plan to organize in your island/country (include objectives and expected results), related to the festival theme if possible, and how a small grant (specify amount requested up to $500 maximum) would help you develop these further (max. two pages, including a simple budget). We understand that your activities may be restricted by COVID-19 so plan accordingly, for example with virtual or socially distant activities. (See list of sample eligible activities below); and 5) A list of any in-kind funding you can offer: such as volunteer staff time, other materials, etc. (include in your budget).
You may also send your proposal to CEBF Co-Coordinators: Eduardo Llegus (CEBF@BirdsCaribbean.org) & Aliya Hosein (Aliya.Hosein@BirdsCaribbean.org), and Lisa Sorenson (Lisa.Sorenson@BirdsCaribbean.org) with the subject line: CEBF Small Grant Proposal 2022.Please contact Eduardo Llegus if you have any questions or doubts about this. We are looking forward to hearing about the many exciting activities you will be organizing this year.The CEBF is a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn about and connect with the Caribbean’s 171 endemic bird species. We can’t wait for you to join us as we learn how to better love our birds and ensure their survival for years to come.
A child shares what he can do to help birds in an art activity in Puerto Rico (Photo courtesy of Centro Ambiental Santa Ana/ Sociedad de Historia Natural de Puerto Rico).
Sample of Eligible Activities (we encourage you to be creative!):
Educational events in schools, communities, or virtual to educate about our endemic birds, such as: talks about endemic birds (local and regional) and why they are important
Art, photography, music, and poetry writing events, performances, or competitions – organizing a local Poetry Competition with small prizes is especially encouraged this year!
Distributing copies of Endemic Birds of the West Indies Coloring Bookand holding coloring competitions (we are sending out more copies of the book in the coming weeks if you have not yet received your supply!)
Removing invasive plants that are harmful to birds
Church services dedicated to protecting God’s creation
Conservation actions that individuals can take to help birds
Outdoor stations with activities and games (e.g., scavenger hunts; many ideas and resources are available for free download in ourBirdSleuth Caribbean curriculum) for individuals and families to participate and learn about birds safely during COVID, etc.
Gallery
ENJOY MORE PHOTOS FROM PAST CEBF ACTIVITIES AROUND THE CARIBBEAN!
Observing a parakeet nest on a birding walk for CEBF in the Dominica Republic. (Photo by Grupo Accion Ecologia)
Grupo Accion Ecologica celebrating the start of CEBF
Children speaking about the Hispaniolan Parakeet during CEBF in the Dominican Republic. (Photo by Grupo Accion Ecologia)
Shanna dressed as Barbuda Warbler for the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (Photo by Rudolph Zachariah)
Celebrating CEBF 2019 at San Juan Bay National Estuary, children showing off their bird face masks. (photo by Eliezer Nieves)
Children birdwatching in Bosque Piñones, Puerto Rico celebrating CEBF 2019 with San Juan Bay National Estuary, San Juan, Puerto Rico. (photo by Eliezer Nieves)
Spotting birds along the Blenim River in Dominica for CEBF 2019.
Birding field trip in Dominica with Forestry Officer, Stephen Durand.
Jamaican youth record the birds they see on a CEBF field trip organized the National Environmental and Planning Agency. (Photo by Otto Williamson)
Learning the parts of a bird in a CEBF educational activity in San Lorenzo, PR, educational project of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
Many kids had the answer to questions about birds, presentation by Grupo Accion Ecologica.
Presentation to children CEBF celebration Puerto Rico: Centro Criollo de Ciencias y Tecnología del Caribe (C3Tec)
CEBF activity in PR at Centro Criollo de Ciencias y Tecnología del Caribe (C3Tec)
CEBF presentation by ornithologist Xochitl Ayón Güemes to 4 grade students at the National Museum of National History of Cuba (MNHNC).
CEBF volunteer in Cuba shows a child how to use binoculars.
CEBF student volunteer team in Cuba.
Learning the parts of a bird in Cuba for CEBF 2018.
Outdoor festival activities in Havana, Cuba for CEBF 2018.
CEBF Volunteer in Cuba showing endemic birds to children.
Showing a child how to use binoculars at the CEBF celebration in Cuba.
Showing bird silhouettes at CEBF in Cuba.
Enjoying Cuban endemic bird art for CEBF 2018 in Cuba.
Hard at work on an endemic bird puzzle.
CEBF Educational display @ Portalito HUB: Palmer of The U.S. Forest Service – El Yunque National Forest. (photo by Ingrid Flores)
At Earth Day and the CEBF 2018 start date, Asociación Puertorriqueña de Interpretación y Educación, Inc. (APIE) celebrated our endemic birds as part of their Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival. This activity was carried out with the co-host of the U.S. Forest Service and BIRDING PUERTO RICO.
At Earth Day and the CEBF 2018 start date, Asociación Puertorriqueña de Interpretación y Educación, Inc. (APIE) celebrated our endemic birds as part of their Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival. This activity was carried out with the co-host of the U.S. Forest Service and BIRDING PUERTO RICO
At Earth Day and the CEBF 2018 start date, Asociación Puertorriqueña de Interpretación y Educación, Inc. (APIE) celebrated our endemic birds as part of their Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival. This activity was carried out with the co-host of the U.S. Forest Service and BIRDING PUERTO RICO.
Young students celebrate CEBF in Jamaica with C-CAM (Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation)
Sociedad Ornitologica Puerto Rico shares information about birds for CEBF 2018.
A glamorous “Barbuda Warbler” (Shanna Challenger) and youth pose for a pic at the CEBF Bird Fair in Antigua.
Display at CEBF celebration in Trinidad organized by Lester Doodnath.
Youth spotting birds for Global Big Day, Puerto Rico.
Learning how to use binoculars at the CEBF Bird Fair in Antigua.
Students from St. Martin Primary School in Dominica planted native plants for CEBF 2018.
A student shows off her bird art at the CEBF Bird Fair in Antigua.
Learning about Caribbean endemic birds and why birds matter at the CEBF Bird Fair in Antigua.
Birding from the observation tower for Ridgeway’s Hawk Week CEBF Celebration.
Youth in Cuba enjoyed learning about endemic birds
Ready to help the birds in Puerto Rico!!! Activity by Fundación Ecológica Educativa, Inc.
A fun celebration of CEBF in Puerto Rico with Fundación Ecológica Educativa, Inc.
Bird walk in Guadeloupe for the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival
Arts and crafts for one of the bird festival events in Puerto Rico by Fundación Ecológica Educativa, Inc.
Birding in St. Martin/ Sint Maarten with Binkie van Es.
Introduction to bird watching in Haiti with Societe Ecologique d’Haiti.
Adrianne Tossas giving a talk on Puerto Rico’s endemic birds at a girls Science Summer Camp.
The Academy in the Dominican Republic has also planted firebush as part of CEBF activities. This native is especially good for hummingbirds! (Photo courtesy of Simón Guerrero)
Children having fun on a bird walk and count at Ashton Lagoon, Union Island, SVG. (Photo by Orisha Joseph)
Over 100 lignum vitae seedlings were distributed during St. Martin’s Endemic Animal Festival.
Sustainable Grenadines led several guided bird tours in the Grenadines.
Youth birding for CEBF in Dominica by Jacqueline Andre
Our flagship programs engage people of all ages in learning about birds—their beauty, value and why they should be protected
Want to go birding? Here are 10 tips to get you started!
Junior Prosper and son out birding, Antigua and Barbuda. (Photo by Shanna Challenger)
Stop, Look and Listen. Birds are everywhere – you don’t need to know anything about birds to get enjoyment from watching them – in your garden, at the beach, on your way to work – providing attraction and pleasure for us all. Your eyes and ears are all you need to start watching birds. Start looking at bird shapes, sizes, colors, posture, and where they live (habitat). Are they small like a bananaquit or large like a hawk? Is the tail long and pointed or short and forked? Are they all one color or multi-color? Are they feeding on the ground or high in trees? Do they hang in groups or solo? Take a cup of coffee out to your porch in the morning and listen to their calls and songs – you’ll soon start to notice differences between species. Do they sing with a pleasant song or with a constant trill? You’ll start to find patterns and learn to recognize your local neighborhood birds!
Zoom In. If you decide to get more serious about birding, find a pair of binoculars to take a closer look – any old binoculars will do to start. If you’re looking to buy binoculars, we recommend 7 x 35 or 8 x 42. Vortex, Nikon, Bushnell, and Celestron all have some great options for beginner birders. No binoculars? Try a camera to take photos – even a phone camera can take a good bird photo. Use your binoculars or camera to really look at the detail of the bird. Is the bill small and fine like a warbler’s or short and stout like a seed-cracking grassquit? Does the bird have distinctive patches or patterns of color that stand out, called field marks, or is it more plain? Are the legs black, yellow, green or pink? Does it fly with regular wingbeats, hover, or soar?
Youth birding with Damion White and Ricardo Miller, Botanical Gardens, Jamaica.
Read Up. Try and get hold of a bird field guide for your region or island – Birds of the West Indies is an excellent one for the Caribbean. Spend some time getting familiar with the layout of the book. Many books will have checklists and distribution maps of birds you might expect to find in your area. Look at the pictures, and read the species description as it’ll tell you what distinguishing features to look for. You’ll also find it useful to read the habitat description to compare with where you saw the bird. Check out the vocalization descriptions too – you can also find many audio recordings of bird calls online. If you want a mobile version, download the Merlin app and the bird pack for your region. Merlin comes equipped with range maps, photos, description, and audio calls all in the convenience of your phone!
Find your Flock! If you’re getting hooked, it’s now time to find a local birding group. Meeting more experienced birders will help you learn to identify species that might be difficult to distinguish. All bird species are different from each other in some way, but some are so similar they can take years to become expert at identifying. You might even sign up for the “rare bird alerts” on eBird so you can know when unusual species have been found in your area!
Wadadli Warblers Bird Club in Antigua out on a Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) survey. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Make your Yard Bird-friendly. Provide some bushes and trees for cover and plant native plants that have flowers, fruit, and/or seeds that birds can eat. A free ebook, Heritage Plants, features dozens of native Caribbean plants that are of particular value to local birds as well as techniques for creating a great backyard bird habitat. A free webinar, Native Plants for a Bird-Friendly Backyard, features Caribbean bird, plant and habitat restoration experts.
Bring the Birds to You! It’s easy to make your yard a bird haven. Purchase an inexpensive bird feeder, or better yet make one from materials you have laying around your house! Here’s a helpful video to get you started. Nectar feeders are also a great way to attract hummingbirds, Bananaquits, and even warblers. Providing water can be as simple as putting out a clay pot dish or plastic roller paint pan. Fill it with fresh water every day and you will soon have avian visitors coming for a drink or a bath.
Prairie Warbler stands on the edge of a paint roller pan filled with water. “Looks a little bit too deep at this end”. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Talk the Talk. Learn the lingo of experienced birders, like Lifer (a bird species that you’ve seen for the first time); Twitcher (a birder obsessed with keeping a life list and going to great efforts to add to it), Dipping (missing out on the bird you specifically went looking for); Pishing (making a sound, pishhhh pishhhh, with your lips to get songbirds to come out or come closer); Peeps (a term used to refer to small, almost identical-looking sandpipers); LBJs (little brown jobs – a blanket term for drab songbirds that are difficult to distinguish); Patch (a local area frequented by birders); Spark Bird (the species of bird that sparked a life-long passion for birding); Vagrant (a bird straying well outside of its usual range); or Skulker (a cryptic, notoriously difficult bird to see).
Take Notes. Get a small notebook to record your observations. Taking notes on date, location, weather conditions, and detailed information on the birds seen will improve your powers of observation and memory and help you remember each birding session or trip accurately. You should describe in detail the field marks of any unidentified birds and later look through your field guides. With good notes, there is a strong chance you will be able to identify the bird later. Keep track of what you are seeing, i.e., your checklists, and at the same time contribute to science with a powerful app called eBird. (If you’re in the Caribbean, use eBird Caribbean). eBird is an invaluable tool for birders, storing all your sightings, so you know when a bird is a new lifer. You can also explore species range maps and learn about the best birding spots, called hotspots, near you. That’s it! You’re on your way to becoming a birder and a citizen scientist!
Coral Aviles listing the birds in the CWC list on eBird, Blassina Canal Puerto Rico. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
Respect. Birding should be a fun experience for everyone. Make sure that you’re respecting the space of the birds. While it can be tempting to get that NatGeo shot, make sure you’re not upsetting a nesting bird that is already expending a lot of energy breeding and maintaining a territory. And respect extends out to your fellow birders. Your neighbor might have the perfect vagrant patch, but make sure you always ask permission before birding someone’s property. This extends to National Parks too, those visitor fees help keep the park a safe space for birds and birders alike! Don’t skimp out on park fees and make sure you take all your trash back out with you.
Practice, Practice, Practice . . . and Have Fun! Like anything else in life, to become a really good birder takes practice, in other words, lots of time in the field observing, listening, and studying your field guide. Before you know it, you’ll be identifying those LBJs and Peeps! Whatever level you’re at, the most important thing is to get out there and enjoy seeing some birds!
Birding fun in Cayo Coco, Cuba (Photo by Garry Donaldson)
Resources
Some of BirdsCaribbean’s flagship programs can help you or your kids to get involved in bird watching. Check out our BirdSleuth and Caribbean Waterbird Census programs to find out more. Wondering where to go? Check out the Caribbean Birding Trail.
Bird Silhouettes Poster, BirdSleuth Caribbean
Bird Body Part Diagram, Black-throated Green Warbler.
Support Bird Conservation
If you’d like to get more involved in the protection and preservation of Caribbean birds, consider joining the BirdsCaribbean community! You can support our work in a number of ways: volunteering, bird monitoring, and becoming a member. Membership has many benefits, including discounts on annual conferences and events; and a free annual subscription to Birds of the World, the most comprehensive database of ALL the world’s bird species (a $49 value).
Sign up for our monthly newsletter, to stay informed on BirdsCaribbean news and activities near you, and follow us on social media @BirdsCaribbean!
Grandmom enjoys birding with grandson in Puerto Rico.
Useful Links
Check out these Bird ID webinars and short videos on BirdsCaribbean’s YouTube channel:
The BirdsCaribbean community mourns the loss of a friend, colleague and mentor – Dr. Robert Leslie Norton, affectionately known as ‘Rob’. A true champion for Caribbean birds, Rob was at the forefront of several regional initiatives to study, monitor and advocate for the preservation of birds and their habitats – including the creation of the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds, now BirdsCaribbean.
We extend deepest condolences to his wife, Sheryl, his family, and his many colleagues, friends and students across the globe.
Rob’s career, spanning five decades and several countries, always centered on a common goal – environmental research and education, specifically the conservation of birds – his true north.
Rob was born in Australia, during wartime, in June of 1945, to Shirley J. Nicholls Norton and Army 1st Lt. Robert L. Norton. The family arrived in the United States in 1946, and from 1948 to 1951 called Officer’s Quarters #57 at Ft. Williams in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, home. Here, Rob lived with his mom and dad; brothers, Philip and Scott; and little sister, Tery.
As a child, growing up in Cape Elizabeth, Rob would often explore the countryside near Sunset Park and in Scarborough. He developed a fascination with nature and birdwatching, which would lead to the creation of his first “Science and Nature Club” – with a handful of neighborhood boys as members.
After graduating in 1964, he successfully pursued a degree in geography at the Central Connecticut State College (CCSC) and, while there, enlisted into the Air Force. Rob’s affinity for physical science saw him undertake weather observations with the Air force for the next five years in Massachusetts. It was here that his passion for birdwatching grew to new heights.
Rob and team at the Christmas Bird Count in Grand Bahama, 2011.
Rob worked part time at the University of Connecticut, with the Connecticut State Climate Center, researching past weather events. He enrolled in biology classes while working there and ornithology was a part of his studies. His interests eventually led him to an internship at Manomet Bird Observatory, near Cape Cod. These experiences laid the groundwork for Rob’s destined path towards environmental research and impact studies.
Rob doing what he loved best – birding.
An invitation from a University of Connecticut friend to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) would prove to be life changing for Rob. Enthralled by the rich flora and fauna of the tropical island, Rob would make it his home for the better part of the next decade. Here, he worked as a seabird researcher for the USVI government for seven years; met the love of his life and wife-to-be, Sheryl; and adopted his beautiful and talented daughter, Whitney. During his time in St. John, USVI, Rob was also part owner of a small newspaper, “Tradewinds”; and he was hired as the second director of the British Virgin Island’s National Parks Trust (a non-profit, protecting natural and cultural heritage). His time in the USVI, and his visits to the surrounding islands, cemented an everlasting connection to the people and the culture in this remarkable part of the world.
Rob would return to the U.S. in 1990 to be closer to his mother Shirley. Always learning, he enrolled at Goddard College and earned an MA in biogeography, then to Columbia Pacific University for his PhD in environmental science.
In April of 1991, Rob and Sheryl married, settled in Gainesville and added “his handsome boy”, Alex, to the family. In 1992, Rob spent the year with the Smithsonian’s Natural History and Ornithology Department in Washington, D.C. Next he moved to Gainesville, Florida, where he taught science courses at Santa Fe College and worked with Alachua County government as an environmental specialist and planner until his retirement in 2008.
When most people would be taking things a little easier in retirement, Rob decided to train and compete in the World Senior Track and Field Games in Australia – a nod to his track and field and Key Club days at South Portland High School, which he enjoyed tremendously. Shortly after this, Rob overcame another challenge – wrestling and beating cancer. He persevered and continued his birding adventures with his family and friends, even renewing his and Sheryl’s wedding vows with a pelagic birding cruise on The Wanderbird out of Belfast, Maine.
Rest in peace, dear Rob. Your kind-hearted spirit, dedication and contributions to the shared knowledge of Caribbean birds will forever remain in our hearts and fuel our efforts to continue protecting birds and their habitats.
Rob Norton, Shamie Rolle, Erika Gates, Bruce Hallett, Bruce Purdy and Woody Bracey at the Christmas Bird Count, 2011.
Biography
Photo slide of fond memories.
Dr. Robert L. Norton (Rob) was a prominent ornithologist and natural history guide throughout the Caribbean. He had vast knowledge of the region’s birds and the threats they face and was a generous mentor to many young people.
Rob was the originator and co-editor of the West Indies regional report in American Birds, Field Notes, and North American Birds (American Birding Association) since 1980. He contributed to many publications and will be particularly remembered for An Inventory of Breeding Seabirds of the Caribbean (2009) which he co-edited with Patricia Bradley. He initiated multiple Christmas Bird Counts in western Cuba and thoroughly enjoyed his time with Holbrook Travel as a Road Scholar’s guide.
Rob was among the founding members of BirdsCaribbean (then called the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds) and delighted in attending the organization’s conferences and assisting with various conservation projects, especially those encouraging capacity building for bird research, monitoring and education of youth and local communities.
Dr. Lisa Sorenson, BirdsCaribbean Executive Director, reflected on Rob’s impact on the organization over the years through his passion and genuine desire to share, educate and mentor.
“Rob cared passionately about the region’s birds and was concerned about threats to their long-term survival. He worked hard and volunteered his time to educate the public and mentor our members – helping to build the capacity of the region’s biologists,” Lisa shared. “I will always remember Rob as a kind, generous, and gentle soul, always engaged and willing to lend a hand to whomever needed help. I just wish we had more time with Rob, but we will treasure the memories that we have, and always be inspired by his commitment and hard work to understand and protect the Caribbean’s invaluable birds.”
If you would like to make a donation in Rob’s memory, Rob’s wife Sheryl has asked that donations be made to BirdsCaribbean at this link: http://bit.ly/GiftForCaribbeanBirds
Sheryl asks that you designate this donation for, “Reducing bird trapping and killing,” to help us in our work to safeguard birds from illegal trafficking – a cause that was dear to Rob’s heart.
Donations by check can be sent to: BirdsCaribbean Check memo: In Rob Norton’s memory. Address: BirdsCaribbean 841 Worcester St. #130 Natick, MA 01760
Tributes
Rob was well respected by a large network of friends and colleagues, many of whom wished to provide their own memories. These recollections paint a picture of an individual who cared deeply about the environment and its bird life and his encouragement for others in their endeavours.
Andrew Dobson:
Rob had been single-handedly producing seasonal bird reports for the West Indies in North American Birds for over 20 years when the late Tony White and I were invited to become co-editors. This was 2002 and we expanded the coverage to include Bermuda. What a privilege it was to be part of the team with Rob as such a knowledgeable captain. I look back on the hundreds of emails we exchanged and the professionalism he demonstrated. He was responsible for making sure regional bird records over the past 40 years were documented. What a great legacy. I will miss his sage advice but above all, his friendship.
Natasha Atkins:
Back in 1975, when I was an intern at the then Manomet Bird Observatory, I took a canoe trip with Rob and another Manomet friend of his out to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, off Chatham on Cape Cod. It was a pretty long trip, 3 or 4 miles, and the guys did all the paddling. We spent the day watching shorebirds/waders, and as we headed back to the canoe for the return trip, a gull dropped a hot dog right in front of us, which was hilarious. By the time we got back in the boat, the wind had picked up pretty strongly, and we were already riding about 4 inches above the surface with two big guys and me in the canoe. It was a bit of a hair-raising trip back, but Frank’s and Rob’s good humor kept me from getting too panicky. It’s the only time I spent with Rob, but 45 years later it’s still a wonderful memory.
Patricia E. Bradley:
I send my condolences to Sheryl and Rob’s family and join his many friends lamenting the loss of this wonderful, dedicated and courageous man. We go back to the early 1980s when I began sending records from the Cayman Islands and we began a friendship, extended at our first meeting in Jamaica in 1985, that continued. Our last meeting was when Rob and Sheryl visited Grand Cayman and I took him to see our Vitelline Warbler. The Inventory of Caribbean Seabirds published in 2009 was our response to the increasing threats and population declines throughout the region and it leant on the work of Schreiber and Lee 2000 and van Halewyn and Norton 1984. It was a challenge to find and persuade seabird specialists to produce a chapter on their Caribbean island and share their inventory. It was also great fun as we worked with English, Dutch, French and Spanish authors for what seemed like years, and using Rob’s exhaustive understanding of the regions’ birds. The GIS analysis and maps by William Mackin were an essential part of the publication. It was also a time when Rob was dealing with cancer surgery and my husband was in the final stage of cancer and so the project kept us focused.
Jaime Collazo:
I met Rob when he worked at the Division of Fish & Wildlife, USVI. He provided much needed support for my research at that time, and during the mid-80s, we advocated for conservation of avifauna in the US Caribbean in various forums. I always appreciated Rob’s “never give up” attitude. He will be missed! My condolences to his family.
Natalia Collier:
Robert was a mentor to Adam and me as we began working in the Caribbean, providing helpful advice and perspective. He was always ready to answer questions thoughtfully and kindly. His 2009 inventory is dog-eared and worn after countless references as we worked on the Seabird Breeding Atlas of the Lesser Antilles and other seabird-related manuscripts. I’m sure there are many others who were also influenced by his research and generous nature and his legacy will carry on in his work and those he helped along their paths. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Daphne Gemmill:
I only met Rob once or twice many years ago. However, we corresponded frequently regarding Vieques and Puerto Rican birds. His input was invaluable. He was on my unofficial Vieques rare birds committee. He will be missed.
Scott Johnson:
My fondest memory of Robert Norton was in 2017, when I was working at the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and participated in the “Expedition Parks242” field trip on Andros. I was taking some of the participants birding, in North/central Andros. Robert, an avid birder and researcher, was interested in seeing a Bahama Oriole, one of our endemic birds and a critically endangered species. We visited a few locations with no luck. I honestly thought my skills as a birder and guide were going to be dashed in the Andros pinelands as we visited more locations and still did not find the bird. Finally, I took him and Vivian Moultrie, an Inagua Bird guide and one of the persons responsible for creating the motto on our Coat of Arms, to a place called “The Atala Forest”. This site was filled with Atala Hairstreaks, in the hundreds. As we walked through the forest, low and behold, a Bahama Oriole made an appearance, a lifer bird for Robert. Rest in Peace Robert. I wish I had spent more time talking with you and always appreciated your witty comments on my fb posts. You will be missed my friend.
Anthony Levesque:
I met Rob for the first time in 2011 in the Bahamas during a BirdsCaribbean meeting. He was with Andrew Dobson and Eddie Massiah and two years later I replaced Eddie to be part of the West Indies and Bermuda Team for North American Birds magazine with the encouragement and benevolence of Rob. For years and years, Rob was the number one birder in the Caribbean (with nearly 450 species) and when I passed him, he immediately sent me a message of congratulations. A great loss to the Caribbean birding community.
Fred Schaffner:
I have known Rob for over 37 years and was deeply saddened by his passing. We first shared some great adventures on a number of trips in a small motorboat travelling between Culebra, Red Hook, and Little Tobago in the early 1980’s to make observations of seabirds with my doctoral mentor Colin Pennycuick (deceased) and John Taylor (also deceased), resulting in a number of reports and a small publication on the expansion of Cayenne Terns on the Puerto Rico Bank. Rob was a wonderful, cheerful person, a great friend, fully dedicated to bird conservation, and a founding member of what now is Birds Caribbean. I will be forever grateful for having had his friendship and I mourn his loss.
Ann Sutton:
Please share my condolences for this sad loss to Caribbean ornithology. Rob was an inspiration to me; especially because of his contributions to our knowledge of Caribbean seabirds.
Joseph M. Wunderle, Jr:
I was saddened to hear of Rob’s passing, as he has made major contributions to our understanding of avian distribution and natural history in the Caribbean. Although his numerous contributions will live on, he will be missed by many. Pass on my sincerest sympathies and condolences to his family.
NOTE: If you have stories, memories, a tribute, and/or photos of Rob you would like to include in this tribute article, please send them to: Tahira Carter, BirdsCaribbean Communications Manager Tahira.Carter@BirdsCaribbean.org
The Wadadli Warblers birding group out on a CWC survey in Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Once again, it was that time of year when we ask you to head out to your wetlands and take stock of our amazing waterbirds! For the 13th year in a row many of you did just that, so a huge thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) in 2022.
As always, we had people participating from all across the region, exploring many of our beaches, mangroves, salt ponds, and other fantastic wetlands – both large and small. Here are just some of the highlights from our partners taking part in this year’s CWC. Be sure to click on the photos in each section below to see them larger and view them as a slide show – ENJOY!
On St. Eustatius, Hannah Madden and Oliver Jones did their CWC survey on Zeelandia Beach, counting over 20 Red-billed Tropicbirds as they glided gracefully through the air, their long tail feathers streaming behind. Hannah tells us that it’s not unusual to see tropicbirds during the CWC as St. Eustatius supports a globally significant breeding population of an estimated 300-500 pairs! During their survey, they also spotted Brown Pelicans, Yellow-crowned Night Herons, and a Spotted Sandpiper.
Ducks a plenty – but not for everyone!
Brown Pelicans and herons also featured in the surveys carried out on Antigua. 2022 was the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) Wadadli Warblers Bird Club’s second year of participating in the CWC. This year they covered eight wetland sites across Antigua! At McKinnon’s Salt Pond, the group were equally thrilled and dumbfounded by the number of ducks that were present. With their trusty bird guides to help with ID they were undaunted by the challenge! The Wadadli Warblers say that they can’t wait for CWC 2023!
A beautiful male Northern Pintail, spotted during a CWC survey on Antigua, along with White-cheeked Pintails. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
“Can’t Talk I’m Birding with the EAG” . (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Brown Pelican (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Another duck-filled day was had by Daniela Ventura on Cuba. She told us the CWC this year involved traveling 30 km by bike to La Coronela Dam in Artemisa. Here, they saw more than 300 Lesser Scaups (which was a lifer for Daniela!). This was then surpassed by the 1,000 Lesser Scaups in the Niña Bonita Dam on the way back! Daniela says it was, “A really enjoyable birding and biking day.” At Playa Las Cañas in the South of Pinar del Río, Cuba, there was a report of some banded Black Skimmers (see photo). These were reported and photographed by Zaimiuri Hernández Gonzalez.
These Black Skimmers, that had been banded, were spotted in Cuba during CWC surveys. (Photo by Zaimiuri Hernández Gonzalez)
Birding by bike in Cuba. (Photo by Daniela Ventura)
Anthony Levesque, on Guadeloupe, had less luck with ducks during his CWC surveys this year. He tells us that the number of Blue-winged Teals was very low – 56 in 2022 vs. 498 in 2021. Did others find Blue-winged Teal numbers were lower than expected? Or were these ducks somewhere else this year?
Shorebird highlights
Over on Turks and Caicos Islands, shorebirds were the stars of the show. With funding from Environment Canada, a team of four birders carried out waterbird monitoring at several sites. Highlights included counting over 1% of the flyway population for Short-billed Dowitchers on the Caicos Middle Banks (2,200 individuals were counted!). In the same area, 100 Red Knots were counted and at Sand Bore Cay, near South Caicos, 77 Piping Plovers were seen!
Counting shorebirds on Turks and Caicos during CWC surveys. (Photo by Simon Busuttil)
Shorebirds take flight during a CWC survey on Turks and Caicos. (Photo by Simon Busuttil)
Counting shorebirds on Turks and Caicos during CWC surveys. (Photo by Simon Busuttil)
As the CWC 2022 rolled around, BirdLife Jamaica members were galvanized into action. The group set out in search of waterbirds at a particularly odorous place, the Soapberry Wastewater Treatment Plant in St. Catherine – where there was, as expected, additional wildlife to be found in the form of American Crocodiles! Everyone was checking off new finds. Blue-winged Teal, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-heron, Glossy Ibis, Black-necked Stilt, and more! One fantastic ‘new’ bird for everyone was a Pacific Golden Plover. This shorebird sighting is a first record for Jamaica! This bird must have seriously veered off its usual, more westerly route along the Pacific Flyway.
Out birding in Jamaica during CWC2022. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Not just birds- this Croc was spotted during the CWC survey in Jamaica this year. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Mr and Mrs Blue-winged Teal take a rest during a CWC survey in Jamaica. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
A Pacific Golden Plover, spotted during CWC, this is the 1st record of this species on Jamaica! (Photo by Ricardo Miller)
CWC in Puerto Rico – Remembering Shirley Droz & ongoing efforts
Several groups headed out to wetlands in Puerto Rico in search of waterbirds as part of ongoing surveys using the CWC protocol. The San Juan Bay Estuary Program carried out a CWC survey at Blassina Canal in Carolina. This is part of a program that plans to conduct quarterly waterbird censuses during 2022. Eliezer Nieves from the program says, “We are ready to carry on counting water birds at the CWC for the well-being of our estuarine ecosystems.” This is a fantastic initiative, and we wish them well in the rest of their CWC surveys this year!
Coral Aviles listing the birds in the CWC list on eBird, Blassina Canal Puerto Rico. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
Lots of Great and Snowy Egrets along Blassina Canal, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
Great Blue Heron, Blassina Puerto Rico. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
Roots and Shoots, Puerto Rico, did their CWC to celebrate the life of their late friend, partner and mentor Shirley Droz. They chose to do their survey at the Natural Reserve Punta Cucharas in Ponce. Shirley Droz was a bird lover and science teacher who inspired others about conserving wildlife, including birds, reptiles, butterflies, and how to be strong and fight for what you love. Carla Montalvo Martinez says, “She inspired us every day and that’s why we wanted to remember her in her favorite place with her family, students, and friends. It was a lovely experience and we enjoyed every moment we spent together remembering all the good times we had with her and learning more about the different species we can find in that place.” The group plans to go back to conduct monthly surveys in an effort to continue Shirley’s work. They have also named their Christmas Bird Census after her, as a tribute.
Remembering Shirley Droz, during CWC2022. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Little Blue Heron spotted by Roots & Shoots during their CWC survey. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Members of Roots & Shoots counting birds during their CWC survey. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Wilson’s and Semipalmated Plovers, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Heading South
Down in Trinidad and Tobago, CWC surveys were carried out at a wide variety of different wetlands, including Caroni Swamp, Caroni Rice Fields, two sites along Trinidad’s west coast mudflats, Bon Accord Sewage Treatment Ponds, Bon Accord Canals, Magdalena Golf Course and Ponds and Canaan Sewage Ponds. Waterbirds seen and counted included shorebirds, herons, egrets, and ducks – a reminder that man-made wetlands can also support a diversity of wetland birds.
Scarlet Ibis were counted as they flew in to roost at Caroni Swamp, Trinidad. (Photo by Mark Hulme)
Mark Hulme records birds in eBird during a CWC survey at the west coast mudflats, Trinidad. (Photo by Alex Sansom)
White-cheeked Pintail, seen at the sewage ponds on Tobago. (Photo by Matt Kelly)
Laura Baboolal and Alex Sansom doing a CWC survey at Caroni rice fields, Trinidad. (Photo by Mark Hulme)
Birders on Bonaire were waiting with bated breath as they watched the final nest preparations of two amorous Least Grebes. Throughout the CWC, the two grebes completed their nest, then produced and incubated eggs. For the birders watching this wonderful process, it was almost like they were the expecting parents! Today, there are two very young Least Grebes swimming in a freshwater pond on Bonaire!
Least Grebe nest with its clutch of eggs-but will they hatch? (Photo by Susan Davis)
Least Grebe sitting on its nest in Bonaire. (Photo Susan Davis)
Least Grebe adult with its chick, Bonaire. (Photo by Susan Davis)
January always heralds the main breeding season of Bonaire’s iconic bird, the American Flamingo. Hundreds, if not thousands, of flamingos can congregate in the protected area of the flamingo sanctuary, deep in the heart of the Cargill Salt Ponds. Birders are looking forward to seeing the next generation of Bonaire’s famous flamingos soon.
January is the main breeding season of Bonaire’s iconic bird, the American Flamingo. (Photo by Susan Davis)
Thousands, of flamingos congregating to breed in Bonaire. (Photo by Susan Davis)
Reddish Egret spotted during CWC surveys on Bonaire. (Photo by Susan Davis)
In Venezuela, as in previous years, Josmar Esteban Marques, with Ave Zona, continued to monitor offshore islands and cays during the CWC. This year Josmar and his team counted approximately 500 breeding pairs of Brown Booby on Los Roques. All nesting on a single cay!
The Caribbean Waterbird Census is an ongoing, long-term survey effort and provides us with important data that helps to keep track of the birds using Caribbean wetlands, understand threats, and to raise awareness. We appreciate every single CWC count that gets done during the annual 3-week regional census in winter. Thank you to all those who sent us highlights and all those who led or joined a CWC survey this year. If you missed this year’s regional census don’t worry – you can do a CWC count at any time of year! Counts are valuable at any time of year and add to our knowledge of the resident and migratory birds using our wetlands and beaches. Just be sure to use a CWC protocol in eBird Caribbean to enter your data and do your best to do a complete count, i.e., record all the birds you see and hear.
Enjoy more photos from CWc around the caribbean in 2022!
White Ibis seen a Blassina, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
Sometimes you have to get wet feet on surveys! (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
A Black-necked Stilt spotted preening during CWC2022 on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Birding by bike in Cuba. (Photo by Lourdes Mugica)
Some of the ducks spotted during CWC2022 on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Least Grebe Chick, Bonaire. (Photo by Susan Davis)
Ducks a plenty, the Wadadli Warblers on Antigua saw these White-Cheeked Pintails. (Photo EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Least Grebe adult ready to feed a damselfly to its chick, Bonaire. (Photo Susan Davis)
Cayman Birding post about CWC on Instagram
Birds in flight during Roots & Shoots CWC surveys in Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Caroni rice fields at sunrise during CWC in Trinidad. (Photo by Mark Hulme)
Northern Waterthrush spotted in Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
The Wadadli Warblers on Antigua saw both White-cheeked and Northern Pintails on their surveys. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
A group of Egrets (mainly Cattle) spotted during CWC surveys on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Green Heron spotted during CWC at Blassina, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
Wilson’s Plovers on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Wilson’s Plovers in flight, spotted during Roots & Shoots CWC survey Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Least Grebes build a nest on Bonaire. (Photo by Susan Davis)
Semipalmated Sandpiper spotted during Roots & Shoots CWC survey in Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Students carry out CWC surveys Puerto Rico’s northwest coast
This fish loving Osprey was seen by the Wadadli Warblers during their surveys. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
It’s tiny stature and yellow legs are a give away that this is a Least Sandpiper, seen on Jamaica during CWC. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Shorebirds in flight during CWC survey in Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Roots & Shoots did their CWC survey at Punta Cucharas, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Least Grebe adult feeds a damselfly to its chick, Bonaire. (Photo Susan Davis)
Students carry out CWC surveys Puerto Rico’s northwest coast
Common Gallinule. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
A mixed flock of shorebirds seen on Jamaica during CWC2022. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Lots of black-and-white birds! A Black-crowned Nigh Heron joined by two Black-necked Stilts on Jamaica. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Lovely colors catching the light on this Glossy Ibis, seen on Jamaica. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Black-whiskered Vireo spotted on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
This Peregrine was seen on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
The salt ponds on Antigua are home to many waterbirds, Wadadli Warblers did a great job doing CWC surveys in these habitats. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Cayman Birding post about CWC on Instagram
A Mangrove Cuckoo spotted during CWC2022 on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Common Gallinules. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
A Jacana spotted during CWC2022 on Jamaica. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Least Grebe adult with its chick, Bonaire. (Photo by Susan Davis)
Juvenile Little Blue Heron seen during CWC on Tobago. (Photo by Matt Heron)
Reddish Egret searches for food, Bonaire. (Photo by Susan Davis)
White-cheeked Pintails spotted in Anguilla. (Photo by Nature Explorers Anguilla)
San Juan Bay Program Staff and the captain of the boat ready for the CWC at the Blassina Canal. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
A Gray Kingbird. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Roots & Shoots bird watching and celebrating the life of Shirely Droz during CWC2022. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Least Grebe adult with its chick, Bonaire. (Photo by Susan Davis)
A Pacific Golden Plover, spotted on during CWC, this is the 1st record of this species on Jamaica! (Photo by Ricardo Miller)
A Hooded Warbler. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Greater Yellowlegs foraging on Tobago. (Photo by Matt Kelly)
Least Grebe Chick, Bonaire. (Photo by Susan Davis)
Black-whiskered Vireo spotted on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Cayman Birding post about CWC on Instagram
Students carry out CWC surveys Puerto Rico’s northwest coast
A Pacific Golden Plover (in the foreground- Black-bellied Plover behind), spotted on Jamaica during CWC. (Photo by Ricardo Miller)
A distant view of a Spotted Sandpiper on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Celebrating the life of Shirley Droz during CWC2022. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Out on a CWC survey in Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Grenada Fund for Conservation encourage people to take part in CWC2022
Members of Roots & Shoots counting birds during their CWC survey. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
A small flock of Ruddy Turnstones seen in Jamaica. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Common Gallinule chicks seen during CWC surveys at Blassina Canal, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
A mixed shorebird flock seen during Roots & Shoots CWC survey, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
A Mangrove Cuckoo spotted during CWC2022 on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
A majestic Great Blue Heron spotted on Jamaica. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Blassina Canal, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
Brown Pelican. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Brown Pelican. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Yellow-crowned Night Heron on Tobago. (Photo by Matt Kelly)
Black-necked Stilts and American Avocets in Anguilla. (Photo by Nature Explorers Anguilla)
Students carry out CWC surveys Puerto Rico’s northwest coast
Greater Yellowlegs seen in the rice fields of Trinidad during CWC. (Photo by Mark Hulme)
Filling in a CWC site description form on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Students carry out CWC surveys Puerto Rico’s northwest coast
Some of the 1000s of Short-billed Dowitchers seen during CWC counts on Turks and Caicos. (Photo by Simon Busuttil)
Roots & Shoots did their CWC survey at Punta Cucharas, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Harold Manrique, the Water Monitor coordinator, looking at the water oxygen levels during a CWC survey, Blassina Puerto Rico. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
Perched Pelican seen during CWC2022 on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
A Pacific Golden Plover, spotted on during CWC, this is the 1st record of this species on Jamaica! (Photo by Ricardo Miller)
Members of Roots & Shoots during their CWC survey. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
A Whimbrel flies over a salt salt pond on Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Wilson’s Plover, Antigua. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Roots & Shoots did their CWC survey at Punta Cucharas, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Roots & Shoots remembering Shirley Droz during CWC. (Photo by Miguel Angel Rivera)
Great Blue Heron, Blassina Puerto Rico. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
A Great Egret preening. (Photo by EAG/ Wadadli Warblers)
Cattle and Great Egrets seen on Tobago during CWC. (Photo by Matt Kelly)
Ryan Chenery takes in the scenery on a catamaran from Saint Lucia to Martinique (Photo by Birding the Islands)
The Caribbean is, unquestionably, a breathtakingly beautiful part of the world to visit, and is a destination on many a birder, nature-lover, and holiday-maker’s bucket-list. Yet, with over 700 islands, islets, reefs and cays spread over 14 different countries and 20 dependencies, putting together an itinerary that encompasses a little bit of everything you want to experience while you’re there can be tricky (and at the very least, time-consuming) if you are doing it yourself. As a solution to this challenge, our local partner Birding the Islands has created a new and exciting offering: Build Your Own Tours!
COVID-19 has put a damper on birding tours the world over, with many people less inclined to travel in groups. So, whether you are a solo traveler, have a partner or friend you wish to travel with, are a family, or a small private group, Birding the Islands’ new range of fully-customisable private tours to the Caribbean are guaranteed to fit your budget, and promise to get you excited about traveling once again!
Birding the Islands clients stop to take a closer look and some photographs while on a tour. (Ryan Chenery)
Blue-headed Hummingbird perched on a branch in Martinique. (Beatrice Henricot)
Owned and operated by one of the Caribbean’s own, Barbados-born Ryan Chenery (author of the Birds of the Lesser Antilles HELM Field Guide, due to be released July 7th in the UK and October 4th in the USA, and Birding the Islands’ Lead Bird Guide) and his wife Alex (ex-teacher, yoga instructor and Birding the Islands’ Tours Manager), Birding the Islands specializes in organizing multi-island trips throughout the magical islands of the Caribbean.
“We’ve called these tours: ‘Build Your Own’, but this doesn’t mean that you’ll have to do any of the building yourself! All you need to do is tell us where you’d like to go, what you’d like to do when you’re there (don’t worry, we’ve got a great range of options to choose from), and how long you want to go for, and we’ll build your tour for you!” explained Ryan.
A snapshot of Reduit Beach in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia. (Matt Brooks)
A close up view of Magnificent Frigatebird juveniles in Barbuda. (Ryan Chenery)
A lone St. Vincent Parrot takes flight. (Keith Clarkson)
Ryan and Alex have been leading birding and wildlife tours in the region for over 20 years, and by virtue of living, working and birding on, as well as traveling between these islands for over two decades, this dynamic husband and wife team have developed a trusted network of locally-owned accommodation providers, restaurateurs, activity providers, transport operators, and bird guides across the region.
“We know we can trust and rely on these providers to deliver the very best and most memorable experiences on our fixed-date tours, and we ensure it is these partners and other equally specialist providers that we use during your Build Your Own tour. We are proud to work with many of the bird guides listed on BirdsCaribbean’s Caribbean Birding Trail, and every trip taken sees a donation go directly towards supporting the tireless efforts of this crucial conservation charity, without whom several of the birds in the region would simply no longer be with us,” added Ryan.
Red-billed Tropicbird (Photo by Birding the Islands client, Keith Clarkson)
Partnering with BirdsCaribbean and the Caribbean Birding Trail for this initiative was a natural fit, given the shared philosophy of sustainable tourism and the protection of the Caribbean’s rich biodiversity, including birds and their habitats
“We developed the Caribbean Birding Trail to connect bird enthusiasts to the extraordinary places, diverse cultures, exquisite cuisine, music, and people of each island through authentic experiences that benefit local people. This new initiative by Birding the Islands seeks to further this vision and we are thrilled to be a partner,” commented Dr. Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director, BirdsCaribbean.
If you have a list of birds you want to see, or islands you’ve always wanted to visit, but you’re not sure of the best route to take, where to stay, or the best guides to use on each island, Birding the Islands can take the work out of building your tour, so that all you need to do is to sit back, relax, and count the days until you’re enjoying your dream Caribbean birding holiday.
Martinique Oriole perched on a Heliconia flower. (Beatrice Henricot)
“Over the years, we have put together a number of options for tours to islands that work really well together. These tried-and-tested island combos are not only cost-efficient when it comes to inter-island travel, but also maximize the number of endemics, regional bird specialties and other wildlife possible. They also provide you with the opportunity to experience the range of cultures, history, cuisine, and other activities these vibrant islands have to offer.
We also encourage you to get in touch and let us know of that one particular dream destination, or combination of islands you’ve always wanted to visit, and we’ll put together a tour for you and handle everything from start to finish. We cater to any and everyone, and make it our mission to ensure that you get to go on the tour that’s right for you. Above all, we aim to keep it personal and make it memorable!” shared Alex.
If you’re ready to tour your way with Birding the Islands, or if you’re keen to learn more about how Birding the Islands can make your birding tour dreams a reality, you can contact Ryan & Alex here – they are looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Group Photo, Saint Lucia Birding Tour with Ryan Chenery and local guide Valence “Vision” James. (Photo by Birding the Islands)
CLICK ON EACH IMAGE TO ENLARGE AND SCROLL THROUGH THE GALLERY:
Ryan Chenery, Birding the Islands’ Lead Bird Guide
Alex Chenery, Birding the Islands’ Tours Manager
View from one of the trails in St Vincent and the Grenadines (Photo by Matt Brooks)
Rufous-throated Solitaire, Saint Lucia (Photo by Birding the Islands client, Keith Clarkson)
Sunrise at the secret spot, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Photo by Matt Brooks)
St. Vincent Parrots at sunrise. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Soufriere Bay, Saint Lucia (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Birding the Islands client enjoying a speedboat ride between Antigua and Barbuda (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Ryan Chenery, Birding the Islands’ Lead Bird Guide, takes in the view from a boat. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Migrating Humpback Whales in Dominica. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Ryan Chenery, Birding the Islands’ Lead Bird Guide, and client stop for a photo on the stunning beach in Barbuda. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Red-legged Thrush, Dominica. (Photo by Birding the Islands client, Mark Greenfield)
Looking out over Freights Bay, Barbados. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Birding the Islands group in the rainforest, Saint Lucia. (Photo by Matt Brooks)
View from one of the trails in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (Photo by Matt Brooks)
Plumbeous Warbler, Dominica. (Photo by Birding the Islands client, Beatrice Henricot)
Birding the Islands client atop Moule a Chique, Saint Lucia. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Short-finned Pilot Whales so close you can touch them, Dominica. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
The stunning Piton Mountains, Saint Lucia. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Purple-throated Carib, Dominica. (Photo by Birding the Islands client, Mark Greenfield)
St. Lucia Parrot. (Photo by Birding the Islands client, John Dyson)
Magnificent Frigatebird colony, Barbuda. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Gray Trembler, Saint Lucia. (Photo by Birding the Islands client, Jane Hartline)
Birding the Islands clients in the rainforest, Saint Lucia. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Hearty meals at one of the lunch spots in Saint Lucia. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Ryan Chenery, Birding the Islands’ Lead Bird Guide, and clients out at sea. (Photo by Ryan Chenery).
Even the planes are colorful in the Caribbean. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Birding the Islands clients at the lookout situated at Moule a Chique, Saint Lucia. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Bridled Quail-Dove, Guadeloupe. (Photo by Birding the Islands client, Beatrice Henricot)
Antillean Crested Hummingbird, Barbados. (Photo by Birding the Islands client, Keith Clarkson)
Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia. (Photo by Ryan Chenery)
Yachts moored off Young Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (Photo by Matt Brooks)
“Conserving the Diablotin” informed by a decade of exploration and research
The Endangered “Diablotin” or Black-capped Petrel in flight. (Photo by Kate Sutherland)
The Endangered Black-capped Petrel is a seabird so secretive that ten years ago, only one active nest had ever been located and monitored.
Despite this tremendous gap in knowledge, the International Black-capped Petrel Conservation Group created an action plan in 2012 to guide the conservation of this rare seabird. Now, after a decade of searches, studies, and management actions, producing tremendous advancements in our understanding of this species, partners have released a new guide to empower petrel conservationists. The recently released “Conserving the Diablotin: Black-capped Petrel Conservation Update and Action Plan” lays out nine strategies to enable conservation and address threats to the species and its habitat.
The Black-capped Petrel is the rarest nesting seabird in the Caribbean, with only an estimated 2,000 breeding pairs remaining worldwide. Conservationists have now located more than 100 nests on the island of Hispaniola, and found evidence of smaller populations possibly breeding on Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Cuba. Once common in the Caribbean, the species’ population was decimated over the past two centuries by overhunting, the introduction of mammalian predators, and the destruction of its forested nesting habitat. Predation and habitat loss continue to threaten the species; just this past season, a number of petrels were killed and nests lost due to predators and habitat destruction.
In the new Conservation Update and Action Plan, the authors identified the strategies and actions most likely to combat the threats of predation and habitat loss. Community engagement, already begun at some petrel sites, is key to habitat preservation. Other strategies, including continued searches for the petrel, capacity building of local conservation organizations, restoration approaches, and advocacy for the species when at sea, are in place or in planning. Preventing petrel extinction requires that all of these strategies be complementary and employed together.
“This new road map to the recovery of the Black-capped Petrel calls for a multi-organizational approach to implementation. Fortunately, efforts on behalf of the species thus far have been notable for a high level of cooperation and communication. It’s been very gratifying,” stated Jennifer Wheeler, lead author of the document.
The core team that authored “Conserving the Diablotin” come from a varied group of organizations, including BirdsCaribbean, Clemson University, Cornell University, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean, Grupo Jaragua, and American Bird Conservancy. The authors drew on the expertise of a long list of collaborators from around the world and applied lessons learned from a number of successful projects with related species facing similar conservation problems.
The release of “Conserving the Diablotin” is a milestone for the group of individuals and organizations working to protect and study the Black-capped Petrel for so many years. This work was made possible by the financial support of many donors, chief among them the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
For more information on the Black-capped Petrel, please visit the below links:
Our mission is to raise awareness, promote sound science, and empower local partners to build a region where people appreciate, conserve and benefit from thriving bird populations and ecosystems.
Contribuir a la conservación de la biodiversidad de la isla La Española y los servicios ambientales que se deriven de ella, con la participación de las comunidades locales y apoyándose en la ciencia.
Stuart Reeves is a professional photographer, a passionate birder, and member of BirdLife Jamaica, based in Kingston. The group’s members have been missing their regular group outings due to the restrictions of the COVID pandemic. However, Jamaicans are still managing to see plenty of wonderful birds! Read Stuart’s delightful story for some inspiration and insider tips on how to attract, observe, and photograph your backyard birds.
Loggerhead Kingbird “just checking.” (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Our backyard – designed for birds
I started creating the birding area in 2014. It began after we extended the house and cleared the builders’ rubble in the “bush” left behind from the construction of the housing scheme called Long Mountain, on the outskirts of Kingston. The land behind the house is dry limestone forest, on the southern side of the Mona Dam, one of the reservoirs which serve the city’s water needs.
The terrain is steep, and the undisturbed, virgin forest is difficult to traverse.
We set up our bird station in 2015 with a water trough (plastic roller paint pan) and a flat open grassed area for broadcast feed (cracked corn) surrounded by the forest leaf litter and bush. Beyond the water station is a sliver of flat land approximately 50 feet from my observation position. Shielded by trees on three sides, this includes a gently sloping area, now covered in leaf litter. Caribbean Doves use this as a courtship area while White-chinned Thrushes and Ovenbirds use it as a hunting ground.
A Caribbean Dove. Like a rainbow, colors everywhere! (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
The first birds I observed were a group of Caribbean Doves. These beautiful birds walk on their crimson feet; the crunching of dead leaves underfoot was my introduction to them. They were shy, but eventually came in to feed accompanied by White-winged Doves, Zenaida Doves, and Common Ground Doves.
Gradually other birds followed as the doves became regular visitors and excellent watchmen.
The variety of migratory and local birds is extensive. In 2021, I took on the challenge to document the birds and enjoyed the time spent in the bush – stalking the birds that do not come in for water or feed but passed through the forest edge canopy.
The arrival of COVID changed everything
Just before Christmas 2021, COVID-19 came home to roost, in the form of a love letter from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, advising me that I was quarantined for fourteen days. What to do? My good friend and fellow BirdLife Jamaica member, Kahlil Francis, suggested I take the camera, capture the birds in the yard, and put them together as a record of the visiting birds. I’m glad I took him up on his suggestion.
I had already spent many hours watching and photographing birds here at home and at Hope Gardens, but now had to focus on the area around the water station some 30 feet away. My wife only cautioned that I did not stand or sit in a cold breeze. Some days I could hardly manage myself and the camera; on other days I was on task and on target. If you have endured COVID-19, I am sure you understand this ebb and flow of energies.
Most of my images were made between 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm, when the majority of smaller birds came in for water and a good bath.
Black-faced Grassquits, families that bathe together. . . (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
A flood of feathered visitors
There were warblers in abundance, besides Northern Parulas, American Redstarts, Bananaquits, White-chinned Thrush; these were the everyday stars of the bird station. Rarely, a Loggerhead Kingbird or better still, a Gray Catbird (an uncommon winter visitor) came to the birdbath. It was never dull. The only visitor that is really hard to photograph is the Jamaican Tody, which passes through very fast, flitting from perch to perch.
Pigeons and Doves scare all but the bravest birds away when they feed and fight, clapping wings with threatening vocalizations. At the watering station, the Bananaquits were fearless, refusing to leave while White-wings that dwarfed the Bananaquits drank their fill. Defiance fits the little bird well. It looked and acted angry. The doves left.
Similarly, one of the male Black-throated Blue Warblers would swoop in and throw water around, hissing and posturing at any bird rude enough to use the facility while he was bathing. No one told the Grassquits to be afraid of this posturing, and the defiance of this local resident was good to observe. The Grassquits just went on with their business, totally disregarding the warblers’ antics, their swagger and their hissing.
The highly strung…
The Loggerhead Kingbird and endemic White-chinned Thrush (Hopping Dick) receive the Award for Being Highly Strung. Loggerheads do not usually perch to drink; they swoop down, crash into the water and fly on, return, and repeat. The Loggerhead devotes a huge amount of time to carefully looking around and selecting the best launching point. The swoop is very fast and furious. The White-chinned Thrush is a terrestrial poser. It will come in, prance, pose, look around repeatedly and only when sure, will take a quick sip or two. Then it reverts to posing, prancing, and if you are lucky giving a piercing call.
White-chinned Thrush youngster, posing. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
…and the show-offs
Ovenbird: “Yes I do look good.” (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Our two Ovenbirds (local name: Betsy Kick-up), are ground-level birds too, strutting their stuff around the area once they feel comfortable and at home. Most days they announce their presence by belting out a call repeatedlytea-cher, tea-cher, tea-cher; it is very loud for such a tiny bird. They walk as though “large and in charge,” finding perches with a view and posing for the camera! With a shiny white, dappled chest held high, they run through the bird melee to take up grains of corn, and for the first time I watched as they went to the water to drink. Like the White-chinned Thrush, they were very alert and fast dippers while drinking, then off they proudly walk. It is wonderful to see one putting on a show to the other, raising its golden-brown crown bordered with black, and showing off its colours.
The bathing crowd
Then we come to the really dedicated bathers, with female American Redstarts in the vanguard. They start and end the bathing frenzy with all the other warblers and grassquits joining in. They bathe, fly off to preen, return, and repeat, often with the Black-faced Grassquits. It’s a jolly, competitive mob, each trying to best the last bather. Northern Parulas are the most energetic. Sometimes they come to a halt, apparently taking a count before another round of bathing.
The number of Yellow-shouldered Grassquits coming in to drink has increased. They are dainty drinkers that do not waste any time. In, drink, and gone. I have yet to see a male of this endemic species bathe. Black-faced Grassquits are next in line and their numbers are on the increase. Both male and female bathe with considerable energy.
American Redstart (male). Refreshed, clean, and standing tall. (Stuart Reeves)
Northern Parula, think you could hide down there? (Stuart Reeves)
Our winter visitors, the Black-and-White Warblers are very shy, whether drinking or bathing. A single click of my camera is sufficient to send them fleeing. As a photographer, I have to watch them carefully and take single pictures frame by frame, not in full drive mode.
To my surprise a Gray Catbird has returned for a second year. I observed and photographed one twice last year. This year, this uncommon winter visitor, a shy bird that is normally hard to spot, has appeared hopping from the bush into the water. Once there, it is unstoppable. It’s in at the deep end. Water is propelled vigorously everywhere. After taking a breather, it continues. It probably holds the record for taking a long bath at our bird station. Then it hops away; it never flies off. I think I have seen the bird only fly in the deep bush, as a fast-moving shadow.
Gray Catbird: “Yo . . . Bath needs refilling.” (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Tips for bird bath watching and photography
Here are my recommendations for backyard birding at the bird bath:
Find a comfortable observation point; you may be there for two hours.
Be still and make slow movements, whether you are using binoculars or a camera.
A monopod for binoculars or camera eases the demand on the upper body.
Be patient, observe until you learn how different birds behave.
Place dead branches around the water station, as many birds like to scope out the surroundings before coming in. They can also perch and preen on the branches after bathing.
Watch the trees around the area, as birds will move through them towards water. This gives you a heads-up that they are approaching.
Change the water every day. It may sound daft, but as soon as the water is changed and the container is clean, the water sparkles – and yes, the birds move in.
Be prepared to deal with predators! Cats and mongoose can be problems; the birds will give an alarm call. I keep a slingshot handy to discourage them. Mongoose will chase young birds into a tree and follow them up the tree – they can climb very fast. Cats tend to leap from cover and box birds out of the air; they too are fast movers.
Doves are the prey of choice for these marauders. Just keep that slingshot within reach! As with everything else, practice makes perfect. Soon you will no longer hit your own thumb…which is painful and then some!
Black-and-white Warbler, ready to bathe. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
My COVID therapy – the joy of the bird bath
The birds helped me to forget COVID. I was so busy concentrating, observing and photographing local and visiting birds as they enjoyed the watering station. Should you have the opportunity to watch birds bathing, then go for it. Nothing beats watching the sheer joy of birds simply enjoying the moment, shaking dry, preening feathers, preparing for nighttime.
There are some benefits to quarantining with COVID, after all! I got to know my neighbourhood birds so much better!
Enjoy more of Stuart’s back-yard bird photos below, click on each image to enlarge and scroll through the gallery.
Northern Mockingbird watching the noisy bathers. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Red-billed Streamertail, locally known as the Doctorbird: black, green, red . . . perfect. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Common Ground Dove. “It’s cold, was taking a nap.” (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Prairie Warbler. “Tastes good . . . refreshing.” (Photo Stuart Reeves)
A Yellow-faced Grassquit and Black-throated-Blue-Warbler share a bath. “These blue throats….No manners”. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Prairie Warbler. “Looks a little bit too deep at this end”. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Worm-eating Warbler: “Definitely my best side -full colours”. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Saffron Finch: “I hear you.” (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Bananaquit and a White-winged Dove. “Get-real! Wait your time now!” (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Yellow-faced Grassquit and American Redstart: ‘Yes, we can share Mr. Christmas Bird.”
Black-throated Blue-Warbler and Grassquit bathing: “Quit…now!”
Sad Flycatcher, locally known as Little Tom Fool, carefully looking for a morsel. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Juvenile Jamaican Wood-pecker. “OK mum, ready to go.” (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
“Who put Logwood flowers in the bath?” (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Zenaida Dove. “I am boss here…everybody go ‘way….now”. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Worm-eating Warbler: “Check out the crest style nuh.” (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Normal morph of the Bananaquit, photo from Jamaica. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Cape May Warbler feeding gymnastics. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Prairie Warbler holding the pose. (Photo by Stuart Reeves)
Conservian is setting sail again this May for important shorebird and seabird conservation and research – join us! The mission is a continuation of on-the-ground protection and restoration measures at key shorebird and seabird sites in The Bahamas with support from Conservian, BirdsCaribbean, Bahamas National Trust, and partners.
Volunteers Needed for Shorebird Habitat Conservation & Restoration!
We need your help to protect beach-nesting birds, nests and young. Conservian is seeking a weekly crew of 10 enthusiastic volunteers for our Bahamas Shorebird Habitat Conservation Program in May 2022 aboard our 75ft research schooner. Crews fly to The Bahamas each week to designated airports for shuttle transport to the schooner. All trips include bunk, onboard meals, drinks, and ground transportation associated with the project. A valid passport is required. Airfare and health travel insurance are not included. Trip cost is $1875 per person/week. Please go to Coastalbird.org for more info!
This is a wonderful opportunity to gain field experience and shorebird ID skills or simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In 2018, BirdsCaribbean’s own Jennifer Wheeler joined the trip. Read all about her amazing adventures here. And check out an article by Margo about one of the past expeditions.
Conservian, BirdsCaribbean, Bahamas National Trust, and partners continue on-the-ground protective measures to limit human-caused disturbance and restore coastal habitats at key shorebird/seabird sites.
May 2022 Expedition Dates & Locations:
Choose one week or more! Each week includes 7 nights aboard the schooner.
Week 1: May 1-8 – Joulter Cays & S. Andros (Nassau Int Apt)
Week 2: May 8-15 – Exumas & Great Exuma (Nassau Int Apt/Exuma Int. Apt)
Week 3: May 15-22 – Cat Island & Eleuthera (Exuma Int. Apt/Nassau Int. Apt)
Long Island flats. (Photo by Margo Zdravkovic)
To join our conservation pirate crew please contact Margo Zdravkovic at MargoZ@Coastalbird.org Watch the short video below, and visit Coastalbird.org for more information on our 2022 expedition itinerary and Conservian’s coastal bird conservation work.
Expedition flyer (Click to open as a pdf).
IMPORTANT: Applicants must be responsible, adventurous, in good physical condition, enjoy working in teams, and be capable of walking several miles during warm weather on Bahamas beaches. Applicants must be comfortable living communally onboard a schooner for a week and riding in small boats to access survey sites.
Volume 34 of the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology (JCO) presents a wide spread of original contributions, from methodical surveys of seabirds and landbirds, to the documentation of rarely seen behaviors, that all add to the knowledge of the Caribbean avifauna. Despite ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, our team of editors, reviewers, other JCO staff, and valued authors worked together to provide all these publications to the scientific and conservation communities around the Caribbean. Thank you all!Behind the scenes, Dr. Stefan Gleissberg has taken over the reins as JCO Managing Editor, learning the ropes from Justin Proctor, who continues to work on behalf of JCO as BirdsCaribbean’s Vice President. See below short summaries of the 12 regular articles reporting from 7 island territories. Free access to the journal’s entire content also includes 4 book reviews and the annual review of ornithological literature from the Caribbean by Dr. Steven Latta. Please take some time to enjoy all of Volume 34. If you enjoyed reading an article, please send the authors or the Managing Editor a quick email letting them know. — Joseph M. Wunderle, Jr., JCO Editor-in-Chief | jmwunderle@gmail.com— Stefan Gleissberg, JCO Managing Editor | stefan.gleissberg@birdscaribbean.org
Map depicting research locations of the studies published in Volume 34.
Luis A. Ramos-Vázquez, Nahíra Arocho-Hernández, Cielo Figuerola-Hernández, José L. Herrera-Giraldo, and Jan P. Zegarra-VilaThe Cordillera Reef Nature Reserve, an island chain just off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico, provides critical breeding habitat for seabirds in the Caribbean; however, little is known about the seabird populations, and the threats they face, on these islands. To address this, Ramos-Vásquez et al. conducted seabird surveys and an invasive animal detection assessment across the nature reserve, providing updated information that highlights the importance of the reserve for seabird colonies and the need for effective, well-planned invasive species management.
Vivan M. Lee, Alejandra Pérez, Olive Onyekwelu, Jordan M. Chan, Dominic E. Cannady-Lindner, Alexander A. Levitskiy, María Teresa Reinoso-Pérez, and André A. DhondtAre Broad-billed Todies territorial during the non-breeding season? To answer this, Lee et al. conducted playback experiments in native scrub forest in the Dominican Republic to assess responses to three distinct Broad-billed Tody vocalizations. Todies responded more rapidly and intensely to song playbacks compared to other sounds, suggesting that they aggressively defend their habitats even during the non-breeding season.
Karina Velazco Pérez, Felix Noel Estrada Piñero, Hiram González Alonso, and Alina Pérez HernándezThe Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) is a common winter resident and one of the most abundant migratory species in the Cuban Archipelago; however, little is known about the species’ migration dynamics. In this study, Velazco Pérez et al. conducted mist-net surveys on the Guanahacabibes peninsula to establish a baseline for both the physiological and ecological characteristics of the Ovenbird’s autumnal arrival in Cuba.
Ted GillilandIt’s a bird-eat-bird world! Pearly-eyed Thrashers (Margarops fuscatus), known for their aggressive interspecific interactions, are suspected predators of other resident birds, including Bananaquits (Coereba flaveola). Northern Parulas (Setophaga americana) are neotropical migrants that regularly mob predators in defense and to gain information. In this research note, Gilliland documents a chance observation in Puerto Rico of Northern Parulas mobbing a Pearly-eyed Thrasher, a behavior with implications for social learning and future predator avoidance.
Pascal Villard, Alain Ferchal, Philippe Feldmann, Claudie Pavis, and Christophe BonenfantOrganochlorine insecticides can have lasting and devastating effects on bird populations, by altering bird behaviour and reproductive success. Almost three decades after the cessation of its use in Guadeloupe, the organochlorine “chlordecone” persists in the soils and waterways of the island. The Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) is one of the species likely affected by this persistent pollutant, and in this paper, Villard et al. explore the possible links between remnant chlordecone pollution and habitat selection by Ringed Kingfishers.
Alexandra Heathcote, Paulson Des Brisay, Christopher De Ruyck, Paula Grieef, and Nicola KoperHow are birds on small, species-poor islands like Grenada different from their neighboring conspecifics? Lower species diversity on islands can lead to more generalist behaviour in birds, where these island populations live in more varied habitats and eat a more varied diet than elsewhere. This phenomenon is called “ecological release”. In this paper, Heathcote et al. explore the morphological effects of ecological release on four common Grenada bird species, comparing them to their neighbors throughout the Caribbean Basin and providing evidence that these Grenadian birds are perhaps even more different than we thought.
Pedro M. Alarcón-Elbal, Holly M. Garrod, Spencer C. Schubert, and Alonso Santos MurgasLouse flies (Hippoboscidae) are obligate parasites that often live on birds. The louse fly Ornithoctona erythrocephala has been documented with avian hosts of all sizes throughout the Caribbean, though it is previously unreported on tanagers (Thraupidae). In this research note, Alarcón-Elbal et al. describe the first record of this fly parasitizing the Black-faced Grassquit (Melanospiza bicolor) and Green Heron (Butorides virescens) in the Dominican Republic, an observation with implications for avian health and the direction of ornithological and entomological research in the region.
Juliana Coffey and Natalia CollierThe Grenadine islands are one of the remaining hotspots for breeding seabird populations in the Caribbean. There, as elsewhere, introduced mammals threaten the survival of seabirds through predation and habitat degradation. In this paper, Coffey and Collier present the most thorough inventory ever compiled of invasive mammals throughout the Grenadines, a critical first step to conservation planning for mammal eradication and habitat restoration.
Jean P. González-Crespo and Alberto R. Puente-RolónBlackbirds (Icteridae) have been known to engage in some cutthroat nesting behaviours, such as brood parasitism (e.g., the infamous Shiny Cowbird [Molothrus bonariensis]) and nest piracy or usurpation. Nest usurpation involves stealing another individual’s nest for breeding, and the usurper will forcefully remove all obstacles in its way, including any unfledged nestlings. In this research note, González-Crespo and Puente-Rolón present the first record of nest usurpation by the Yellow-shouldered Blackbird (Agelaius xanthomus) in Puerto Rico, with implications for the reproductive success of this endemic and Endangered species.
Cielo E. Figuerola-Hernández, Rickard S. Toomey III, Patricia Kambesis, José L. Herrera-Giraldo, and Nick D. HolmesInvasive mammals pose a threat to seabird populations throughout the Caribbean, and Mona Island—off the coast of Puerto Rico—is no exception. The Audubon’s Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) and the Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) are two cave-breeding seabirds whose habitat is limited by the presence of rats, cats, and other invasive mammals. In this research note, Figuerola-Hernández et al. present evidence of breeding of these two species in caves on Mona Island, the first documented nests in over eight decades.
Eleanor S. Devenish-Nelson and Howard P. NelsonResident landbirds are an ubiquitous yet unique part of the avifauna in the Caribbean, but they are relatively understudied. Several of these species are also endemic to the region, making the documentation and monitoring of their populations all the more important. On Grenada, there are approximately 36 resident landbird species, of which at least 25% are regionally endemic. In this paper, Devenish-Nelson and Nelson present abundance and density estimates for these species, from one of the first island-wide surveys since the 1980s.
Andrew le F. Dobson, Andrea Webb, Ingela Perrson, Richard Brewer, Luke Foster, and Miguel A. MejíasIn this research note from Bermuda, Dobson et al. document a vagrant Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides), a western North American species discovered by local birders among Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis). The observation represents the first record of the species outside the continent.
Steven LattaThe annual compilation of the most important articles that appeared elsewhere, annotated by Steve Latta. Article by:(1) Zoya Buckmire – Copy Editor for the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology; (2) Joe Wunderle –Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology(3) Justin Proctor –Vice President of BirdsCaribbean(4) Stefan Gleissberg – Managing and Production Editor for the Journal of Caribbean OrnithologyThe Journal of Caribbean Ornithology relies on donations to keep all of our publications free and open-access. Support our non-profit mission and give a voice to Caribbean ornithologists and their work by becoming a supporter of JCO.
BirdsCaribbean recently lost a dear friend, a conservation stalwart and defender of Caribbean birds, Erika Gates.
Sadly, Erika passed away on December 13, 2021 in Grand Bahama, after a battle with cancer. It is with heavy hearts that we extend condolences to her husband, Ed Gates, and her family, as well as to her colleagues, friends – and the many who benefited from her mentorship and kind spirit.
Erika was a delightful, warm, and charismatic person. She worked tirelessly for many years to champion, restore, and protect native habitats on her adopted home island of Grand Bahama (GB). Erika’s passion for birds inspired so many people to “take action” and get involved in their conservation.
She was a dedicated educator, hosting annual celebrations of our Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival and World Migratory Bird Day events in GB and at her restored Garden of the Groves.
Erika opened up the eyes of hundreds of new people to the joys of birding and the importance of conservation. She loved visiting schools, taking both children and community members on birding field trips, and trips to plant native trees and gardens. Her love of birds and can-do positive outlook inspired so many to learn and love the birds she so fondly taught about. She generously shared her knowledge with everyone she met.
Erika was also a pioneer in ecotourism and avi-tourism, trained many guides, and helped to develop our Caribbean Birding Trail project. She provided dozens of jobs to local people in her innovative ecotourism businesses, demonstrating that providing economic opportunities does not have to happen at the expense of the environment.
Erika birding with a young participant during the Grand Bahama West Indian Whistling Duck & Wetlands Conservation Workshop, March 2007.
Erika received a Lifetime Achievement Award from BirdsCaribbean (Lisa Sorenson presenting) for her outstanding contributions to bird conservation, BirdsCaribbean Conference in Freeport, Grand Bahama, July 2011. (Photo by Bruce Purdy)
Erika’s remarkable life story is an illustration of her focus and resilience. She never let obstacles stand in her way. Her husband Ed recalls, “It may be her Germanic roots, but she did have a drive to do things and make things better.” Erika was born in Germany during wartime, in 1942. Her childhood was spent in the dangerous, unstable atmosphere of post-war Germany; her mother cared for her and two older brothers while her father spent time in a prison camp for German officers in Canada. Her love of birds may have started from as early as eight years old, when her brother began taking her birdwatching.
There is no denying that Erika had an energetic, adventurous spirit, which endeared her to many. This started at an early age, when as a teenager she took kayaking trips down the Rhine in Germany with her brothers. She pursued her love of the outdoors in The Bahamas and many other locations: biking, hiking, camping, kayaking, and even dog sledding. She trained as an instrument-rated pilot and flew a twin-engine plane between Freeport and Florida for over ten years. In her earlier years, she was also a professional tennis player and an umpire, and ran two tennis clubs in Freeport, encouraging young players.
Erika was truly a beloved member of our BirdsCaribbean community. Beautiful, intelligent, caring, loving, funny, generous, revered, compassionate, highly respected, full of productive energy – these are a few words that friends and colleagues are using to describe Erika. We will sorely miss Erika’s presence at our conferences, workshops, and field trips.
Erika’s many friends conducted the East Grand Bahama CBC (Christmas Bird Count) in January 2022 for the first time without her. The group (Grand Bahama Island Birders) created and wore specially made t-shirts with Erika’s photo as a tribute to her. They comment, “Our appreciation for birdwatching, nature – caring for our planet, was developed and encouraged by Erika Gates, our birding guru, mentor and friend. Her spirit will continue with us.”
Erika served on our board for 4 years (2015-2018). She was a long-time supporter of BirdsCaribbean and our mission; she had so much love and regard for our community.
“There are no words to express how much gratitude we have for her amazing life – her friendship, kindness, and countless contributions,” commented Executive Director Lisa Sorenson. “Erika has left us far too soon, but her spirit is flying free, soaring with the birds she loved so much. She will always be with us, in the songs of beautiful birds in our gardens and in the sound of the wind blowing through the trees.”
Rest in peace, dear Erika. Your amazing life will continue to inspire us, and we will strive to continue your legacy of protecting Caribbean birds and nature.
Erika enjoying the birds in her garden.
Biography
Erika Gates played a significant – or rather, a starring role in the development of eco-tourism on her island home. She was co-founder of the Ecotourism Association and founded Grand Bahama Nature Tours, where she trained nature guides, providing many jobs for young Bahamians. She was a strong supporter of the Lucayan National Park, established on the island in 1977. Her work was lauded by tourism officials (she received several awards).
Erika had an unrivaled passion for birds, and assisted with the development of several birding trails, including BirdsCaribbean’s Caribbean Birding Trail. She inspired other eco-tourism groups, including on other islands such as Bimini. She regularly organized and hosted bird events and festivals, including the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival and World Migratory Bird Day. Erika served as a Board Member of BirdsCaribbean from 2015 to 2018. She was especially supportive of several Cuban projects and the elaboration of a book on birds of the National Botanic Garden, providing invaluable encouragement and advice.
One of her greatest loves – and a deep-seated commitment – was for the 12-acre Garden of the Groves on Grand Bahama. After the onslaught of several hurricanes, by 2004 these botanical gardens had been abandoned and left to ruin. Along with Michelle Hanson, Erika committed herself to restoring them in 2008.
More storms followed, but on each occasion, including after the devastating Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Erika brought the Gardens back and reopened. Naturally, birding was an integral part of her work there, as her reports on the Gardens’ website show. It is now a lovely oasis, with walking trails, native trees, a lagoon, and of course many species of birds.
Those whom she trained and mentored at the Gardens praised her “energy and compassion,” as well as her hard-working, down to earth approach.
Erika’s kindness and compassion was not only for humans. She rescued and cared for hundreds of cats and dogs, and kept an amazing “cattery” for dozens of abandoned and wild cats at her home.
Gallery
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE AND SCROLL THROUGH THE GALLERY. SEE TRIBUTES TO ERIKA FROM HER MANY FRIENDS BELOW.
Erika enjoying a drink with Lisa Sorenson, Christina Maillis & Lynn Gape, New Providence, Bahamas.
Erika with Bahamas National Trust staff at Petersen Cay seabird nesting site. (Photo by Scott Johnson)
Erika out birding with Martha Cartwright in Grand Bahama, 2018. (Photo by Linda Huber)
A selfie taken by Erika in Germany in the Fall of 2021.
Erika with Lisa & Anthony at the BirdsCaribbean conference in Antigua, 2009.
Erika with Lisa
Erika & Ed Gates at Agave Restaurant, Lighthouse Point. (Photo by Linda Huber)
BirdsCaribbean Board, group photo by the pool, 2015.
Erika, Lisa & Michele Kading take a group birding on Grand Bahama during a West Indian Whistling-Duck & Wetlands Conservation Workshop, March 2007.
Erika birding in Jamaica, after our International Conference in 2015. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Margo & Erika at the BirdsCaribbean conference in Jamaica, 2015.
Erika bird watching at Hobby Horse Lake, the Bahamas, 2019. (Photo by Linda Huber).
‘West End Bandits’ Erika, Bridget & Carolyn on World Shorebird Day.
Erika with the advanced Inagua birding guides. (Photo by Scott Johnson).
Erika looking at certified wildlife habitat she created at Lucaya International School. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika with Andrew Dobson at the Bird Fair in the UK.
Group photo. Birding in Jamaica during the BirdsCaribbean conference, 2015.
Erika with her mother ‘Mutti’ (aged 98) in 2012. (Photo by Linda Huber).
Erika with Lisa, Kate, Jennifer, Howie, Ellie & Wayne at the BirdsCaribbean booth at NAOC, 2016.
Erika with Martha & Marilyn at the Garden of the Groves. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika in Freeport with the New Providence birding group, Nassau, March 2010.
Erika with Esther Krigbaum and grandchildren (Felicity, 5 and Will, 7) in Grand Bahama, 1999. (Photo by Katy Krigbaum)
Erika with Leno Davis & baby, at the BirdsCaribbean booth during NAOC 2016.
Erika & Lisa enjoying bird watching on the beach in Grand Bahama.
Erika’s beloved Painted Buntings at one of her backyard feeders. (Photo by Erika Gates)
Erika with Lisa, Martha, Delores, & Gina at the BirdsCaribbean Cuba Conference, 2017.
BirdsCarbbean board group photo during a meeting at Garden of Groves, 2014.
Martha Cartwright, Marilyn Laing & Erika at Garden of the Groves in 2018. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika and Ed Gates. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika with Annie, 2018. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika at the Garden of the Groves, 2018. (Photo by Linda Huber).
Erika on a trip to Zapata Swamp, Cuba, during our 2017 International Conference.
Erika with the Garden Cafe Staff in 2018. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika at a Tainos Trail bird sign, a birding trail she created in Grand Bahama. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika on a ladder during a bird nest rescue at a power-line.
Tributes
Once news reached the BirdsCaribbean community that Erika was very ill, messages of hope and love began pouring in. Erika passed away on the evening of December 13, 2021. The below tributes were shared from members of our community:
Sandy Buckner (Sandy sent this message before Erika passed)
Dear Erika – You are in our thoughts with great affection for who you are, for all you have done and for all the pleasure you have brought to so many. Bringing joy, knowledge and the wonders of nature in these islands to so many. As we go into the Christmas Bird Count, yet again this year, know that we will be thinking of you and Ed, and all your personal birding community, and wishing you were with us here on New Providence. As we gather after the CBC at Sandyport, we will most certainly raise a glass to you remembering how often you have stayed with us. We thank Lisa for letting us know. Wishing you comfort. Love, Sandy and Hugh.
Howard Nelson and Ellie Devenish (Howard and Ellie sent this message before Erika passed)
Dear Erika and Ed, Ellie and I are so distressed to hear that you have been so unwell. We were very much looking forward to the chance of seeing you in the summer at the Puerto Rico meeting of BirdsCaribbean next year and even a chance of perhaps re-living our trip to Grand Bahama and visiting you there some time soon. I have very fond memories of our time on the Board together and the fun we all had at the NAOC! Do know that all our thoughts are with you and we are praying for you.
Andrew Dobson, Past President, BirdsCaribbean
“This is such awful news – ‘devastating’ as you say. Such a wonderful, caring person – she doesn’t deserve to suffer in this way. I loved staying with her in the Bahamas and sharing her passion in tennis as well as birding. In my most recent correspondence (October), she told me she was in Germany and had been birding some eBird hotspots as well as participating in Global Bid Day where she was thrilled to see 36 formations of more than 1600 Common Cranes migrating from Scandinavia across Germany right over her home near Koblenz.”
Rosemarie Gnam
This news is devastating. I am so sad to hear this and it just confirms to me how quickly things can change with cancer. Please pass my prayers onto Ed and her family. She did so much for Bahamian bird conservation. More later. A hug, Rose.
Kate Wallace
Dear Erika, Such a special lady. We will all miss you much! If hugs can be sent by email, here is mine! Abrazos, Kate
Ann Maddock
Her spirit has been carried on the wings of all the birds she loved. Sidney and I are so blessed to have known her as our friend. You may not know this- but Erika and Ed have a truly special loving relationship. They adore one another and care so deeply about one another.
Lynn Gape
Such devastating news. Erika was an inspiration to so many and she was always willing to provide support. Sincere condolences to her friends and family.
Carla Montalvo Martínez
Very sad news. I’m very sorry for her family and the ones who knew her. Her spirit is free and she will always be an inspiration for everyone who knew her. Prayers and strength for her family and colleagues.
Carol Beidleman
I am so deeply saddened to hear this news. I have fond memories of Erika’s graceful and smiling presence at meetings, particularly at Garden of the Groves on Grand Bahama in 2011, and I’ve had such appreciation for her dedication to the birds and to inspiring others to learn and care about them. My sympathies to her loved ones.
Eric Carey
Erika is a legend in the birding sphere and nature tourism industry in The Bahamas. She was a pioneering trailblazer in nature tourism, and greatly influenced and impacted many individuals and companies in that arena. She was a valued BNT partner in Grand Bahama in particular, and especially at the Lucayan National Park. She is revered in our country, and highest respected in many other countries. She will be sorely missed and will never be forgotten. Condolences to her Dear life partner Ed. May all who knew her be comforted by the many many memories she made in The Bahamas and across the Caribbean. Rest In Peace Dearest Erika.
Frantz and Eric Delcroix
This is a very sad day, I have no words to tell you all that I feel. Please Lisa, assure Ed of our support, from the bottom of our heart.
Grand Bahama Island Birders
Our appreciation for birdwatching, nature – caring for our planet, was developed and encouraged by Erika gates, our birding guru, mentor and friend. Her spirit will continue with us.
Margo Zdravkovic
This is impossibly sad news. Sending my love and condolences.
Natalya Lawrence
I’m so very sorry to hear this! As a young birder, I remember receiving training in the Bahamas and Erika would be present on some of our trips. I only remember her ever-ready for birding. She pointed out a number of species to us and taught which were migratory, resident, introduced… I learnt so much from her. Sending sincerest condolences to Ed, her friends, BNT, and the people of the Bahamas.
Nils Navarro
Thanks for keeping us informed about Erika, I am so sorry to know about her passing, my most sincere condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace, Erika.
Leo Douglas
Very sad news! Erika was such an inspiration. Our deepest sympathies to all her loved ones and dear friends. In sympathy!
Will Mackin
My whole family is so sad to hear this. I signed the four of us up for a tour from her company in 2019 when we visited Grand Bahama. She ran the tour herself and personally guided us. It was such a fun day hanging out with a celebrity and a pioneer. We were inspired and honored. She will be missed around the Caribbean and the World. RIP. Condolences to all who were lucky enough to call her a friend.
Andrew Rothman
I’m so sorry to hear. Such a kind, passionate person.
Lisa Yntema
I am so sorry to hear of Erica’s passing. She was a remarkable woman, with her wonderful combination of intelligence, organizational skills, compassion, perseverance, humor, and generosity. Although I didn’t know her well, I join the many who will miss her. My condolences to her family and all who hold her dear.
Rosemarie Gnam
I want to add my condolences to those of others. Erika was a remarkable woman and the inspiration for nature tourism in The Bahamas. I still remember the first time I met her, at a then SCSCB meeting, and the kindness she showed me. I lost a winning bid in the Silent Auction for a hibiscus print that she had donated to the Auction. She sent me another print when she returned home from the meeting. Her thoughtfulness is still remembered. My sympathy and prayers to her husband. Ed and family – may your memories provide comfort during this very difficult time. Thank you for sharing Erika with us.
Carolyn Wardle and members of the Bird Club of New Providence
We have lost a true pioneer for the environment but are happy to have known a wonderful and talented champion for the birds. The Bahamas and particularly Grand Bahama have been blessed to know Erika and her legacy will live on. She brought the Garden of the Groves back to life and created her own Garden of the Gates and passed on her extensive knowledge to members of the Grand Bahama Island Bird club. Let’s celebrate a very special person.
Jeff Gerbracht
I’m so sorry to hear this. Erika’s enthusiasm, kindness and heart touched so many others in so many wonderful ways. Her passion for The Bahamas, birds and people were always a joy to be near. My sincere condolences to Ed, her family and her many friends.
Lyndon John
So sorry to hear this sad news. As with so many of you, Erika’s charismatic energy and joyful nature certainly made an indelible impression on me during my visit to Grand Bahama in 2015. My condolences to Ed and family as well as to her BirdsCaribbean family.
Joni Ellis Thank you, Lisa, for sharing the details and albeit sad news. She was a champion and important member of BC. We will all be sending healing thoughts and meditations to her family.
Adrianne Tossas
This is a sad moment for BirdsCaribbean… I remember being around Erika as a very pleasant experience, because of her charm, positive aura, and joy for the birds and life in general. I join all her friends and family members in the sorrow.
Aly Ollivierre
Such sad news, Erika was such a wonderful lady. Deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Greg Butcher
Erika hosted Linda and I for a wonderful visit on her property and all over Grand Bahama in March of 2018, before the devastating hurricane. She, of course, was a wonderful hostess, making sure we enjoyed everything about the island. We got to meet Ed and reunite with Martha and Delores. It was a fantastic trip!
One of my best memories was seeing Erika’s cat colony – a wonderfully kept-up series of cages that hosted feral, unadoptable cats. The Grand Bahama Humane Society had (has?) a similar colony that allows cats to live humanely without being subjected to the tribulations of life alone outdoors. We took some pictures that I share with others facing the dilemma of what to do with unadoptable cats.
Ernesto Reyes
Dear Lisa. I am so sorry to get this email too late!! I am in Hondones with a very poor signal. It is terrible to hear that sad news!! Send to Ed and Erika all our Love from Cuba. I will remember her as the great person that she was, unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity to see my pictures on her walls by myself but she was so happy to hang some of my first pictures in her house. Warmest and big hugs to Ed and Erika’s family from a Cuban friend.
Lourdes Mugica
Erika was special with Cuban people, with her kindness she provided support to several Cuban projects, helped the 1917 BirdsCaribbean meeting to be celebrated in Cuba, and always encouraged us to complete the book on the birds of the National Botanic Garden in Cuba, that is almost ready – we are so sorry that she couldn’t enjoy it! Our deepest condolences to Ed, her family and friends. We all will miss her smile, positive energy and passion for birds that was part of all BirdsCaribbean meetings. We will always have fond memories of Erika! Rest in Peace. Lourdes.
Zeko McKenzie
Such grief-stricken news to receive. Dr. Hayes and I send our condolences to the Gates family. I will always remember Mrs. Gates’ hugs and welcoming smile. She will be missed. May her spirit rest in peace.
Herb Raffaele
This is very sorrowful news. Erika was a very special person who left an extraordinary legacy in The Bahamas and beyond. She will be missed, but well remembered by all of her friends throughout the Caribbean. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ed, her family, and friends.
Leo Douglas – 14 Dec (sharing photo of Erika and Margo)
I shared this photo of Erika last night, and wanted to share it with everyone – as for me, it captured so well the life and spirit of a woman who touched so many in such deeply personal ways with her passion and joy for living. We will miss her dearly. A true loss for our community.
Tyrone Buckmireand the Grenada Fund for Conservation
The Grenada Fund for Conservation Family (Zoya, myself and our Directors) extend sincere condolences to Ed and all the members of Erika’s household, as well as her extended BirdsCaribbean family. She was truly a stalwart and a champion for all our feathered friends, and her passion, compassion and commitment will be missed. May she rest in eternal peace.
Anne Campbell and Team, Smithy’s Garden /Caribbean Horizons Tours, Grenada
Sincere Condolences to all the family and friends on the passing of such an amazing and accomplished woman. Just reading about some of the incredible bird conservation initiatives Erika Gates started, or was so wholeheartedly involved with, is warming to my soul – here is someone who lived life to the fullest, contributing, influencing, sharing and caring about people and the environment! May she Rest In Peace and May all who were touched by her incredible legacy continue to champion her cause. God’s blessings and comfort to all.
Eric Salamanca – TCI
I want to express my deepest condolences to the family of Madam Erika Gates. Since I joined BirdsCaribbean in 2008 (formerly known as SCSCB) until recently, I have had a chance to meeting Madam Gates in The Bahamas and other Caribbean countries where the meetings were held.
Alcides Morales
My most sincere condolences to her family and friends. Erika, an inspiring example of what we can achieve. Rest in peace.
Judd Patterson
I, too, was touched by the passion and kindness that Erika exhibited daily. My wife and I visited Grand Bahama in 2014 and stumbled upon Garden of the Groves. Erika was hosting the annual CBC and instantly invited us to join the compilation event and dinner. She generously shared advice on where we could go the next day, and we talked about a potential photo book to document the flora and fauna of her wonderful gardens. I continue to be inspired by her deep roots in conservation projects across The Bahamas/Caribbean. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Katy Krigbaum (sharing a photo of Erika with the Krigbaum family)
I was heartbroken to read that Erika Gates passed away. She was such a generous, giving and inspirational woman. She guided me several times on Grand Bahama Island, and took my mother and my children birding there in 1999. I was lucky to be on her team for the first ever Christmas Bird Count on Great Abaco in 2003. She made sure everyone on the team saw each bird her keen eyes spotted. Her work and tenacity in promoting birding and conservation in the Bahamas was accompanied by such grace and enthusiasm.
Here is a photo of her, my Mom (Esther Krigbaum) and my children (Felicity, 5 and Will, 7) on that unforgettable day birding on Grand Bahama Island in July, 1999. That smile of hers is so radiant.
My condolences to Erika’s husband and the Caribbean birding community for the loss of such a champion.
NOTE: If you have stories, memories, a tribute, and/or photos of Erika you would like to include in this tribute article, please send them to: Tahira Carter, BirdsCaribbean Communications Manager Tahira.Carter@BirdsCaribbean.org
It was an extraordinary year. But then, so was 2020! Despite the ongoing roller coaster ride that was the COVID-19 pandemic, BirdsCaribbean pressed on. While some activities were necessarily curtailed, with our ever-enthusiastic partners we “pivoted,” adapted to the changing circumstances, and overcame obstacles. We had some great successes. We also turned to highlighting some pressing issues impacting our Caribbean birds. Now, we are looking forward to an exciting 2022, full of potential and possibilities!
We are feeling very positive about this new year. The theme of our upcoming conference in Puerto Rico (June 27 to July 2), which we are co-hosting for the first time with the American Ornithological Society (AOS), is “On the Wings of Recovery: Resilience and Action.”
This theme reflects the focus of our activities in the past year, supporting our partners as they work on solutions to the many challenges facing the region’s birds. We are also looking forward to hosting workshops in the Dominican Republic and The Bahamas, on Landbird Monitoring and Bird Banding, respectively.
In case you missed it, here’s an overview of BirdsCaribbean happenings in 2021:
It was a “quiet” year, but…
Ash plume on April 9th at 4 PM, the first day of eruptions (photo by Richard Robertson, UWI Seismic Research Centre)
Thankfully for the islands, the hurricane season was not as devastating as in previous years, although climate change is still with us. Year after year, the region continues to suffer from droughts, coastal erosion, and floods after heavy rains, damaging habitats and creating havoc in communities. However, there was still some unexpected drama this year.
The explosive eruptions of La Soufrière, a volcano in St. Vincent, began on April 9th, 2021, and continued spewing volcanic ash and debris into the atmosphere for weeks – displacing thousands and blanketing forests and towns in many inches of volcanic ash. Although it has now quietened down (its eruptive phase was declared over at the end of November, 2021) there was considerable damage to trees and river valleys from pyroclastic material, rocky debris and mudflows.
In the wake of the destruction, concerns for the St. Vincent Parrot and several other endemic bird species rose and we were thankful for the valiant efforts of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department. With generous donations from friends and donors to the BirdsCaribbean fundraising site, we were able to ship a range of supplies to the Department, including field equipment, food, veterinary supplies, and much more. We also supported intensive surveys of the St. Vincent Parrot by Forestry staff in December, 2021 – more news on their status soon!
A Turkey Vulture costume, the biggest Big Day, and CWC was busy too
As usual, bird festivals were important days in our calendar. Island residents hosted at least scaled-down activities – whether virtual, in person, or a “hybrid” mixture, since COVID regulations varied from time to time.
Héctor Fidel Ravelo Romanguera wins first prize in the WMBD costume competition for his amazing Turkey Vulture costume. (Photo by Ines Lourdes Fernandez)
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) in Fall, when our beautiful “winter visitors” start to appear in gardens, fields and forests across the Caribbean, is always an opportunity for fun activities, especially with young people. This year’s theme, “Sing, Fly, Soar Like a Bird” inspired bird walks, field trips and an exciting Bird Costume Party, won by creative schoolchildren in Cuba. The winning Turkey Vulture costume was stunning! Many thanks to Environment for the Americas for assisting with educational materials.
Our Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF), which we have hosted for the past twenty years, is always a delight. 2021 did not disappoint. After all, we have no less than 171 endemic species to choose from! The theme “Sing, Fly, Soar Like a Bird” provided ample opportunities for fun activities and important learning through webinars, birding field trips, and activities and online resources for families and youth to celebrate. Check out the exciting webinars here! Our partners shared what the theme meant to them in short inspiring videos – these can be viewed here.
The 12th annual Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) was another important activity, which was highly successful. From mid January to early February, birders fanned out across wetlands and beaches to record their sightings on eBird Caribbean. From the offshore islands of Venezuela to the wetlands of Kingston Harbour, Jamaica, there was a great turnout of birders. Anguillan partners were excited to spot Piping Plovers, while in Antigua, a young birding group participated in a “Mask-erade.”
We did mention successes, didn’t we? Global Big Day 2021 (Saturday, May 8) was – well, big! Close to 2,000 checklists were submitted from the Caribbean – a big jump in participation. 364 species were spotted, beating last year’s record. Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas were stars, and fifteen teams participated, raising funds for Motus bird monitoring stations. Some wonderful photos were taken of birds and people, enjoying the day; take a look here at the winners of our Photography Awards.
An exciting project is about to unfold…
Earlier this year, we announced our plans for a new bird monitoring initiative, the Caribbean Motus Collaboration, to set up a Motus Wildlife Trafficking System that will use nano-tags tracked by receivers to gain valuable data on the movement of birds across our region. We are grateful to Birds Canada and the Northeast Motus Collaboration for their support. For full details and if you are interested in contributing in any way, please complete a short survey or make a contribution here.
A wealth of online material – yes, we went virtual again
Cover of Arnaldo Toledo’s amazing Grand Prize winning bird Zine
To enhance these programs and special calendar events, and also to boost our advocacy for birds, we were very busy throughout the year designing and producing a whole range of online products. In 2021, we again broadcast virtually “From the Nest” with an Endemic Bird of the Day for the CEBF, accompanied by related puzzles, games and coloring pages. Our very first “Bird Zine” contest garnered some beautiful, artistic products from contestants in various age groups, with winners from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago. For the Caribbean Waterbird Census we started off with no less than three webinars, helping us to identify tricky species and with an additional webinar on Puerto Rican waterbird species.
For the 2021 Caribbean Waterbird Census, we gave webinars on how to participate in the CWC, including presentations on using eBird Caribbean and Merlin, how to do a CWC count, and how to identify waterbirds and shorebirds – always challenging! Check out our helpful webinars on our Youtube channel CWC playlist.
For World Migratory Bird Day, we produced a series of four videos highlighting our migratory shorebirds, many of which are endangered. One species, the Lesser Yellowlegs, is in particular trouble, with a drastic decline in numbers since the 1970s. At a free webinar on October 8, wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Management Program Laura McDuffie explained the work she and colleagues are doing to track, monitor and gain more information on these vulnerable birds.
A major highlight of our year was the opportunity to present at the 2021 AOS Virtual Meeting, from August 9 – 13. BirdsCaribbean was thrilled to present a three-part symposium entitled “Resilient Caribbean Birds – Surviving and Thriving in a Challenging World,” in which we highlighted recent avian research and conservation projects in the region, on August 11 and 12. Our presentations were well attended and online networking and information sharingtook place.
And then, to business. Our General Business Meeting on October 28 had over 80 participants and lasted for over two hours (there was a lot to tell our members and supporters about!) providing a comprehensive update on BirdsCaribbean’s activities.
General Business Meeting 2021 Group Photo on Zoom 1
General Business Meeting 2021 Group Photo on Zoom 2
General Business Meeting 2021 Group Photo on Zoom 3
One memorable online event was the Seabird Fest on December 2, organized by our dynamic Seabird Working Group. The meeting provided a thorough update on the group’s impressive activities, from the Isla Contoy National Park (Island of Birds) off the Yucatan peninsula to Bermuda and the Cayman Islands – and all islands in between. There are 20 resident seabird species in the Caribbean, not all regularly monitored. The hope is to organize a big seabird monitoring effort in 2023. While it faces challenges, we applaud this group’s work. If you would like to know more, sign up for their recently launched newsletter!
Our advocacy for birds continues…
Our focus on shorebirds tied in with ongoing concerns among ornithologists and bird lovers regarding the hunting of these migratory gems on the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and to a lesser extent Barbados. In a short video “Caribbean Shorebirds Under Fire” (available in English, French and Spanish here) that is at times distressing to watch we sought to explain this complex issue. We continued to support our partners’ efforts to have as many species as possible protected and to reduce this devastating harvest of endangered birds, through email petitions to the French authorities.
Images of wild bird trafficking in Cuba.
Many migratory species are also under threat on the island of Cuba, due to the illegal capture and sale of wild birds as they arrive on the island in the autumn months. Endemic and resident species are also targeted by trappers. BirdsCaribbean is extremely concerned at the dramatic increase in the trafficking of a range of species, both at home and extending overseas. We highlighted this growing concern recently in our investigative report, urging Cuban authorities to enforce wildlife protection laws. We are raising funds to help our colleagues combat this problem and we need your support! We will continue to shine the spotlight on these and other issues that are affecting our birds negatively.
We have had a frantically busy year, as you can see. Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, with the support of our wonderful donors and the boundless enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work of our partners on the ground, we feel a sense of achievement, and look forward to what 2022 will bring.
Wishing you all a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year!
13th Annual Caribbean Waterbird Census – please join our regional count which helps us to monitor and conserve our amazing waterbirds.
It’s time to brush off those water boots! And get out your binoculars, of course.
The Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) kicks off on Friday, January 14 and the last day is Thursday, February 3, 2022. This period includes World Wetlands Day (February 2), which this year has the theme: Wetlands Action for People and Nature. During that time, you are encouraged to venture out to seashores, beaches, and wetlands to count as many waterbirds as possible. Count all the birds you see!
Why is the CWC important? The Caribbean is home to 185 species of waterbirds (which include seabirds, wading birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl) – many of which are migratory. This varied and critical group of birds also includes many endemic species and a number that are endangered globally. The CWC is a valuable tool, helping us to assess how these remarkable birds are doing. They breed, rest, and feed in habitats that are themselves facing a range of threats, including development, pollution, human activities, and climate change impacts. Learn more about the CWC and access more resources here.
Note: Our CWC promotional graphics are available for free download in English, Spanish and French, and also as a template in Canva so that you can add your logo and modify for your events – see links below.
Those confusing waterbirds!
Now, which sandpiper is that? Is that a Greater or Lesser Yellowlegs? How can I identify a mixed group of birds? Sometimes it’s a learning curve!
If you are not feeling too confident with waterbirds, BirdsCaribbean is here to help! We have free online resources that will help you identify those tricky little sandpipers and plovers in their winter plumage, as they patrol our shorelines or fly in groups over the water. Before you start, why not download our ID Guide to Common Caribbean Shorebirds, which you may like to print and take with you? Also, take a look at the accompanying shorebird poster and other resources on this page.
It might also be worth your while to take in our two webinars on waterbird ID, which you can find on our YouTube pages (please subscribe, like and share!). Part I covers herons, egrets, ducks, marsh birds, and seabirds. Part II covers those fun and challenging shorebirds!You will also find a “how to participate” video guide there and detailed instructions here. For some more background information, you might enjoy our overview of the past ten years of the CWC, presented at last year’s Symposium at the North American Ornithological Congress (NAOC) online meeting.
Getting it all down on eBird
An important aspect of the CWC is that it is all captured and stored on eBird Caribbean. As you enter your sightings, you must be sure to use the CWC protocol on Step 2, under “Observation Type.” eBird is playing an increasingly crucial role in the CWC process. If you’re new to eBird, check out our helpful video here on how to use eBird and Merlin. If you need help with eBird submissions (it’s really not complicated!) or with setting up an eBird account, do contact Alex Sansom: waterbird.manager@birdscaribbean.org
All that remains to say is: have fun! Count responsibly and enjoy your day (or days) of counting during this three-week period.
Footnote: We recognize that some territories are still under restrictions of various kinds due to the ongoing pandemic. We urge everyone to stick to your local COVID-19 protocols, while enjoying your Caribbean Waterbird Count! Stay safe and well!
Promotional Graphics for CWC 2022 are available in English, Spanish and French. This year we also have ‘CWC Survey Tips’ graphics (in English) formatted for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Click on each image in the gallery below to enlarge. You can add your own logos or event information: right click on an enlarged image and ‘save image as’ to download. You can also download our graphics from Dropbox here (including high-res version for printing) or use these links to Canva to use our promotional graphics as a template (each link contains graphics in all three languages):
This festive season we introduced 12 fascinating Caribbean birds in our twist on the classic carol The Twelve Days of Christmas. This English Christmas carol was first published in 1780, and presented without accompanying music, in a children’s book of poems and stories Mirth Without Mischief.
It is believed that The Twelve Days of Christmas was intended to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith. However, this theory has been widely contested. The origins of the carol are unknown but perhaps it was written as a memory game.
We are certain, however, that no other Christmas carol features birds quite as prominently as The Twelve Days of Christmas. The lyrics are from old Europe with birds that are not found in the Caribbean. We thought it was time for an upbeat version so we put the spotlight on some magnificent migratory and endemic birds of the Caribbean!
If you follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn), we shared a new bird every day or two for the last several weeks. (#12CaribBirdsOfChristmas) Here, we compile all the bird profiles into one blog in case you are not on social media, missed any, or would like to learn more about these amazing birds.
We really enjoyed curating posts for this series and had the pleasure of reading your lovely comments. Thank you for following along, bird after bird, with us. Let us know which bird was your favorite and why in the comments below .
And do sing along with us on our remix of this classic song! Any singers/ musicians out there—we would love to hear your recorded rendition of the song!!!
Photo credits: West Indian Whistling Duck by Ray Robles, Fernandina’s Flicker by Ken Pinnow, White-breasted Thrasher by Hank Tseng and Adams Toussaint, St Vincent Parrot by Nandani Bridglal , Golden Swallow by Francisco Alba, Jamaican Blackbird by Tom Johnson (ML890623210), Guadeloupe Woodpecker by Frantz Delcroix, Grenada Dove by Greg Homel, Bahama Oriole by Dan Stonko
Twelve Birds of Christmas – BirdsCaribbean Remix
An Oriole in a Pine Tree – Bahama Oriole
🎄On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, A Partridge in a Pear Tree.🎶 But wait, that doesn’t seem quite right for the Caribbean 🤔, so let’s turn up the heat ☀️, amp up the vibrancy, migrate south 🌎, and what do we get…. An oriole in a pine tree 🌲 . That is, of course, the Bahama Oriole. This striking bird stands bright at the tree tops boasting shiny black ⚫️ plumage on its head, back and chest, and bright yellow 🟡 plumage on its shoulders, belly, and rump. It can only be found on Andros Island in the Bahamas 🇧🇸 , where it nests in native pine forests.
Unfortunately, this bird faces multiple threats, including brood parasitism from the Shiny Cowbird, depredation by free-ranging domestic cats 🐈 , and habitat loss due to logging and residential development 🏘. There’s also the looming threat of increasingly frequent and severe hurricanes that could easily wipe out the Bahama Oriole’s entire small population 📉.
However, all hope is not lost! ✨ Our partners at the Bahamas National Trust and University of Maryland, Baltimore Maryland are doing exciting research to learn more about this species 🤓 and educating local communities on Andros about the importance of its pine forests. Click here for more facts ℹ️, to listen to its song 🎵, and free Bahama Oriole themed activities 🧩 for adults and children!
Two Grenada Doves
🎄The second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Two Turtle Doves 🎶. Those turtle doves are adorable ☺️, but come on down to the southern Caribbean 🌎 and we can do you one better – two Grenada Doves!
As their name implies, these shy and elusive birds live only on the island of Grenada 🇬🇩. This somewhat plump dove has brown 🟤 upperparts, buffy cinnamon-colored chest and neck, and grayish forehead, face and crown, with bright pinkish-red 🔴 statement legs and feet. How can you tell you’re looking at the ultra-rare Grenada Dove and not another dove 🧐? Be sure to take a look at its belly where you’ll find a strip of white ⚪️ feathers that extends from its side up around the bend of the wing!
The Grenada Dove prefers the coastal dry forests of deciduous thorn-scrub thickets and some emergent trees 🌳. Watch your step 👣 as these doves are typically found on the ground, searching for food; small seeds, fruits 🫐 and insects 🪱. IBut if you aren’t lucky enough to see this dove, keep an ear 👂 out for its characteristic call 🎶 which is a single descending note hooooooo that is repeated every 7-8 seconds.
Two Protected Areas have been established for the conservation of the Grenada Dove, but habitat loss remains a major threat. Its coastal habitats are unfortunately prime areas for development by the tourism 🏝 and industry sectors 🏭. We have been working with our partners in Grenada to try and halt 🛑 these unsustainable developments as well as remove mongoose, invasive predators of the Grenada Dove. Click here to learn more about the Grenada Dove, listen to its song, and access free activities.
With your support 🙌🏽, we can continue to protect the Critically Endangered Grenada Dove as we work to reverse the trend of habitat loss for this beautiful species. ✨Please consider making a donation.
Three French Peckers – Guadeloupe Woodpecker
🎄On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Three French hens 🎶. To be honest, that’s not a bad gift 🎁 at all, especially if those hens are good layers 🥚. But domestic fowl 🐓 pale in comparison to some of the wild French birds you can find in the Caribbean 😎, including the Trois Toto bwa —un oiseau magnifique found only in Guadeloupe 🇬🇵! In local French Creole the Guadeloupe Woodpecker is called Toto bwa for the tapping noise it makes.
It appears to be an all black bird ⚫️ however its head and upperparts actually have a blue glossy sheen. Their underparts are a sooty black except for a reddish 🔴 hue on the chest and their tail feathers are brownish-black with blue-black legs. Females look like the male, but are smaller 📏. Interestingly, there are size differences within the island—woodpeckers found on the peaks of Basse-Terre are slightly bigger than those of Grande-Terre!
These fine French birds inhabit all different forest types, including swamp forests and mangroves, but they rely on dead coconut palm trees 🌴 for nesting. They are monogamous and pairs remain in their territory throughout the year. Young woodpeckers will take about a month 📆 to fledge and afterwards juveniles spend several months with their parents. They might even hang around until the next breeding season.
Although considered a Least Concern species, this handsome woodpecker is restricted to the island of Guadeloupe and is threatened by hurricanes 🌀, habitat conversion 🏘 and the removal of dead trees which they depend upon for nesting. Continued protection of this species and conservation of its habitats will help ensure that this beautiful species survives for future generations to enjoy! ✨
🎄The fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Four colly birds 🎶. But you had no idea what those were 💬. Did you say “colly birds” or “calling birds”? Our basic research 💻 suggests both phrases are correct, though “colly” is the Old English word for coal while “calling” refers to birds that “call out” in song, or songbirds. Either way, it’s an odd gift, so today we’re featuring a Jamaican endemic that fits both versions; the Jamaican Blackbird 🇯🇲.
High up in Cockpit Country and the Blue and John Crow Mountains ⛰ National Park lives the Jamaican Blackbird. It is Endangered, with the greatest threat to its populations stemming from Bauxite mining, agriculture 🌾 and human developments 🏘. This taxonomically and ecologically distinct bird is all black with a slight blue gloss, short bill, legs and tails. Unlike other blackbirds it is mostly found feeding high in the trees 🌳 in montane forest. It feeds by pecking, like a woodpecker, in bromeliads, lichens and mosses, but will also probe tree bark and cavities for beetles 🪲 and caterpillars 🐛 . This bird is more likely to be heard than seen. Its song is a wheezy whee-whee-oooo; common call is a squeaky wheet. 🎶
Learn more about this fascinating bird here. This species was also an inspiration for an amazing bird song album by our partner Shika Shika, undertaken to raise funds to protect endangered birds in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean – check out the project and songs here.
✨Together with our on-the-ground partners we work to protect incredibly unique birds like the Jamaican Blackbird that are threatened by habitat loss. Please consider making a contribution and give the gift 🎁 of birds to future generations.
Five Golden Swallows
🎄The fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me…Five gold rings 🎶. But you’re not a materialistic person, nor can you tolerate the environmental impact that comes with the extraction of precious metals 💍, so you looked your lover 💞 in the eye and said “Honey, I’d rather see gold in its natural form – take me birding for Golden Swallows!”
The upperparts of male Golden Swallows often appear golden ✨ but are ever-changing as they fly around and catch the sunlight ☀️ at different angles. In a few seconds you might observe a blue-ish 🔵 sheen changing to a golden iridescence that then changes to an olive-green 🟢! Their underparts are white with dusky bronze-green wings and tail. The female on the other hand, is duller, with some gray-brown mottling on the chest.
One can spend hours ⏳ watching and being entertained by these amazing birds as they twist 🔀, turn ⤴️ , and dive ⤵️ through the air with incredible grace and precision. They feed on airborne insects like beetles 🪲 and wasps.
The Golden Swallow has disappeared from the island of Jamaica 🇯🇲 and is restricted to patches of montane pine forest🌲in Hispaniola. They have possibly disappeared from Jamaica due to lack of food. Insect populations have been steadily decreasing 📉 due to destruction of native habitats as well as the widespread use of chemicals to kill insects ☠️. The good news is that everyone can help by planting native plants 🌱 at home. Native plants attract native insects, and these insects provide lots of food for MANY different bird species 😃.
Learn more about the Golden Swallow and access free activities and resources here. Read about our VP 👨🏻💼 Justin Procter’s quest to find the Golden Swallow in Jamaica’s Ram Goat Cave.
Six Songbirds Singing – Summer Tanager
🎄The sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Six Geese-a-laying🎶. While we often think of egg-laying as a beautiful, miraculous event (and it is), have you given any thought to the size of those eggs and the mechanics involved🤔? Needless to say, six geese-a-laying won’t be a peaceful scene, but rather a headache of hissing and honking 📣. Let’s reduce holiday stress where we can and consider down-sizing to six songbirds singing 🎶 instead.
‘Songbirds’ are beautiful passerine birds with melodious songs, a great example is the Summer Tanager. This neotropical migrant has strawberry 🍓 coloured plumage and is quite vocal. Its call is described as pi-tuck or pi-ti-tuck or ki-ti-tuck while its song is similar to that of an American Robin with a series of warbling phrases.
The Summer Tanager is one of many songbirds illegally captured 📦 in Cuba for the pet trade. Although it has a beautiful song, this bird is mainly captured for its ornamental beauty. Sadly, many migratory songbirds like the Indigo Bunting and Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and resident/ endemic birds like the Cuban Bullfinch and Cuban Grassquit, are targeted by trappers for their singing abilities.
Songbird competitions are very popular in Cuba 🇨🇺, Trinidad 🇹🇹, and Venezuela 🇻🇪 , with betting and cash prizes 💰 for the best singer. These birds are inhumanely trapped using cages with lures, perches covered with glue, and nets. Many die from the process or soon after due to improper care. The surviving birds are readily offered for sale on social media 📲 platforms reaching more potential buyers. The songbird trade is rampant in the Caribbean and is emptying our forests of both song and life 😞.
ℹ️ For more information about the alarming numbers of birds illegally captured in Cuba and our proposed strategies to combat this unsustainable and cruel trade please read our investigative report.
This crisis can end with your support 🙌🏽! Please consider making a contribution here. Your gift will help us in our appeals to local governments to enforce the laws mandated to protect birds, help our partners develop a national media campaign, and create other livelihoods like eco-tourism 🏞.
Seven Parrots Squawking – St. Vincent Parrot
🎄The seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Seven Swans a-Swimming🎶. Swans 🦢 are the universal symbol of grace and beauty🪞. But here in the Caribbean, Christmas is a time for noisy merriment and flocking together 🎊 so we present you with Seven Parrots Squawking!
The striking Saint Vincent Parrot 🦜 is the national bird of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 🇻🇨 and is endemic to the island. If you look carefully, it has the yellow 🟡, blue 🔵 and green 🟢 colours of the national flag, making it extra special to Vincentians!
There are two colour morphs for this uniquely coloured parrot: yellow-brown (more common) and green. Both have pale heads and bronze-colored underparts, a blue, yellow and orange tail, and green-and-blue flight feathers.
The Saint Vincent Parrot can be found in mature rainforest 🏞 along western and eastern slopes of the island’s central mountain range and, occasionally, in nearby cultivated lands. They are loud birds with an impressive vocal repertoire, so listen for their call 🎶 in the early morning ☀️ or late afternoon when they are most active! Males and females look similar and are usually seen flying in pairs but have been observed in flocks foraging on fruits 🥭, seeds, flowers 🌺 and leaves.
Its small population of around 850 birds has been slowly increasing however, this vulnerable parrot suffered devastating habitat loss and food scarcity after the La Soufriere volcanic eruptions 🌋 earlier this year. With assistance from BirdsCaribbean donors and other partners, the St Vincent Forestry Dept has been working hard to assess the status of the parrot and restore habitat.You can help to save this iconic bird from extinction. ✨.
Click here for more facts, to listen to its call, and free Saint Vincent Parrot themed activities 🧩 for adults and children!
🎄The eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Eight Maids-a-Milking🎶. In 15th and 16th century England, the phrase “let’s go-a-milking” was a euphemism for “let’s get married.” 💍 We’re going to update this to the 21st century with a spunky yet elegant Caribbean bird and give you Eight Thrashers Thrashing! While you may not want these birds in your house at Christmas time, they certainly are dashing 🎩!
The White-breasted Thrasher, with a chocolate brown 🟤 back, striking white chest, and piercing red 🔴 eye, was described by James Bond as “one of the rarest birds in the West Indies.” Not surprisingly, Bond was onto something! Found only in Saint Lucia 🇱🇨 and Martinique 🇲🇶, where it is known as Gòj Blan and Moqueur Gorge Blanche, respectively, there are fewer than 2,000 thrashers left. White-breasted Thrashers also display a unique behavior called cooperative breeding, where they delay independent breeding, and instead help their parents in raising their siblings – how lucky for Mom and Dad 😊!
The White-breasted Thrasher population is thought to be declining 📉 due to increased predation by non-native invasive species, such as rats 🐀 , domestic cats 🐈 , and mongoose. Our incredible partners in Saint Lucia safely continued their critical work throughout the pandemic and recorded a total of 19 White-breasted Thrasher nests in 2020 🏆
✨Learn more about this unique and endangered species here.
For more information on the White-breasted Thrasher Species Recovery Plan and field work by our partners 📑, supported in part by BirdsCaribbean donors , click here.
Nine Flickers Flicking – Fernandina’s Flicker
🎄On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, nine drummers drumming🎶. But of course no drum sticks or snare drums 🥁 showed up, because your true love has style 😎, and appreciates nature’s real drummers – the woodpeckers! So pop some aspirin 💊 and get ready for the ensuing explosive sound of nine Fernandina’s Flickers tearing apart your house’s 🏠 new cedar wood siding.
The island of Cuba 🇨🇺 is home to one of the world’s most threatened flickers – the Fernandina’s Flicker. The male has a buff-cinnamon head with fine black ⚫️ streaking. It has a distinct black malar stripe, sometimes with a red tinge. This mark is absent ❌ in the female. Chin and throat are heavily but finely streaked black. Its bill is black, long, pointed and curved. Its body and tail are largely barred mustard yellow 🟡 and black.
Interestingly you’re likely to see this woodpecker foraging on the ground, in open woodlands and savanna-palm 🌴 habitats, for insects 🕷 , seeds, and worms 🪱 . Pairs nest in both live and old hollowed-out palms and share these breeding trees with other secondary cavity nesting birds such as the American Kestrel, and fellow-endemics the Bare-legged Owl 🦉 and Cuban Parakeet 🦜. During the breeding season, however, the West Indian Woodpecker and Fernandina’s Flicker fight for nesting sites 😠, even though the nesting holes were most likely excavated by the West Indian Woodpecker! The West Indian Woodpecker is very territorial, they will even destroy eggs 🥚 and remove chicks 🐣 of other secondary nesting birds, including those of the Fernandina’s Flicker!
Its population is estimated at no more than 400 pairs with the largest occurring in the Zapata Swamp. It was once common across Cuba but habitat loss due to logging and conversion for agriculture 🌱 have resulted in its patchy distribution. Another major driver is loss of prime nesting sites when dead palms are cut down to illegally collect parrots and parakeets for the pet trade 😞. Learn more about this Cuban endemic here.
Ten Plovers Piping – Piping Plover
🎄On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Ten Pipers Piping🎶. But we’re still in a pandemic 😷 and, where you are, gatherings might be restricted 🚫. Instead we present you with 10 Plovers Piping 😀.
Small, chubby, and adorable ☺️, the Piping Plover is a sand-coloured shorebird with white underparts, a black ⚫️ neck band, orange 🟠 legs, and a short stubby beak. Most striking of all, its dark round eyes that give it that “I’m a good cuddler” look. They have a two-part piping whistle 🎵 that drops in pitch, pwee-doo.”
The Piping Plover breeds in North America but heads south for the winter 🌎. They do not go as far south as other shorebirds, instead they stop off in The Bahamas 🇧🇸 , Turks and Caicos Islands 🇹🇨 and Cuba 🇨🇺 . You are most likely to find them on open sandy beaches, wetlands, and mudflats feeding on small invertebrates. It is also a pretty clever feeder. On the beach 🏝 , after a wave 🌊 rolls up and leaves a glassy film, the Piping Plover will extend one foot slightly forward and vibrate it against water-saturated sand bringing invertebrates in the sand to the surface before pecking 🍽.
Developments on beaches 🏙 and lake shores mean Piping Plovers have lost some of their breeding habitats and are now far less common than they used to be 😔. Nesting areas on beaches are now often protected ⚠️ from disturbance to try to help the population grow.
Making sure they have safe places to feed and rest 💤 in the Caribbean during the winter is also important. Click here for some tips on how you can #ShareTheShore with these lovable little shorebirds. And learn more about the Piping Plover and access free activities and resources here.
Eleven egrets dancing – Reddish Egret
🎄The eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, eleven ladies dancing 💃🏻. Your true love 💗 may have been trying to pull a fast one, knowing all too well that the men usually dance to get the ladies’ attention in the animal kingdom! In the spirit of gender equality, you both get in on the dancing 💃🏻🕺🏻, showing off snazzy moves inspired by Eleven Egrets Dancing.
The Reddish Egret is a relatively large and elegant 🪞 bird known for its entertaining feeding behavior – often described as a ‘drunken dance’ 🍻 – running through shallow water with long strides, staggering sideways, leaping in the air ⬆️, raising one or both wings, and abruptly stabbing at fish 🐠 . Holding its wings over the water while hunting is thought to reduce glare and help the egret more accurately sight 👀 and spear its prey – or maybe it’s to regain its balance, we’re not sure! 🤔
During the 1800s this egret and others were hunted almost to extinction for their beautiful feathers 🪶, used to adorn ladies’ hats and other apparel! Thankfully, two women jump started a conservation movement which put an end to the slaughter. You can learn all about this fascinating history in our webinar: https://bit.ly/Killer-Fashion
Reddish Egrets come in two morphs: the dark morph, with shaggy reddish head 🔴 and neck and slate gray body (more common in the southern U.S. and Mexico); and the more rare white morph, with entirely white plumage ⚪️ (more common in the Bahamas 🇧🇸 and Greater Antilles). Breeding adults of both morphs have a two-toned bill, pinkish at the base and black at the tip.
The Reddish Egret is our rarest and least-studied Ardeid (Family of herons, egrets, and bitterns) – the total population is estimated at only 7,000 to 11,000 birds. It is a Species of Conservation Concern.
✨ Learn more about the Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) here and show your support for our citizen science programs like the annual CWC, which gathers critical data to conserve the Reddish Egret and many other threatened birds.
Twelve Whistlers Whistling – West Indian Whistling-Duck
🎄On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, twelve fiddlers fiddling🎶. A kind gesture, but you’d think that after all this time your true love would have recognized your greater appreciation for acapella-style whistling. It’s an acquired taste that only a refined individual like yourself 😎 could truly appreciate. So redirect those fiddlers to the neighbor’s house 🏡 , and head over to a nearby pond to enjoy a musical production 🎭 of Twelve Whistlers Whistling!
We thought it fitting to bring our 12 Birds of Christmas to a close with the grace of the West Indian Whistling-Duck 🦆 . You can only hear the hauntingly beautiful calls of this Caribbean bird at twilight 🌅, when the sun begins to dip toward the horizon. West Indian Whistling-Ducks often remain hidden during the day, roosting in mangrove trees 🌳 or other vegetation, and become active at sunset when they feed.
This gorgeous mostly-brown duck was once common, but populations are now very small 📉 and isolated on each island. Destruction of wetland habitats, illegal hunting, and invasive predators (like mongoose) have all contributed to the decline of this species.
The West Indian Whistling-Duck is our flagship species for the conservation of mangroves and wetlands throughout the West Indies! We have a fun curriculum, “Wondrous West Indian Wetlands—Teachers’ Resource Book,” 📖with many hands-on activities 🧩 to learn 🧠 about wetlands and birds, and other resources available on our website. 😉
You can also visit our webpage for more facts, to listen to its song, and free West Indian Whistling-Duck themed activities for adults and children! 😃
And now our 12 Caribbean Birds of Christmas Advent calendar is complete!
The online Seabird Fest on December 2 really made waves! It was a tremendous success, with a substantial participation by over 50 partners and individuals involved in seabird research and monitoring. The online meeting, over two hours long, was a sweeping and extensive overview of BirdsCaribbean’s Seabird Working Group’s (SWG) activities and findings, followed by a discussion on ways in which its members’ work can be strengthened. Reports came in from islands off the coast of Yucatan (including the Isla Contoy National Park, or Island of the Birds) to Bermuda, the Grenadines, and all the way to the offshore islands of Venezuela – and many islands in between.
Seabird Fest 2021 Group Photo on Zoom
A Caribbean Seabird Census?
The SWG is hoping to organize a major seabird monitoring effort in 2023, along the lines of the Caribbean Waterbird Census. A major part of the Seabird Fest was not only to report on activities and results, but also to seek ideas on the way forward, especially in regard to the proposed count. The goal was also to obtain feedback from partners on their needs and challenges. Would it be training, personnel, funds – or all of the above?
What is the Seabird Working group?
Rhiannon Austin, a seabird ecologist working in the UK Overseas Territories since 2015, gave a short introduction to the work of the SWG. Its core objectives are to connect people, share knowledge, promote conservation, and advocate for seabirds. In the past year the SWG has done a revamp of its web pages, updated its database, and is seeking to create new ways of sharing information – for example, they now have a Facebook group and have launched a Seabird Newsletter. And funding and support is always needed!
Seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds in the world, both at sea and on land.
Participants in a Seabird-focused Workshop in San Salvador, 2013 (Photo by Jennifer Wheeler)
Building capacity to study, monitor and conserve Caribbean seabirds
Grenadian biologists conducting a seabird survey at Diamond Rock (Photo by A. Mitchell)
There are some 23 resident seabird species in the Caribbean – not all regularly monitored. There are some gaps in information. At the Seabird Fest, participants shared updates on the work they have been doing and the status of seabirds in their area. Most of the published information only extended up to 2012, so updates were greatly needed.
Austin noted that many partners need help with planning, as well as support for seabird research, education and training. With this in mind, a series of workshops and webinars is planned for 2022.
Cats, rats, and humans – a problem for nesting seabirds
Tweet shared during Miguel Landestoy’s presentation on seabird monitoring in the Dominican Republic – Seabird Fest 2021
As each island reported on its progress, it became apparent that partners involved in seabird monitoring had several issues in common. Invasive species and human disturbances were of concern in almost all the territories, including Dominican Republic, where Miguel Landestoy reported that surveys of inland salt ponds where Least Terns breed can only be done on foot. From the offshore islands of Belize, however, Dominique Lizama was happy to report that Half Moon Caye is “rat-free.” In the Cayman Islands, where seabird monitoring by the Department of Environment is supported by the Darwin Plus Project, cats remain a significant problem. On Anguilla, mouse eradication has been successful but the work continues to prevent reinvasions.
As noted, there are information gaps in some islands, for example in Trinidad and Tobago, where there is no national monitoring of the four species that breed there, according to Shivam Mahadeo. There are many challenges in the Grenadines also, where there are more than eighty islands, islets and cays with three globally important seabird colonies and more than 18 of regional significance. The islands have 12 breeding species and a number of non-breeding and migrant species. What a task to monitor them all!
The impact of climate change
Some islands face even greater challenges, many due to aspects of climate change. Dominica, for example, currently has no seabird monitoring on the island; Hurricane Maria in 2017 had a very negative impact on White-tailed Tropicbird colonies and seabird records were all lost in the storm. Bermuda’s report was mixed: its population of Common Terns has been badly impacted by numerous storms, and sea level rise has also affected breeding sites. Anguilla is also suffering from coastal flooding.
Seabirds are under pressure in many areas. For example, in Turks and Caicos Islands, where there are very large numbers, tourism development is taking place on many of the cays, while up to date information and management plans are needed. In the US and British Virgin islands, the numbers of boobies have “crashed.” Developments and the inability to monitor privately owned islands is an issue in some areas.
A busy Working Group with good news to report
However, the seabirds are fighting back, thanks to SWG members: the Bermuda Petrel or Cahow has benefited from a sixty-year long recovery program, now with 155 breeding pairs. Sixty years is truly long term! Their White-tailed Tropicbirds make up the North Atlantic’s largest breeding population, supported by no less than 800 artificial nests of fiber glass, installed on cliffs.
Bermuda Petrel (Cahow) chick receiving a health check on Global Big Day, Nonsuch Island, Bermuda (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
A Bermuda Petrel, also known as a Cahow. (Photo by Andrew Dobson)
SWG members are working hard. In the French Caribbean, partners are working on a Seabird Atlas, which includes a summary of all historical data of the 20th/21st centuries. The Environmental Awareness Group in Antigua (with 51 offshore islands) reported that it is conducting training and capacity building of volunteers and members of its bird club, who conduct surveys as citizen scientists. The UK territory of Montserrat, covered by the Darwin Plus Project, has been conducting surveys and has recently rediscovered a previously known nesting site of the Audubon’s Shearwater during a boat survey.
More resources needed – including funding!
For many of the islands, financial and trained human resources are in short supply. For example, in St. Kitts and Nevis, there is a need for equipment and boat time, according to Lynelle Bonaparte. Similarly, Dr. Ann Haynes Sutton reported from Jamaica that monitoring of its 14 breeding seabird species is “very much constrained” and funding is badly needed for training. Cuba also reported that it requires more technical personnel for monitoring, and funding to support field work. In Puerto Rico, funds are needed for boat time and to pay surveyors; training is also a great need.
Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean Lisa Sorensen wrapped up the lengthy session by encouraging participants to give talks, write articles, make videos, and raise awareness of seabirds in their countries. She also reminded partners to make sure to record sightings on eBird Caribbean.
BirdsCaribbean is committed to supporting all its Working Groups, and looks forward to working with them in 2022. If you would like to assist the Seabird WG in any way, you may contact them on their home page or via Facebook. We wish the Seabird WG all the best for the New Year as they get into their boats to go checking on those seabirds!
A BIG thank everyone that presented and participated in the Seabird Fest webinar of 2 December, 2021. Thanks also for taking the time to look through your data and share your work. We found it very exciting to learn about what is happening on the islands: despite many difficulties, there is a lot of work being done! We will soon share a written report summarizing all the information shared. If you missed the Seabird Fest, you can watch it here: n the meantime, you can watch the recording here.
Thanks also to EPIC (Environmental Protection in the Caribbean) for co-hosting the Seabird Fest with us!
We are following up on the suggestions made during the Seabird Fest and will organize quarterly online meetings to catch up and chat.
Today, we’re in search of a Green Mango – and we don’t mean the well-known tropical fruit! The Green Mango (Anthracothorax viridis) is one of two endemic hummingbird species that inhabit Puerto Rico – the other being the Puerto Rican Emerald (Chlorostilbon maugaeus). A total of five hummingbird species can be found on the island, but they are segregated by geographical areas, elevations, habitats and preferences for flower resources. The Green Mango is a forest specialist, look for it in montane habitats, forest edges, and shade coffee plantations of the central and western parts of the island.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Green Mangos love to feed on nectar! Why not try making this hummingbird feeder? You can can fill it with home-made nectar, and hang in your garden to keep the hummingbirds well fed. Be sure to follow our nectar recipe carefully so that your hummingbirds get the correct levels of sugar in their food! Not in Puerto Rico – the home of these beautiful endemic hummingbirds? No problem, hummingbirds that live near you will love this feeder! Hang it out, fill it with nectar and see who comes to visit for lunch. Remember that this activity involves using scissors and an electric drill, so you will need an adult to help with making this. 
Stop, Look and Listen.
Zoom In.
Read Up.
Find your Flock!
Make your Yard Bird-friendly.
Bring the Birds to You!
Talk the Talk.
Take Notes.
Respect. 
Practice, Practice, Practice . . . and Have Fun!
