Category: James A. Kushlan Fund

BirdsCaribbean is pleased to announce the 2024 cohort of grantees under two prestigious named awards, the David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds, and the James A. Kushlan Research and Conservation Fund.

These twelve projects aim to advance the study and conservation of avifauna in seven different Caribbean countries: Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico (offshore islands in the Caribbean Sea), St. Eustatius, and The Bahamas.

In this article you can read about the exciting plans proposed by each awardee. Stay tuned for results and accomplishments featured in future issues of the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology, blog articles, and presentations at our upcoming 24th BirdsCaribbean International Conference in Dominican Republic this summer.

Congratulations to these outstanding researchers and conservationists from our BirdsCaribbean community!

David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds

Establishing baselines in research, data and science for birds (BiRDS for birds) in The Bahamas

Dr Ancilleno Davis, Science and Perspective & University of The Bahamas

Baselines in Research, Data, and Science for birds (BiRDS for birds) is a program to establish baseline data for bird diversity, population estimates, and research or scientific standards that can be applied to research and conservation activities throughout The Bahamas. The program will provide training in the use of bird monitoring protocols and access to optical equipment to local students along with opportunities to participate in wildlife assessments. It is expected that this project will improve local biodiversity knowledge, and ultimately, will help trainees to have better opportunities for obtaining jobs in conservation in The Bahamas and insular Caribbean.

Distribution shifts of the Oriente Warbler: species assessment in Villa Clara province, Cuba

Claudia Mantilla, Center for Environmental Studies and Services of Villa Clara, Cuba

The Oriente Warbler (Teretistris fornsi) is endemic to central-eastern Cuba. In recent years, occasional sightings have been recorded in provinces outside its known range, such as south of Cienfuegos and north of Villa Clara. In this project, Claudia will conduct population surveys and bird banding to understand the species’ distribution in the westernmost part of the central region of the country (Matanzas, Cienfuegos, and Villa Clara), where it also overlaps with the congeneric Yellow-headed Warbler (T. fernandinae). The goal of this study is to determine the ecological requirements of the Oriente Warbler in order to promote the conservation of its habitat, since only 16% of its distribution is within protected areas.

Understanding the importance of a small urban park for conserving migratory and resident bird species in Havana

Daniela Ventura, University of Havana, Cuba

Havana is home for 47% of the bird species of Cuba, and is an important stopover and wintering site for migratory birds. Research efforts have been conducted in green spaces located in the less densely populated municipalities of the capital. Thus, to obtain a better understanding of urban bird communities within Havana, Daniela plans to expand a banding scheme initiated as part of BirdsCaribbean’s Caribbean Bird Banding Network to the Quinta de Los Molinos Park. Specifically, she intends to evaluate the migration phenology of Neotropical migratory birds that use the site as a stopover or wintering area, and determine the survival and overall physical conditions of migrant and resident bird species. The project will provide an indirect measure of the importance of urban forest fragments for supporting biodiversity, and will increase the awareness of park visitors about the need to protect wild birds.

Raising awareness and education on the endangered Jamaican Blackbird in a National Park

Justin Saunders, BirdLife Jamaica

In this project, Justin and a team of collaborators from BirdLife Jamaica, aim to create an innovative public education campaign to raise awareness about the endangered Jamaican Blackbird (Nesopsar nigerrimus) and its habitat in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. The project includes the development of educational signs within the park and the creation of a basic virtual tour to engage a broader audience. The educational outcomes will be evaluated at educational events at the park. The plan will be implemented in partnership with the Jamaica Conservation Development Trust, Jamaica Environment Trust, and the National Environment Planning Agency.

Conservation ecology of the Puerto Rican Oriole

Michael Ocasio, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Conserving Caribbean island endemics, like the Puerto Rican Oriole (Icterus portoricensis), requires an increased and specific understanding of the threats faced by these species. Notably, the Puerto Rican Oriole has shown worrying signs of reproductive challenges, including high rates of brood parasitism and low reproductive success. In this project, Michael aims to assess the oriole’s population dynamics through point counts, banding, radio tracking, and nest monitoring across different habitats and elevations. His results on the species abundance, survival, and reproductive success will contribute to the Puerto Rico State Wildlife Action Plan, the USGS list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need, and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, while also fostering collaborative and effective conservation efforts in the Caribbean.

Investigating male and female vocalizations of an understudied endemic Caribbean songbird in Puerto Rico

Michelle Moyer, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

The Puerto Rican Oriole (Icterus portoricensis), one of 18 endemic species on the island of Puerto Rico, remains significantly understudied. Improving our understanding of how the orioles use sex-specific songs is necessary to develop effective conservation management plans. Preliminary work in 2023 indicated that male and female orioles may sing different songs, but at similar rates. Increasing the sample size by recording additional individuals is crucial for gaining an accurate understanding of the singing behavior of this species. Through this project, Michelle will engage undergraduate students from the University of Puerto Rico in point counts and mist-netting, and intends to co-develop management strategies in collaboration with Para La Naturaleza.

Understanding the social and spatial organization of the Palmchat in the Dominican Republic

Qwahn Kent, Princeton University

In this project, Qwahn aims to investigate the social and spatial organization of the Palmchat (Dulus dominicus), a communally breeding bird endemic to Hispaniola. The Palmchat plays a crucial role in the ecosystem—it disperses seeds and provides nesting sites for several species, including the critically endangered Ridgway’s Hawk, which nests on top of Palmchat nests. Qwahn will band individual Palmchats and will use a social network analysis to understand their complex organizations. Morphological features of nesting trees will be measured, and a machine learning algorithm will be developed to predict Palmchat nest locations. This research has conservation implications, since the spatial organization of Palmchat nests and their movement patterns influence both patterns of seed dispersal, as well as nest site availability for the hawks.

Help the Bridled Tern return to Isla Contoy National Park, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Jonathan Nochebuena, Mexican Association for the Conservation of Birds and their Habitats (AMCAH)

The Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) breeds on Isla Contoy, a small Island off the Caribbean coast of Yucatan, Mexico, which is considered a site of international importance for the conservation of seabirds. In 2019, AMCAH started a project to protect the terns’ nesting areas, with the support of park managers and the local group Friends of Isla Contoy. This new project intends to continue the monitoring and banding efforts with community participation, and to develop measures to help increase the species’ population. This initiative will also help raise community awareness about threats to seabirds in general.

James A. Kushlan Research and Conservation Fund

Avifauna of Las Balsas wetland, Gibara, Holguín, Cuba

Ailen Anido, Museo de Historia Natural Joaquín Fernández de la Vara, Gibara

The wetland Balsas de Gibara in Holguin consists of a large area of mangroves, coastal lagoons, mudflats, and salt marshes located between two rivers that flow into Gibara Bay. High concentrations of waterfowl have been reported in this site, including new bird species for Cuba. Ailen and her team will carry out an inventory of the birdlife of this important site using BirdsCaribbean’s Caribbean Waterbird Census protocols. They will train local residents in bird identification and survey techniques to engage them in the field work throughout the year. She also intends to increase awareness of the high ecological value of this protected area by promoting sustainable practices, such as the creation of a birdwatching club and bolstering bird and nature tourism.

Update of the status and trends of American Flamingos in Cuba

Susana Aguilar, University of Havana

The Cuban population of the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), the only flamingo distributed through the Caribbean, is one of the most important in the region. The species depends on estuaries and saline lagoons, making it vulnerable to climate change. In this project, Susana seeks to update the information about the status of the American Flamingo in the island by assessing its current distribution, and estimating its abundance and number of nests in the breeding sites. She and her team will carry out field expeditions to verify new potential nesting sites in remote coastal wetlands of central Cuba, using drones in their surveys. Results are expected to contribute to the improvement of management decisions for the species in Cuba.

Characterization of the community of aquatic birds associated with the wetland of the San Miguel de Parada Fauna Refuge

Yanelis Sánchez, Empresa Flora y Fauna, Santiago de Cuba

Cuban wetlands are important stopover and wintering areas for numerous species of migratory waterbirds. However, they are increasingly being polluted by industrial discharge of solid and liquid waste, like the case of San Miguel de Parada Wildlife Refuge in the province of Santiago, Cuba. Yanelis will be conducting monthly surveys in this wetland throughout the year to determine the composition and structure of the waterfowl community. Moreover, she intends to identify and monitor nesting colonies from May to June, describe their habitat characteristics, and assess the breeding success for different species. As part of the project, she also wants to promote the recovery and conservation of the Santiago de Cuba Bay by implementing effective management actions and educational campaigns.

Enhancing conservation initiatives for Red-billed Tropicbirds in Boven National Park, St. Eustatius

Jethro van’t Hul, St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA)

The Red-Billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus), an iconic seabird species with striking red bills and long tail streamers, faces imminent threats to its population on the Caribbean island of St. Eustatius. Previous research estimated only 300-500 breeding pairs. Through this study, Jethro aims to reassess the population on Pilot Hill, and compare counts with a second study site on the cliffside area of Boven National Park where no data has been collected previously. Monthly surveys will be conducted in both locations, and video recordings will be taken to estimate the number of potential nesting pairs in a section of the Boven cliffs. His goal is to obtain a more accurate population estimate of nesting pairs to support further conservation efforts in Boven National Park.

Are you working on, or planning a research or conservation project with Caribbean birds?

Jennifer Mortensen, from the University of Arkansas, retrieving camera trap data with a team of conservationists from the Saint Lucia Forestry Department, including Stephen Lesmond, Therence Eugene, Jeannette Victor, and Jonathan Cornibert (from right to left).

Our next call for proposals will be advertised in the fall of 2024. Members of BirdsCaribbean conducting research and conservation work are eligible to apply. Stay informed and don’t miss our announcements by subscribing to our monthly newsletter, joining our Listserv, and following us on social media (@BirdsCaribbean on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Linked In).

BirdsCaribbean thanks our generous donors for supporting these awards, and encourages others to donate to these programs, as well as to consider endowments or other large awards to ensure that our vital grants programs can continue indefinitely. You can help us to continue supporting these invaluable projects by making a donation here.

If you prefer to donate via check, please make this out to “BirdsCaribbean” and in the memo section, note the fund you are donating to. If you have questions, or would like to make other arrangements for donating, feel free to contact Jennifer Wheeler, BirdsCaribbean Financial Officer (jennifer.wheeler@birdscaribbean.org). Checks can be mailed to: BirdsCaribbean, 841 Worcester St. #130, Natick, MA 01760-2076

BirdsCaribbean Awards Grants for Ten Projects to Study and Conserve Birds

BirdsCaribbean Awards David S. Lee Fund Grants for Nine Projects to Study and Conserve Caribbean Birds

January 30, 2024

2023 was a Fulfilling Year of Progress, Building, and Empowerment

October 13, 2023

Call for 2024 Proposals Now Open: BirdsCaribbean’s Grants for Research and Conservation

February 28, 2023

BirdsCaribbean Awards Grants for Ten Projects to Study and Conserve Birds

BirdsCaribbean is pleased to announce the 2023 cohort of grantees under our three named awards, the David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds, the Betty Petersen Conservation Fund, and the new James A. Kushlan Research and Conservation Fund.

These are ten exciting projects that promote the study and conservation of avifauna in six different Caribbean countries. A total of $74,500 was awarded to these projects through the three funds. Learn here about each recipient’s proposed plans, and stay tuned for results and accomplishments featured in future Journal of Caribbean Ornithology and blog articles.

Congratulations to these outstanding researchers and conservationists from our BirdsCaribbean community, we wish you all the best and can’t wait to hear about your results!

Betty Petersen Conservation Fund

Ridgway’s Hawk Conservation and Education Project in Haiti

Anderson Jean, Action pour la Sauvegarde de l’Ecologie en Haïti (ACSEH)

The Ridgway’s Hawk (Buteo ridgwayi), found only on the island of Hispaniola, is one of the most endangered raptors in the world. It is estimated that there are fewer than 400 individuals remaining. Only two populations were known from the Dominican Republic, until 2019 when Anderson and biologists from ACSEH discovered the hawks on Petite Cayemite Island, located off the coast of southwestern Haiti. Since then, they have found more individuals and breeding pairs. These funds will allow the extension of surveys to the larger island of Grand Cayemite. To address anthropogenic threats to this Critically Endangered species, the team will initiate an educational campaign directed at local communities, especially schoolchildren and farmers. Outreach materials will be distributed in the communities and a special curriculum will be presented in two local schools. The project will also organize, for the first time, a Ridgway’s Hawk Festival in May, in collaboration with the mayor and government officials of Les Cayemites.

Birdwatching movement in Cuba as a way to improve the knowledge of Cuban avifauna and promote conservation efforts based on citizen science

Yaro Rodríguez, Cuba Birders Club

Illegal trapping and trafficking of wild birds in Cuba have long been a serious problem in Cuba. However, due to the rise of social media and economic problems caused in part by the pandemic, it has recently reached a crisis point, with tens of thousands of residents and migratory birds captured every year. Yaro along with partner Nils Navarro plan to address this critical problem through growing a nascent bird watching movement in Cuba. These new birders will a) help to put pressure on the authorities to enforce laws protecting wild birds, and b) provide valuable citizen science data to eBird Caribbean, thereby increasing our knowledge of the status and trends of Cuban birds, including further identification of hotspots for endemism and migration stopover sites. The project will provide binoculars and training to community and group leaders that will engage in bird monitoring and share the data through eBird Caribbean. The teams will grow local birding clubs and raise awareness in communities throughout Cuba of the need to protect birds and their habitats through community education and social media. They also plan to increase the interest of participants in birdwatching by organizing a second Cuban Big Year for 2024.

Promoting conservation of birds and nature on St Maarten through education, birding, and bird guide training

Kevin Sammy, Nature Foundation St. Maarten (NFSM)

Many of the local population on St Maarten did not receive education in relation to local flora and fauna, and therefore feel little responsibility to protect the environment. Conservation and preservation efforts have proven to be challenging when community members are not in touch with the importance of a balanced ecosystem, and therefore don’t value local natural resources. Introducing and connecting others to and educating them on the beautiful bird populations on the island form the foundation on which to build preservation efforts. Nature Foundation Sint Maarten will recruit and train local people to become birdwatchers and bird guides with the goal of increasing awareness of the importance of protecting bird species and their habitats as well as supporting sustainable livelihoods. The trainees will participate in an intensive workshop, led by trainer, Binkie Van es, (graduate of our Caribbean Birding Trail Guide Training Program) to learn about the island’s flora and fauna. In addition, trainees will receive birding equipment and educational resources to help them in their work as guides and to conduct annual bird counts. Participants will be able to practice their skills in a new bird observation deck planned to be built this year. In addition, a public awareness and education campaign will be launched that includes talks and field trips with youth and communities.

Facilitating community involvement in Pawi (Trinidad Piping-Guan) research and conservation

Mark Hulme, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago

The Critically Endangered Trinidad Piping-Guan or Pawi, is Trinidad’s only endemic bird. Its population has been estimated at only 77 to 231 individuals, restricted to moist forested habitats. The main threats to the species are illegal hunting, disturbance, and habitat destruction through quarrying, logging, agriculture, and construction. Mark’s project aims to recruit members of communities in and close to the habitat to participate in the first species survey in 20 years, and foster enhanced awareness of the Pawi and involvement in its conservation. Community members will receive training in Passive (remote) Acoustic Monitoring, a technique that works well for sparse and cryptic arboreal birds. In addition, the recordings will provide them with a soundscape of all the wildlife in their landscape for other research projects, to develop a sense of pride, and for other uses, such as education and ecotourism.

Bird Conservation in the Botanical Garden: Publication of a new field guide

Lourdes Mugica, University of Havana, Cuba

Cuba’s National Botanical Garden is a crucial institution to promote bird conservation in Havana city since it receives 300,000 visitors annually. In surveys initiated in 1983, members of the Ecology Group of the University of Havana have reported 125 bird species in the garden’s diverse landscape that covers almost 500 ha. This funding will cover the printing costs of an exciting new field guide, Aves del Jardín Botánico Nacional de Cuba (The Birds of the National Botanic Garden of Cuba), and other educational materials, including a bird identification card, a checklist, and a map of the trails. With this project, Lourdes and her colleagues want visitors to experience birdwatching firsthand, learning about the many endemic, resident, and migratory birds that live in or visit the garden seasonally. Their ultimate goal is to increase awareness and appreciation of Cuba’s incredible avifauna, to help reduce local threats such as trapping and keeping wild birds in cages as pets.

Does Los Roques Archipelago continue to be a safe place for breeding colonies of seabirds of Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, and Audubon’s Shearwater in the Caribbean?

Josmar Márquez, AveZona

Los Roques Archipelago, off the coast of Venezuela, is an important breeding site for seabirds, including the Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, and Audubon’s Shearwater, with more than 12,000 nesting pairs reported overall. However, the sustainability of these breeding colonies is threatened by a growing tourism industry. Josmar, along with partners from AveZona and other Venezuelan NGOs, proposes to conduct intensive seabird surveys to determine the population sizes and reproductive success of these species, with the aid of camera traps in nests and drones to reach remote areas. Moreover, they will be engaging people from the local communities in the counts, by providing educational materials, training on seabird identification and conservation, and even reaching out to hotels and inns to provide birdwatching opportunities as an income source.

Reproductive management with artificial nests and its effect on the populations of Psittacidae in the Pico Cristal National Park. Cuba

Inés Fernández, Flora and Fauna Enterprise, Santiago de Cuba

The Cuban Parakeet and Cuban Parrot are two threatened endemic species confined to small remnant forest fragments mainly in protected areas in Cuba. However, they maintain their degree of threat, due to all the negative actions to which they are subjected. These include loss of their natural habitats, and illegal hunting and capture for the pet trade. Inés will work on the implementation of an Artificial Nests Program to collect information about the breeding biology of both species in Pico Cristal National Park in eastern Cuba. The project will include a strong educational component for the communities surrounding the park, including the preparation and dissemination of brochures, manuals, and posters, and the recruitment of local residents to be monitors and technicians that will oversee the protection of these ptsittacids. A national awareness campaign will extend through mass media, including TV, radio, and newspapers, to discourage the illegal capture of these birds.

David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds

Establishing a long-term bird banding station in the National Botanical Garden in Havana, Cuba

Daniela Ventura del Puerto, University of Havana

Neotropical migrants have shown steep population declines since the 1970s. These include a diversity of migratory passerines that spend the winter months in the Caribbean region. In addition, the current status of resident bird populations in Cuba is poorly known, and there are no reliable demographic estimates due to very few marking and monitoring methods and their integration into a system that allows large-scale analysis. This makes it difficult to assess impacts on bird populations from loss and damage to habitats, illegal hunting and trade, and many other threats. Daniela proposes to establishing a permanent bird banding station in the National Botanical Garden in Havana. Her objectives are to 1) evaluate the migration phenology of Neotropical bird species that stop over or winter at the gardens, 2) describe the molt strategies and assess the physical condition, survival, and demographic parameters of both migratory and resident birds, 3) describe the reproductive phenology and population dynamics of the resident and endemic birds, and 4) build capacity among undergraduate and graduate students and volunteers in Cuba through their participation in the bird banding and monitoring activities. Daniela recently completed BirdsCaribbean Monitoring Training and Bird Banding Training workshops and is an active member of BirdsCaribbean’s new Bird Banding Network. The banding and monitoring data will provide invaluable quantitative data to evaluate species population trends and fill gaps in our knowledge of natural history and migration and breeding ecology of many resident and migratory birds.

Investigating male and female vocalizations of an understudied endemic Caribbean songbird

Michelle Moyer, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

The Caribbean has eight endemic species of orioles, with half of them considered globally threatened. The Puerto Rican Oriole, is one of eight species of Icterids endemic to the Caribbean, but its behavior, ecology, and conservation status are understudied. In addition, this species and others are threatened by human-caused habitat loss and degradation, introduced invasive species, and climate change, including increasing severe hurricanes and drought. This study intends to compare the singing behavior of males vs females, to understand aspects of its breeding behavior, including pair-bond maintenance, and territoriality in Hacienda La Esperanza, northern Puerto Rico. Individuals from different territories will be identified with the aid of colored and aluminum leg bands, to allow a quantitative analysis of their songs using the software Raven Pro. Knowledge of song rates (both males and females) has the potential to vastly improve population estimates, since point counts are based largely on auditory detection of songs.

James A. Kushlan Research and Conservation Fund

First Field Inventory of the Avifauna in Los Colorados ́s Archipelago, northwestern Cuba

Ivalut Ruiz, Managed Resources Protected Area, Cuba

Los Colorados, north of the province of Pinar del Río, is the least explored of the four Cuban archipelagos. Its 28,260 ha were designated as a protected area as recently as September 2021. Ivalut proposes to determine the bird species richness and distribution, and identify the most important nesting, roosting, and feeding areas. This pilot study will help design a long-term monitoring protocol emphasizing the breeding season of species that are particularly vulnerable to climate change, like the Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), whose nesting areas are determined by modifications to sandbars. The data will also allow the development of conservation strategies that can be used by the Protected Area Managed Resources agency and the selection of the best site for the establishment of a field station. The project will engage local residents, particularly by increasing their awareness of the need to protect bird species and their habitats, and how to generate income from nature tourism.

Are you working on or planning a research or conservation project with Caribbean birds? The next call for proposals will be advertised in the fall of 2023. Members of BirdsCaribbean conducting research and conservation work are eligible to apply. Stay informed and don’t miss our announcements by subscribing to our monthly newsletter, joining our listserve and following us on social media (@BirdsCaribbean on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Linked In).

BirdsCaribbean thanks the scientists and conservationists that provided thoughtful and constructive review of the proposals. We are also indebted to our generous donors for making these awards possible. We are pleased and proud to be able to support a diversity of projects in the Caribbean that advance the development of young Caribbean wildlife professionals and contribute to the conservation of Caribbean birds.

If you would like to help us support future projects, please click here to donate. We also encourage you to consider endowments or other large awards to ensure that our grants programs can continue long into the future.

If you prefer to donate with a check, please make the check out to “BirdsCaribbean” and in the memo section, note the fund you are donating to. If you have questions or to make other arrangements for donating, please feel free to contact Jennifer Wheeler, BirdsCaribbean Financial Officer (jennifer.wheeler@birdscaribbean.org)

Checks can be mailed to: BirdsCaribbean, 841 Worcester St. #130, Natick, MA 01760-2076

October 21, 2022

Call for 2023 Proposals Now Open: BirdsCaribbean’s Grants for Research and Conservation

October 2, 2022

James A. Kushlan Research and Conservation Fund to Support Research on Caribbean Waterbirds

BirdsCaribbean is delighted to announce its very first endowed fund, the James A. Kushlan Research and Conservation Fund.

The Fund will provide support on an annual basis for biological, ecological and conservation research on waterbirds in the Caribbean region.

“This is a first for us, a tremendous donation for BirdsCaribbean, and a great opportunity to promote waterbird research in the region,” said Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean Lisa Sorenson, expressing her appreciation for the donation.

“We are very much looking forward to receiving proposals from the Caribbean and to awarding our first grant this fall. We will be announcing a call for proposals in the next couple of weeks.”

Through this generous donation by Dr. Kushlan, BirdsCaribbean will award a competitive grant every year to a deserving waterbird project, based on written proposals. Calls for proposals will advertise the size of the grant (~$4,000 to $4,500), which will provide funds up-front for a project and not require matching funds. Grants will be awarded to anyone (individuals or organizations) without restriction as to academic credentials or affiliation. Applicants from the Caribbean will be given consideration over other nationalities. Studies on rare, endemic, resident, and at risk species and studies leading to their conservation in the Caribbean will be prioritized.

Dr. James A. Kushlan is a distinguished ornithologist, writer, educator, and conservationist, with long ties to BirdsCaribbean and the region through his research on waterbirds and as a co-member of The Waterbird Council. Professionally, he has served as research associate at the Smithsonian Institution, director of Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, professor of biology at the University of Misssissippi and Texas A&M, and wildlife biologist with the U.S. National Park Service. He is the author of ten books and over 250 technical papers and articles.

Dr. Kushlan has served as president of the American Ornithologists’ Union (now American Ornithological Society) and Waterbird Society. He is the founder and past chair of Heron Conservation (the IUCN Heron Specialist Group), the North American Waterbird Conservation Initiative and Waterbird Conservation for the Americas, the Bahamas Environment Fund, and the Bird Conservation Alliance, and was a founding member of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative and Wetlands International. Visitors to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, Florida, may explore the Kushlan Bird Walk, supported by the James A. Kushlan .

Tricoloured Heron with a fish — Waterbirds like this Tricolored Heron, photographed in Cuba, will benefit from research funding through our new Kushlan Fund. (Photograph by Aslam Ibrahim)

“The focus of my studies and conservation work in the Caribbean has been on waterbirds, including wading birds such as herons, storks, and ibises,” said Dr. Kushlan. “Many waterbird species are under threat due to habitat loss, climate change, and other factors. I hope that these funds will encourage Caribbean conservationists to conduct some ground-breaking research into these fascinating birds, which deserve greater attention.”

Category: James A. Kushlan Fund

Year in Review 2024: A Year of Resilience, Achievements, and Bird-filled Adventures!

Call for 2025 Proposals Now Open: BirdsCaribbean’s Grants for Research and Conservation

BirdsCaribbean Awards Grants for Twelve Innovative New Projects to Study and Conserve Birds

2023 was a Fulfilling Year of Progress, Building, and Empowerment

Call for 2024 Proposals Now Open: BirdsCaribbean’s Grants for Research and Conservation

BirdsCaribbean Awards Grants for Ten Projects to Study and Conserve Birds

Call for 2023 Proposals Now Open: BirdsCaribbean’s Grants for Research and Conservation

James A. Kushlan Research and Conservation Fund to Support Research on Caribbean Waterbirds

Fantastic fifteen for the Caribbean Waterbird Census

Big Day got even BIGGER!

We made BirdsCaribbean history in the Dominican Republic!

Shorebirds need more love!

Birds and bugs: A perfect pairing for conservation!

Six more reasons to celebrate Caribbean endemic birds

New resources to keep you informed and inspired

Training champions for birds and conservation

Our Caribbean Landbird Monitoring Program continues to build regional conservation capacity!

Weathering the Storm: Resilience in the Face of Climate Change

We recognized and celebrated our committed conservation community!

Without a doubt, we are #StrongerTogether

Farewell to some true bird conservation legends

Looking ahead: Big things are coming in 2025!

Thank You for an Incredible Year!

Seeking Donors

Establishing baselines in research, data and science for birds (BiRDS for birds) in The Bahamas

Distribution shifts of the Oriente Warbler: species assessment in Villa Clara province, Cuba

Understanding the importance of a small urban park for conserving migratory and resident bird species in Havana

Raising awareness and education on the endangered Jamaican Blackbird in a National Park

Conservation ecology of the Puerto Rican Oriole

Investigating male and female vocalizations of an understudied endemic Caribbean songbird in Puerto Rico

Understanding the social and spatial organization of the Palmchat in the Dominican Republic

Help the Bridled Tern return to Isla Contoy National Park, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Avifauna of Las Balsas wetland, Gibara, Holguín, Cuba

Update of the status and trends of American Flamingos in Cuba

Characterization of the community of aquatic birds associated with the wetland of the San Miguel de Parada Fauna Refuge

Enhancing conservation initiatives for Red-billed Tropicbirds in Boven National Park, St. Eustatius

Are you working on, or planning a research or conservation project with Caribbean birds?

Focus on one adorable but elusive waterbird…

Looking for landbirds…

We were out and about again! Celebrating our beautiful endemics

On the Caribbean Birding Trail in Turks and Caicos

Bonding over Bird Banding! Workshop #2 in the Dominican Republic

Caribbean bird banders have gone abroad!

Seabirds under pressure

More direct funding for research and conservation work!

Have we forgotten something? Oh, yes…

Networking is key…

Seeking Donors

Ridgway’s Hawk Conservation and Education Project in Haiti

Birdwatching movement in Cuba as a way to improve the knowledge of Cuban avifauna and promote conservation efforts based on citizen science

Promoting conservation of birds and nature on St Maarten through education, birding, and bird guide training

Facilitating community involvement in Pawi (Trinidad Piping-Guan) research and conservation

Bird Conservation in the Botanical Garden: Publication of a new field guide

Does Los Roques Archipelago continue to be a safe place for breeding colonies of seabirds of Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, and Audubon’s Shearwater in the Caribbean?

Establishing a long-term bird banding station in the National Botanical Garden in Havana, Cuba

Investigating male and female vocalizations of an understudied endemic Caribbean songbird

First Field Inventory of the Avifauna in Los Colorados ́s Archipelago, northwestern Cuba

Learn more about the eligibility criteria of each program by visiting their respective websites.

Seeking Donors

Further details on when and how to apply will be supplied in an announcement in early October.