The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology (JCO) continues to publish peer-reviewed research that advances our understanding of Caribbean birds and ecosystems, providing critical insights for conservation. In this annual roundup, the JCO staff is proud to highlight the outstanding work of researchers across the Caribbean.
Volume 37 features a wide range of studies, including population dynamics, habitat use, bird behavior, and monitoring methods. Of the 13 articles, four focus on nocturnal or elusive species, providing valuable information for conservation planning. This issue also reflects JCO’s deep ties to the Caribbean bird science and conservation community, as reflected in two In Memoriam tributes to Virginia Sanz D-Angelo and Orlando Garrido, two esteemed ornithologists who passed away this year. Additionally, Steven Latta contributes another installment of “Recent Ornithological Literature” and three insightful book reviews.
We are deeply grateful to our dedicated team of editors, reviewers, copyeditors, translators, proofreaders, and production specialists, whose hard work ensures the continued excellence of our publications. We also extend our appreciation to the 77 authors who entrusted JCO to share their open-access research. With the support of our non-profit partner, BirdsCaribbean, JCO remains committed to fostering early-career researchers, publishing content in three languages, and maintaining an open-access archive dating back to our very first volume in 1988. Join us in sustaining this vital resource—become a JCO supporter today!
Christopher C. Rimmer, Nicasio Viña Davila, John D. Lloyd, Yves Aubry, Carmen Placencia León, Yasit Segovia Vega, Freddy Rodríguez Santana, Jose Ramon Fuentes, and Alejandro Llanes Sosa
The elusive Bicknell’s Thrush breeds in a narrow corridor along the eastern U.S. and Canada and overwinters exclusively in the Greater Antilles, primarily in Hispaniola. However, other islands, including Cuba, also play a key role in its wintering habitat mosaic. In this paper, Chris Rimmer and colleagues present findings from their long-term research on Bicknell’s Thrush in Cuba, which began in the late 1990s. Their study maps the species’ distribution and assesses its status in Cuba, providing valuable insights into how to protect this vulnerable migratory bird throughout its annual cycle..
Leanne A. Grieves, Quinlan M. Mann, Michael J. Morel, and James S. Quinn
National parks and wildlife refuges play a vital role in conserving native birds, especially endemic and endangered species. The Puerto Rican Nightjar, once believed to be extinct from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, now thrives in a network of state forests in southern and southeastern Puerto Rico. In this research note, Grieves and colleagues document the first confirmed sightings of the Puerto Rican Nightjar within the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. Their findings underscore the importance of protected areas for species recovery and highlight the need for further surveys to assess the nightjar’s population status and habitat use.
Some widespread species remain poorly studied, like the elusive Stygian Owl. This owl has a fragmented distribution across Central and South America and the western Caribbean. The Cuban subspecies, A. s. siguapa, inhabits Isla de la Juventud, a special municipality south of mainland Cuba, but is rarely observed. In this research note, Amaro-Valdés shares new insights into the species, including descriptions of its nest and eggs, diet, and distribution on the island. These observations contribute valuable knowledge to the life history and ecology of this mysterious Neotropical owl.
Luis A. Ramos-Vázquez, Nahíra Arocho-Hernández, Cielo Figuerola-Hernández, José L. Herrera-Giraldo, Eduardo A. Ventosa-Febles, Ana M. Román, and Silmarie Padrón
Just off the west coast of Puerto Rico lies Desecheo Island, a small, uninhabited island managed as a National Wildlife Refuge. Home to several seabird species, the island also harbored invasive mammals that preyed on breeding birds. After an extensive eradication effort, Desecheo was declared free of invasive mammals in 2017, allowing seabird populations to recover. In this article, Ramos-Vázquez and his team report the first evidence of Audubon’s Shearwaters nesting on the island, marking a hopeful sign for the species’ future in the region.
Howard P. Nelson, David N. Ewert, Mark Hulme, Daniel J. Lebbin, Jennifer Mortensen, Holly Robertson, Bonnie Rusk, Lisa Sorenson, Ann M. Haynes-Sutton, Adrianne Tossas, Amy Upgren, George E. Wallace, Maya Wilson, and Eleanor S. Devenish-Nelson
Determining which conservation issues to prioritize is a critical first step in protecting species, especially in the Caribbean, where endemic and threatened birds face multiple, interconnected threats—including habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. In 2022, the Endemic and Threatened Species Working Group (ETSWG) conducted a survey to assess conservation priorities for Caribbean birds and evaluate the region’s capacity to address these challenges. In this conservation report, ETSWG members share key findings from the study and outline recommendations to strengthen avian conservation efforts in the Caribbean.
Thomas W. Sherry, José González Díaz, Felisa Collazo Torres, Raúl A. Pérez-Rivera, Justin Proctor, Herbert Raffaele and Adrianne Tossas
Endemic species often serve as symbols of national pride, inspiring appreciation and conservation efforts even among those with little connection to nature. The Puerto Rican Tody—a tiny, vibrant, and charismatic bird—belongs to the Todidae family, which is found only in the Caribbean. However, its scientific name is misleading and geographically inaccurate. How did this Puerto Rican endemic end up with a name referencing Mexico? And could this misnomer impact national pride and conservation efforts? In this Perspectives and Opinions piece, Sherry and colleagues unravel the history behind this taxonomic mix-up and discuss its potential implications, as well as possible solutions to set the record straight.
Historical misidentifications and taxonomic mysteries can persist for centuries, shaping our understanding of species past and present. One such enigma is Gosse’s Blue Partridge, a bird reportedly observed in Jamaica in the 1700s and later described by naturalist P.H. Gosse in the 1800s. With no confirmed sightings since, the species remains an open question—was it a now-extinct bird, or a misidentification of an existing species? In this Perspectives and Opinions piece, Levy and Koenig revisit this ornithological puzzle, examining 18th-century illustrations and historical records to shed new light on the identity of Jamaica’s mysterious “Blue Partridge.”
The JCO is proud to present a comprehensive volume of conference proceedings from BirdsCaribbean’s 2024 International Conference. Held in Santo Domingo and co-hosted by BirdsCaribbean and Grupo Jaragua, the conference united researchers, conservationists, and bird enthusiasts under the theme “From Mangroves to Mountains: Safeguarding Our Avian Treasures.”
From Mangroves to Mountains – Explore JCO Special Issue Vol. 37!
Over five days of engaging presentations—plus pre- and post-conference workshops and field trips—more than 300 delegates from 31 countries shared their research, exchanged ideas, and strengthened networks for Caribbean bird conservation. The conference proceedings, available as a Special Issue in Volume 37, serve as a lasting reference, featuring over 170 pages of contributions from keynotes, workshops, roundtables, symposia, and oral and poster presentations. Fully bilingual (English and Spanish), this issue highlights the latest advancements in ornithology and conservation across the region.
Book Authors: Martín Acosta, Lourdes Mugica, and Karen Aguilar
Book Review by: Steven C. Latta
Front and back covers of the book of the National Botanic Garden of Cuba. The Green Woodpecker, on the front cover, is the only representative of the Cuban endemic genera living in the garden.
Book Authors: Arne Witt, Mike Picker, and Kirsty Swinnerton
Book Review by: Steven C. Latta
RECENT ORNITHOLOGICAL LITERATURE (ROL) FROM THE CARIBBEAN
This annual compilation, curated and annotated by Steve Latta, highlights the most important ornithological articles published in other journals. The Recent Ornithological Literature (ROL) section serves as a valuable resource for researchers, conservationists, and bird enthusiasts by summarizing key studies on Caribbean birdlife. This collection ensures that the latest scientific findings remain accessible to those working to protect and understand the region’s avian diversity.
Article by
Zoya Buckmire – Lead Copy Editor for the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology;
Stefan Gleissberg – Managing and Production Editor for the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology
The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology relies on donations to keep our publications free and open-access. Your support helps give a voice to Caribbean ornithologists and their critical research while ensuring that conservation knowledge is accessible to all. Join us in sustaining this vital resource—become a JCO supporter today!
Antigua and Barbuda’s EAG step up their CWC efforts with a training event. (Photo by Sherrel Charles)
Cheers to our Sweet Sixteen! That’s how many years we’ve been tracking waterbird populations across the Caribbean with the Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC)! Our 2025 regional count took place from January 14th to February 3rd, and as always, we were thrilled to see so many of our partners, friends, and colleagues jumping in to contribute to this invaluable long-term dataset by counting waterbirds in their local wetlands!
Keep reading for some exciting 2025 CWC highlights, from the wonderful birds seen to the dedicated survey teams who ventured out to their favorite Caribbean wetlands. Each and every survey contributes to a meaningful impact—thank you to everyone who helped make our 2025 CWC a success!
Training for success in Antigua
To kick off a successful CWC regional count, the team at the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) began by recruiting andtraining new citizen scientists. They brought together a diverse group of participants—from complete beginners to seasoned birdwatchers—and equipped them with the skills to collect vital data at various wetland sites across Antigua! This inclusive approach ensured that all participants, regardless of their experience level, were empowered to gather accurate, valuable data that will support conservation efforts and guide effective management.
Shanna explains bird ID at Mckinnons Pond. (Photo by Sherrel Charles)
Yellow-crowed Night Heron. (Photo by Miquel Garcia)
Time for a group selfie at McKinnons Salt Pond. (Photo by Auriel Horsford Hunte)
Identifying waterbirds at CWC counts on Antigua. (Photo by Shanna Challenger)
Ruddy Turnstone. (Photo by Miquel Garcia)
It’s never to early to start learning waterbird ID. (Photo by Sherrel Charles)
The training began with a classroom session, on January 29th at the Antigua State College (ASC) Conference Room. New birders were introduced to the basics of bird identification while experienced members of the Wadadli Warblers Birding Club enjoyed a helpful refresher. Led by Offshore Islands Conservation Programme Coordinator Shanna Challenger, the session focused on key features for identifying common waterbirds and seabirds. This was followed by three days of outdoor birding sessions where participants learned to use binoculars and identify different shorebirds and seabirds at the McKinnon’s Salt Pond. Not only did this initiative strengthen the incredible Wadadli Warblers club, but it also contributed valuable data to the eBird database! Welcome to the CWC team!
Wide participation in Puerto Rico
From San Juan in the north to Jobos Bay in the south, participation in the regional count was stronger than ever in Puerto Rico! The amazing coverage and number of CWC lists we have gathered over the years is a testament to the power of citizen science! Don’t believe us? Check the hotspot map of Puerto Rico in eBird for wetland areas! Here are some highlights from Puerto Rico’s 2025 count:
San Juan Bay: In February, SOPI (Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña Inc.) collaborated with Comunidad Peninsula de Cantera to organize a CWC survey within the Estuary of the San Juan Bay, with logistical support from the San Jose Fisherman Cooperative. The count covered the easternmost mangrove forests of the San Jose Lagoon and Pinones Lagoon, with 10 participants, including SOPI members, taking part in the survey.
Surveying in San Juan estuary. (Photo by Emilio Font SOPI)
San Juan Bay. (Photo by Emilio Font SOPI)
The SOPI survey team. (Photo by Emilio Font SOPI)
It’s important to keep your strength up on waterbird counts. (Photo by Emilio Font SOPI)
Emilio Font, executive director or SOPI, shared that “even as these lagoons continue to experience the unregulated discharge of pollutants and the inadvertent presence of alligators from the pet trade, there was a significant presence of avian species now absent or reduced in other coastal areas in the island.” It’s good to hear that the birdlife of this area is still thriving, but these ongoing threats underscore the importance of continuing CWC monitoring to track these populations.
Jobos Bay: Heading south Carmen Maldonado and her sister Erika Enid volunteered with SOPI to carry our CWC counts at Cayo Caribe and Jobos Bay, in the towns of Guayama and Salinas. The counts were conducted by boat, allowing them to spot a wonderful variety of shorebirds, seabirds, waterbirds, and endemics; including Lesser Yellowlegs, Clapper Rails, several tern species, and both the Puerto Rican Woodpecker and Flycatcher.
Out in the bay doing CWC surveys by boat. (Photo by Carmen Maldonado)
At Cayo Caribe. (Photo by Carmen Maldonado)
Vegetation around Jobos. (Photo by Carmen Maldonado)
Cabo Rojo: In the southwest, Cabo Rojo is a vital haven for shorebirds and is a designated site of regional importance within the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN)! Luckily, Nahíra Arocho-Hernández and her team were on hand to carry out CWC counts at both Cabo Rojo and Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuges (NWR). As Nahíra points out this monitoring is not just important for understanding the birds and their habitat use, but it also provides “a great opportunity for our volunteers to participate in the surveys and learn to identify the different species of waterbirds, shorebirds, and seabirds”.
Pelicans seen during surveys at Cabo Rojo. (Photo by Nahira Arocho Hernandez)
Counting shorebirds. (Photo by Nahira Arocho Hernandez
The elusive Wilson’s Snipe. (Photo by Luis Ramos)
Alongside volunteers Eduardo Cardona and Luis Ramos from the Gulf Restoration Office, Nahíra recorded 26 species at Cabo Rojo, including migratory birds like Black-bellied Plover and Ruddy Turnstone, as well as nesting Brown Pelicans (23 adults and 10 juveniles). At Laguna Cartagena, exciting sightings included a Sora, Limpkin, and the elusive Wilson’s Snipe!
Looking for shorebirds, Campaña, Vieques (Photo by Daphne Gemmill)
Vieques: Covering the east, Daphne Gemmill of the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust, shared news of the CWC surveys on Vieques. While CWC counts have been regularly conducted on Vieques, this was the first year observers in Vieques have actively participated in the regional count. They put in a phenomenal effort with 15 observers carrying out 30 water bird surveys!
In a fantastic showing, they counted an impressive 71 species, including 32 waterbirds. Overall, 1,800 birds were counted, with over 1,000 of them being shorebirds, underscoring Vieques’ importance for both migratory and resident shorebirds. Highlights included the uncommon Least Grebe with young, 63 Brown Pelicans in their breeding colony, rare Sora Rails, and five extremely rare White-tailed Tropicbirds.
Small but mighty in Statia
The story from St. Eustatius is another example of a small island making a big impact! Jethro van ‘t Hul shared that the STENAPA team conducted counts around the island at the 15 sites they established in 2024. CWC counts are regularly carried out at these sites year-round, reminding us that CWC monitoring extends beyond the regional count period from January to February! During this year’s regional count, they also took part in a boat tour around the entire island to see what seabirds were encountered and to survey nesting habitats for Red-billed Tropicbirds. They confirmed several roosting sites for Brown Pelicans, Brown Boobies, and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Additionally, the team spotted a Peregrine Falcon perched in a remote cave!
Nesting Red-billed Tropicbird. (Photo by Jethro van ‘t Hul)
A Brown Booby. (Photo by Jethro van ‘t Hul)
A vagrant who might be ready to settle down?
Northern Pintail spotted on Bonaire. (Photo by Susan Davis)
Down on Bonaire, Susan Davis shared some fascinating sightings from the regional count. She mentioned that Bonaire was home to a remarkable variety of ducks, many of which were overwintering rather than just passing through on their way to South America. Among the highlights, Susan spotted a rare Northern Pintail, marking the first sighting in over 20 years! She also observed large numbers of Lesser Scaups, Northern Shovelers, and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. Interestingly, breeding White-cheeked Pintails were also spotted—an unusual occurrence for Bonaire, as they typically breed later in the year.
Greater Ani spotted by Susan with a twig in December last year. (Photo by Susan Davis)
But one bird, in particular, had Susan really intrigued. During her counts she caught sight of a Greater Ani. This odd looking member of the cuckoo family is a rare vagrant on Bonaire with only a handful of previous sightings. This wasn’t the first time Susan has seen a Greater Ani recently. Back in December she also saw this species. Could her ‘CWC’ bird be the same individual? Back then, the Ani was carrying a twig! Was it building a nest?
The Greater Ani has never been known to breed on Bonaire, but seeing one transporting nesting material to a prime location—deep foliage overhanging water—is a promising sign. Does this mean there are other Anis on Bonaire? Or is this individual simply optimistic about future arrivals? Ani’s breed cooperatively and share nests, so it might be a while before enough birds show up for them to become a breeding species on the island. But stay tuned to Susan’s blog, where she is sure to provide any updates on this out-of-towner!
A Greater Ani
Although not strictly a ‘waterbird’ we think this beautiful pale eyed, black bird with its blue-green sheen deserves to be an ‘honorary waterbird’ due to its preference for river, lake and mangrove areas. Find out more about this species here.
The Caribbean Waterbird Census is an ongoing, long-term survey effort that provides important data that helps us keep track of the birds using Caribbean wetlands, understand the threats they face, and raise awareness. We are incredibly grateful for every single CWC count completed during the annual three-week regional census in January and February. 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 conduct a CWC count at any time throughout the year! CWC counts at Caribbean wetlands are valuable year-round and add to our knowledge of the resident and migratory birds that use them. Just be sure to use a CWC protocol in eBird Caribbean when entering your data every time you do a count at a Caribbean wetland, and do your best to do a complete count, i.e., record all the birds you see and hear.If you need help with your shorebird and waterbird ID you can check our resources page and take a look at our short ID videos on YouTube!
Find out more about the CWC program HERE and stay tuned for exciting developments on how to take part in the CWC on eBird- coming soon!
WE enjoyed seeing your posts on social media! here are a few hightlights
Are you looking for a tropical escape to one of the world’s ‘birdiest’ countries? Would you like to travel with a top-tier guide and support Caribbean bird conservation at the same time? If so, you’re in luck! This September, you can join Ernesto Reyes, a Cuban bird guide and longtime member and supporter of BirdsCaribbean, on his 2025 trip to Colombia. The trip will take place from September 5th to 15th.
What can you expect on this South American birding adventure?
Green-and-black Fruiteater. (Photo by Ernesto Reyes)
Colombia is not only one of the most biodiverse countries in the world—it’s also the country with the largest species list—with a whopping 1,966 species, including 79 endemics and 135 near endemics!
Explore some of Colombia’s picturesque habitats including high elevation paramo, foothill cloud forests, low elevation dry forest, and habitats along the Pacific coast. Visit feeders and see some of South America’s renowned jewels from a diverse array of glittering hummingbirds to a spectacle of tropical tanagers. Not to mention, this trip includes opportunities to see both charismatic and secretive species like toucans, parrots, tinamous, antpittas, and a diverse array of wetland birds.
You’ll also learn about local conservation projects and meet members of the local communities facilitating these efforts. And, as those of you know from our Cuba tours, traveling with Ernesto is sheer joy—you will definitely enjoy your time birding with him at some of the most exciting birding hotspots in Colombia.
Travel with Ernesto and support Caribbean bird conservation
Lesser Violetear. (Photo by Ernesto Reyes)
Ernesto has been a long-time friend and supporter of BirdsCaribbean. He guides our Cuba birding tours and receives rave reviews for his excellent knowledge of birds, history, and culture, and for his kindness and good humor.
For every person who signs up for this trip after reading our blog, Ernesto will donate $100US to BirdsCaribbean. When you register, be sure to mention that you found out about the tour through BirdsCaribbean. Please copy our Operations Manager, Alexia Morales, on your email to Ernesto and/or take a screenshot of your registration and send to Alexia (Alexia.Morales@birdscaribbean.org), for tracking purposes.
Thank you, Ernesto, for your invaluable support in helping us achieve our Caribbean bird conservation goals!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to increase your life list and see birds you’ve seen on National Geographic specials and dreamed of seeing yourself. Sign up today and don’t forget to mention that you’re signing up “in favor of BirdsCaribbean” on your registration form!
Colombia is a beautiful country because of its landscape, its people, and its BIRDS!
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager. (Photo by Carlos Roberto Chavarria)
A common open country bird of the Colombian and Ecuadorian Andes, The Scrub Tanager is most often encountered in solitary pairs, although it occasionally joins other species at fruiting trees.
A Columbian endemic, the Grayish Piculet can be found in humid forest, second growth scrub, and woodland of the northwestern region of the country. (Photo by Timo Mitzen, ML 548536411)
An arrestingly beautiful hummingbird, the Velvet-purple Coronet can appear all dark in low light, but its iridescent blue-purple body absolutely dazzles when seen well!
The striking Blue-necked Tanager sports a brilliant blue or violet hood, black back, broad black breast band, and greenish straw wing coverts.
The Orange-bellied Euphonia is usually found in pairs or small groups, and typically feeds relatively low above the ground.
White-bellied Woodstars hover with a slow, bumblebee-like flight, allowing them to discreetly sip nectar from territories claimed by other hummingbirds.
Three-striped Warbler is a target species for day two of the tour, a trip to Bosque de niebla, a natural reserve in the Valle del Cauca recognized for hosting a species not so easy to observe and photograph.
2025 Tour with Ernesto and E&T Tours
September 5 – 15, 2025 – just 5 spaces left, register now!
When you register, be sure to mention that you found out about the tour through BirdsCaribbean. Please copy our Operations Manager, Alexia Morales, on your email to Ernesto and/or take a screenshot of your registration and send to Alexia (Alexia.Morales@birdscaribbean.org), for tracking purposes. Thank you!
This April, as the Caribbean transitions from the golden warmth of the dry season to the lush green embrace of the wet season, the spirit of community rises to honor the incredible diversity of our iconic bird species. Join us for another unforgettable Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) where the wonder of birds meets the heart of island culture.
CEBF begins on April 22nd (Earth Day) and runs through May 22nd (International Biodiversity Day). This annual regional festival raises awareness of the amazing birds that live only in the Caribbean—their natural history, the threats to their survival, and how we can act to protect them and ensure that they thrive for generations to come. This year’s theme is “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities.”
What’s good for the birds will be good for humans
Creating bird-friendly cities and communities is crucial for addressing the decline in bird populations caused by threats like habitat loss, predation, and climate change. The small size of many Caribbean islands makes the preservation of green spaces even more critical, as urban areas are often closely linked to natural habitats like forests and wetlands.
The Grenada Flycatcher is a landbird that is endemic to both St Vincent and Grenada. These two were spotted at the Botanical Gardens of St Vincent and the Grenadines. (Mike Akresh)
The West Indian Woodpecker is another Caribbean endemic that can be spotted in botanical gardens in The Bahamas, Cuba, and Cayman Islands. (Photo by Roberto Jovel ML458058091)
The Yellow-billed Parrot, one of two endemic parrots in Jamaica, often spotted in Kingston at Hope Botanical Gardens. (Photo by Leo Douglas)
These shared spaces not only protect birdlife, but also offer significant benefits for people; improving mental health, providing recreational opportunities, and mitigating the impact of extreme heat. Imagine having a calm, cool refuge right in your community, a place to escape the sweltering Caribbean sun, or a serene space to simply be at peace and slow down your racing thoughts. By nurturing both our natural environments and human well-being, we ensure a more sustainable future for all.
“Although it can be challenging to inspire people to act for the planet as a whole, birds provide an opportunity to take concrete actions that truly make an impact,” shares Eduardo Llegus, Co-Regional Coordinator of the CEBF. This CEBF, we invite you to join us in creating bird-friendly cities and communities. You can help by planting native trees and plants, reducing the use of pesticides, installing birdhouses and feeders, and advocating for green spaces in your communities. By integrating these green spaces into our cities and communities, we can create interconnected corridors that provide birds with the shelter, food, and safe routes they need as they move between mountain peaks and mangroves. Every small step builds toward a greater movement for birds—get involved today!
Students plant a tree at St. Martin Primary School, Dominica.
Vibrant events across the Caribbean to connect with nature and community
If it’s one thing that’s true about Caribbean people: wherever we go we bring the vibes—and that’s exactly what our enthusiastic CEBF island coordinators and educators do with a vibrant mix of in-person and online events. These celebrations attract thousands from diverse backgrounds, eager to explore unique ecosystems, exchange knowledge about birds, and strengthen their connection to their natural heritage. From birdwatching trips and workshops to arts and crafts, bird fairs, habitat clean-ups, and birdscaping local spaces with native plants: there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Yaritza Bobonis with Lola the Puerto Rican Parrot mascot. (Photo by Fundación Amigos De El Yunque)
Practice makes perfect! Students learn to use binoculars during the Floating Classroom field trip. (Photo by EAG)
Young girls learning about the endemic animals of St. Martin. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
A young member of the Piping Pawis team birdwatching in Brasso Seco, Trinidad for Global Big Day. (Photo by Giselle Ragoonanan)
Children flying their bird kites in Cuba (Photo by Kenia Mestril Cosme)
Enjoying Cuban endemic bird art for CEBF 2018 in Cuba.
How long is your wingspan? A young girl measures her arm length against a banner with various bird wing lengths printed on it. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
Student bird poster on display at the Botanical Gardens, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Grupo Acción Ecológica)
A young girl plays a bird game during the CEBF festivities as a member of the Luis-Munos Marin Foundation looks on. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves Rodriguez)
Youth enjoying bird games offered by the University of Havana Bird Ecology Group. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
Mark your calendars and plan to attend
Our coordinators and educators are currently planning exciting agendas, fun activities, and mapping the best endemic birding route. Events will be held throughout April and May, so be sure to use our CEBF Coordinators Directory to connect with local conservation organizations and find out what’s going on near you! If you’re part of an organization and would like to be added to the directory, reach out to us today.
While most events are free to attend, we kindly ask that you consider making a donation to support the host organization. Regardless, your presence is what matters most, and they will be happy to have you join the celebration.
Got a serious case of FOMOOTCEBF (fear of missing out on the CEBF)? Sign up for our mailing list HERE to ensure that you get the latest CEBF event calendar news, and find out first about the fantastic celebrations happening on your island.
Can’t make it out to an event? We’ve got you covered! We have lots of activities on our website and on our YouTube page: quizzes, ‘Draw and Color Caribbean Birds’ and origami tutorials, scavenger hunts, upcycled crafts, outdoor games, and many more that you can do in small or large groups.
Handmade and decorated birdhouses by secondary school students in Barbuda. (Photo by BarbudanGO)
Don’t forget to tag us in your photos and videos @birdscaribbean on social media with #CEBF #FromTheNest
Learn about Caribbean birds through art
The CEBF team has been busy preparing another stellar line-up for Endemic Birds of the Day! Our lips are sealed when it comes to this year’s selected species, but we are more than thrilled to share that Cuban ornithologist, photographer and scientific illustrator, Arnaldo Toledo, is currently busy sketching birds and mixing colors to create this year’s endemic bird coloring pages!
Artist Arnaldo Toledo at work.
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.
Arnaldo skilfully captures the beauty of our natural world. His drawings bring a sense of wonder, joy, and appreciation for nature in children and adults. He shares, “it brings me joy to be able to share about the potential of this discipline in aiding conservation efforts and advancing knowledge of Caribbean birds.”
Alongside Arnaldo’s drawings, we will provide natural history information, range maps, puzzles, photos, videos, and activities, all designed to stimulate curiosity, creativity, and enjoyment for both adults and children.
Become a friend of the festival
The Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival is not just an event—it’s a celebration of nature, a chance to learn more about the incredible birds that call our region home, and an opportunity to connect with the environment in meaningful ways. By supporting this festival, you’re helping us keep vital resources available for both children and adults, ensuring that everyone has access to valuable information on how to protect our feathered friends and preserve their habitats.
Your support makes a real difference in making these educational materials, workshops, and events free and accessible to all. Every contribution counts, and we are deeply grateful for your support. If you’d like to help make a lasting impact, you can make a secure and convenient donation today by clicking HERE.
Or donations can be made via mail. Please make checks payable to: BirdsCaribbean, 841 Worcester St. #130, Natick, MA 01760-2076
What does it take to update a guide to over 400 bird species on one of the Caribbean’s most biodiverse islands? Arturo Kirkconnell, co-author of the recently released Second Edition of Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba, shares his journey to update the island’s first field guide, the challenges he faced, and his most memorable birding moments in this exclusive BirdsCaribbean interview.
Cuba’s diverse ecosystems and unique geography make it a haven for birdlife, with over 400 recorded species—including 29 found nowhere else on Earth, and 21 classified as globally threatened. For birdwatchers, the island is a treasure trove of avian wonders, from the dazzling Cuban Tody to the flocks of migratory birds that winter here each year. As the island’s birdwatching community continues to grow, enthusiasts now have a vital new resource—the updated Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba.
The second edition, co-authored by Arturo Kirkconnell and the late Orlando Garrido, features a complete redesign with 95 color plates and over 700 images, showcasing birds in male, female, and juvenile plumages. Alongside detailed species accounts, range maps, and key identification features, the guide now includes crucial information on breeding and winter plumages, making it an indispensable tool for identifying both resident and migratory birds.
In this interview, Kirkconnell reflects on his early birding experiences, the complexities of updating the guide, and the advice he’d give his younger self—offering a behind-the-scenes look at the journey that brought this new edition to life!
Author of Second Edition Field Guide to Birds of Cuba, Arturo Kirkconnell.
Book and Process of Updating the Guide
What inspired you to update the Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba, and how is it different from the original edition?
The first edition was 25 years old and needed updating, especially the range maps, bird descriptions, taxonomic changes, and new records for Cuba. I felt that some aspects could be improved, so I saw this as an opportunity to create a more comprehensive and up-to-date version. Additionally, this edition pays tribute to Orlando Garrido, a legendary Cuban ornithologist whose groundbreaking work left a lasting impact on the scientific community.
Orlando Garrido was a tireless explorer of the Cuban archipelago. Garrido has to his credit the discovery of four mammalian taxa and the description of: 58 insects, 21 birds, 37 reptiles. 78 new records among birds, reptiles, and fish, and 23 taxa have been dedicated to him, and in total he has 298 publications. (Photo by Susan Jacobson)
West Indian Woodpecker (Melanerpes superciliaris). In his pioneering ornithological work, Orlando Garrido first described the subspecies M. s. florentinoi from Cayo Largo and M. s. sanfelipensis from Cayo Real in 1966. (Photo by Juan Carlos Sepúlveda-Peña ML56028321)
Can you share some of the challenges you faced while researching and compiling information for the guide?
The biggest challenge was improving the illustrations. I’m grateful for Herb Raffaele’s support and the help from new artists, whose contributions enhanced the guide with high-quality illustrations. These are crucial to a field guide’s success, but securing funding remains a major obstacle—it’s an expensive project. I hope to secure additional funding for doing even more new illustrations in the future, especially of the endemics; it’s a dream I’m working toward.
How long did it take you to finish updating the book and what challenges did you face?
It was a five-year journey of intense work. One particularly tough moment was when my computer crashed and I lost eight months of progress. It was disheartening, but I pushed through, knowing how important it was to complete the project.
Field guides require a balance between scientific accuracy and accessibility. How did you achieve this?
I aimed to use simple, clear language to ensure the text was understandable to a wide range of readers. Finding the right balance between scientific accuracy and readability was key, and I believe we achieved that. The guide also includes a glossary and detailed bird topography to help readers understand bird anatomy and key field marks. It took many hours of revisions, and the editors did an excellent job refining the content.
Are there any Cuban species that hold a special place for you, either for their rarity or their behavior?
All the birds hold a special place for me, that is a fact! I love them all, however, I do have a particular passion for Cuba’s endemic species. Whether rare or common, each one is unique, with fascinating behavior and beauty that captivates me.
Bee Hummingbird – the world’s smallest bird (photo by Aslam Ibrahim Castellan Maure)
Cuban Black Hawk calling. (Photo by David Ascanio)
Cuban Trogon. (Photo by Jose Pantaleon)
Where in Cuba can someone purchase this field guide?
Due to sales restrictions, this field guide isn’t available for purchase in Cuba. However, Cuban individuals and institutions can obtain copies through donations from friends and colleagues who purchase the book abroad and bring it into the country. I would love for every wildlife professional and nature enthusiast in Cuba to have a copy, and I have already provided some to colleagues and birders through donations.
The Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba (Second Edition) is available for purchase directly from Cornell University Press, andAmazon.
About the Author
What first sparked your passion for birds and birding? Do you have any funny or unexpected birdwatching stories to share?
I discovered birdwatching at the age of 24—a late start, but with great passion. My journey began with the support of my colleague Alejandro Llanes and the books provided by Orlando Garrido. It was the vibrant warblers from North America that first captured my fascination. I’d never seen them before, and their striking colors and behavior immediately drew me in. At that time, I hadn’t even seen any of Cuba’s endemic species!
One of my most unforgettable birding moments was my first encounter with a Stygian Owl. It was perched incredibly close—just three meters high and only five meters away. I was trembling with excitement, hardly able to believe I was seeing it in broad daylight! Although Stygian Owls are widely distributed, they are nocturnal hunters, making daytime sightings incredibly rare. It was an emotional moment and to this day, it remains my closest and most memorable sighting with this elusive bird.
A very lucky view of a Stygian Owl on the way to Las Salinas. (Photo by David Southall)
Do you think your connection with birds has influenced other aspects of your life?
My connection with birds has taught me to deeply love all nature, and brought more happiness to my life. It’s also provided me with a magical hobby that’s both entertaining and fulfilling. Can you imagine having a job that brings you great satisfaction and fun? Birds are truly unique creatures!
What was the last bird book (non- field guide!) you read?
The last bird book I read was The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman, and the last non-bird book was Me, Elton John’s official autobiography. Both are excellent reads.
If you could tell your younger birder self anything, what would it be?
Visiting Long Point Bird Observatory in 1989 was a spectacular experience. The bird banding training was invaluable, and the trip was unforgettable, especially seeing large waves of new species, including warblers, vireos, and thrushes, during fall migration. It was a turning point in my journey with birds. Looking back, I would tell my younger self to travel abroad more. There’s so much to learn from birding experiences in different parts of the world. It’s something I missed out on and really needed when I was younger.
As birding in Cuba continues to grow in popularity, the Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba (Second Edition) is an essential companion for anyone exploring the island’s avifauna. In 2026, BirdsCaribbean will once again offer bird tours to Cuba, making it the perfect opportunity to experience its incredible birdlife firsthand. Be sure to pack this updated guide for your next adventure.
Acknowledgements: BirdsCaribbean granted Arturo access to the bird plates (artwork) from Birds of the West Indies by Raffaele et al. to help complete the Second Edition of the Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba. We extend our thanks to Herb Raffaele and his colleagues for their generosity in granting this access.
About the author: Arturo Kirkconnell is the former Curator of Ornithology at the National Museum of Natural History of Cuba. With 77 scientific publications to his name, he has co-authored two books: A Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba and A Birdwatchers’ Guide to Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Caymans. Arturo has been guiding birding tours in Cuba since 1988, sharing his expertise and passion for the island’s rich birdlife.
BirdsCaribbean is excited to announce the 2025 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 eleven projects will advance the study and conservation of avifauna in six different Caribbean countries: Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico (offshore islands in the Caribbean Sea), and Venezuela (Caribbean coast).
Keep reading to discover what exciting plans have been proposed by each awardee, and stay tuned for results and accomplishments in future issues of the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology and blog articles.
Congratulations to these outstanding researchers and conservationists from our BirdsCaribbean community!
Trophic Ecology as a Tool to Understand Differences in the Reproductive Success of Two Species of Terns (Onychoprion fuscata and Onychoprion anaethetus) in the Mexican Caribbean
Adriana Vallarino Moncada, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
More than half of the world’s seabirds are declining, but there is so much still to learn about many of our seafaring species. Two of these are the Sooty Tern (O. fuscata) and the Bridled Tern (O. anaethetus), where population trends and ecology are poorly understood. This project aims to address this lack of knowledge by studying these two terns at Isla Mujeres. This is the only place these birds nest in the Mexican Caribbean! Building on work already done monitoring the nesting colony and banding chicks, Adriana is taking this applied research a step further by using GPS tracking, stable isotope analysis, and diet studies. This work will shed light on how climate, ocean conditions, and human activities impact the survival of these terns. The data collected will identify key feeding areas and potential threats, providing critical information to help keep these breeding colonies thriving. In addition, the project will expand community outreach programs in Isla Mujeres and Cancún, raising awareness and getting more local people involved in protecting these remarkable seabirds.
Discovering the Birds of the Monte Cabaiguán Wetland, Las Tunas, Cuba
Manuel López Salcedo, Provincial Enterprise for the Protection of Flora and Fauna, Las Tunas. Delta del Cauto Protected Area, Monte Cabaniguán Sector
Monte Cabaiguán is a wetland that plays a crucial role in protecting coastal areas from erosion and filtering pollutants. Home to thriving mangroves and bustling colonies of waterfowl, it supports a rich variety of wildlife. This unspoilt wetland is essential for the breeding and survival of many migratory and resident bird species. The goal of this project is to update the baseline data on the wetland’s birdlife, assess the health of its ecosystems, and develop strategies for sustainable conservation. This project has local communities at it’s heart, with plans for environmental education and the promotion of conservation; safeguarding this unique natural treasure for future generations!
Monitoring Breeding Colonies, Nesting Success and Productivity of White-tailed Tropicbirds (Phaeton lepturus catesbyi) in the North-west Coastal Cliffs Important Bird Area in Puerto Rico
Alcides L. Morales-Pérez, Independent Researcher
Northwestern Puerto Rico is home to the Acantilados del Noroeste (north-west cliffs) Important Bird Area (IBA). Amongst their rich biodiversity, these cliffs are home to an important nesting population of White-tail Tropicbirds, a bird at risk in the Caribbean. This one of the few White-tailed Tropicbird breeding colonies on the Puerto Rican mainland. To help protect and gain more knowledge about these beautiful seabirds Alcides will host a workshop to engage the local community, students, and other stakeholders in seabird conservation, focusing on White-tailed Tropicbirds. Participants will be trained to monitor nests and actively contribute to data collection. Through colony surveys, nest monitoring, and adult survival assessments the project aims to better understand how these birds are faring. It also aims to estimate the size and extent of the colonies on the cliffs, with local volunteers playing a key role.
Diversity, Abundance, Reproductive Colonies and Distribution of Waterbirds at Los Testigos Archipelago, Venezuela
Jemimah Rivera, INPARQUES, División de Investigación y Monitoreo Ambiental
The Los Testigos Archipelago in Venezuela is known for its incredible biodiversity. But the area has been largely overlooked by researchers due to its remote location, with only two bird expeditions in the last 50 years. While little is known about the area, it’s believed to be an important breeding ground for several seabird species. This project aims to assess the conservation status of the archipelago’s seabirds and landbirds. During the project Jemimah and her intrepid team will take on the challenge to explore the 16 islands of Los Testigos! They will study the birdlife of the islands including their seabird breeding colonies. The team will conduct surveys on foot and by boat, counting nests, eggs, and chicks. This research will be a major step in understanding the birds of the South Caribbean. With threats like invasive species, pollution, and overfishing, this study is crucial to help protect these birds for the future.
Establishing Year-Round Bird Banding stations to Monitor Resident and Migratory Species in Trinidad and Tobago
Giselle Ragoonanan, Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre
The Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory (TTBO) is setting up year-round bird banding stations to monitor both resident and migratory bird populations across the islands. These stations will collect crucial data on bird life cycles, migration, and population health, helping to identify trends and habitat needs. This data will guide conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of key areas for breeding and survival. The TTBO also plans to involve the local community through outreach programs, raising awareness and encouraging citizen participation in bird conservation. Additionally, the continuous monitoring will help track rare species and migration events, providing much needed insights into changing bird populations in the Caribbean.
Conservation Ecology of the Puerto Rican Oriole
Michael Ocasio, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
The Puerto Rican Oriole is a Caribbean endemic bird facing significant conservation challenges. One major threat is brood parasitism by Shiny Cowbirds, which lay their eggs in oriole nests. As a result, Puerto Rican Orioles often raise cowbird chicks instead of their own, leading to low reproductive success. This project will compare the oriole’s abundance, survival, and reproductive success in both lowland and highland habitats. Through surveys, banding, nest monitoring, and Motus tracking, the project will explore how habitat type affects their breeding and provide insights into their movements and territory use throughout the year. The findings will support conservation efforts in Puerto Rico and contribute to international programs like the IUCN Red List.
Study of the Reproductive and Trophic Ecology of Gundlach’s Hawk (Astur gundlachi), an Endemic and Threatened Bird of Cuba
Ernesto Vergara Llano, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana
Gundlach’s Hawk, a critically endangered raptor endemic to Cuba, is facing population declines and fragmented habitats, but much of its breeding and feeding behavior remains a mystery. This exciting project will dive into the secret life of this elusive hawk, focusing on two key areas in western Cuba: the National Botanical Garden and the Ecological Reserve of Los Petriles. Using camera traps to avoid disturbing the hawks, researchers will capture the hawks’ breeding behaviors, nest sites, and feeding habits. The results will provide crucial information to help protect this incredible species and improve habitat management efforts, giving the Gundlach Hawk a fighting chance for survival!
A Comparison of Avian Species Richness between Protected and Disturbed Areas in Grand Cayman, using Passive Avian Acoustic Monitoring
Matthew Southgate and Simone Williams
This exciting project will uncover the birdlife of Grand Cayman using passive acoustic recorders to capture birds’ calls and songs! With bird populations facing major threats from habitat loss due to development, it’s crucial to understand what helps them thrive. The goal is to assess the health of protected areas and guide decisions on conservation and development. The team will measure bird species richness in protected areas, compare it with nearby disturbed land, and identify the factors that influence it. Citizen scientists and student interns will be involved in monitoring, bird surveys, and community outreach. Plus, the project will contribute audio recordings to improve the Merlin Bird ID app, making it easier for this app to identify native species. By understanding bird populations, this project will help protect ecosystems, prevent environmental damage, guide future restoration efforts and promote bird-friendly development.
Action Plan for the Conservation of Psittacidae in the Pico Cristal National Park, Cuba
Inés Lourdes Fernández Rodríguez, Empresa Flora y la Fauna Santiago de Cuba
Pico Cristal National Park in Cuba is home to the island’s vibrant parrot (psittacidae) species, including the Near Threatened Cuban Amazon and the Vulnerable Cuban Parakeet, or “Catey”. These colorful birds are facing serious threats from habitat loss, hunting, and being captured for the pet trade. This project aims to create and carry out a comprehensive Action Plan to protect these endangered species. Building on past efforts like providing artificial nests to help with breeding, the project will monitor bird populations, identify important conservation areas, and study their ecological and nutritional needs. Students, researchers, and the local community will all be involved, with a focus on raising awareness and supporting bird conservation across Cuba.
Impact of Nest Temperatures on Mortality Rates of the Endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird (Agelaius xanthomus) in Southwestern Puerto Rico
Retsel Gonzalez, University of Puerto Rico
The Yellow-shouldered Blackbird, an endangered endemic found mainly in southwestern Puerto Rico. It faces ongoing challenges to its reproductive success, despite ongoing conservation efforts. A recent study suggested that the elevated temperatures inside artificial nests might be contributing to the high mortality rates among eggs and chicks. This project will compare survival rates and temperature levels in both artificial and natural nests to determine if temperature is a key factor impacting reproduction. The findings will help refine current conservation strategies, improve nest management, and hopefully boost recovery efforts for this iconic species.
Ecology of Bare-legged Owl (Margarobyas lawrencii) an endemic strigid in Cuba
Jean Michel De Jongh González, Botanical National Garden, Havana University.
The Bare-legged Owl is endemic to Cuba and the only member of its genus, Margarobyas. It relies on dense forests and natural cavities for nesting, but it faces serious risks from habitat loss, which has led to its recent listing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This study will take place in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve in western Cuba and will focus on two main areas: understanding the owl’s behavior and diet, and studying its use of habitats and nesting sites. The project will also tap into local knowledge from nearby communities and Havana. Fieldwork will be done during both the breeding season and off-season to gain a deeper understanding of this unique and remarkable bird.
Are you working on or planning a research or conservation project with Caribbean birds?
Kayroy Baptiste (Union Island Environmental Alliance) entering data into PROALAS survey sheet during a line transect survey of birds behind Anglican Pastoral Centre in St. Vincent.
Our next call for proposals will be advertised in the fall of 2025. 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 LinkedIn).
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 Alexia Morales, BirdsCaribbean Operations Manager (Alexia.Morales@birdscaribbean.org). Checks can be mailed to: BirdsCaribbean, 841 Worcester St. #130, Natick, MA 01760-2076
Seven spectacular species of egrets and herons in the Caribbean can have all-white plumage. You read that right—seven! With so many sleek, long-legged, long-necked, all-white waterbirds around, telling them apart can be tricky! But don’t worry—if you look closely, each species has distinctive features that set it apart. Our helpful tips and ID graphics will have you spotting those differences like a pro. Dive in to level up your egret and heron ID skills!
When identifying an all-white egret or heron, focus on a few key features:
Size – Compare it to nearby birds; some species are much larger than others.
Bill color – This varies among species, including yellow, black, and even bi-colored bills.
Leg and foot color – These can be helpful, but may be hard to see if the bird is standing in water.
Breeding plumage – Some species develop special plumes or color changes around the eyes (lores) in breeding season.
Plumage variations – Some birds are only white as juveniles, while others have both white and dark morphs.
1. Great Egret
We’re starting off easy! The Great Egret stands out due to its large size, yellow bill, dark legs, and long, S-curved neck. It favors large freshwater and saltwater swamps, grassy marshes with stagnant water, river banks, and turtle grass beds in shallows behind reefs.
The Great Egret is a common year-round resident in The Bahamas, Greater Antilles, Antigua and Guadeloupe; and an uncommon one in the Virgin Islands. It is a common non-breeding resident in the Cayman Islands, St. Barthelemy, and Barbados. While generally uncommon elsewhere in the Lesser Antilles, local numbers are augmented from September to April by migrants from North America.
Breeding season tip: Great Egrets breeding in the Caribbean develop bright green lores (the area of a bird’s face between its eye and bill), more orangey bills, and extravagant plumes (as shown in the photo above right).
2. Great Blue Heron: White Morph
The only other large bird amongst our seven contenders, the White morph of Great Blue Heron, is very rare. This very tall and large bird is considered by some to be a separate species—Great White Heron (Ardea occidentalis). It can be distinguished from the Great Egret by its larger size, heavier bill, and dull yellowish legs. The common blue morph of the Great Blue Heron (photo below right) looks completely different with blue-gray upper parts, short black plumes on the head, and black-and-chestnut shoulder pattern.
3. Western Cattle Egret
Another all-white waterbird with a yellow-orange bill, Cattle Egrets are much smaller and stockier than our previous two yellow-billed birds. You can find this species feeding in pastures or other open habitats away from water. It is a common year-round resident throughout the West Indies. In breeding plumage, Cattle Egrets no longer makes our list of ‘all-white’ birds, as they take on a tan wash on the crown, breast and upper back. Their legs, eyes, and bill also become reddish!
4 & 5. Snowy Egret & Little Egret
These two species are nearly identical—both have black bills, black legs, and yellow feet, and both prefer freshwater swamps and saltwater lagoons. They’re even roughly around the same size! So—how do you tell these two lookalikes apart?
The first clue is in the lores: look for the yellow lores of the Snowy Egret, in contrast to the greenish-gray lores of the Little Egret. But beware, in breeding plumage the Little Egret’s lores take on a yellowish tint! This however is when clue number two becomes apparent—in breeding birds, the Little Egret sports two long, thin head plumes, whereas the Snowy Egret has shaggy plumes.
Location tip: Snowy Egrets are common in much of the West Indies, while Little Egrets are rare and mostly found in the Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico.
6. Reddish Egret: White Morph
The medium-sized Reddish Egret comes in two color morphs: one that is all-white, and a more common dark morph that is dark gray with a reddish neck. Both morphs have dark legs, shaggy head and neck feathers, and a distinctive bi-colored bill that is pink at the base and black at the tip. The lores become bright blue during the breeding season.
Behavior tip: Reddish Egrets are known for their unique feeding style: they stalk, run, dance, and leap in the air after their prey, often with their wings spread to create shade and reduce glare.
Juvenile white-morph Reddish Egrets are all also white but they have an all-black bill—this all-black bill and their dark legs set them apart from juvenile Littler Blue Herons which are also all white, but have paler, yellow-green legs and a bi-color bill that is blue-gray at the base and dark at the tip.
You may also mix up a juvenile white-morph Reddish Egret with an adult Snowy Egret because they share an all-black bill—but remember, Snowy Egrets have yellow feet and lores. Reddish Egrets are also larger, and have a heavier bill.
To tell the dark morph Reddish Egret from an adult Little Blue Heron: bill color, as well as the size difference and the leg color are your go-to field marks! For both color morphs, the larger size and shaggy plumage on the neck will distinguish Reddish Egrets from Little Blue herons.
7. Little Blue Heron: Juvenile
Juvenile Little Blue Herons are entirely white, making them easy to mistake for other species. Look for the bi-colored bill color, which is dark at the tip with a pale blue-gray base. This rules out Snowy Egrets (all-black bill) and Reddish Egrets (pink-based bill). As they molt into adult plumage, they become a mix of white and gray before turning completely darkgray with a reddish neck. Adult Little Blue Herons can be distinguished from dark-morph Reddish Egrets by their smaller size, purplish neck and bi-color bill (blue-gray a the base with dark tip), compared to the shaggy rusty-colored neck of the Reddish Egret and bi-colored bill that is pink at the base dark tip .
Little Blue Herons favor calm, shallow waters and and can be found throughout the West Indies year-round.
You can view all the graphics, plus a ‘bonus’ quiz in this pdf booklet:
We’ve created two versions of an ID card that you can download, print, and laminate for easy reference in the field. You can print is as a one-sided 11×17 sheet or a two-sided 8.5×11 page.
For birdwatchers in Cuba, October isn’t just a month; it’s a celebration of nature, science, and the unbeatable spirit of the birdwatching community. Despite the blackouts and shortages of essential items that come with life on the largest island in the Caribbean, birders across the country united for two magnificent birding extravaganzas—October Big Day and Garrido Biggest Week.
In 2023, Cuban conservationists Yaro Rodríguez and Nils Navarro received a Betty Petersen Conservation Fund grant to expand Cuba’s emerging birdwatching movement. The goal was to improve the understanding of Cuba’s birdlife through citizen science.
Their project provided community leaders with binoculars and training to identify and monitor local bird populations and report data through eBird Caribbean. These trained leaders then establish birdwatching clubs in their communities, raising awareness across Cuba about the importance of protecting birds and their habitats. Yaro and Nils’ project continues to grow, with birdwatching clubs across the country now actively engaging in ongoing bird monitoring and conservation efforts.
Yaro Rodríguez.
Nils Navarro.
In addition to several locally initiated birding celebrations throughout the year, birders across the island also participate in two major global citizen science programs: Global Big Day in May and October Big Day in October. Team Cuba is proudly known as the Gundlach Team, in honor of the German-Cuban naturalist and taxonomist Johannes Christoph Gundlach. Yaro details the how the Cuban birding community came together in October to celebrate and protect Cuba’s incredible birdlife.
Gundlach’s Hawk (Photo by Michael J. Good)
Passion and perseverance in Cuba’s birdwatching community
October saw the Gundlach Team remaining steadfast in their exemplary efforts. From dawn onward, birdwatchers from across Cuba ventured into the field, ready to discover and record the country’s rich avian diversity. Notable participants included Yanosky, Manuel Aroche, Ricardo Concepción, Nicolás Díaz, and Marleny Roque, who started their day at first light!
The national bird of Cuba – the Cuban Trogon. (Photo by Rafy Rodriguez)
What makes these events special is not only the number of birds recorded—but the personal stories behind each effort. For some, it was a day of surprises as they encountered new “lifers” to add to their personal lists, while for others, it was an opportunity to improve their standing in the Cuba Big Year 2024. Every list submitted to eBird helped to build a more comprehensive picture of the biodiversity on our island.
Omar Labrada, from Las Tunas, birdwatched with his daughters during October Big Day.
Yusneyda Alarcon and Manuel Lopez from Gramma crossing a mangrove channel during October Big Day.
The community’s dedication was particularly inspiring. Birdwatchers like Edwin Ruiz and Maite Cordoví, despite facing personal challenges, joined in from their windows, showing that a love for birds knows no bounds. Others, like Homar Labrada and his son Marcos, used the occasion to spend the day together, passing down a respect and fascination for birds to the next generation.
Against the odds: The Cuban reality
Birdwatching in Cuba presents unique challenges. One of the biggest challenge our birdwatching community faces is transportation, both to easily accessible areas and to new regions we want to explore. Compounded by fuel shortages, this significantly limits our ability to travel, making each trip a major logistical challenge. On top of that, we deal with frequent power outages and the ongoing stress of meeting our families’ basic needs. Despite these daily struggles and economic difficulties affecting everything from transportation to food, our birdwatching community remains determined, active, and enthusiastic.
Viñales Valley, Cuba.
Every activity we promote and every event in which birdwatchers participate is a meaningful achievement, reflecting the love and commitment we have for Cuban birds and future generations.
October Big Day in Cuba: An unmatched success
On October 12, 63 eBirders, across 15 provinces, with the exception of the Isle of Youth, recorded 186 bird species within just 24 hours. This resulted in 140 eBird checklists, enriched with 96 photos and 31 song recordings. These data not only strengthen the global knowledge base on birds but also underscore Cuba’s commitment to conservation and citizen science.
Among notable individual achievements, Manuel López Salcedo from Las Tunas led the count with 96 species observed across 11 lists. On the women’s side, Yuzaima Ortiz from Ciego de Ávila secured the title of top female lister with a total of 87 species observed.
Members of the formidable Gundlach Team.
This local success was part of a larger global achievement. Over 750,000 birdwatchers from 201 countries participated in this historic day of citizen science, documenting over 7,800 species in just 24 hours. This global initiative highlights the importance of birdwatching as a conservation tool. Each checklist, photo, and recording contributes essential data for science and biodiversity protection.
Garrido Biggest Week: A tribute to a legend
Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Oscar and ongoing power outages, the Cuban birdwatching community honored Orlando H. Garrido, the country’s most influential ornithologist, who passed away in June 2024. In a fitting tribute to Cuba’s jewel of Caribbean ornithology, the first edition of Garrido’s Biggest Week was held from October 21 to 27. Created to honor Garrido’s legacy and encourage birdwatching during the autumn migration, the event coincided with the dates when Garrido himself would go into the field to record new species.
Orlando Garrido was a tireless explorer of the Cuban archipelago. Garrido has to his credit the discovery of four mammalian taxa and the description of: 58 insects, 21 birds, 37 reptiles. 78 new records among birds, reptiles, and fish, and 23 taxa have been dedicated to him, and in total he has 298 publications. (Photo by Susan Jacobson)
Orlando Garrido regales our group with stories of his Cuban adventures as a biologist and tennis pro! BirdsCaribean Cuba Bird Tour (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Orlando Garrido, Nils Navarro and Herb Raffaele at the 21st International Conference of BirdsCaribbean, in Topes de Collantes, Cuba, July, 2017. Orlando was awarded a BirdsCaribbean Lifetime Achievement Award.
Birdwatchers from all provinces participated enthusiastically, recording 183 species and capturing a total of 76 photographs. José Alberto Pérez Echavarría was the winner in this friendly competition, observing 108 species throughout the event.
This week featured some serendipitous sightings, among them was the first record in Cuba of a Lawrence’s Warbler, an important discovery for the island’s avifauna!
An adult male Lawrence’s Warbler. (Photo by Jeff Hapeman ML604876071)
Additionally, the first documented case of xanthochroism in a member of the Todidae family, the Cuban Tody, was observed—this rare phenomenon gives affected birds an unusual yellow coloration. Both discoveries will be part of an upcoming article, expanding on these unique observations in the region.
The Garrido Biggest Week will become an annual tradition. The community also organizes other thematic weeks to honor prominent figures in Cuban ornithology, such as Charles Ramsden Week in December, José H. Bauzá Week in April, and Juan Gundlach Week in August.
These activities are essential for keeping the birdwatching community active year-round, beyond major events like October Big Day and Global Big Day, while also enriching eBird during periods of lower tourist activity in the country. Through these efforts, the Cuban birdwatching community continues to advance the exploration and conservation of the island’s biodiversity, even in the face of adversity.
The power of citizen science
October Big Day and Garrido Biggest Week are also reminders of the value of our birds and the challenges they face. Cuban birdlife, like that around the world, faces constant pressures from habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. In addition, illegal trapping is a huge threat to endemic, resident and migratory birds in Cuba. Through citizen science and unwavering commitment, each Cuban birdwatcher has the opportunity to contribute to conservation and make a difference.
Cuban Parakeets in flight (Photo by Garry Donaldson)
Cuban voices from the field
To conclude, here are some stories that capture the passion and challenges of these unforgettable days:
“When I arrived, the battery pack I’d prepared for my camera failed, so I used my binoculars to do digiscoping and identify birds in tricky situations. Later, in the forest, as we returned to the reservoir embankment, Wency played a mix of bird calls, and we saw several warbler species. Surprise! Among them was a Worm-eating Warbler, a lifer for me. The excitement was indescribable; everyone pointed their cameras and managed to capture the moment.” – Freddy Ricardo, Holguín Birdwatching Club
“I had a lifer: White-eyed Vireo, though without a photo. But I managed to photograph an Osprey for the first time—81 shots as I got closer with digiscoping! I was thrilled to capture this species.” – Manuel Aroche, Granma Birdwatching Club
“A friend and I shared a lifer, a Philadelphia Vireo! The second record of this species in Ciego de Ávila, and during the week we honor Garrido! It couldn’t be better.” – Nicolás Díaz, Ciego de Ávila Birdwatching Club
“I want to dedicate my participation in the October Global Big Day to my dad, who recently passed away. I owe him my love and respect for nature.” – Ricardo Sánchez, Artemisa Birdwatching Club
These anecdotes reflect the dedication and love for birds that motivate our community to keep moving forward. In every field outing, every photo, and every checklist submitted, there lies a collective commitment to preserving Cuba’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
Special Thanks
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Betty Petersen Conservation Fund, managed by BirdsCaribbean, for their generous support, and to the team at BirdsCaribbean, especially Lisa Sorenson and Adrianne Tossas, for their unwavering dedication to the birdwatching community in Cuba.
Yaroddys Rodríguez, known as Yaro, is a self-taught ornithologist dedicated to the study and conservation of Cuban birds. Mentored by experts like Orlando H. Garrido and James Wiley, he began publishing scientific articles at a young age. Yaro founded the Cuban Birdwatchers Facebook group, now with over 30,000 members, and promotes the use of eBird for citizen science. He is also a member of the Cuban Zoological Society, BirdsCaribbean, and the Ariguanabo Foundation.
Los Observadores de Aves Cubanos Vuelan alto en Octubre: Aves, Ciencia y el Espíritu de Comunidad
Para los observadores de aves en Cuba, octubre no es solo un mes, es una celebración de la naturaleza, la ciencia y el inquebrantable espíritu de la comunidad de observación de aves. A pesar de los apagones y la escasez de productos esenciales que acompañan la vida en la isla más grande del Caribe, los observadores de aves de todo el país se unieron para dos magníficas extravagancias ornitológicas: el Gran Día de Aves de Octubre y la Semana Más Grande de Garrido.
En 2023, los conservacionistas cubanos Yaro Rodríguez y Nils Navarro recibieron una beca del Fondo de Conservación Betty Petersen para expandir el emergente movimiento de observación de aves en Cuba. El objetivo era mejorar la comprensión de la fauna aviar cubana a través de la ciencia ciudadana.
Su proyecto proporcionó binoculares y capacitación a los líderes comunitarios para identificar y monitorear las poblaciones locales de aves, reportando los datos a través de eBird Caribe. Estos líderes capacitados establecieron clubes de observación de aves en sus comunidades, generando conciencia en toda Cuba sobre la importancia de proteger a las aves y sus hábitats. El proyecto de Yaro y Nils sigue creciendo, con clubes de observadores de aves en todo el país que participan activamente en esfuerzos de monitoreo y conservación de aves.
Yaro Rodríguez.
Nils Navarro.
Además de varias celebraciones locales de observación de aves a lo largo del año, los observadores de aves de la isla también se reúnen para participar en dos grandes programas globales de ciencia ciudadana: Global Big Day en mayo y Gran Día de Aves de Octubre en octubre. El equipo de Cuba es conocido con orgullo como el Equipo Gundlach, en honor al naturalista y taxónomo germano-cubano Johannes Christoph Gundlach. Yaro detalla cómo la comunidad de observadores de aves cubanos se unió en octubre para celebrar y proteger la increíble fauna aviar de Cuba.
Gundlach’s Hawk (Foto de Michael J. Good)
Pasión y perseverancia en la comunidad de observadores de aves de Cuba
En octubre, el Equipo Gundlach se mantuvo firme en sus esfuerzos ejemplares. Desde el amanecer, los observadores de aves de toda Cuba se aventuraron al campo, listos para descubrir y registrar la rica diversidad aviar del país. Entre los participantes más destacados se encontraban Yanosky, Manuel Aroche, Ricardo Concepción, Nicolás Díaz y Marleny Roque, ¡quienes comenzaron su jornada al primer rayo de luz!
El ave nacional de Cuba conocida localmente como ‘tocororo.’ (Foto de Rafy Rodriguez)
Lo que hace especiales estos eventos no es solo la cantidad de aves registradas, sino las historias personales detrás de cada esfuerzo. Para algunos, fue un día lleno de sorpresas al encontrar nuevas especies “lifers” para agregar a sus listas personales, mientras que para otros, fue una oportunidad para mejorar su posición en el Cuba Big Year 2024. Cada lista enviada a eBird ayudó a construir una imagen más completa de la biodiversidad en nuestra isla.
Omar Labrada de Las Tunas observando aves con sus hijas.
Yusneyda Alarcón y Manuel López, de Gramma, cruzando un canal de manglares durante el Big Day de octubre.
La dedicación de la comunidad fue particularmente inspiradora. Observadores de aves como Edwin Ruiz y Maite Cordoví, a pesar de enfrentar desafíos personales, se unieron desde sus ventanas, demostrando que el amor por las aves no tiene límites. Otros, como Homar Labrada y su hijo Marcos, aprovecharon la ocasión para pasar el día juntos, transmitiendo el respeto y la fascinación por las aves a la próxima generación.
Contra viento y marea: La realidad cubana
La observación de aves en Cuba presenta desafíos únicos, centrados principalmente en el transporte. El mayor reto que enfrenta nuestra comunidad de observadores de aves es el transporte, tanto hacia áreas de fácil acceso como hacia nuevas regiones que queremos explorar. Aumentado por la escasez de combustible, esto limita significativamente nuestra capacidad para viajar, haciendo de cada viaje un gran desafío logístico. Además, lidiamos con frecuentes apagones y el estrés constante de satisfacer las necesidades básicas de nuestras familias. A pesar de estas luchas diarias y dificultades económicas que afectan desde el transporte hasta la comida, nuestra comunidad de observadores de aves sigue siendo determinada, activa y entusiasta.
Viñales Valley, Cuba.
Cada actividad que promovemos y cada evento en el que los observadores de aves participan es un logro significativo, reflejando el amor y compromiso que tenemos por las aves cubanas y las generaciones futuras.
Gran Día de Aves de Octubre en Cuba: Un éxito inigualable
El 12 de octubre, 63 eBirders de 15 provincias, con excepción de la Isla de la Juventud, registraron 186 especies de aves en tan solo 24 horas. Esto resultó en 140 listas de eBird, enriquecidas con 96 fotos y 31 grabaciones de cantos. Estos datos no solo fortalecen la base de conocimiento global sobre las aves, sino que también subrayan el compromiso de Cuba con la conservación y la ciencia ciudadana.
Miembros del formidable Equipo Gundlach.
Entre los logros individuales más destacados, Manuel López Salcedo de Las Tunas lideró el conteo con 96 especies observadas en 11 listas. Por parte de las mujeres, Yuzaima Ortiz de Ciego de Ávila se coronó como la mejor observadora femenina con un total de 87 especies observadas.
Este éxito local fue parte de un logro global mayor. Más de 750,000 observadores de aves de 201 países participaron en este histórico día de ciencia ciudadana, documentando más de 7,800 especies en solo 24 horas. Esta iniciativa global resalta la importancia de la observación de aves como una herramienta de conservación. Cada lista, foto y grabación contribuye con datos esenciales para la ciencia y la protección de la biodiversidad.
Semana Más Grande de Garrido: Un tributo a una leyenda
A pesar de la devastación causada por el huracán Oscar y los continuos apagones, la comunidad de observadores de aves de Cuba rindió homenaje a Orlando H. Garrido, el ornitólogo más influyente del país, quien falleció en junio de 2024. En un merecido tributo a la joya de la ornitología caribeña de Cuba, se celebró la primera edición de la Semana Más Grande de Garrido del 21 al 27 de octubre. Creada para honrar el legado de Garrido y fomentar la observación de aves durante la migración de otoño, el evento coincidió con las fechas en las que Garrido mismo salía al campo a reportar nuevas especies.
Orlando Garrido fue un incansable explorador del archipiélago cubano. Garrido tiene en su haber el descubrimiento de cuatro taxones de mamíferos y la descripción de: 58 insectos, 21 aves, 37 reptiles. Se le han dedicado 78 nuevos registros entre aves, reptiles y peces, y 23 taxones, y en total tiene 298 publicaciones. (Foto de Susan Jacobson)
Orlando Garrido deleita a nuestro grupo con historias de sus aventuras cubanas como biólogo y tenista profesional. BirdsCaribean Cuba Bird Tour (Foto de Lisa Sorenson)
Orlando Garrido, Nils Navarro y Herb Raffaele en la 21 Conferencia Internacional de BirdsCaribbean, en Topes de Collantes, Cuba, julio, 2017. Orlando recibió el premio BirdsCaribbean Lifetime Achievement Award.
Los observadores de aves de todas las provincias participaron con entusiasmo, registrando 183 especies y capturando un total de 76 fotografías. José Alberto Pérez Echavarría fue el ganador de esta competencia amistosa, observando 108 especies a lo largo del evento.
Esta semana presentó algunas observaciones afortunadas, entre ellas el primer registro en Cuba de un Bijirita de Lawrence, ¡un descubrimiento importante para la avifauna de la isla!
Un macho adulto de Bijirita de Lawrence. (Foto de Jeff Hapeman ML604876071)
Además, se observó el primer caso documentado de xantocromismo en un miembro de la familia Todidae, el Cuban Tody (Cartacuba o Pedorrera), un fenómeno raro que da a los aves afectadas una coloración amarilla inusual. Ambos descubrimientos formarán parte de un artículo próximo, ampliando estas observaciones únicas en la región.
La Semana Más Grande de Garrido se convertirá en una tradición anual. La comunidad también organiza otras semanas temáticas para honrar figuras prominentes de la ornitología cubana, como la Semana Charles Ramsden en diciembre, la Semana José H. Bauzá en abril y la Semana Juan Gundlach en agosto.
Estas actividades son esenciales para mantener activa a la comunidad de observadores de aves durante todo el año, más allá de grandes eventos como el Gran Día de Aves de Octubre y el Global Big Day, mientras enriquecen a eBird durante períodos de menor actividad turística en el país. A través de estos esfuerzos, la comunidad de observadores de aves de Cuba sigue avanzando en la exploración y conservación de la biodiversidad de la isla, incluso ante la adversidad.
El poder de la ciencia ciudadana
El Gran Día de Aves de Octubre y la Semana Más Grande de Garrido también son recordatorios del valor de nuestras aves y los desafíos que enfrentan. La fauna aviar cubana, al igual que la del resto del mundo, enfrenta presiones constantes por la pérdida de hábitats, el cambio climático y la actividad humana. Además, la captura ilegal es una gran amenaza para las aves endémicas, residentes y migratorias en Cuba. A través de la ciencia ciudadana y un compromiso inquebrantable, cada observador de aves cubano tiene la oportunidad de contribuir a la conservación y marcar la diferencia.
Catey en vuelo. (Foto de Garry Donaldson)
Voces cubanas desde el campo
Para concluir, aquí hay algunas historias que capturan la pasión y los desafíos de estos días inolvidables:
“Cuando llegué, el pack de baterías que había preparado para mi cámara falló, así que usé mis binoculares para hacer digiscoping e identificar aves en situaciones difíciles. Más tarde, en el bosque, mientras regresábamos al dique del embalse, Wency puso una mezcla de cantos de aves y vimos varias especies de warblers. ¡Sorpresa! Entre ellas estaba un Worm-eating Warbler (Bijirita gusanera), un lifer para mí. ¡La emoción fue indescriptible! Todos apuntaron sus cámaras y lograron capturar el momento.” – Freddy Ricardo, Club de Observación de Aves Holguín
“Tuve un lifer: Vireo de ojos blancos, aunque sin foto. Pero logré fotografiar un Águila pescadora por primera vez—¡81 fotos mientras me acercaba con digiscoping! Estaba emocionado de capturar esta especie.” – Manuel Aroche, Club de Observación de Aves Granma
“Un amigo y yo compartimos un lifer, ¡un Vireo de Filadelfia! ¡El segundo registro de esta especie en Ciego de Ávila, y durante la semana que honramos a Garrido! ¡No podría ser mejor!” – Nicolás Díaz, Club de Observación de Aves Ciego de Ávila
“Quiero dedicar mi participación en el Global Big Day de Octubre a mi papá, quien falleció recientemente. Le debo mi amor y respeto por la naturaleza.” – Ricardo Sánchez, Club de Observación de Aves Artemisa
Estas anécdotas reflejan la dedicación y el amor por las aves que motiva a nuestra comunidad a seguir adelante. En cada salida al campo, cada foto y cada lista enviada, hay un compromiso colectivo para preservar la rica biodiversidad de Cuba para las futuras generaciones.
Agradecimientos especiales
Queremos extender nuestro más sincero agradecimiento al Fondo de Conservación Betty Petersen, gestionado por BirdsCaribbean, por su generoso apoyo, y al equipo de BirdsCaribbean, especialmente a Lisa Sorenson y Adrianne Tossas, por su dedicación incansable a la comunidad de observadores de aves en Cuba.
Yaroddys Rodríguez, conocido como Yaro, es un ornitólogo autodidacta dedicado al estudio y conservación de las aves cubanas. Mentoreado por expertos como Orlando H. Garrido y James Wiley, comenzó a publicar artículos científicos desde joven. Yaro fundó el grupo de Observadores de Aves de Cuba en Facebook, ahora con más de 30,000 miembros, y promueve el uso de eBird para la ciencia ciudadana. También es miembro de la Sociedad Zoológica de Cuba, BirdsCaribbean y la Fundación Ariguanabo.
What a year it’s been! 2024 was a whirlwind of excitement, challenges, and growth, and we’re thrilled to share some of the highlights with you. From record-breaking events to building new partnerships, we’ve had quite the ride—and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing community. Here’s a round-up of our most unforgettable moments from the year. Thank you to all our volunteers, members, donors, and everyone who believes in the future of Caribbean birds!
Fantastic fifteen for the Caribbean Waterbird Census
2024 started with us celebrating an amazing 15 years of the Caribbean Waterbird Census. From January 14th to February 3rd, over 200 birders across 14 islands helped us document over 300 CWC checklists! Highlights from this year’s count included a Baird’s Sandpiper spotted in Guadeloupe—a very rare Caribbean visitor!
A volunteer uses a Shorebird ID card at a Caribbean Waterbird Census count. (Photo by Dayamiris Candelario OPAS)
A group of Lesser Scaups at East End Pond. (Photo by Jacqueline A Cestero)
Carrying out CWC surveys on St. Eustatius. (Photo by Jethro van’t Hul)
Sanderling – X19 stopped on another winter visit to Jamaica. (Photo by Damany Calder)
Baird’s Sandpiper (Photo by Caio Osoegawa ML628469580)
Big Day got even BIGGER!
On Global Big Day, May 11, birders around the world got out and about to join in the fun. In the West Indies, we shattered our records for both participation and bird sightings! Big Day birders in the region saw 551 West Indian species, thanks to the amazing efforts of 710 eBird observers—up from 511 last year! But wait there’s more: there were more species sighted (1,354 total, 208 more than last year) and a huge leap in the number of checklists submitted—2,755 total, nearly 1,000 more than last year—phenomenal!! We’re proud of this fantastic win for citizen science in the West Indies!
Dominica’s Imperial Seekers seeking out the magnificent Imperial Parrot for GBD 2024. (Photo by Garry Auguiste)
Members of Wadadli Warblers in Antigua got in on the early birding action for GBD 2024. Photo by Shanna Challenger
A subgroup of the Gundlach Team in Cuba ready to dominate the competition on the morning of GBD 2024.
Big Day wasn’t just about ticking off the birds though, our fun ‘Teams competition’ and annual fundraising efforts were back—this time to enable Caribbean conservationists to come together and strategize to protect our birdlife. We raised over $25,000, an amazing effort that helped bring many deserving Caribbean nationals to our 24th International Conference in the DR! Speaking of which…
We made BirdsCaribbean history in the Dominican Republic!
A record-breaking 338 delegates from 32 countries and islands flocked to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, making our 24th International Conference our largest gathering ever! Conservationists from all walks of life came together, united by a shared mission: protecting the incredible birds that define our region. Centred on the theme: “From Mangroves to Mountains: Safeguarding our Avian Treasures,” the conference featured expert-led presentations, roundtable discussions, training sessions, networking opportunities, fundraising initiatives, and birding trips to observe Hispaniola’s diverse bird species, including its unique endemics. From mangrove conservation to Hispaniola’s endemics to habitat restoration—the conference was a hub of knowledge sharing, networking, collaboration, and inspiration.
Anne-Isabelle Bonifassi, Executive Director of Haiti National Trust, speaks about ecosystem restoration in Haiti, during the Hispaniola Day symposium.
Problem tree being analysed and turned into a results tree by participants.
First time BC Conference attendee Soraya proudly stands next to her poster.
Delegates birding at Ebano Verde.
Palmchat. (Photo by Dax Roman)
Traditional Dominican dancers at the opening reception.
In collaboration with researchers from Virginia Tech, BirdsCaribbean learned more about one of these threats—human disturbance. Early in 2024 we published a report based on a survey of those who do CWC counts, which showed that they perceive human disturbance to be the most significant threat to shorebirds in our region. The report highlighted the need for more social and biological research on human disturbance, and how to tackle this threat.
As we get ready for the 2025 CWC regional count we hope Caribbean birders head for the coast to observe and record shorebird sightings! If you would like to support shorebirds and their threatened habitats, please click here.
Birds and bugs: A perfect pairing for conservation!
Are you Team Insects or Team Birds — or both?! (Photo by TTBO)
Male Puerto Rican Mango. (Photo by Rafy Rodrguez)
Posters about insect types and functions, created by STENAPA staff. (Photo by STENAPA)
Youth enjoying bird games offered by the University of Havana Bird Ecology Group. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
Completed birdhouses. (Photo by BarbudanGO)
Group birdwatching at Hope Botanical Gardens. (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
Six more reasons to celebrate Caribbean endemic birds
This year, we welcomed six newly-recognized Caribbean endemics, bringing the total to an impressive 185! Meet the latest members of our avian family: Grenada Wren, St. Vincent Wren, St. Lucia Wren, Kalinago Wren, Martinique Thrasher, and the St. Lucia Thrasher. More birds to celebrate, more species to protect!
The St Vincent Wren has a notably long wing chord. (Photo by David Hollie ML600921241)
The St Lucia Thrasher has dark brown plumage overall and white underparts. (Photo by Blake Matheson ML214222511)
New resources to keep you informed and inspired
We’ve been busy behind the scenes, launching new resources to keep you in the loop on all things bird conservation. Our first-ever Endemic and Threatened Species Working Group (ETSWG) newsletter debuted this month, packed with the latest research and happenings in the field. Click here for an insightful and enjoyable read! For the latest news and research about our birds farther from shore, dive into our Seabird Working Group newsletter. Both are available in English, Spanish, and French. As always, we welcome your feedback.
And by the way, have you checked out the latest edition (#37) of the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology? It includes research articles and notes, as well as conservation reports, book reviews, perspectives, and opinions. Even more exciting? Volume #37 is a JCO Special Issue!—featuring the contributions from the 24th International BirdsCaribbean Conference! Check out this amazing compendium to rediscover all the fantastic insights shared at the conference!
This year’s edition of “Birds Connect our World” featured stunning coloring pages by masterful Cuban illustrator Arnaldo Toledo.
Always released in English, Spanish, and French, the annual Seabird Working Group is the perfect resource to stay up-to-date on the latest in Caribbean seabird conservation.
From Mangroves to Mountains – Explore JCO Special Issue Vol. 37!
It’s a first edition! Dive right into the newly launched Endemic and Threatened Species WG Newsletter – in English, Spanish, or French, of course!
Training champions for birds and conservation
In October, BirdsCaribbean collaborated with a local NGO, WIRRED (Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research and Design) to conduct a week-long Caribbean Birding Trail Guide Training Workshop on the island of Barbados. Home to the endemic Barbados Bullfinch, the island’s wetlands and coastline harbour critical stopover sites and wintering habitat for migratory species. The training covered not only bird identification and guiding techniques, but also how to tell stories and make connections to the island’s rich cultural, historical, and ecological heritage through the art of environmental interpretation. Congratulations to the 21 newly trained bird guides and conservation champions from Barbados, Antigua, Sint Eustatius, and Cuba!
BirdsCaribbean is pleased to present our Caribbean Birding Trail 2024 cohort! (Photo by WIRRED)
In the US Virgin Islands, 22 educators from three islands learned to engage students with nature and science through birds! Two BirdSleuth Caribbean workshops were held in June, in partnership with SEA (St Croix Environmental Association), the USVI Dept of Environment and Natural Resources, and Horsley Witten Sustainable Environmental Solutions. Over two days, each group explored the BirdSleuth Caribbean curriculum and discovered how to bring birds into the classroom. Birds are excellent for teaching scientific skills as well as gaining appreciation of the islands’ wonderful bird life.
Our Caribbean Landbird Monitoring Program continues to build regional conservation capacity!
This year our 3rd annual bird banding workshop (as part of the Caribbean Landbird Monitoring Program) migrated down to the Lesser Antilles in St. George, Grenada. From March 7 – 11 participants learned all about songbird banding at scenic locations like the Blue Horizons Resort (featuring views of the white sand Grand Anse Beach) and in the dry forests of Mount Hartman National Park (featuring views of the critically endangered Grenada Dove). With collaboration from Klamath Bird Observatory, participants received training from internationally recognized and North American Banding Council (NABC) certified trainers on all the banding basics from how to properly handle birds, how to extract birds from mist nets, and an introduction to the topic on every bander’s mind, molt. We welcomed 18 participants from 9 different islands and at the end celebrated the certification of two more Caribbean NABC trainers: Daniela Ventura of Cuba, and Zoya Buckmire of Grenada. Congratulations!!
Daniela Ventura instructing participants during the CBB workshop in Grenada. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
We returned to the scenic mountains of Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic for our third annual Landbird monitoring Workshop from 22-26 February, 2024. This year we were ecstatic to welcome 25 participants from 14 different islands. Participants learned the ins and outs of how to set up PROALAS landbird monitoring on their islands, how to enter data using eBird, and how to train people on basic bird identification, featuring some endemic birds of Hispaniola! No workshop would be complete without excursions into the field to practice these monitoring techniques, and participants got to wander the rolling hills around Jarabacoa, finishing with a field trip to the Scientific Reserve, Ebano Verde for chances at finding a Hispaniolan Trogon! Thanks to our Caribbean Landbird Monitoring Small Grant initiative, participants are already making an impact! Six new monitoring programs have launched in The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Cuba, putting skills into action to protect Caribbean birds.
Weathering the Storm: Resilience in the Face of Climate Change
2024’s hurricane season started early, impacting several of our islands to varying degrees. Climate change fueled extreme weather is no doubt becoming the “order of the day.” Hurricane Beryl (the earliest hurricane ever to reach Category 5 intensity) arrived in early July, and wreaked havoc on Union Island, destroying the 13 year-long Ashton Lagoon project, where the office of Sustainable Grenadines (SusGren) is located. Fortunately there were no casualties, but the entire island was devastated. Now, SusGren’s Executive Director Orisha Joseph is determined to “build back better and stronger.” If you would like to contribute to the restoration of Ashton Lagoon, click here. Beryl also devastated the small sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, near Grenada, and went on to cause destruction and flooding in parts of Jamaica.
The charming SusGren office before it was destroyed by Hurricane Beryl. (Photo by Sustainable Grenadines Inc.)
Sustainable Grenadines office was completely destroyed when Hurricane Beryl passed through Union Island on July 1, 2024. (Photo by Orisha Joseph)
Ashton Lagoon mangrove littered with littered with chairs, desks, filing cabinets, papers. (Photo by Orisha Joseph)
We recognized and celebrated our committed conservation community!
The BirdsCaribbean Awards were celebrated with rousing applause on the final night of our conference in the Dominican Republic.
Winners of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award were Christopher Rimmer, Emeritus Executive Director of Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE)—the “Bicknell’s Thrush man”; and Dr. Steven C. Latta, Director of Conservation and Field Research at the National Aviary of the Dominican Republic.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Christopher Rimmer with BirdsCaribbean Executive Director Lisa Sorenson, BirdsCaribbean President Adrianne Tossas and Andrea Thomen.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dr Steve Latta with BirdsCaribbean Executive Director Lisa Sorenson, BirdsCaribbean President Adrianne Tossas and Andrea Thomen.
President Dr. Adrianne Tossas handed out the coveted President’s Awards to four exemplary organisations on the island of Hispaniola: The Peregrine Fund Dominican Republic, Grupo Jaragua, Grupo Acción Ecológica and Action pour la Sauvegarde de l’Écologie en Haïti. Meet our full roster of awardees here! Congratulations to all—you inspire us to keep pushing harder everyday!
We proudly supported 12 projects through the David S. Lee Fund for Caribbean Birds and the James A. Kushlan Research and Conservation Fund. These projects advanced avian research and conservation in seven Caribbean countries: Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico (offshore islands), St. Eustatius, and The Bahamas. Projects ranged from establishing bird diversity data in The Bahamas, to evaluating education campaigns for the Endangered Jamaican Blackbird, studying the role of urban parks for birds in Cuba, tracking Puerto Rican Orioles, and enhancing Red-billed Tropic Bird conservation in St. Eustatius. We are thrilled to support the dedicated researchers and conservationists in our BirdsCaribbean community.
Without a doubt, we are #StrongerTogether
Giving Tuesday was a huge success, exceeding our $15,000 target! With the theme “Stronger Together: Empowering People, Saving Birds” we are continuing our fundraising efforts with a new target of $60,000! Our team members have raised just over $51,000 so far—we’ve got 18% to go and it’s not too late to help us reach our goal! View our fundraising page here—where a generous match from the BirdsCaribbean board means that any help you give is doubled to continue our work with the people and birds of the Caribbean!
Farewell to some true bird conservation legends
This year we said sad farewells to beloved champions of Caribbean birds. They will be missed…
Wayne Burke at Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge. (Photo by Yves Aubrey)
Wayne “Doc” Burke of Barbados who passed away on November 19, tackled the issue of hunting shorebirds, establishing the Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge, a former shooting swamp that became a haven for shorebirds. His pioneering efforts spurred a change in attitudes and practices among Barbadian hunters, and led to the establishment of more shorebird refuges. Read more here.
John Fletcher walking along the beach during a visit to Yallahs Salt Ponds, a place where he was always very happy. (Photo by Emma Lewis)
London-born John Fletcher, who died at the age of 95 in Kingston and adopted Jamaica as his home at a young age, became a successful businessman, a coffee producer—and most of all an avid birder and a President of BirdLife Jamaica. He was a revered and loved “guru” for bird watchers of all ages, conducting countless bird tours across the island. Read more here.
Simón Guerrero was a founding member of the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds. An engaging teacher and speaker with a great sense of humor, he influenced many to become fans and defenders of nature over several decades.
We remember an extraordinary environmental educator, Simón Guerrero, who passed away earlier this year. His research on urban ecology focused on making cities more habitable for wildlife, including birds. Simón had a remarkable ability to bring the wonder of birds into classrooms, captivating both students and teachers. A passionate advocate for inclusivity, he founded a birding group for blind Dominicans and emphasized the importance of ensuring that birds “know” our actions are in their favor.
Orlando Garrido was a tireless explorer of the Cuban archipelago. Garrido has to his credit the discovery of four mammalian taxa and the description of: 58 insects, 21 birds, 37 reptiles. 78 new records among birds, reptiles, and fish, and 23 taxa have been dedicated to him, and in total he has 298 publications. (Photo by Susan Jacobson)
We also said goodbye to a giant in Cuban ornithology on June 24, Orlando Garrido—an exceptional scientist, naturalist, colleague, teacher, mentor, and friend to so many. Orlando was dedicated to his work until the very end, discussing ornithology and measuring birds for another publication the evening before his passing! We are grateful to have celebrated Orlando’s numerous accomplishments with a Lifetime Achievement Award at our International Conference in Cuba in 2017 and a wonderful article with many photos on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
Looking ahead: Big things are coming in 2025!
With our focus remaining on our threatened shorebirds, we are looking forward to the 16th annual Caribbean Waterbird Census regional count (January 14 to February 3, 2025), which includes the global World Wetlands Day (February 2, 2025). With a long-term database of over 27,000 CWC lists, your participation will add to a valuable resource for bird conservation across the region. Don’t forget that we have a wealth of handy bird ID materials on our YouTube channel to help you in your quest—and you can conduct waterbird censuses at any time of the year, of course.
Speaking of shorebirds, in 2025 we will be working to have Monte Cristi in the Dominican Republic designated as a key site in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. Some 20,000 birds stop off at Monte Cristi annually during their migration.
Building our banding network will also be a 2025 priority, as we seek to equip conservationists with those important skills. Applications for our upcoming workshop in the DR are now closed but keep an eye out for future opportunities!
Aerial view of the Motus station installed at Walkers Reserve Barbados. (Photo by Shae Warren)
More Motus! We hope to install more Motus stations across the region, to track our precious migratory species.
We’re off to the bird haven that is the beautiful island of Cuba for what promises to be two amazing bird tours! (January 23 – 31 and March 19 – 30, 2025). Both tours are fully booked, but you can still browse the itineraries and join the waiting list for 2026 by clicking here.
Thank You for an Incredible Year!
2024 was a year to remember, and it was made possible by you—our dedicated members, partners, and supporters.
Stay up to date with us in 2025 with the latest news from the field, BirdsCaribbean programs and events, and opportunities to get involved—free to your inbox, by signing up for our monthly newsletter. Cheers to a fantastic 2025!
Georgie Thornton (right) and Kierra Clarke (left) from WIRRED. (Photo Lisa Sorenson)
Sun, sand, sea and….birds? Yes that’s right, birds! While Barbados is celebrated for its immaculate beaches, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, this Caribbean gem is also a haven for migratory birds and a great place for birdwatchers. From charismatic shorebirds to colorful warblers, Barbados offers a veritable treasure trove of avian wonder for those who know where to look. In October 2024, BirdsCaribbean teamed up with local NGO WIRRED to shine a spotlight on this hidden birding paradise by hosting a transformative week-long Caribbean Birding Trail Guide Training workshop. Together, we aim to change perceptions and unlock the island’s incredible birdlife for visitors and locals alike!
Although Barbados may not be known primarily as an ecotourism or bird watching hotspot, its wetlands and coastlines are critically important in supporting tens of thousands of migratory shorebirds each year—making them a goldmine for bird lovers! Barbados is also home to the Barbados Bullfinch, a unique and delightful species found nowhere else on earth. Positioned further east in the Atlantic than the rest of the Lesser Antilles, Barbados often welcomes unexpected feathered visitors, adding to its special charm! By cultivating a vibrant birding culture and tourism market, Barbados has the opportunity to raise awareness of the value wetlands and other habitats for birds, fostering sustainable livelihoods in local communities, and build momentum for long-term conservation efforts.
Participants practice identifying birds during the workshop. (Photo by WIRRED)
From October 21-25, participants dove into an immersive workshop designed to equip them with the essential skills for delivering exceptional birding experiences. The comprehensive curriculum covered bird identification, behaviour, ecology, habitat conservation, and environmental interpretation—the art of telling stories to connect visitors with the natural and cultural heritage of Barbados. Led by expert instructors from BirdsCaribbean, the training blended in-depth knowledge and hands-on field experiences, including visits to key birding sites around the island to hone bird identification and guiding techniques. Curious about the highlights? Keep reading as Georgie Thornton, Project Officer at WIRRED, and her colleagues share their insights!
The Wonderful Wetlands of Barbados
Georgie (left) takes part in a birding fieldtrip as part of the workshop. (Photo by Alex Sansom)
I have always been extremely proud of living in Barbados. We’ve got amazing people, gorgeous beaches, flamboyant gardens, and a generally positive atmosphere. But one thing that wasn’t on my ‘must see and do’ list for the island was birdwatching. After five incredible days immersed in the Caribbean Birding Trail Bird Guide Workshop, packed with thrilling tours to Barbados’s top birding spots, I’ve come to realize that no trip to Barbados is complete without exploring the island’s exceptional birdlife!
This tropical paradise serves as a vital stopover for countless migratory bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Over the last 10 years, Walkers Reserve has been creating or rehabilitating habitats that have attracted a wonderfully diverse variety of birds. Since I joined the team, I have started to recognise just how important birds are to the ecosystems throughout Barbados, and have developed a healthy respect for these feathered friends.
In 2022, we hosted BirdsCaribbean’s Wondrous Wetlands Workshop where I was able to dip my toes into the world of birding. Ever since, I have been waiting with great anticipation for the CBT Bird Guiding Workshop held this October. I was looking forward to deepening my appreciation for our resident and migratory birds and to sharing the experience with the 20 other local and regional participants!
Walkers Reserve is sanctuary for migratory birds, from colourful hummingbirds to soaring raptors. It is a birder’s paradise. (Photo by WIRRED)
Which Bird Sparked Your Passion?
Venicio ‘Beny’ Wilson broke the ice on the first day by asking everyone to name their ‘trigger bird’—the bird that first drew them into birding or made them start noticing birds. While some participants shared the same bird, everyone had their own wonderful and unique story. One participant mentioned a falcon seen at just 9 years old, shown to them by their grandparents on the south coast boardwalk. Another was completely captivated by the Osprey, which ignited their birding passion. My bird is the Bananaquit. It has always been a constant presence in my garden, gorging itself on the sugary nectar of the banana and bird of paradise flowers.
Osprey with fish. (Photo by Bernie Duhamel)
Dr. Amelia Rouse, Research Consultant at WIRRED, shared her experience of those first days of the workshop:
“I’ll be honest, before the workshop I wasn’t that interested in birds. I liked the typical Osprey and falcon—the big birds of prey with sharp claws. But the workshop helped me see differently. Suddenly all of the birds roaming around had names, features, field marks, bills, calls, and curious behaviours. Some just chill in the pond, some birds hover over the pond, and some birds even twerk by the pond. Who knew…”
Hear the Bird Call and Spread Your Wings
It was the start of a fantastic week of bonding over birds. It was awesome to see everyone spread their wings as they started to understand how to differentiate similar ‘sandpiper’ species, and to tell the call of the Lesser Yellowlegs from that of the Greater as they fly overhead. As the mini quizzes got harder, everyone stepped up to the challenge and soon, an uninitiated person dropping into the conversation wouldn’t have had a clue what we were all talking about!
Interactive classroom sessions came to life with learning activities and field trips to important birding locations on the island. These included visits to Walkers Reserve, Woodbourne Shorebird Sanctuary, Cherry Tree Hill, Harrison’s Point, and King George V Park.
Spotted — this pair of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks and their brood of chicks thrilled participants and tested their ID skills! (Photo by Venecio Wilson)
Woodbourne was particularly special for me. Greeted by a stunning rainbow which brilliantly spanned the reaches of the swamp, we were shown around by Ian Alkins, Woodbourne’s dedicated caretaker. We spotted a fascinating variety of birds, including the Wilson’s Snipe, Solitary Sandpipers, and lots of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks—and their very cute babies! We were fascinated as a kingfisher hovered 60 ft in the air before careening down to grab a fish he’d been eyeing so far above.
Give Deeper Meaning to Your Story
In addition to Bird Identification, instructor Rick Morales introduced participants to the art of Interpretation. Through this session, we learned how to tell stories that could foster meaningful and inclusive experiences for our guests, deepening their understanding, broaden their perspectives, and inspire engagement with Barbados’ natural and cultural heritage The workshop helped us to drastically improve our guiding and presentation skills, culminating in a presentation on something we were passionate about on the last day of the course.
Dr. Amelia Rouse presenting her topic of children can be inspired through cartoons to conserve nature. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Group watches as Amelia presents. (Photo by Alex Sansom)
Amelia highlights her experience below:
Georgie presents on the final day, about composing with worms. (Photo by Venicio Wilson)
“What I also found interesting about the workshop was how the different presenters engaged us with personal stories. One of the keys of the interpretation module was to add some of your own personality to your guiding and touring presentations. I kept this in mind when I prepared my final presentation at the end of the workshop and used personal stories about my childhood connection to nature and cartoons. The final message was that children can be inspired through cartoons to conserve nature. I’d like to thank the CBT, Birds Caribbean and WIRRED for organising a fun and engaging workshop.”
Other participants presented on native medicinal plants, archaeology, coral restoration, bees, tour guiding in Barbados and Antigua, worm compost, their native quail-doves, and even read moving poems they’d written about their experience throughout the week.
Now, for anyone who visits Barbados and specifically Walkers Reserve, I will always show off our splendid Bajan birds, ensuring they leave with an understanding of just how important these birds are to Barbados and a desire to experience them more. With 21 new birding champions on the island, we hope to foster the birding community here on island to ensure areas important to these birds are treasured.
Participants were thrilled with the experience!
Participants wholeheartedly described it as one of the most enriching experiences they’ve ever had. Amelia explained, “I joined the weeklong course to learn more about bird ID — but I learned so many more things! I learned about interpretive guiding, about the degradation of habitats for shorebirds, and I learned how to present better as a guide! I think it’s a really great course for anybody interested in birds and guiding.” Participant Chaka Audain agreed that the course delivered way more than he expected: “At first, when I started this course, I really thought it would just be specialized in increasing my knowledge about birds, but I realized that I was just scraping the surface of what the course offered. We dived into business strategy for tour guides, how to connect better with clients — and techniques to really relate to people! I gathered so much more than I originally thought I would in this workshop, and I’d recommend it — not just to bird enthusiasts, but anyone else in the tour guiding business, and anyone else dealing with tourists — it will help you multifold your ventures.”
BirdsCaribbean is pleased to present our Caribbean Birding Trail 2024 cohort! (Photo by WIRRED)
Next Steps—and a heartfelt Thank You to our Sponsors!
During the workshop, a “Birding in Barbados” WhatsApp group was formed where participants and more experienced birders in Barbados are sharing what birds they are seeing, finding out about the best birding spots on the island, and getting help with bird ID as needed. Some of the group have already been on birding field trips to continue practicing their bird identification skills—essential for becoming a knowledgeable guide. With all this enthusiasm and practice we have at least one participant, not previously a birder, who is already signed up to guide bird tours in Barbados!
The group out birding during the workshop (Photo by Alex Sansom)
Georgia Scarlett, Environmental Projects Manager at the Sandals Foundation, one of the main sponsors of the guide training, explained, “As a Foundation, we know that becoming stewards of your environment begins with education. With this, we continue to support capacity building sessions across the region.”
“This project not only strengthens capacity and fosters stewardship,” Scarlett continues, “but has the added benefit of livelihood development as birding is an exciting tourism opportunity. Globally, travellers are eager to participate in nature tourism activities and, with these sessions, trainees are able to provide this service.”
Georgie Thornton is a Bajan wildlife conservationist. She currently works at WIRRED as Project Officer, managing various habitat regeneration and monitoring programs.
Acknowledgements: The CBT Interpretive Guide Training was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and local partners. These include the Sandals Foundation, WIRRED, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service International Programs, USAID, and Vortex Optics.
The Barbados CBT Interpretive Guide training is the eighth training to be carried out by BirdsCaribbean. Previous trainings have been held in Grenada, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bonaire, Cuba, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. These guide trainings are integral to advancing the vision of the CBT—connecting people to the extraordinary places, diverse cultures, and people of each island. Through the CBT, we promote natural and authentic experiences that benefit local people and encourage the protection of the Caribbean’s natural resources, including birds and their habitats.
The Lesser Yellowlegs, a medium-sized shorebird widespread in the Caribbean, has suffered a population decline of 30 to 49%. Its IUCN threat level has been raised from Least Concern to Vulnerable. (Photo by Hemant Kishan)
BirdsCaribbean is sounding the alarm over the significant declines in shorebird populations, highlighted in a recent update to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The report, released during the COP16 UN Biodiversity Conference in November, reveals that 16 shorebird species have been moved to higher threat categories, with some populations plummeting by least 30% over the past three generations.
“This is a wake-up call,” said Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean. “The Caribbean is a lifeline for migratory shorebirds, providing critical stopover and wintering sites along the Atlantic Flyway. When these habitats are lost or degraded, or disappear, these birds face severe challenges.”
Many of the reclassified species are familiar visitors to the Caribbean, reflecting the region’s vital role in their life cycles. Among the newly listed species are the Lesser Yellowlegs, now classified as “Vulnerable,” and the Greater Yellowlegs, listed as “Near Threatened.” Other widespread species like the Ruddy Turnstone are also in decline, facing threats such as habitat loss, disturbance, and climate change-related impacts. The Short-billed Dowitcher has also experienced worrying population declines.
The Role of Coastal Habitats
Coastal wetlands, including mangroves, swamps, ponds, beaches, sand flats, and mud flats, are essential for shorebird survival, yet they are disappearing at an alarming rate. According to the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), 12% of the world’s global mangroves are found in the Caribbean, but nearly 7,000 square kilometers were lost between 1980 and 2010. At this rate, the CBF surmises, “the Caribbean’s mangroves could disappear in the next 60 years.”
Over 20,000 shorebirds rely on the wetlands at Monte Cristi in the Dominican Republic during migration every year – making this a regionally important site and a critical lifeline for shorebirds. (Photo by GAE)
Shorebirds feeding at Cargill, which is designated as Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) site of regional importance, and holds important number of shorebird species such a Red Knot and Short-billed Dowitcher. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
Over 100 Piping Plovers, classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, along with many other wintering shorebirds, were counted on Andros and nearby cays in The Bahamas during our 15th Caribbean Waterbird Census. (Photo by Chris Allieri)
Mangroves across the region are experiencing degradation from multiple pressures, including pollution, unsustainable development, and the effects of climate change. (Photo by Maria Paulino)
A Call to Action
“The destruction and degradation of Caribbean coastal habitats from increased tourism, housing and agricultural developments, pollution, and extreme weather events has devastating consequences,” Sorenson noted. “We must act now to protect these vital ecosystems and the shorebirds that depend on them.”
A volunteer uses a Shorebird ID card at a Caribbean Waterbird Census count. (Photo by Dayamiris Candelario OPAS)
Counting waterbirds at Las Salinas, Zapata Swamp.
A flock of Willets and Short-billed Dowitchers take flight in Las Salinas mangroves, Zapata Swamp, Cuba (photo by Ernesto Reyes)
BirdsCaribbean is urging governments and citizens alike to step up:
Governments can lead the way by prioritizing wetland conservation and enforcing policies that safeguard mangroves and coastal habitats from pollution and unsustainable development practices.
Citizens can contribute by supporting habitat protection and restoration efforts, joining cleanups, participating in bird monitoring programs like the Caribbean Waterbird Census—essential for tracking bird populations and habitat use—and reducing pesticide use to protect waterways from pollution.
Together, these actions can create a lasting impact, safeguarding our birds and the vital habitats they depend on.
The first annual BirdsCaribbean Endemic and Threatened Species Working Group (ETSWG) newsletter is now available, and it’s brimming with exciting updates and achievements! From celebrating conservation leaders to spotlighting critical challenges, read about all the latest research, conservation, and education activities taking place across the region—in English, Spanish, and French!
In the newsletter we celebrate some of the Caribbean’s emerging researchers and leaders advancing the study and protection of Caribbean endemic and threatened species. We also provide a roundup of the 24th BirdsCaribbean Conference in the Dominican Republic this past July—endemic and threatened species took center stage in sessions on habitat restoration, species monitoring, and the effects of climate change. We share the latest news about thrilling taxonomic changes that have increased the number of Caribbean endemic species, the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, and Caribbean Landbird Monitoring Programme, as well as research and conservation updates from across the islands. From celebrating conservation leaders to spotlighting critical challenges, this issue is packed with news that showcases the resilience and dedication of our community. Click here to view the newsletter in Spanish or French.
Across the Caribbean, exciting projects are underway. Conservation efforts for the critically endangered Grenada Dove include predator control and public education, while surveys for the Trinidad Piping-Guan are set to inform a new recovery plan. In Cuba, citizen science initiatives and artificial nest programs are enhancing protection for endemic species like the Cuban Parakeet.
Grenada Dove. With fewer than 190 individuals left in the wild, we must act NOW to secure its survival. (Photo by Greg Homel)
Trinidad Piping-Guan, locally known as “Pawi.” Acoustic surveys will reveal vital data about the Pawi’s abundance and habitat. (Photo by Josh Bajnath)
Cuban Parakeet. With support from a Betty Petersen Conservation Fund award, an Artificial Nest Program is being implemented. (Photo by Aslam Castellón Maure)
The Caribbean’s 2024 hurricane season was one of the most severe on record, with significant impacts on both human and avian communities. The newsletter explores the challenges posed by increasingly intense storms and highlights recovery efforts, like habitat restoration and emergency appeals.
Ashton Lagoon trail destroyed by Hurricane Beryl, the earliest hurricane to reach Category 5 intensity. (Photo by Orisha Joseph)
The Endangered Bahama Warbler is restricted to Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands, where it is resident. Hurricane Dorian decimated its population in 2019. In this issue, researchers explore the warbler’s habitat preferences. (Photo by Scott Johnson)
Recovering Caribbean Nature
This issue also rounds up recent publications on endemic and threatened Caribbean birds, and invites collaborators to join critical initiatives, including monitoring high-elevation endemic species and contributing to Birds of the World accounts. Check out opportunities to partner on projects that make a lasting impact.
Are you working on research on a high elevation species, like the La Selle Thrush, or a high elevation habitat? We’d love to partner with you! (Photo by Dax Román)
If you’re interested in getting involved with the Endemic and Threatened Species Working Group (we hope you are!) please get in touch with us by signing up to our listserv.
Finally, our newsletter highlights just some of the many amazing activities on endemics in the region—we’d love to hear from you if you’ve got news to contribute to next year’s newsletter!
– ETSWG co-chairs, Ellie and Howard
P.S. The WG is also looking for an additional co-chair so let us know if you’d be interested in joining us!
Click on the Flipbooks below to read and/or download this newsletter.
Click on the individual images below to download a PDF of the newsletter in your preferred language.
Get ready for the 16th annual Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) Region-Wide count! From January 14th to February 3rd 2025, you can make a direct impact on waterbird conservation in the Caribbean. Want to know more? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about our CWC 2025 regional count.
The data collected from the past 15 years of the CWC has been invaluable in helping us conserve waterbirds in the region! Your survey efforts can help us identify and protect important places for waterbirds in the Caribbean. For instance the Cargill Salt Ponds in Bonaire were designated a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) site of Regional Importance as a direct result of survey efforts. CWC surveys are also critical in tracking waterbird populations and threats to waterbirds and their wetland homes.
Cargill Salt Ponds, Bonaire.
The Cargill Salt Ponds site also supports other habitat types, like these mangroves. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Least Sandpiper and Western Sandpiper walking on salt crystals at Cargill Salt Ponds. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
Flamingo at the Cargill Salt Ponds, Bonaire.
Caribbean wetlands are home to over 185 species of waterbirds making them a treasure to explore and vital to protect. Our wetlands host endemic and globally threatened species, along with many migratory birds. The data you help us collect through this ongoing, standardized survey is crucial for understanding how to conserve these exceptional species and manage their habitats effectively.
Ready, set, count! Get out there and enjoy the waterbirds
Why not wade into the wonderful world of waterbirds? Everyone is welcome to join in with the CWC in 2025! You can do your waterbird counts solo, team up with friends, or even reach out to a local environmental NGO for support and guidance. It’s as easy as heading out to your nearest wetland, and recording all the birds you see.
A small flock of Little Blue Herons comes in to land. (Photo by Matthew Addicks Macaulay Library-ML189076771)
For the CWC, a wetland is any area where water is the primary factor controlling what lives there. This wide broad definition includes covers coastal wetlands like mangroves, mud flats, lagoons and beaches, as well as inland wetlands like lakes, ponds, swamps, areas around rivers and streams and even some types of agriculture (e.g. rice fields).
Of course, to participate in the Caribbean Waterbird Census, you need to be in the Caribbean when you do your counts! Check out our handy survey tips below to help you get started with your CWC surveys:
Coral Aviles listing the birds in the CWC list on eBird, Blassina Canal Puerto Rico. (Photo by Eliezer Nieves)
Want to be sure that your counts count? Then use eBird AND chose one of the CWC protocols. Data from the CWC is all stored on eBird Caribbean but to make sure your count is included in the CWC you must use one of the CWC protocols for your list.
Using one of these protocols in eBird is critical, without it we will not know that you have done a CWC count and your data will not be logged in our CWC database.
When you submit your sightings on Step 2, under “Observation Type” be sure to pick one of the CWC options. Simply making an eBird list during the regional count dates is not enough—selecting the appropriate protocol is required for it to be ‘counted’ as CWC data. If you are using the mobile eBird app to collect and submit your data, don’t forget that you need to use the eBird Caribbean portal to see the CWC protocol options (check in your settings). If you’re new to eBird, check out our helpful video here on how to use eBird and Merlin.
Finally, whilst you’ll be on the lookout for waterbirds (ducks, herons, egrets, shorebirds etc.) you should be sure to count all the birds that you see and hear during your survey visits. If you need help with eBird submissions, have questions about which CWC protocol to choose, or with setting up an eBird account, please contact Alex Sansom: waterbird.manager@birdscaribbean.org
We’re here to help!
New to the CWC survey or need a refresher? Don’t worry! We’ve put together amazing resources that will make your counts easy, enjoyable and successful. To help you get started or refresh your memory, watch our YouTube webinar that walks you through the CWC survey steps!
What’s that? You need a hand with your waterbird ID? You’ve come to the right place—brush up on your ID skills using our videos on YouTube!
Part I covers herons, egrets, ducks, marsh birds, and seabirds.
A volunteer uses a Shorebird ID card at a Caribbean Waterbird Census count. (Photo by Dayamiris Candelario OPAS)
Handy Caribbean shorebird ID card
Studying shorebird identification in the field with Lisa Sorenson. (Photo by Kristy Shortte)
If you need more help with those troublesome shorebirds you can also check out our series of short videos. Each of these deals with ID-ing some of the shorebirds that are more difficult separate, like Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs and Peeps!
Have fun out there!
We hope you have a great time exploring your country’s wetlands and counting birds during the regional CWC count. Remember every count completed helps protect waterbirds! Please stay safe and carry out your counts responsibly. This means taking care not to disturb the birds or damage their habitats. See how many of your local wetlands you can visit during this three-week period and make an even greater impact on waterbird conservation.
If you find yourself having a fab time with your CWC counts and want to spot more waterbirds, the fun doesn’t stop at the regional count! You can do a CWC survey at any time of the year—just head to a Caribbean wetland and count all the birds you see!
Counting flamingos, herons, egrets, and many other waterbirds at Las Salinas, Zapata Swamp.
Good luck! We look forward to hearing about your findings. If you need help with bird ID, or have photos and exciting observations to share, please post to our Waterbird Group Listserv (everyone is welcome to join) and/or on our BirdsCaribbean Facebook page. For sharing on social media, use hashtags: #CaribbeanWaterbirdCensus and #WaterbirdsCount AND please tag us: @BirdsCaribbean
Promotional Social Media Graphics – Please feel free to download these graphics and use these to promote your Caribbean Waterbird Census surveys (just open the graphic you want to use right click and choose ‘save image as’) .
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2024! This year’s theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Wood Duck
Meet the dazzling Wood Duck! It is one of North America’s most stunning ducks, turning heads wherever it goes with its vibrant and ornate plumage. The elegant male sports a glossy green head with a long green, purple, and white crest at the rear, chestnut-coloured breast, black-and-white neck, orange-red bill, and brilliant red eye. Females have a more understated beauty with warm brown to grayish plumage, a pronounced white tear drop around the eye, white throat, and soft gray crest. Males in non-breeding plumage and juveniles resemble adult females.
True to their name, Wood Ducks live in or near forested swamps. They stand out among ducks for their ability to perch gracefully on tree branches and logs, thanks to their strong claws. Unlike most ducks that nest on the ground or in reeds, Wood Ducks favor snug tree cavities high above ground—sometimes directly over water. They rely on pre-existing holes, often crafted by woodpeckers or natural breaks in trees. The female selects the nest site, while the male waits nearby.
To make the cavity cozy, the female lines it with soft down feathers from her breast, ensuring warmth for her eggs. After hatching, the one-day old ducklings climb up to the cavity entrance and leap fearlessly, landing safely on the ground or water below, even from heights exceeding 50 feet! Their mother calls them, but the ducklings navigate this daring jump on their own—and land without injury!
A study in South Carolina found that 42% of nesting females returned to the same site the following year, highlighting the crucial need to protect these nesting trees.
Wood Ducks enjoy munching on aquatic plants, but they also eat seeds, fruits, insects, and other arthropods. When their aquatic buffet becomes scarce, they venture into the forest to forage for nuts or into fields to snack on grains. Ducklings feed exclusively on protein-rich insects and small invertebrates to fuel their rapid growth.
These birds can be found year-round along the Pacific Coast, in the Northwest, Midwest and Eastern United States, and in Cuba! Migratory populations winter in the southern U.S. and northern Mexico and are rare visitors to the northern Bahamas. Wood Ducks form pairs on their wintering grounds and males follow their mates back to their breeding areas. This means a male may make a long journey north one spring and a shorter one the next, depending on where his partner leads him.
In the early 20th century, hunting pressure coupled with loss of nesting sites pushed Wood Ducks to near extinction. Thanks to legal protection and artificial nest boxes, their populations rebounded, and the species is no longer considered threatened. However, preserving their habitats and the insects they rely on remains vital. Keep waterways clean, and opt for organic fertilizers and biopesticides to minimize harm to wetlands. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Aliya Hosein for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Wood Duck
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2024Carib
Listen to the calls of the Wood Duck
Female Wood Ducks have a loud “oo-eek, oo-eek” call that they make in flight or when disturbed.
Enjoy these photos of Wood Ducks
The stunning and colorful male Wood Duck. Wood Ducks pair up in January, and most arrive at the breeding grounds in the spring already paired. (Photo by Alan D. Wilson)
The more demure female Wood Duck has an understated elegance of her own. Females normally lay 10-11 eggs per clutch, and will sometimes raise two broods in one breeding season! (Photo by Alan D. Wilson)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Some times birds can be hard to find! Your task in this activity is to find and identify the hidden bird in the given picture!
All you need to do is download and print this activity sheet. Then color in the spaces according to the instructions below to see what kind of bird this is. Once you have found them, describe or name the bird.
Esta actividad también se puede descargar en español en español. ¡Disfruta buscando todas las cosas de la lista!
Tu tarea consiste en encontrar e identificar el pájaro escondido en la imagen dada. Colorea los espacios según las instrucciones siguientes para ver de qué tipo de pájaro se trata. Una vez encontrado, describe o nombra el pájaro.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of a Wood Duck in the wild!
Timed with the global migration of shorebirds from breeding to overwinter areas, World Shorebirds Day is celebrated every September 6th! This special day highlights these incredible birds and the amazing journeys they make. It also brings attention to the threats they face and actively promotes shorebird monitoring and conservation through the Global Shorebird Count (GSC). Over the week-long GSC, people all over the world come together to monitor shorebird populations and protect the vital habitats these birds depend on for shelter and food. In the Caribbean, we enthusiastically joined the count, showing our love for these remarkable birds. Here are highlights from around the islands!
Sargassum draws shorebirds in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
Rondel Smith, a Terrestrial Warden with the National Parks Trust of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), headed out to survey shorebirds across Anegada’s wetlands. He was surprised that of all the wetland habitats he visited the beaches proved to be the hotspot for shorebirds. Perhaps because of their thick beds of sargassum? Rondel said “the beached sargassum seemed to be very popular as hundreds of sandpipers could be seen foraging through it.” You can learn more about how beneficial sargassum is to wildlife from the free e-book ‘Suddenly Sargassum’ by Les Fruits de Mer linked at the ned of this blog. Rondel also spotted Ruddy Turnstones, Sanderlings, Short-Billed Dowitchers. The highlight of the count?—A Piping Plover! This small globally near-threatened shorebird is a fairly common winter visitor in parts of The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Cuba, but it is a much rarer sight in the BVI. This shows that once you are out monitoring waterbirds you never know what you might find! Rondel’s efforts also revealed an unexpected discovery—an active Brown Pelican nesting colony, the first ever recorded nesting on the island!
Enjoy Rondel’s beautiful photos from his shorebirds surveys:
Western Sandpiper BVI. (Photo by Rondel Smith)
Shorebirds feeding on sargassum, BVI. (Photo by Rondel Smith)
A Semipalmated Sandpiper enjoying the sargassum, BVI. (Photo by Rondel Smith)
Young Brown Pelicans, BVI. (Photo by Rondel Smith)
You can also find out more about birds and sargassum in this great book on the topic “Suddenly Sargassum”
Ailen Anido Escalona shared some amazing finds from her shorebird surveys in Cuba with us. During their week of surveys, Ailen and her team counted many wetland birds in addition to shorebirds. Their efforts led to the discovery of a previously undocumented colony of American Flamingos—an exciting find! They also managed to visit the lagoons of the Las Balsas wetland, a site monitored with BirdsCaribbean’s support. Alien reflected on the importance of their work: “It was a unique experience, as we continue to build knowledge about our birdlife.”
Ailen and the survey team.
American Flamingos (Photo by Ailen Anido Escalona)
Engaging youth in St. Eustatius
Jethro and group enjoy a walk and bird survey along Zeelandia Beach for World Shorebirds Day. (Photo by Jethro van ‘t Hul)
Small islands with small wetland areas are still important for shorebirds on the move, so we were delighted to hear about the monitoring effort of Jethro van ‘t Hul of STENAPA on St. Eustatius. As part of their celebration, Jethro hosted an afternoon walk along a local beach on September 6th, World Shorebirds Day itself! Seven participants, including curious youngsters, joined in the fun. They spotted 17 bird species, 10 of which were shorebirds, including Short-billed Dowitchers and Wilson’s Plovers. This hands-on experience inspired participants to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of shorebird conservation.
Puerto Rico celebrated World Shorebirds Day with impressive results. Biologist Nahíra Arocho-Hernández along with volunteers, Julián Rivera and José (Cheo) Vargas, surveyed the Salt Flats of the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. Their efforts paid off in a big way! They identified an impressive 22 shorebird species of shorebirds, with a total of 2,540 birds counted! The Salt Flats were teeming with Stilt Sandpipers and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Nahíra and her team also encountered several individuals of the larger shorebird species, such as Whimbrels, Willets and striking American Oystercatchers, adding more excitement to their GSC. Their dedication highlights the incredible biodiversity of Puerto Rico’s wetlands.
The local organization De Pajareo Puerto Rico also joined in, sharing their shorebird adventures during the Global Shorebird Count. Follow along on their shorebird-counting adventures here:
World Shorebirds Day is more than a celebration of amazing shorebirds — it’s a tribute to the beautiful wetlands they rely on to survive and the love and dedication shown to them by all the Caribbean shorebird monitors. We thank everyone who participated in this year’s event. Together, we’re making a difference!
Mark your calendars for next year’s Global Shorebird Count and World Shorebirds Day. Bring your friends and family, and let’s make it another unforgettable celebration as well as grow the move to monitor and protect shorebirds and their habitats.
In case you missed them from earlier in the year, BirdsCaribbean made some great ID videos to help you separate the Peeps and Spotted Sandpiper from Solitary Sandpiper. You can find all our shorebird ID videos here, and all of our great shorebird ID and outreach resources can be found here.
BirdsCaribbean visiting Woodbourne in 2022 during our Wetlands Education Workshop in Barbados. L to R: Lisa Sorenson, Wayne “Doc” Burke, Alex Sansom, Ian “Bolt” Alkins. (photo by Michele Kading)
With deep sadness, we share the news of Wayne Burke’s passing on November 19th, in Barbados. Affectionately known as “Doc,” Wayne was a tireless advocate for shorebird conservation and a visionary leader in transforming Barbados into a safer haven for migratory birds.
In 2008, Wayne began his journey with BirdLife International to address the unsustainable hunting of shorebirds. Together with two former hunters, he helped secure the lease for the abandoned shooting swamp at Woodbourne. Following restoration, the Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge welcomed its first southbound migrants in 2009, becoming a vital sanctuary for a remarkable diversity of shorebirds and waterbirds year-round.
Wayne’s 2009 publication in the Journal of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society beautifully documents Woodbourne’s establishment and highlights the site’s immense ecological value. To ensure its long-term protection, he co-founded the Shorebird Conservation Trust, a registered charity in Barbados.
Wayne Burke at Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge. (photo by Yves Aubrey)
Wayne’s influence extended beyond Woodbourne. His efforts, in collaboration with the Barbados Wildfowlers Association, helped shift hunting practices in Barbados, leading to self-imposed bag limits by hunters. The Wildfowlers Association and many hunters and ex-hunters actively supported the work Wayne and the Shorebird Conservation Trust did to restore and improve the habitat for shorebirds at the Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge. There are now several swamps in Barbados, including Congo Road and Fosters—where habitat is still managed for shorebirds but no shooting takes place, provide important shorebird refuges alongside Woodbourne.
In recognition of his tireless dedication, Wayne received the Pablo Canevari Conservation Award in 2017. You can read more about this award as well as his life and contributions to shorebird conservation in this article published when he received this award, and also in this tribute from Manomet.
Wayne with Ian “Bolt” Alkins at Woodbourne in 2022. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
For many years, Wayne managed the Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge with support from USAID, ensuring it remained a haven for shorebirds, students, researchers, and bird enthusiasts.
In recent years, as Wayne has faced health issues, Ian “Bolt” Alkins has taken up this work, continuing Wayne’s legacy with equal passion and commitment.
Last month, during our 8th Caribbean Birding Trail Guide Training Workshop in Barbados, Woodbourne was a highlight for participants. Its incredible diversity of shorebirds and waterbirds made for an unforgettable experience, reinforcing the importance of Wayne’s work.
Participants at our Caribbean Birding Trail (CBT) Guide Training Workshop in Barbados last month enjoyed the huge diversity of birds at Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge (photo by WIRRED)
Our deepest condolences go out to all who knew and worked alongside Wayne. His unwavering dedication to protecting shorebirds has left an indelible mark on conservation in Barbados. We are profoundly grateful for his hard work, humor, and passion, and we are honored to continue supporting his vision for a thriving Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge.
We invite anyone with memories or stories about Wayne to share them with us and we will add them to this tribute (see below).
Find out more about the history of hunting in Barbados and the work Wayne and other did to change hunting practices and establish Woodbourne as a no-shooting refuge here.
You can read more about Wayne’s pioneering shorebird conservation efforts and Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge in this feature published in “Ins and Outs of Barbados” in 2013.
If you would like to know more about threats to shorebirds in the Caribbean and Wayne’s contribution to their conservation see this post:
From Brad Andres: “Wayne “Doc” Burke worked tirelessly for the conservation of shorebirds, and other species, on Barbados. He gave me a thorough education about the history of shorebird hunting on the island and was a constant source of information on the changing politics and attitudes towards shorebird hunting. His efforts helped form the first Shorebird Harvest Working Group that engaged hunters and practitioners across the Caribbean Basin. I appreciated Wayne’s frank perspectives on what was best for conservation of shorebirds on Barbados. He conducted work at Woodbourne and elsewhere for mediocre wages and even suffered personal injury for his conservation efforts. I hope the trade winds will carry his soul to a place of painless tranquillity.”
From David Wege:“Wayne was a unique conservationist. A surfer birder who’d settled in Barbados after surfing the Americas. Passionate about Bajan birds and their conservation, he was probably the only person able to bridge the divide between the Bajan shorebird hunters and an international conservation community that was in part anti-hunting. Wayne showed that there was a way that benefitted shorebirds by working with the hunters. A way that he was so passionate about that he was often knee deep in mud, literally “getting his hands dirty” to ensure the vision of a shorebird refuge became a reality. When not moving mud or birding at Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge, he would often be on the porch of a swamp hut sharing stories with shorebird hunters. His legacy lives on across the swamps of Barbados – long may they be filled with fall shorebirds and other wildlife.”
David also shared these photos with us:
Wayne showing a group Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge. (Photo by David Wege)
Golden Plover decoys, used by hunters, Wayne contributed to this species no longer being hunted on Barbados. (Photo by David Wege)
Wayne speaking about shooting swamps. (Photo by David Wege)
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2024! This year’s theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Louisiana Waterthrush
Who’s that cutie bobbing their booty? It’s the Louisiana Waterthrush! This lively songbird is famous for its constant tail-bobbing, which inspired its scientific name (Parkesia motacilla)—both parts meaning “tail-wagger.” True to its name, the Louisiana Waterthrush thrives near fast-moving rivers and streams, often hopping gracefully along rocky edges.
Its cryptic, thrush-like plumage is dark olive-brown above and white below, with brown streaks on its breast and sides. A bold white eyebrow stripe (wider behind the eye) and a clean, white throat help set it apart from its equally bobbing cousin, the Northern Waterthrush. The latter has buffier underparts, a narrower eyebrow stripe, and streaking on its throat.
You can also tell them apart by song: the Louisiana Waterthrush’s tune begins with 2-4 clear, descending whistles, followed by a complex jumble of notes. Its sharp metallic chip call is higher-pitched than the Northern’s.
While both species winter in the Caribbean, the Louisiana Waterthrush tends to prefer fast-flowing streams, while its cousins favor mangrove swamps—though they can sometimes overlap. It’s hypothesized that the tail-bobbing behavior may serve as camouflage, mimicking rippling water as they forage for invertebrates near streams. Other wetland birds, like Spotted Sandpipers and Solitary Sandpipers have similar bobbing behavior.
The Louisiana Waterthrush is one of the earliest migrants to arrive in their Caribbean and Central American wintering grounds, often reaching as early as July or August. It is also among the first to return north in spring, arriving on breeding grounds in eastern North America well ahead of most warblers. They seem to prefer traveling solo, usually spotted migrating with only one or two individuals.
Despite being a relatively common migrant in the Caribbean, much remains to be learned about their migration. Some take inland routes through Mexico and Central America, while others cross the Gulf of Mexico to overwinter on islands like Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico.
These streamside specialists feed on a great variety of insects, larvae, and even the occasional small frog or minnow. They walk briskly and skillfully among rocks and sticks as they pursue their prey, sometimes wading into water to obtain food. Their reliance on clean streams makes them bioindicators—birds whose health reflects the condition of their habitat. Studies show that water pollution directly affects their survival and breeding success, as it reduces the macroinvertebrates they depend on for food.
Although not considered threatened, Louisiana Waterthrush populations depend on healthy stream ecosystems. Simple actions like disposing of trash properly and using eco-friendly fertilizers can help protect these amazing birds and the waterways they call home. Keeping streams clean safeguards not only the Louisiana Waterthrush but also countless other species that share their habitats.
Thanks to Holly Garrod for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Louisiana Waterthrush
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2024Carib
Listen to the calls of the Louisiana Waterthrush
The call of the Louisiana Waterthrush is a loud, metallic ‘chip‘, similar to that of the Northern Waterthrush.
Enjoy these photos of Louisiana Waterthrush
Louisiana Waterthrush. This bird is a very early migrant arriving back on the wintering grounds as early as July or August. (Photo by Jesse Gordon)Louisiana Waterthrush grabbing a tasty insect snack, this bird mainly feeds on aquatic invertebrates. (Photo by Ryan Shean ML618924609)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Use your observation skills and go on a migratory birds and insect Scavenger hunt! Print the cards on sturdy paper and use a clipboard or piece of cardboard as a writing surface outside.
Talk about this with your kids and then go outside to investigate your habitat and get looking for birds and insects. Instead of collecting the items, this is an observational scavenger hunt. See what you can find on your search and note down each bird or insect you find and anything interesting you spot about them, as they are located. When everyone has had a chance to take part and add items to the list, come back together to chat about what was seen and where they were located. How many different bird did you see? Which habitat had the most insects? Did you spot any birds eating insects?
Esta actividad también se puede descargar en español. ¡Disfruta buscando todas las cosas de la lista!
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of a Louisiana Waterthrush in the wild! In the winter you will likely only hear their ‘chip- chip’ call, but here is a sample of their sweet song from the breeding grounds.
I wanted to get to know the elusive Whistling Warbler on the island of Saint Vincent — which meant that we needed to go up. Straight up some very steep slopes!
Whistling Warbler spotted on La Soufriere Windward Trail. (Photo by Jonathan Slifkin ML621602299)
The Whistling Warbler (Cathoropeza bishopi) is an endangered, endemic species of bird that lives on the Lesser Antillean island of Saint Vincent. When we say a species is endemic, it means that the species exists nowhere else on the planet other than at a discrete location. This is a common designation for many island species. When a species is endemic and endangered, that can be a ‘code red’ for conservationists — because the species has nowhere else to go to disperse from threats! In the case of the Whistling Warbler, those threats come mainly from deforestation, land use change, hurricanes (exacerbated by climate-change), and the recent explosive eruption of Saint Vincent’s La Soufrière volcano in 2021, the largest to occur in the Caribbean in the last 250 years.
Figure 1. Map of St Vincent showing locations of our PROALAS Point Counts without Whistling Warbler (WHWA) sightings, with warbler sightings, and eBird Caribbean sightings prior to the April 2021 eruption of La Soufriére Volcano.
So where is the Whistling Warbler to be found? Well, this charming bird (whose plumage delightfully brings to mind an Oreo cookie!) appears to require a specific kind of natural forest for habitat: forests growing in steep, wet, montane environments. These mostly grow on the windward (east) side of the island. However, these forests have been experiencing a great deal of “wear and tear” in recent years. Some have been cut to grow non-native tree plantations, or terraced to provide farmland, in some cases for the illegal cultivation of Cannabis. Many of the northern areas were decimated by wind and volcanic ash from the 2021 volcanic eruption. The windward forests also take the brunt of hurricanes moving west across the Atlantic, which can wreak havoc on the essential habitat of the warbler. Hurricane Beryl just recently tore through St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG); the extent of the damage to the mainland forests (and the warbler) is currently unknown, though nearby Union Island has been devastated. These growing and more frequent impacts of climate change cannot be overlooked.
And yet, the Whistling Warbler has so far been able to hold on in small numbers, in the face of these daunting challenges to its habitat. Much of its success is thanks to conservation efforts that protect and restore their habitat. Now, it is absolutely vital that the warbler population is actively monitored to ensure its survival, and to inform future conservation efforts aimed at protecting its habitat. Part of the challenge here is that there is still so little known about this bird. We don’t know much about their habitat requirements; their nest construction; and when and where they breed. It is critical to understand these aspects of the warbler’s life cycle to make effective management decisions. We can only find this information by getting people out into the forest to make these discoveries and to monitor the population.
Preparing for the trip: some homework required
I am a graduate student at Antioch University New England studying Conservation Biology. Antioch Professor Dr. Mike Akresh has been working with Caribbean birds for over a decade, and when he asked if I would like to accompany him on a two-week field study trip in March 2024 to Saint Vincent, I was initially apprehensive. Leaving my young child and a pile of school work at home for two weeks sounded daunting, but I knew there was important work to be done on Saint Vincent as there is not an overabundance of researchers working on the Whistling Warbler. I made the decision to go.
The Vulnerable St Vincent Parrot. (Photo by Mike Akresh)
A pair of Rufous-throated Solitaire in St. Vincent (Photo by Frantz Delcroix)
Lesser Antillean Tanager on St. Vincent. (Photo by Steven Hunter ML200625941)
Firstly, I went into an intense learning period focussed on the birds of Saint Vincent; it was especially important to learn their calls. With the help of eBird, the Merlin App, and a handy field guide to the “Birds of the West Indies,” I familiarized myself with most of the birds we could expect to encounter on the trip. How were we going to monitor for the Whistling Warbler? Well, we were planning to work with the PROALAS landbird monitoring protocol, which requires us to document every bird seen and heard during a specific period of time at a point or transect. Every bird has a story to tell about the environment; birds are regarded as indicator species. This means that the presence of certain species or lack thereof provides critical insights about the impacts of land use change, climate change, and volcanic activity; in other words, the obstacles and challenges that the Whistling Warbler faces.
The song of the Whistling Warbler consists of an ascending trill of loudly whistled notes.
Our enthusiastic team on Saint Vincent
Our collaborators on the island were the talented and professional members of the SVG Forestry Department. Our point of contact and monitoring collaborator was the energetic Glenroy Gaymes, who has been working closely with the Whistling Warbler conservation efforts. Glenroy is an expert birder and naturalist, whose passion for conservation on Saint Vincent is infectious. With invaluable help from Glenroy and other Forestry staff such as Felicia Baptiste, Romano Pierre, Caswin Caine, and Kishbert Richards, we reached the steep and remote areas where the warbler lives. Glenroy and the Forestry Department have also been monitoring the endemic and endangered Saint Vincent Parrot (Amazona guildingii) and many other non-bird species.
Mike Akresh, Glenroy Gaymes and Christian Carson in Kingstown, St. Vincent.
Our days on Saint Vincent were demanding, but rewarding. We did find the Whistling Warbler!
Mike hiking nearly straight uphill. Accessing the Whistling Warbler’s habitat is not easy. (Photo by Christian Carson)
Primary Forest in St. Vincent. (Photo by Christian Carson)
Every morning we would wake up before sunrise, and head up into the sawtooth-like mountains, shrouded in mist. You may have seen these impressive mountains before if you have seen the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, which were largely filmed on Saint Vincent. Fortunately, we encountered the Whistling Warbler several times at various locations. In keeping with previous observations, most or all of our encounters with the Whistling Warbler took place over 300 meters and in steep, wet forests. Did I mention that we had to go up high? The slopes of the misty mountains of Saint Vincent were steep and slippery.
Notes from the field
When studying where Whistling Warblers like to live, we found that they prefer primary forests with lots of moss. Younger and older secondary forests had fewer warblers. Interestingly, palm brakes were about the same as primary forests for warbler sightings, especially near certain trails. Detection was low in elfin woods, which seem to be unsuitable habitat for them. The drier, western side of the island has less of the wet montane forest they prefer.
We noticed that Whistling Warblers really like wetter forests, especially where there’s a lot of moss. For example, at one site – Silver Spoon, where the forest is very wet, we found lots of warblers. However, on the leeward side of the island, the forests were dry and grassy, and we didn’t find any warblers there.
We didn’t look for warblers in the northern part of the island because it’s too dry and no warblers have ever been found there. Tree plantations were the least likely place to find Whistling Warblers because these areas have trees, like Blue Mahoe and Big-leaf Mahogany, that are all the same age and don’t provide enough food or shelter for the birds. Overall, we also noticed that there were fewer other forest birds around areas affected by the volcano. Birds like Bananaquits and House Wrens were common near the volcano, but other species like Cocoa Thrush and Ruddy Quail-Doves were missing. The ash from the volcano may have made it harder for some birds to find food. However, some of these birds are starting to come back now, so we’ll keep studying and monitoring the area to learn more.
Christian and Kishbert surveying for the Whistling Warbler on La Soufrière. (Photo by Mike Akresh)
We still need more information on the mysterious Whistling Warbler!
Over the past few years and during this current trip, we have come across several nests that might possibly be those of the Whistling Warbler, but without a positive ID of a warbler using the nest, we cannot say for sure. Finding a nest is particularly important for conservation efforts because it allows us to better understand the warbler’s breeding ecology and habitat requirements. We also do not know how successful the warbler is in breeding; invasive mongoose or black rat populations may prey on eggs or fledglings. But it must be acknowledged that without more research, we cannot know for sure. There are limited resources available to protect the Whistling Warbler, so the more specifics we have about this species, the better those resources can be utilized to have the greatest conservation impact. We need to know more, so that we can do a better job at protecting this species, which is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
With the data we have been able to collect while on Saint Vincent, we aim to create a conservation action plan (CAP) specifically for the Whistling Warbler. Without the dedicated work of the Saint Vincent Forestry Department, BirdsCaribbean, and donors small and large, this work would not be possible, and the Whistling Warbler would likely be added to the alarming (and growing) number of species lost forever.
We owe it to the Whistling Warbler, up there in the remote rainforest and beautiful mountains of Saint Vincent.
Christian holding a Sphinx Moth. (Photo by Mike Akresh)
Christian Carson is a graduate student at Antioch University New England studying conservation biology. He is interested in ways people seek and find meaning in the living world, and how this meaning (or lack thereof) shapes global environmental issues. He lives with his partner and three-year-old son in Western Massachusetts. He enjoys quiet walks in the woods, flying kites, and sitting zazen. You can reach him at ccarson@antioch.edu.
Acknowledgements: BirdsCaribbean is grateful to the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for funding our Conservation of the Endangered Whistling Warbler Project, launched in 2022. We are also deeply grateful to Mr. Fitzgerald Providence and his staff at the St. Vincent Forestry Department for their help and support. Special thanks Glenroy Gaymes, who has been working closely with us on the warbler project. Finally, we thank BirdsCaribbean members, partners, and donors for your support, which made this work possible.
If you like Caribbean birds, maybe you want to learn to put a ring (or band) on them!
BirdsCaribbean is excited to invite applications to participate in a 5-day training workshop focused on bird banding, an important tool for research and monitoring! Participants will learn about the basics of bird banding, from setting up a mist-net to examining molt patterns, through a blend of classroom and field based activities. We’ll also discuss and demonstrate some of the benefits of joining our new Caribbean Bird Banding Network. We’re very excited to return to the Dominican Republic to one of our favorite workshop sites, Baiguate Ecolodge in Jarabacoa. Mark your calendars — this year’s workshop will take place from 20-24 February, 2025.
Why do we need to band birds?
A Cuban Tody wearing a BirdsCaribbean band about to be released. (Photo by Daniela Ventura)
Bird surveys, like those covered in our Caribbean Landbird Monitoring Training Workshops, provide valuable information about abundance and species presence. But bird banding is a different methodology that takes a deeper dive into how bird populations are doing by assessing the condition of individual birds. By marking and assessing birds in the hand, we can collect data that can tell us about their demography and health, including:
Looking at fat scores and weights to assess the body condition of birds in different habitats and at different times of the year, which in turn sheds light on the quality of the habitats these birds are using.
Aging birds using plumage to investigate demographic patterns.
Using recapture records to learn about survivorship and longevity.
Assessing the presence or absence of breeding characteristics to better understand the timing of breeding and life history for many of our understudied Caribbean endemics.
Finding out which migratory routes our shared birds are taking and gaining a better understanding of factors influencing survival and longevity of species.
Over the long-term, bird banding data can also help us understand patterns and trends in bird populations, to aid in their management and conservation.
About the workshop
This workshop is the fourth annual Caribbean Bird Banding (CBB) Training Workshop. It will cover many of the same topics explored in our previous CBB Training workshops held in The Bahamas (March 2022) and the Dominican Republic (March 2023) and Grenada (March 2024). This bilingual (English and Spanish) workshop is designed for Caribbean wildlife professionals and volunteers who are interested in gaining more experience with bird banding. Prior banding experience is not required. However, priority will be given to applicants who are likely to continue training to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to contribute to or initiate avian research and/or banding programs on their home islands.This workshop will focus on banding landbirds, with an emphasis on Passerines. We hope to provide banding training opportunities for other bird groups in the future.
Daniela Ventura del Puerto (Cuba) provides instruction on bird molt to workshop participants Giselle Raganoonan (Trinidad) and Elvin Manual Vargas Estevez (Dominican Republic).
Zoya Buckmire instructs a participant on how to correctly hold a bird to take measurement. (Photo by Maya Wilson)
The purpose of the workshop is to:
Provide participants with a basic understanding of bird banding techniques and best practices.
Discuss what it takes to set-up and run a bird banding station.
Prepare participants for additional bird banding training and potential North American Banding Council (NABC) certifications (assistant, bander, trainer) in the future.
Share information about the other training opportunities, resources, and community available through the CBB Network.
Several NABC-certified trainers will share their knowledge in the classroom, at the mist-net, and at the banding table, covering topics including:
Juan Carlos Fernández Ordóñez shows participants how to correctly set up mist nets in Grenada. (Photo by Maya Wilson)
Proper set-up and placement of a mist-net
Proper techniques for extracting birds from mist-nets
Starting a banding station
Bird first-aid and safety
Bird banding ethics and basics
Using bird banding for education and public demonstrations
Aging birds using both WRP and Howell-Pyle terminology
Molt patterns
Bird banding is a complex skill to learn. This workshop is intended to be a starting point, and participants should not expect to leave the workshop with the necessary qualifications to band birds independently. To become fully immersed and practice what was learned at the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to be considered for bird banding internships following the workshop.
In an effort to decrease the amount of time spent in the classroom, some materials will be shared virtually prior to the in-person workshop. These virtual sessions will also be made available to a wider audience. Stay tuned for more information!
Funding and Logistics
We aim to include approximately 15 participants in this workshop. BirdsCaribbean has funding for a limited number of need and merit-based scholarships to cover the costs of travel and participation. Participants who are able to contribute all or part of their costs can allow us to include additional participants. We encourage applications from all candidates who are well-suited to make use of this training, regardless of their financial ability. Participants should plan to arrive in the Dominican Republic by February 18 and depart on February 25.
Participants at our Caribbean Bird Banding Workshop held in the Dominican Republic in March 2023. (Photo by Joshua Covill)
Applications
If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please fill out this form by 8 December 2024.
Oportunidad de formación: Taller de anillamiento de aves caribeñas
Si te gustan las aves del Caribe, ¡Quizás quieras aprender a ponerles un anillo (o una anilla)! BirdsCaribbean se complace en invitarte a participar en un taller de formación de 5 días centrado en el anillamiento de aves, ¡Una importante herramienta para la investigación y el monitoreo! Los participantes aprenderán los fundamentos del anillamiento de aves, desde la instalación de una red de niebla hasta la revisión de los patrones de muda, a través de una mezcla de actividades en el aula y sobre el terreno. También discutiremos y demostraremos algunos de los beneficios de unirse a nuestra nuevaRed de Anillamiento de Aves del Caribe. Estamos muy contentos de volver a República Dominicana, a uno de nuestros lugares favoritos para los talleres: Baiguate Ecolodge, en Jarabacoa. Márcalo en tu calendario: el taller de este año tendrá lugar del 20 al 24 de febrero de 2025.
¿Por qué necesitamos anillar aves?
Los censos de aves, como los que se tratan en nuestrosTalleres de Formación para el Monitoreo de Aves Terrestres del Caribe, proporcionan información valiosa sobre la abundancia y la presencia de especies. Pero el anillamiento de aves es una metodología diferente que profundiza en la situación de las poblaciones de aves mediante la evaluación del estado de cada individuo. Marcando y estudiando a las aves en la mano, podemos recopilar datos que nos informen sobre su demografía y salud, entre otros:
Observar la acumulación de grasa y el peso para evaluar la condición corporal de las aves en diferentes hábitats y en diferentes épocas del año, lo que a su vez arroja luz sobre la calidad de los hábitats que estas aves están utilizando.
Determinación de la edad de las aves mediante el plumaje para investigar patrones demográficos.
Utilizar los registros de recapturas para conocer la supervivencia y la longevidad.
Evaluar la presencia o ausencia de características reproductivas para comprender mejor el momento de la reproducción y el ciclo biológico de muchas de nuestras poco estudiadas endémicas caribeñas.
Averiguar cuáles rutas migratorias siguen nuestras aves compartidas y comprender mejor los factores que influyen en la supervivencia y longevidad de las especies.
A largo plazo, los datos provenientes del anillamiento también pueden ayudarnos a comprender los patrones y tendencias de las poblaciones de aves, para contribuir a su gestión y conservación.
Sobre el taller
Este taller es el cuarto taller anual de formación sobre anillamiento de aves en el Caribe (CBB). Cubrirá muchos de los temas ya explorados en nuestros talleres anteriores de capacitación sobre la CBBN celebrados enBahamas (marzo de 2022), República Dominicana (marzo de 2023) y Granada (marzo de 2024). El taller bilingüe (inglés y español) está diseñado para profesionales y voluntarios que trabajan con vida silvestre en el Caribe y que estén interesados en adquirir más experiencia en el anillamiento de aves. No se requiere experiencia previa en anillamiento. Sin embargo, se dará prioridad a los solicitantes que tengan posibilidades de seguir formándose para adquirir los conocimientos, habilidades y experiencia necesarios para contribuir o iniciar programas de investigación y/o anillamiento de aves en sus islas de origen. Este taller se centrará en el anillamiento de aves terrestres, con énfasis en los paseriformes. Esperamos ofrecer oportunidades de formación en anillamiento para otros grupos de aves en el futuro.
Los objetivos del taller son:
Proporcionar a los participantes una comprensión básica de las técnicas de anillamiento de aves y las mejores prácticas.
Discutir lo que se necesita para montar y dirigir una estación de anillamiento de aves.
Preparar a los participantes para formación adicional en anillamiento de aves y posibles certificaciones del Consejo Norteamericano de Anillamiento (NABC) (asistente, anillador, entrenador) en el futuro.
Compartir información sobre otras oportunidades de formación, recursos y comunidades disponibles a través de la Red CBB.
Varios formadores certificados por el NABC compartirán sus conocimientos en el aula, en las redes de niebla y en la mesa de anillamiento, cubriendo temas como:
Montaje y colocación adecuados de una red de niebla
Técnicas adecuadas para extraer aves de las redes de niebla
Puesta en marcha de una estación de anillamiento
Primeros auxilios y seguridad
Ética y fundamentos del anillamiento de aves
Uso del anillamiento de aves para educación y demostraciones públicas
Determinación de la edad de las aves utilizando terminología WRP y Howell-Pyle
Patrones de muda
El anillamiento de aves es una habilidad compleja de aprender. Este taller pretende ser un punto de partida, y los participantes no deben esperar salir del taller con las calificaciones necesarias para anillar aves de forma independiente. Para sumergirse completamente y practicar lo aprendido en el taller, los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de ser considerados para prácticas o pasantías de anillamiento de aves tras el taller.
En un esfuerzo por reducir la cantidad de tiempo que se pasa en el aula, algunos materiales se compartirán virtualmente antes del taller presencial. Estas sesiones virtuales también se pondrán a disposición de un público más amplio. Mantente atento para más información.
Financiación y logística
Nuestro objetivo es contar con aproximadamente 15 participantes en este taller. BirdsCaribbean cuenta con financiación para un número limitado de becas basadas en la necesidad y el mérito para cubrir los costes de viaje y participación. Los participantes que puedan contribuir con la totalidad o parte de sus costes pueden permitirnos incluir participantes adicionales. Animamos a presentar solicitudes a todos los candidatos que reúnan las condiciones necesarias para aprovechar esta formación, independientemente de su capacidad financiera. Los participantes deben planificar su llegada a la República Dominicana para el 18 de febrero y su salida para el 25 de febrero.
Solicitudes
Si estás interesado en participar en este taller, llena este formulario antes del 8 de diciembre de 2024.
John Fletcher holds his gift book prepared by his birding family at his 90th birthday celebrations in April, 2019. (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
We are saddened to share the recent passing of John Fletcher, a true pioneer of birdwatching in Jamaica. Emma Lewis—an influential blogger, environmental advocate, and longtime BirdsCaribbean member—has written a heartfelt tribute to John, honoring his remarkable legacy of inspiring Jamaicans to appreciate and protect their island’s birds. Emma, also a valued member of our Media Working Group, originally posted this tribute on her blog, Petchary, on November 3, 2024. We extend our gratitude to her for allowing us to share it here.
The birdwatching community has become quite close-knit over the past few years. It is small, but growing. Last month was a sad one, however, as we lost a beloved member of the older generation of birders. I penned this obituary; please feel free to share. As you can tell from the tributes at the end of this piece, we all miss John very much – but we are reflecting on the many good times we shared with him.
He was a teacher. He was a mentor. He was an expert bird guide. He was a friend. And he was never happier than when he had a pair of binoculars slung round his neck.
John was all about business and birds
Former President of BirdLife Jamaica (BLJ) and revered “elder statesman” of the island’s birding world, John Oliver Fletcher passed away in Kingston, Jamaica on October 11, 2024 at the age of 95, after a short illness. He leaves behind his two sons, Andrew and Mark, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean, shared her condolences with Jamaican birders: “John was amazing, such a huge and positive influence on the birding community in Jamaica and a mentor and friend to so many. A life well-lived for sure and he will be missed. His spirit lives on in our memories—and in every joyful moment spent with binoculars in hand. Our condolences to all of you.”
President of BLJ Justin Saunders shared: “The significance of John to BLJ was evident from my first day as a BirdLife member over two years ago. The outpouring of love since his passing only confirms the beautiful stories I’ve heard about him since. I was not fortunate enough to have met and gone birding with John, something I expected would have been a memorable and fun experience; but I’m inspired every time I see one more picture and hear one more person speak about their favorite ‘John moment’. Even though John’s passing is a sad moment I think it’s also a beautiful reminder of the family we have here in BirdLife Jamaica.”
In a Facebook post, the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica conveyed its sincere condolences, noting that John was a dedicated member for many years.
Born in Balham, south London on April 5, 1929, John arrived in Jamaica in 1948 as a nineteen year-old, to do his second year of required National Service in Jamaica. He worked in the Army Ordnance Depot on Princess Street, downtown Kingston. He fell in love with Jamaica, met and married a Kingstonian (Kitty Paxton), and started work with the Citrus Company of Jamaica as an assistant chemist. John worked in a management position in Stann Creek, Belize (then British Honduras) for a short while; however, Belize did not suit the Fletchers, and they returned to Jamaica. They lived in Bog Walk for twelve years, where John was Managing Director of Jamaica Citrus Growers. In 1970, he formed his own company, Fletcher Bowman Ltd., in Yallahs, St. Thomas. John was elected President of the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA) in 1980. Following an illness, he sold the company in 1984. After serving as Managing Director of Salada Foods from 1986 for nine years, he retired at 65 and decided to join his son Mark’s company, Country Traders, where he started his own roastery – Coffee Roasters of Jamaica – an enterprise he enjoyed.
Somehow, despite all his responsibilities, John balanced his business career with his love for the environment – and birds in particular.
John Fletcher walking along the beach during a visit to Yallahs Salt Ponds, a place where he was always very happy. (Photo by Emma Lewis)
While living in Yallahs in the 1970s, John had started bird watching in the fascinating wetland area of the nearby Salt Ponds in the evenings; it remained one of his most beloved birding spots. He became a member of the Gosse Bird Club (now BirdLife Jamaica) where he served as Treasurer from 2005 to 2010 and then as President, until 2014. Besides his birding activities, he was Honorary Consul for Sweden from 1983, for 17 years; and wrote a fortnightly column in the Daily News on business and environmental issues from 1978. In 1990 he was appointed to the Appeals Tribunal of the National Resources Conservation Authority and became Chairman, resigning in 1996 from this and other posts.
John threw himself into his activities as an expert bird guide for locals and overseas visitors, conducting tours all over the island from 2001 onwards. Birding with inner city children, as part of a project with Jamaica Environment Trust, and talking to groups of schoolchildren about birds were among his most rewarding experiences – besides, of course, numerous field trips with BLJ.
Indeed, John loved life, laughed readily and easily, and “connected” with people of all ages and backgrounds. He even got on well with bird hunters. It was noticeable that birdwatchers would gather round him during field trips, to gather up his wisdom.
John adjusting the scope for young birders. (Photo by Doris Gross)
John helping a new birder identify a bird by using a field guide. (Doris Gross)
John helping a group of birders identify a bird. (Doris Gross)
John lived life to the fullest, and was very much a family man. His ninetieth birthday was celebrated in style with friends, family and birders at the Pages Restaurant in Hope Gardens, where he was presented with a book created by BLJ members in celebration of his life with birds, among other gifts. It was a joyous and at times emotional occasion.
John on his 90th, after a birding session at Hope Gardens, with the BirdLife “crew.”
While staying at Silver Sands in late July this year, John “really enjoyed his early morning swims,” according to his son Andrew. He had celebrated his 95th birthday with a party at a restaurant in Golden Spring, St. Andrew.
John gave so much to Jamaica’s birding family. He was much loved and appreciated as a colleague and teacher, and he will be greatly missed.
Other BLJ members and birders shared their fond memories:
“John Fletcher will live on in the hearts of birders in Jamaica. He has taught many about the birds of Jamaica and also how to be a superb bird guide…You have taught and shared so much information about birds to so many people, including me. On behalf of the birding community in Jamaica, we would like to send condolences to your family at this time. You were such a birder and you will live on in our hearts – even in our binoculars.” ImmediatePast President/BLJ Executive and Biologist Damion Whyte
“John and I have shared many birding moments, especially at Parrottee Ponds, St. Elizabeth. I chant that JAH grants all those who are connected to him extra strength in this time of bereavement. May his soul rest in the arms of the Ancestors. John, you have stepped into the next realm and the JAH of the birds are with you all the way. Live on Birding Brother.” – Wolde Kristos, BLJ Executive and Bird Guide
“John was serious about birds. He was always ready to share his knowledge with us all. His enthusiasm was truly infectious. He was a very kind and thoughtful man. I will always remember the steaming hot coffee that he would bring on bird trips and share with us; for example, at the top of a cliff in Hector’s River, as we watched White-tailed Tropicbirds sailing by.” – Emma Lewis, BLJ Executive and blogger
“It was so easy to take beautiful photos of John Fletcher. Because he was a beautiful soul and that showed on the outside…I always told him he is our inspiration for aging gracefully. Fly high with the birds John!” – Doris Gross, BLJ member
“I was honoured to have John Fletcher as a friend for over 30 years. John was remarkable not only for his extensive knowledge of birds, but for his amazing memory of people, places and events in Jamaica over the past seven decades. John was not only a birder, but a ‘hasher’ – a member of the running club, Jamaica Hash House Harriers (‘JAH3’) – and because he was an Englishman with a lifelong interest in birds, he earned himself the cheeky Hash name of ‘Tit Pincher’. It was always a pleasure having John on a birding trip: he brought his bird expertise, his stories of bygone times in Jamaica, and his delicious coffee. Farewell, John – fly with the birds you loved so much.” – Wendy Lee, Conservationist and Bird Guide
“I met John about 2002 through the late Dr. Peter Vogel when I was first introduced to BirdLife Jamaica.
I affectionately look back at the fact that John has always been an old man, even seeing pictures of him from years before he always looked the same…sort of how no one can conjure up a picture of a young Santa Claus. He automatically and effortlessly commanded the room as he immediately got the respect and undivided attention whenever he opened his mouth. He always spoke calmly, never overly excited – but still able to convey his passion for the subject at hand…birds.
Since I was studying birds at the time, John immediately knew I needed his help without me ever asking. So he became my unofficial mentor, keeping me grounded in the local and cultural aspects of birding while I was otherwise building up my technical knowledge. He guided me in how to be a bird guide, which is much more difficult than it seems. The one takeaway I always held on to is that he told me to remain calm and not get too excited when I find the bird, thus not robbing the birders I’m guiding of that experience. In that way he taught me how to let the other birders “discover” the birds themselves, even if it meant I should pretend that I’m not sure of what I am looking at. I understood the assignment.
From there he encouraged me to help train other guides and got me into the commercial aspect of birding to the point where I formed Arrowhead Birding Tours in 2012.
In my eyes, John lived the perfect life. We all knew this day would come when we bid him farewell, but we would never be sad about it.” – Ricardo Miller, Past President of BLJ and Bird Guide.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2024! This year’s theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Ring-necked Duck
With such a fab updo and glossy plumage, the Ring-necked Duck is one dashing duck! It is also a strong and fast flier, able to take flight by springing up directly from the water! In contrast, most diving ducks need to do a laborious take-off run before flying off. Although Ring-necked Ducks are diving ducks, they’re frequently seen in shallow waters (four feet deep or less), where patches of open water are fringed with aquatic or emergent vegetation such as sedges and lilies.
Ring-necked Ducks don’t tip up as “dabbling” ducks do, like the elegant Northern Pintails and Blue-winged Teals. They plunge underwater and swim using only their feet for propulsion. The plants they munch on include crunchy leaves, stems, seeds, and tubers from pondweed, water lilies, wild celery, wild rice, millet, sedges, and arrowhead. They also chomp down on snails (shell included!), dragonfly larvae, and even leeches! When it’s time to lay eggs during spring (March through April), these ducks need lots of protein, so they gobble up more bugs and small creatures. In the fall, they switch back to munching on plants during their big migration!
Ring-necked Ducks breed in freshwater marshes and bogs across the boreal forests of northern North America. They build their nests about 10 inches above the water, using bent plant stems, or on floating vegetation. This elevated nesting keeps their eggs safe from land predators like foxes. The female lines the nest with her own down feathers, making it soft and cozy. She typically lays between six and 14 eggs. Ducklings hatch and leave the nest within two days, already able to swim and find food, though they stay under their mother’s watchful eye. As temperatures drop, Ring-necked Ducks migrate to warmer areas, including Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean. On your island, you’re most likely to spot them in swamps, river floodplains, and reservoirs.
The Ring-necked Duck is named for the chestnut collar across its black neck. This collar is hard to see in the field but it was clearly visible to the nineteenth-century biologists that described the species using dead specimens. Males can instead be identified by their pointed heads, bright yellow eyes, satiny black body, light gray sides, and white wedge at the shoulder. Males have a gray bill with a black tip. Their bills are bordered by a white ring. Females have a gray bill with white band and black tip but no white ring around the bill. Males in eclipse (nonbreeding or “hiding”) plumage, which is worn for a month or more after breeding in the summer, display a browner plumage with brown-black head, breast and back. They differ from the females by having bright yellow eyes and no eye-ring.
Females have a brown-gray body, pale white feathers around the base of the bill, a brown top of the head that contrasts with its gray face, and white eye-ring with a narrow white line that extends back from the eye. Immature ducks resemble their corresponding adult plumages by sex, but they are duller in color.
Ring-necked Ducks and other waterbirds rely heavily on wetlands for breeding, wintering, and migrating. If these vital habitats are threatened, their populations can suffer too. Even if wetlands seem far from where you live, you can still help protect them. Keep your sidewalks, lawns, and driveways free of pet waste, trash, and toxic chemicals like motor oil, which can wash into storm drains and pollute wetlands. Talk to friends and family about the importance of wetlands for both wildlife and people. Also, opt for non-nitrogen lawn fertilizers to prevent nutrient pollution, which can lead to harmful algae blooms and dangerous “dead zones” in water. Your actions can make a big difference in preserving these vital habitats and supporting waterbird populations.Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Aliya Hosein for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Ring-necked Duck
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2024Carib
Listen to the calls of the Ring-necked Duck
Ring-necked Ducks make a series of short calls consisting of grating barks or grunts.
Enjoy these photos of Ring-necked Ducks
A beautiful male Ring-neck Duck in striking black and white breeding plumage. In winter he will have gray-brown sides, but you can still use his distinctive peaked head to ID him. (Photo by Becky Matsubara)Females are brown with a subtle white eye-ring and grayish face. Look for these ducks in small, shallow wetlands. (Photo by Denny Swaby ML317836361)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: During migration, Ring-necked Ducks will stop to rest and feed on shallow lakes with lots of vegetation. Here they will munch on submerged plants and aquatic creatures.
Can you help this tired and hungry Ring-necked Duck get to the swamp to take a rest and grab a snack on its journey south?
Colorful and friendly, the Cuban Tody is one of Cuba’s most beloved endemic birds. (photo by Aslam Ibrahim)
Join BirdsCaribbean, the Caribbean Birding Trail, and expert Cuban bird guides, Ernesto Reyes Mourino and Tania Piñeiro, on the adventure of a lifetime! Choose from our January or March 2025 trips to explore Cuba’s spectacular landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary birdlife. The tour is perfect for individuals, couples, and groups of friends looking for a truly unique experience!
Due to a cancellation, ONE SPACE is available for someone to join the March 2025 tour!
With over 400 bird species recorded, including 29 unique endemics and 21 globally threatened species, Cuba is a birder’s paradise. Its expansive landscapes and prime Caribbean location make it a critical stopover and wintering site for over 180 Neotropical migratory species, creating rare opportunities to observe both endemic and migratory birds.
Our carefully crafted itinerary takes you to Cuba’s premier birding locations, where you’ll encounter the island’s diverse avifauna. Along the way, you’ll connect with Cuban ornithologists, guides, and community members; stay in welcoming casas particulares (Bed & Breakfast establishments); and dine in cozy paladars (private restaurants), giving you an authentic taste of Cuba’s rich culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality. Discover Cuba through its birds, landscapes, and people—join us for an unforgettable experience in 2025!
Explore, Enjoy, and Empower: Why you’ll Want to Book this Trip ASAP!
Your trip, led by outstanding and experienced certified Cuban guides Ernesto Reyes & Tania Piñeiro, and group leaders Lisa Sorenson (Executive Director, BirdsCaribbean, January trip) and Jeff Gerbracht (Checklist Working Group Co-Chair, BirdsCaribbean, March trip), combines expert guidance with local insights. Your adventure includes hassle-free Cuban visa arrangements, dedicated driver and first-class bus transportation, bilingual guides, accommodations, meals and non-alcoholic drinks (with tips at restaurants taken care of), and admission fees for all itinerary locations, ensuring a seamless experience.
Traveling with us not only lets you experience the beauty of Caribbean birds, it also directly supports their conservation. A portion of your trip proceeds goes towards our bird conservation programs and partners in Cuba and the Caribbean. Enjoy unforgettable sightings of some of the world’s most iconic birds, all while contributing to their welfare and supporting the dedicated people who study and protect them.
From Cuba’s majestic mogotes to lush tropical forests to vibrant swamps and wetlands, we explore a wide variety of spectacular habitats. For a glimpse of the incredible bird species you may encounter, take a look at our eBird trip reports:
Still not convinced? Check out the rave reviews at the bottom of this page and see what fellow birders are saying about their unforgettable experiences! See also photos from past trips in the gallery below.
Two exceptional tours to choose from in 2025: a 9-day trip in January and a 12-day trip in March
See detailed itineraries for our 2025 trips below!
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2024! This year’s theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers are one of our boldest and brightest migratory birds, and they come in three exciting “flavors”! Look for them in an entirely bright red plumage or what we like to call strawberry (adult male), a warm yellow plumage better known as banana (adult female), and finally, a mixture of reds and yellows AKA strawberry-banana (young males and older females)!
Despite this buffet of colors, like many birds, Summer Tanagers were named after the appearance of the male. Their latin name, Piranga rubra, is a combination of the Tupi (a language native to Brazil) word for “bright red,” and the Latin word for “red.” Their name essentially means “bright red red” — a perfect description for the male’s stunning plumage!
These striking beauties breed in many parts of the Southern United States. However, there are two distinct breeding populations that likely each take different migration routes. Birds breeding in the Southwestern US migrate through Mexico, down into Central America, and even to northern South America. Birds breeding in the Southeastern US migrate through the Caribbean — Summer Tanagers have been recorded migrating through Cuba, The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, and Curacao. Whilst the majority will continue on to South America, some birds have been recorded overwintering in the Caribbean!
Like many other songbirds, Summer Tanagers prefer to migrate at night. Cooler temperatures help them avoid overheating during long flights, calmer nighttime air provides smoother flying conditions, and traveling under the cover of darkness means that they can avoid predators that hunt during the day. These birds sometimes flock together, forming groups of up to 30 individuals before leaving to their next stopover site. Flocking may help birds navigate and better avoid predators on the move.
Their rest and refuel time is spent gorging on the good stuff — flying insects like bees, wasps, and beetles, crunchy grasshoppers, and gooey caterpillars. Much like their strawberry and banana plumage, Summer Tanagers are also big fans of fruit, and they can often be found munching on mulberries, blackberries, citrus, and bananas. These crucial meals help them build muscle and fat reserves prior to taking off — in fact, in a study looking at weights and fat storage of migratory birds in the tropics, Summer Tanagers arriving in Panama in the fall were estimated to have enough fat to continue another 860 km of flying!
Summer Tanagers are ready to take summer with them, they are one of the earlier migrants detected migrating as early as August and arriving to their overwintering grounds by the end of September! During migration, look for these birds in secondary growth forests, with a preference for edge habitats and gardens. Their overwintering habitat is similar and they can often be found in forest edges and second-growth woodlands such as those used in shade-grown coffee plantations. You may spot them anywhere from low-lying mangroves, up to 1800 m in elevation!
If you’re fortunate enough to live on an island that serves as a migration stop for the Summer Tanager, you can attract these beautiful birds to your backyard by planting native trees that provide a rich source of flying insects and produce the fruits they love to feast on. This will help sustain these tanagers on their journey to South America. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Holly Garrod for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Summer Tanager
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2024Carib
Listen to the calls of the Summer Tanager
The calls of the Summer Tanager are a short, descending “pit-a-tuck.”
Enjoy these photos of Summer Tanagers
A pair of Summer Tanagers. Adult males are completely red whereas females can be a range of colors, from pale dull yellow to brighter orange. (Photo by Magdalena Richter ML623482755)
Immature male Summer Tanager. When it comes to diet these colorful birds are bee and wasp specialists though they will also eat fruit. (Photo by Linda Petersen)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Honey bees feed on both nectar and pollen. Nectar provides energy, and pollen provides protein and other nutrients. They find their food through sight and smell.
In today’s activity you will do an experiment to test how great bees are at remembering where they can find food!
With the help of an adult, you will need to gather the following items before you get started:
Pan or microwave-safe dish
Water
50g sugar
5 clear dishes
4 pieces of white paper
1 piece of red paper
Then download and follow these simple instructions and get started finding out more about bees!
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of a male Summer Tanager feeding on fruit!
Conservation is not an easy calling. Biodiversity protection is a complex undertaking that requires a myriad of interventions: sometimes education and awareness raising, sometimes capacity building, sometimes difficult and tiring fieldwork for us to learn more about how to protect species, sometimes navigating complex networks of stakeholders and laws — always, it requires a special kind of dogged persistence. Work often demands long hours, exhausting days in the field, and battling against entrenched systems and beliefs. Despite the challenging nature of this work, our community consistently goes above and beyond in service of a stronger, beautifully biodiverse Caribbean.
On the final night of every BirdsCaribbean conference, we set aside the evening to recognize and celebrate those in our community who truly embody the tenets of dedication and tireless passion in pursuit of the conservation of Caribbean birds and their habitats. The Awards Ceremony is not only a ritual, but an important moment to show support for our amazing colleagues. We are proud to honor our phenomenal community members who not only advance conservation in our region, but who inspire us to keep pushing harder every day.
On the last evening of the BirdsCaribbean 24th International Conference, we gathered for a special Closing Gala, recognizing the tremendous efforts of our hardworking community.
And the award goes to…!!!
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The BirdsCaribbean Lifetime Achievement Awards is our most prestigious award, conferred upon those remarkable individuals in our BirdsCaribbean family who have helped change the future for Caribbean birds and their habitats for the better through a lifetime of work and dedication.
We honored two individuals with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their tireless commitment to the study and protection of Caribbean birds and their habitats.
(1) Christopher Rimmer, Emeritus Executive Director of Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE), was recognized for his unwavering dedication to the Bicknell’s Thrush, a bird that “connects two worlds”, and for fostering conservation capacity throughout the Caribbean. As a co-founder of VCE, Chris has championed wildlife conservation over the past 3+ decades, blending ecological research with community engagement. Much of his career has been focused on studying the Bicknell’s Thrush across its full life cycle, from the breeding sites in New York and New England to the cloud forests of Hispaniola and Cuba. In 2007, Chris co-founded the International Bicknell’s Thrush Conservation Group (IBTCG), which completed the first-ever Bicknell’s Thrush conservation action plan, a collaborative effort of all six countries across the species’ full annual cycle. Beyond his fieldwork, Chris has also been a dedicated mentor to dozens of young biologists, many of whom have gone on to careers in ornithology and conservation — a testament to his belief that conservation is as much about people as it is ecology. Among his many contributions, we especially honor Chris for his continued support to science, local-based conservation, and capacity building, particularly in the Dominican Republic.
(2)Dr. Steven C. Latta, Director of Conservation and Field Research at the National Aviary, was celebrated for his extensive contributions to Caribbean and Latin American ornithology over the past 25 years. His research has explored the winter ecology of migratory birds, examining how species adapt to both natural and human-induced changes in their habitats. Using the Louisiana Waterthrush as a focal species, he has studied population dynamics and the effects of water quality on bird health. Steve has coordinated some of the longest bird monitoring programs in Latin America, and co-founded the Ruta Barrancolí, the first national birding trail in the region. His work is distinguished by strong local collaboration, partnering with Dominican biologists and naturalists as collaborators in field efforts, and by innovative efforts with locally-based educators to build a culture of bird conservation among children and adults across the island. He has authored multiple books on Hispaniola’s avifauna, published over 175 research articles, and continues to dedicate himself to mentoring the next generation of conservationists in field research and avian monitoring techniques.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Christopher Rimmer with BirdsCaribbean Executive Director Lisa Sorenson, BirdsCaribbean President Adrianne Tossas and Andrea Thomen.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dr Steve Latta with BirdsCaribbean Executive Director Lisa Sorenson, BirdsCaribbean President Adrianne Tossas and Andrea Thomen.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
President’s Awards recipients are hand selected by by our President Dr Adrianne Tossas, who takes into account multiple factors, such as their capacity to adapt in difficult circumstances and excel in their abilities, ultimately raising the level of service in conservation. This year, four organizations were honored with the President’s Award:The Peregrine Fund Dominican Republic, Grupo Jaragua, Grupo Acción Ecológica and Action pour la Sauvegarde de l’Écologie en Haïti.
(1)The Peregrine Fund Dominican Republic, led by Carlos Suarez and Marta Curti, along with former members Christine and Thomas Hayes, and many other technicians and active community members such as Juan Gavilán and many more, were celebrated for their devotion to the conservation of Ridgeway’s Hawk through effective community engagement and fostering partnerships with the private and public sector. The Peregrine Fund’s Ridgway’s Hawk conservation project, launched in 2002, and has made significant strides in protecting this critically endangered species. A key achievement is their advances in preventing botfly infestations in nestlings, a major threat that could otherwise cause over 70% mortality. The Peregrine Fund has also successes with their Assisted Dispersal Program, which releases young hawks from Los Haitises National Park to the Ojos Indígenas Reserve, establishing new breeding pairs and fledging young in the wild. Partnerships with private organizations have helped retrofit hazardous power lines, reducing the risk of electrocution for Ridgway’s Hawks and other bird species. The Peregrine Fund’s wholistic approach to conservation goes beyond wildlife protection, incorporating community development and environmental education that benefits local people through training, educational programs, and employment opportunities, all while improving the hawk’s conservation outlook.
(2) Grupo Jaragua, led by Sixto J. Inchaustegui, Yvonne Arias, and Yolanda León, along with many other staff and members, were honored for their dedication to advocacy for threatened species and ecosystems, and for their work towards ensuring the conservation of the Dominican Republic’s protected areas. Grupo Jaragua is a leading force in conserving the biodiversity and natural resources of Hispaniola, working across the Dominican Republic and Haiti through initiatives that combine scientific research, community involvement, and sustainable development. Their programs have achieved tangible conservation outcomes for endangered species such as the Ricord’s Rock Iguana, Hawksbill Turtle, and many other wildlife. Their efforts extend beyond fieldwork, playing a pivotal role in shaping environmental policy in the Dominican Republic, including advising the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic on the expansion of protected areas, the UNESCO nomination of the Jaragua–Bahoruco–Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve, and the establishment of Ramsar wetlands and specially protected areas under the Cartagena Convention. In the field, they partner with local communities, building skills and empowering residents as key contributors to conservation. Many community members have become experts in techniques such as GPS navigation and camera trapping, enhancing the impact of their work, and ensuring that conservation knowledge is deeply rooted in the region.
Members of The Peregrine Fund (Dominican Republic) with BirdsCaribbean Executive Director Lisa Sorenson, BirdsCaribbean President Adrianne Tossas and Andrea Thomen.
Members of Grupo Jaragua with BirdsCaribbean Executive Director Lisa Sorenson, BirdsCaribbean President Adrianne Tossas and Andrea Thomen.
(3) Grupo Acción Ecológica (GAE), led by Maria Paulino, along with Danilo Mejia and Luis Paulino, were recognized for their efforts to monitor and conserve wetland birds and raise awareness about their threats. GAE, a Dominican nonprofit founded in 2009, is dedicated to protecting biodiversity through field research and community education, operating under the inspiring motto, “For the birds, the environment, and you.” Partnering with the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, GAE has contributed to groundbreaking discoveries about the Louisiana Waterthrush’s annual cycle, highlighting the crucial link between water quality, biodiversity, and human health. As a leader in the Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC), GAE has played a vital role in surveying key wetlands across the DR, including the Monte Cristi wetlands, now recognized as a migration hotspot for shorebirds. GAE has also been instrumental in fostering a love for birds and nature, hosting the long-running “Campamento Barrancolí” children’s camp in Duarte Province and spearheading celebrations for the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival and Migratory Bird Day at the National Zoo in Santo Domingo. These initiatives have reached thousands of children and families, making a lasting impact. More recently, GAE has become a key force behind the government’s “Rescate Rosado” initiative, focusing on the rescue, rehabilitation, and monitoring of the American Flamingo. Thanks to GAE’s efforts, hundreds of flamingo traps have been removed, and their data collection is directly influencing conservation strategies and decisions.
(4) Action pour la Sauvegarde de l’Écologie en Haïti (ACSEH), founded by conservation leader Anderson Jean was recognized for their exemplary efforts in building capacity for avian monitoring, conservation, and education in Haiti. This grassroots organization, founded in 2017, has established itself as a leading advocate for the country’s environment, and works towards “taking action to save Haitian ecology.” ACSEH works along with international partners such as Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) and the Grupo Jaragua DR Petrel Monitoring Team to advance the conservation of the Endangered Black-capped Petrel (Diablotin) in several localities in Haiti. This group has pioneered innovative education initiatives, such as the annual Diablotin Festival, celebrated amongst schoolchildren and farmers in Boukan Chat and surrounding areas. In 2019, ACSEH discovered a small population of the Critically Endangered Ridgway’s Hawk on Petite Cayemite Island and is presently working to gather key data to understand the status of this species in a new locality.
Members of Grupo Accion Ecologia with BirdsCaribbean Executive Director Lisa Sorenson, BirdsCaribbean President Adrianne Tossas and Andrea Thomen.
Anderson Jean (center) with Haitian schoolchildren planting trees for the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival. While the ACSEH team was not able to attend this year’s conference, their contributions were recognized at the ceremony, and the President’s Award collected on their behalf.
FOUNDERS’ AWARD
Established in 2011 at our conference in Freeport, Grand Bahama, the Founders’ Award is given to the student who presents the best paper in conservation research or management research at our conference. The paper must present a scientific research project, the results from which directly apply to management of bird populations, their habitats, or related critical natural resources in the Caribbean Region.
This year, we were proud to present the Founder’s Award to Andrea Thomen for her paper “Endemic Parrot Trade in Dominican Republic: Implications for Conservation and Management.” Her groundbreaking research into the domestic parrot trade revealed the extent and geographical spread of parrot ownership in the Dominican Republic through a nationwide survey.
Founder’s Award recipient Andrea Thomen with Dr Mark Hulme, BirdsCaribbean Executive Director Lisa Sorenson, BirdsCaribbean President Adrianne Tossas, and Kyle Kittelberger, Michelle Moyer, and Garry Auguiste.
Other delegates were commended for their exceptional aptitude for research and oral presentations too. Honorable mention goes to Garry Auguiste (Dominica) for his paper “Quantifying the Population Density and Distribution of Amazona Parrots of the island of Dominica, Post-Hurricane Maria”, Michelle Moyer (USA) for her paper “Investigating Male and Female Vocalizations of an Understudied Caribbean Endemic Bird”, and Kyle Kittelberger for his paper “Evaluating Extinction Risk Among Resident Bird Species on Islands.”
EDUCATOR AWARDS
With a powerful mix of passion, innovative approaches, and a flair for the creative, educators drive awareness and nurture change in their communities by introducing birders of all ages to the world of avian conservation. Our Educator Awards are given jointly with our partner, Environment for the Americas, to organizations and individuals that have truly excelled as educators in their communities. With great enthusiasm and energy, these persons have consistently organized fun and exciting community activities for both the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival and World Migratory Bird Day.
Educator Awards were given to BirdLife Jamaica, SCIENCE (St Vincent and the Grenadines), Les Fruits de Mer (St Martin), Yaritza Bobonis (Fundación Amigos de El Yunque, Puerto Rico), Giselle Ragoonanan (Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre, Trinidad and Tobago), Daniela Ventura del Puerto (University of Havana, Cuba) and Simón Guerrero (posthumous award, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic). Congratulations to all the winners!
Educator’s Award recipients Mark Yokoyama and Jennifer Yerkes of Les Fruits de Mer with Aliya, Lisa, and Eduardo.
Justin Saunders, president of Birdlife Jamaica, expresses his gratitude before being presented with the Educator’s Award by Lisa.
Members of SCIENCE proudly display their Educator’s Award.
Miguel presenting Daniela with the Educator’s Award and binoculars from Environment For The Americas. (Photo by Martin Rodriguez)
Sixto accepting the Educator’s Award and binoculars for Simón Guerrero, from Miguel. (Photo by Susan Bonfield)
Educator’s Award recipient Yaritza Bobonis of Fundacion Amigos de El Yunque with Aliya, Lisa, and Eduardo.
Miguel presenting Giselle with the Educator’s Award and binoculars from Environment For The Americas. (Photo by Susan Bonfield)
INTERNATIONAL BLACK-CAPPED PETREL CONSERVATION GROUP AWARDS
The only confirmed breeding location of the Endangered Black-capped Petrel, or Diablotin, is the island of Hispaniola, which made it especially fitting for us to use the occasion of our conference to honor the dedicated Dominican and Haitian field teams who have been working tirelessly to advance our understanding of this elusive seabird. Black-capped Petrel nests are notoriously difficult to locate, and even when they are found, navigating the unforgiving highland terrain they nest in is challenging. Our understanding of the status of the petrel in recent years has largely been driven by these resolute field teams from the Dominican Republic and Haiti who boldly undertake this daunting work.
To recognize these exemplary teams, the audience were given insight into the logistical, physical and emotional challenges of their field work. All field team members were then awarded Certificates of Achievement and rain-jackets specially designed to make future field expeditions just a bit more comfortable. The names of all members – Haitian and Dominican – were read aloud to honor their remarkable level of stamina and determination in the face of challenging logistics, difficult terrains and adverse weather. It is with the deepest respect and admiration that we acknowledge the magnitude of these teams’ contribution to the world’s scientific understanding and conservation of the Black-capped Petrel.
We are proud to recognize the Haitian Black-capped Petrel field team: Anderson Jean, René Jeune, Samuel Nossirel, Tinio Louis, Renozier Victome, Maxon Fildor, Jephtanie François, Lionel Raymond, Brazil Jonel, Julcene Raymond, and Wilson Aubourg; and the Dominican Republic (Grupo Jaragua) Black-capped Petrel field team: Ernst Rupp, Gerson Feliz, Geny Marcelo Feliz, Juan Pérez Vidal, Juan Pablo Montero, Jairo Issa Matos, Jose Luis Castillo, and Esteban Garrido.
Geny Marcelo Feliz, Juan Pablo Montero, and Juan Pérez Vidal of the Domincan Republic Black-capped Petrel field team trying on their new rain-jackets and posing for a shot with Yvan Satgé (second from left) (Photo by Ariel Contreras)
(L to R) Anderson Jean, Wilson Aubourg, Maxon Fildor, Jonel Bazil, and Julcene Raymond of the Haitian Black-capped Petrel field team on site in Haiti.
PARTNERS IN FLIGHT AWARD
The Partners in Flight Leadership Award recognizes outstanding individuals and groups across the Americas for their exceptional contributions to the field of landbird conservation. We are delighted to share that our President,Dr Adrianne Tossas, was honored by Partners in Flight for her almost three decades of promoting conservation of bird species in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean region through research, education, and advocacy. Adrianne’s journey has exemplified resilience and adaptability while building an impressive legacy of leadership in conservation. As a founding member of the Puerto Rican Ornithological Society, she initiated and coordinated the Important Bird Areas program in Puerto Rico. A published author, she wrote “Aves de Puerto Rico Para Niños,” making bird conservation accessible to younger audiences. Since becoming an active member of BirdsCaribbean in 1999, Adrianne has served as Director-at-Large, where she initiated the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, which is now in its 22nd year. Today, she proudly leads as the President of BirdsCaribbean. Adrianne is also a Professor of Biology at the University of Puerto Rico.
Carol Beidleman presenting BirdsCaribbean President Adrianne Tossas with the Partners in Flight Leadership Award.
Posthumous AWARDs
This year, we were deeply saddened by the passing of two pillars of our community. Simón Guerrero, and Orlando Garrido continue to stand out as giants among us in their influence and impact, and the contributions that they have each made will advance Caribbean conservation for decades to come. We honored their immense legacies with with Posthumous Awards, and continue to celebrate their memory.
Simón Guerrero, a revered Dominican psychologist, naturalist, and bird behavior expert, left an indelible mark on the conservation community. Serving as a professor for over 40 years at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), he also directed the Experimental Behaviour Lab, inspiring countless students with his engaging teaching style and profound love for nature. Simón’s career extended to the National Natural History Museum in Santo Domingo and the National Zoo-Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C. As a founding member of the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds, Simón holds a treasured place in our history; he was a beloved presence at every biennial conference for 30 years, and his absence was deeply felt at this year’s gathering. Simón was a passionate advocate for environmental education, contributing over 300 press articles that promoted conservation in the Dominican Republic. His love for nature went beyond birds to include native flora, encouraging the planting of bird-friendly plants across the country. Known for his quick wit, captivating anecdotes, and heartfelt compassion for animals, he inspired many to become defenders of the natural world. His innovative contributions, such as designing artificial nests for bird species, remain a testament to his ingenuity and dedication. As we honor Simón’s memory, we are guided by the question he often posed: “Does the species know?” His legacy continues to challenge and inspire us to ensure that every conservation effort is felt by the creatures it aims to protect.
Orlando Garrido, celebrated biologist and ornithologist, is remembered as one of Cuban natural sciences most illustrious sons, and as an inspiration to generations of Caribbean naturalists. His legacy includes the discovery of four mammalian taxa and the description of 58 insects, 21 birds, and 37 reptiles. His name is immortalized in the 78 new records among birds, reptiles, and fish, and 23 taxa that have been dedicated to him, and his prolific career produced 298 scientific publications. His spirit of discovery is remembered with respect and awe, oftentimes going out into the field almost “blindly,” armed only with a backpack full of the passion, at a time when there were not yet the field guides of today. He is remembered not only for his scientific achievements but also for his generosity in sharing knowledge, his sharp insights, and his irreverent sense of humor. Orlando’s legend extends beyond science; he was also an internationally recognized tennis player, competing at Wimbledon six times and representing Cuba on the global stage. From dropping out of Biology at university, to becoming the pride of Cuban science, Orlando Garrido’s story is one of remarkable transformation. His life’s work continues to inspire, and we celebrate his memory with deep respect and admiration.
Orlando Garrido was a tireless explorer of the Cuban archipelago. Garrido has to his credit the discovery of four mammalian taxa and the description of: 58 insects, 21 birds, 37 reptiles. 78 new records among birds, reptiles, and fish, and 23 taxa have been dedicated to him, and in total he has 298 publications. (Photo by Susan Jacobson)
Simón Guerrero was a founding member of the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds. An engaging teacher and speaker with a great sense of humor, he influenced many to become fans and defenders of nature for many decades.
We’re still buzzing from our fantastic BirdsCaribbean 24th International Conference in Santo Domingo! Our week-long Dominican Republic adventure was packed full of insightful learnings, spectacular birding, and experiencing the rich culture of our gracious hosts — but there’s one feature of the conference that most stands out to us — our incredible community! The opportunity to connect with the passionate trailblazers advancing the work of bird conservation across the region was unforgettable. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we were able to offer scholarships to Caribbean conservation leaders from around the region to join us in sharing knowledge and planning interventions to tackle the Caribbean’s most pressing conservation challenges. One superstar conservationist that we were thrilled to host at the conference was Trinidad and Tobago’s Giselle Ragoonanan.
Giselle Ragoonanan, Co-founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre.
An indigenous naturalist and dedicated educator, Giselle is the co-founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre (TTBO) which works towards advancing avian research, conservation, and education through bird banding, habitat management, and community engagement spanning across both islands. As a sponsored delegate, Giselle Ragoonanan had the privilege of diving deep into workshops and discussions that nurtured her passion for preserving Caribbean birds. From hands-on training in advanced monitoring techniques to dynamic sessions led by conservation leaders, each moment was a step toward impactful change. Join Giselle as she shares insights from inspiring keynotes, innovative collaborations, and the personal connections that transformed this conference into a pivotal experience for her work at the TTBO.
Bird Nerds Unite! Workshops and Learning: Diving into Conservation
July was a whirlwind month, and the highlight was undoubtedly the BirdsCaribbean International Conference in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This event brought together hundreds of bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and researchers from across the world, all with a shared passion for avian life. For me, it was more than just a conference—it was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, laughter, and connections that I’ll carry with me for years to come.
The pre-conference workshops were a true highlight of the event, setting the stage for the deeper discussions that would unfold during the conference itself. These sessions were intense but incredibly rewarding, covering everything from advanced bird monitoring techniques to community-based conservation strategies diving into the nitty-gritty of bird conservation across the region. Each session offered valuable insights that were immediately applicable to our work on the ground. It was a chance to deepen my knowledge, share experiences, and learn from some of the brightest minds in bird conservation.
Giselle completes an activity during the Create Your Own Coloring and Activity Book workshop hosted by Les Fruits de Mer. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
What made these workshops particularly effective was their interactive nature. Instead of passively absorbing information, we were actively engaged in problem-solving exercises, hands-on work, and group discussions that fostered collaboration and idea-sharing. This approach deepened our understanding of the topics and equipped us with new tools and techniques that could be adapted to our unique challenges back home.
Giselle explaining the conservation challenges she faces in Trinidad and Tobago during the BirdsCaribbean’s Capacity Building Assessment session at the conference. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
These workshops laid a solid foundation for the conference’s breakout sessions. The knowledge and skills we gained beforehand allowed us to engage more meaningfully in discussions, ask more targeted questions, and contribute to the collective learning experience. The seamless integration of these pre-conference workshops with the broader conference agenda made the entire event cohesive and impactful, ensuring that we left with actionable takeaways and a clearer sense of direction for our conservation efforts.
The Urban Birder: David Lindo’s Inspiring Keynote
One of the most anticipated sessions of the conference was the keynote address by David Lindo, famously known as “The Urban Birder.” David’s talk was nothing short of inspiring. He’s well known for his mission to connect urban populations with nature, particularly birds. He talked about his fascinating journey to to get the nation involved in changing Britain’s national bird from the robin to a species that truly represented the country. What struck me most was his genuine passion for getting people to simply look up and appreciate the birds around them, regardless of where they are. His energy was contagious, and it left everyone in the room buzzing with ideas on how to engage more people in birding, whether in bustling cities or rural landscapes.
David Lindo, The Urban Birder, inspired delegates with his keynote on connecting with nature in urban spaces. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
Shaping the Future of TTBO: Insights and Innovations from the BirdsCaribbean Conference
The BirdsCaribbean International Conference was a turning point for the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre (TTBO). The insights and connections we gained during the event will undoubtedly shape our organization’s future. One of the most significant takeaways was the potential to integrate cutting-edge technologies and collaborative networks into our conservation efforts with the MOTUS project. This stood out as a particularly promising initiative. I think by joining this network, TTBO can contribute to and benefit from a global effort to better understand bird migration patterns, which is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.
The Near Threatened White-tailed Sabrewing is one of TTBO’s target species for enhanced conservation initiatives on Tobago. (Photo by Adam Bowley ML 205389221)
Additionally, the conference highlighted the importance of rigorous, standardized monitoring techniques, such as Landbird Monitoring through point counts and transect points. Applying these methods will allow us to gather consistent, high-quality data on bird populations in Trinidad and Tobago, providing a solid foundation for our research and conservation initiatives.
The connections made at the conference were just as impactful. Engaging with other conservationists who are implementing similar projects across the region offered valuable insights into best practices, potential challenges, and innovative solutions. These interactions have already begun to shape our approach to future projects, ensuring that TTBO’s efforts are aligned with global conservation standards, and are part of a broader, collaborative network.
Building Connections and Sharing Our Work
One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to share the work we’ve been doing in Trinidad and Tobago with a broader audience. Presenting our initiatives and progress at the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre sparked insightful conversations and constructive feedback from peers across the region. It was incredibly validating to hear seasoned professionals express admiration for our efforts, and even more so to engage in dialogues where we could exchange ideas and strategies.
Giselle discussing her research project with Jamaican ornithologist Dr Ann Sutton. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
Northern Waterthrush. (Photo by Jesse Gordon)
Che Ragoonanan’s presentation on community engagement in Trinidad. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
Children and ARC Conservation members wear their hand crafted masks.
Kelvin Kirk discussing his study on the avifauna of Tobago with Cuban ornithologist and scientific illustrator Arnaldo Toledo. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
Daveka Boodram speaking about efforts to conserve the Near Threatened White-tailed Sabrewing in Tobago.
Shivam Mahadeo and Jennifer Wheeler reviewing the data obtained from his seabird research in Tobago. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
The connections we made were not just professional; they were deeply personal. It was fascinating to see how scientists and conservationists from different corners of the Caribbean and the world, each working in distinct ecosystems, were tackling similar challenges. The sessions became a melting pot of ideas, where everyone was eager to share their successes, failures, and lessons learned. We were all trying to piece together similar puzzles in our respective environments, and this collective brainstorming inspired me.
The genuine interest people showed in our work was both humbling and motivating. There was a strong sense of camaraderie as we realized that, despite the geographical distances, we were all part of a larger, interconnected community. These interactions reinforced the idea that conservation is not a solitary pursuit but a collaborative effort that thrives on shared knowledge and mutual support. For me, the conference drove us beyond networking; it was about building lasting partnerships and fostering a regional network of allies who are all striving towards the same goal: the preservation of our unique Caribbean biodiversity.
The Grand Silent Auction: Beautiful Chaos
The Grand Silent Auction was, in true Caribbean style, anything but silent. It was a delightful, chaotic spectacle where the usual calm and composed demeanor of scientists gave way to competitive zeal. Picture this: conservationists and researchers, who are usually discussing bird migration patterns and habitat restoration, suddenly turn into stealthy bidders, eyeing each other’s movements with laser focus. The air was thick with a beautiful and disruptive chaos as everyone tried to silently undermine their competitors by upping the bid by just 50 cents (AKA ME LOL). The room was filled with furtive glances, whispered strategies, and the occasional playful smirk as someone outbid their colleague at the last second. It was one of the funniest yet most rewarding human interactions I’ve ever observed—who knew that scientists could be so cutthroat when there’s a field guide or a rare bird print on the line? The auction was a hilarious reminder that, underneath the serious commitment to conservation, we all have a playful, competitive side just waiting for the right moment to emerge. And yes, ah win the map I alone bid on! Success!
Bidders placing their last, and hopefully winning bids during the Silent Auction. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
The Infamous Field Trip: From Punta Cana to “Poola Cana”
Giselle enjoying sightseeing on her ‘Poola Cana’ trip.
Ah, the field trip—what should have been a serene journey to the stunning hotspot of Punta Cana turned into an adventure all its own. In a classic case of “missing the bus,” what actually happened was the bus was scheduled to leave at 3:30am and I snoozed my alarm. Instead of Punta Cana, we jokingly dubbed our unexpected destination “Poola Cana.” We may not have reached our intended location, but the pool, pizza, and spontaneous birding we enjoyed made it one of the trip’s highlights. Sometimes, the best memories are the ones you don’t wake up on time for!
A Journey of Inspiration and Growth
Attending the BirdsCaribbean International Conference was not just an opportunity for professional development—it was a journey of inspiration and growth. My primary purpose for attending was to deepen my understanding of regional conservation efforts, to learn from others, and to find ways to enhance the work we’re doing in Trinidad and Tobago. BirdsCaribbean delivered on all these fronts and went far beyond my expectations.
The collective energy of the conference was palpable. Even those who have been in the field for over 20 years were visibly inspired by the new ideas and fresh perspectives brought by the younger generation of conservationists. There was a sense of renewal, as seasoned professionals shared their wisdom while also eagerly embracing the innovative approaches presented by up-and-coming researchers and activists. It was a powerful reminder that conservation is a dynamic field, one that benefits immensely from intergenerational collaboration.
Members of the TTBO at the poster session.
For me, the conference reaffirmed the importance of our work and provided a renewed sense of purpose. I left Santo Domingo with a deeper commitment to the birds and ecosystems we strive to protect, fueled by the knowledge that we are part of a vibrant and supportive community. The experience was a reminder that no matter how challenging our work may be, we are not alone in this journey. We are all connected by our shared passion for the natural world and our determination to ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at the beauty of Caribbean birdlife.
The BirdsCaribbean International Conference was more than just an event; it was a transformative experience. It strengthened my resolve, expanded my horizons, and connected me with a network of incredible individuals who are all making a difference in their own unique ways. As I return to Trinidad and Tobago, I carry with me not only new knowledge and ideas, but also the inspiration and support of a community that I am proud to be a part of.
Giselle Ragoonanan is an Indigenous naturalist and wildlife conservationist with a deep passion for preserving biodiversity. A certified NABC bird bander and nature soundscape recordist, Giselle is honing expertise in avian research and conservation. As the co-founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre (TTBO), she has been working towards advancing bird conservation in the Caribbean. Giselle is also a committed educator, sharing her knowledge and fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world. Through her work, she continues to inspire and engage communities in the protection of wildlife and their habitats.
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the overwhelming success of this conference! Travel and Attendance scholarships were made possible through the generosity of our conference sponsors, donors, and local partners. These include The Rufford Foundation, Audubon, US Forest Service, Teleuniverso, American Bird Conservancy, Banco Popular, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Fondo Nacional para el Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Fondo MARENA) Dominican Republic, Naturalist Journeys, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, Mass Audubon, Cúa Conservation Agency, Vortex Optics, Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, and the FUPAROCA Foundation.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2024! This year’s theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Cliff Swallow
Meet the Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)! The Cliff Swallow is a master of the skies, performing dazzling acrobatics as it hunts for its favorite food—flying insects. Unique among swallows, the Cliff Swallow frequently changes altitude while flying, has a high-speed flight, and often glides with its wings tilted downward.
The Cliff Swallow is a compact swallow with a short, square tail. Its striking plumage features a metallic, dark-blue back and crown, cinnamon-colored neck, pale buffy-orange rump, whitish belly, and bright buff-white forehead patch. Males and females look similar, while juveniles look like a drab version of the adult.
It can be challenging to identify these fast-flying birds, so it’s important to know how they differ from similar species. The Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) has a paler throat and orange forehead, while the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) has a long deeply forked tail and lacks the Cliff Swallow’s buffy-orange rump.
The Cliff Swallow has a vast range, breeding throughout North America. It winters in and/or passes through many Caribbean islands on migration, traveling as far south as Brazil and Argentina. Its exact distribution in these wintering areas and the migratory routes it follows are not well understood highlighting the need for more research.
Cliff Swallows are highly social, often nesting in colonies that can host up to 6,000 nests at a single site! Historically, they chose natural sites like cliff faces or canyon walls to place their intricate mud nests. But in the last 100 to 150 years, they’ve expanded their range across North America, finding nesting spots on modern structures like bridges, culverts, and buildings.
The social behavior of the Cliff Swallow during the breeding season has been well-studied, helping us understand the evolution of colonial nesting and rapid adaptation to environmental changes both natural and human-made. Their flexibility has allowed them to thrive across North America, even colonizing areas where they hadn’t previously been recorded.
Cliff Swallows migrate through a wide variety of habitats. You can most likely spot them over grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural areas, zooming around acrobatically to catch insects on the wing. You may also spot them perched in trees preening or roosting for the night, or bathing in shallow water.
Although classified as a species of “Least Concern,” conservation actions are still vital to their long-term survival. Reducing pesticide use helps keep their insect food abundant, and participating in citizen science counts aids researchers in tracking migration and population trends — contributing to the protection of this remarkable species.
Thanks to Alieny González Alfonso for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Cliff Swallow
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2024Carib
Listen to the calls of the Cliff Swallow
The calls of the Cliff Swallow are a short, repeated “chur”.
Enjoy these photos of Cliff Swallows
Cliff Swallows eat flying insects all year round, catching them on the wing and sometimes foraging in large flocks of thousands of birds! (Photo by Daniel Irons Macaulay Library-ML193593551)Cliff Swallow Perched. Migration in both in Fall and Spring spans several months. In Fall birds can arrive on migration from July through to November and may even still be arriving in December. (Photo by Brad Imhoff Macaulay Library-ML338869051)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Use your observation skills and go on a migratory birds and insect Scavenger hunt! Print the cards on sturdy paper and use a clipboard or piece of cardboard as a writing surface outside.
Talk about this with your kids and then go outside to investigate your habitat using the Habitat Scavenger Hunt cards. Instead of collecting the items on the list, this is an observation scavenger hunt. You can check off the items (with a pencil or pen), as they are located. When everyone has had a chance to look for the items listed, come back together to chat about where they were located. Were any difficult or impossible to find? Why do you think that was? For example, was it too dry to find any waterbirds or insects that live in water?
Esta actividad también se puede descargar en español en español. ¡Disfruta buscando todas las cosas de la lista!
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of Cliff Swallows in the wild! You can see a Barn Swallow, which is also a migratory bird in the Caribbean, next to the Cliff Swallow for comparison (it does not have a white ‘forehead’!).
Note that the same proposal cannot be submitted for more than one award in a given year.
BirdsCaribbean’s general Grant Application Guidelines are available here.
Learn more about the eligibility criteria of each program by visiting their respective websites.
Seeking Donors
BirdsCaribbean encourages others to consider endowments or other large awards to ensure that our grants programs continue indefinitely. You may also make a donation to support our work. BirdsCaribbean is a tax-deductible organization in the United States.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2024! This year’s theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Gull-billed Tern
Have you ever spotted a sleek, silver-gray and white tern with a thick black bill soaring gracefully above a saltmarsh, beach, or flooded field? You’ve likely encountered the Gull-billed Tern! This medium-sized bird can also be identified by its long black legs and slightly forked tail. During the breeding season, it sports a striking black cap, while in other months, its head has a more subtle black band stretching from the eyes to the back of the head. Juveniles, on the other hand, have fine dark speckles between the crown and back of the neck and warm brown mottling on the upper wings.
The Gull-billed Tern has an impressive range, with breeding populations scattered across the Americas (including the Caribbean), Europe, Africa, and Asia. Birds from North America and the Caribbean fly south to winter along the Gulf of Mexico and coasts of Central and South America, while some remain in the Caribbean. It breeds in select spots in The Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Sombrero Island (Anguilla).
This adaptable bird thrives in various habitats. During the non-breeding season, it can be found foraging and resting in salt pans, coastal lagoons, marshes, and even plowed or flooded fields. Inland, it favors large rivers, lakes, rice paddies, sewage ponds, and irrigation canals. When it’s time to nest, Gull-billed Terns prefer to nest in colonies on islands with sparse or no vegetation, or on sandbanks, dry mudflats, dunes, and even near wetlands like marshes and lagoons. It uses small stones and plant material to build nests and typically lays one to two eggs. This species appears less tolerant to human disturbance and is not as faithful to nesting sites as other gulls and terns.
Unlike many of its gull and tern relatives, Gull-billed Terns are not die-hard seafood lovers. They have a broad diet, and this where having a thick bill comes in handy. They hawk for insects in the air, pluck crabs, small reptiles and frogs from the ground, and snatch small fishes out of the water — without diving! They also boldly pilfer fish straight from the bills of other birds like the Common Tern. Occasionally, they’ll eat the chicks of other species, such as shorebirds and Least Tern!
What does this audacious tern sound like? Its call has been described as a slightly upslurred “kay-wek.” Its song is “raspy” and consists of 2-3 syllables.
Although their global population is stable, it’s crucial to share the shore with this and other waterbird species. Human disturbance can cause parents to abandon nests and chicks can die if driven away from the nest area too soon. So when you’re near their habitat, remember to give these birds space, keep dogs leashed, and clean up after yourself. You can find more tips on sharing the shore and a free downloadable infographic here.
Keep your eyes to the skies and your senses sharp — spotting this charismatic seabird is always a thrill! Whether it’s soaring gracefully or acrobatically hunting its insect prey, the Gull-billed Tern never disappoints. Happy birding! Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Antonio Garcia Quintas for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Gull-billed Tern
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2024Carib
Listen to the calls of the Gull-billed Tern
The call of the Gull-billed Tern is a lightly upslurred “kay-wek”
Enjoy these photos of Gull-billed Tern
In breeding plumage, Gull-billed Terns sport black-caps. Gull-billed Terns are monogamous and pairs stay together for many years! (Photo by Steve Schnoll)
Gull-billed Tern foraging with its distinctive thick bill. This tern is not fussy when it comes to food, and will eat a variety or prey, including insects it catches on the wing. (Photo by Pablo Re, Macaulay Library-ML350199221)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Four our activity today why not imagine that you are a Gull-billed Tern and complete the My Migration Adventure creative writing activity!
We have provided a template for you to write a short story about a migration journey. Pretend that you are a migrating Gull-billed Tern flying from the US to the warm and sunny Caribbean. Imagine getting ready to make this epic journey: how would you be feeling having to fly so far? Think about the places you will see along the way and perhaps about other migratory birds you could ‘meet’ on the way.
This is a long journey so you should also think about challenges you, as a Gull-billed Tern, might face!
As well as writing about the journey you might also want to add some pictures to your story. Perhaps you could add a map of where you would be traveling or you could add some pictures of the other migratory birds on the route, of a particular challenge you might face or of a ‘rest stop’.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of a Gull-billed Tern in the wild! First in breeding plumage and then, in winter plumage without its black cap.
Birdwatching is a fun hobby that everyone can enjoy. Being in nature with people who share your interests can be very fulfilling. However, not everyone has equal access to these experiences, especially those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. While people with disabilities may not be able to explore trails without help, we should be wary of assuming that they are not interested in experiencing the joys of nature, and that they do not care deeply about the wellbeing of the environment.
Virginia Rose, disability rights advocate and founder of the non-profit Birdability, who has been a wheelchair user for over forty years knows how challenging it can be to enjoy nature as a disabled person. But her use of a mobility aid did not diminish her curiosity about the world around her. As she inspiringly shared, “the only thing that I felt really changed was that I had to manage getting around in a wheelchair.”
Founder and President of Birdability, Virginia Rose. (Photo credit: birdability.org)
It is this desire to explore and connect with the world that has fueled her dedication to increasing access to nature for people of all abilities and helping them find community. Inspired by movements like #BlackBirdersWeek, Latino Conservation Week, and Let’s Go Birding Together, Virginia founded Birdability in 2020. Birdability’s vision is that birding is for everyone — including those with disabilities and other health concerns. We at BirdsCaribbean wholeheartedly support this vision. Over 1 million people in the Caribbean are living with some form of disability and face daily discrimination and exclusion.
But our partners in Antigua and Barbuda, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are exploring ways to make their birding events more welcoming and inclusive. For this year’s Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, our partners at the University of Havana Bird Ecology Group (UHBEG) visited the Solidarity with Panama school for disabled children to give a talk on the endemic birds of Cuba. They were then taken to the National Botanical Garden for a short birdwatching tour and ended the day painting, building puzzles, and playing bird-themed dominoes. Alieny González Alfonso, member of UHBEG and event organizer, beautifully captured the curious spirit of the students, noting, “They participated in many activities with such enthusiasm and eagerness to learn about Cuba’s birds.”
We would love to see more of these events taking place throughout the region, whether it’s allowing visually impaired participants to “see” birds by handling carved wooden birds, as done by Sociedad Ornitólogica Puertorriqueña, or learning to ID birds using bird songs, as done bySimón Guerrero.
Simón Guerrero was a founding member of the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds. An engaging teacher and speaker with a great sense of humor, he influenced many to become fans and defenders of nature for many decades.
University of Havana Bird Ecology Group brought the wonders of birds and birdwatching to differently abled students. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
A member of the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities birdwatching with staff from the Environmental Awareness Group. (Photo by Sherrel Charles)
Birdability Week (21st-27th October 2024) offers the opportunity for birding groups, non-governmental organizations, and groups of family and friends to host an accessible bird outing. With some thoughtful planning this event asserts that birding can be enjoyable for everybody.
Birdability focuses on people with mobility challenges, blindness or low vision, chronic illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental illness, and those who are neurodivergent, deaf or hard of hearing, or have other health concerns. So if you are looking for Information and resources to help your organization be more mindful and inclusive of these birders please check Birdability’s their website!
Watch the Birds or Follow the Birdsong — Birding is for ALL
A Scaly-breasted Thrasher calls in Guadeloupe. (Photo by Judd Patterson)
Help Put Accessible Birding Locations in the Caribbean on the Map!
There is also a Birdability Site Map which allows you to search for potential accessible sites near you. The majority of the locations are in North America and a few have been identified in Central America and South America. If you know of accessible birding locations on your island we encourage you to complete on-site, in-person Birdability Site Reviews and add them to the Birdability Map.
Birdability Site Map showing locations of nature reserves and parks with varying degrees of accessibility. (Photo credit: birdability.org)
Attend a Virtual Event and Connect with Differently Abled Birders
Students at Sandy Bay Primary School with a St Vincent Parrot plushie during CEBF celebrations organized by the local NGO SCIENCE. (Photo by Science SVG)
BirdsCaribbean is thrilled to lead the charge for the annual Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF), collaborating with a vibrant network of environmental and community organizations throughout the region! Join us as we reflect on the fantastic celebrations of our beloved Caribbean birds, being in nature, and the joy of discovering the fascinating world of insects. Together, we’re making bird conservation an exciting and essential part of daily life in the Caribbean!
This year, the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) celebrated the theme “Protect Insects, Protect Birds.” This theme highlighted the vital connection between birds and insects, emphasizing the crucial role insects play in sustaining bird populations and ensuring the overall health of ecosystems. The festival ran from April to May, with some organizations continuing the festivities well into summer. Our partners were instrumental in uniting bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, conservation organizations, and communities across the region to raise awareness and foster a deeper appreciation for endemic birds and the environmental balance that supports them.
A hive of activity across the Caribbean
This year’s CEBF saw vibrant participation from more than 20islands. CEBF island coordinators organized engaging activities, including birdwatching tours, habitat cleanups, parades, educational talks, art exhibitions, and so much more, all focused on endemic bird species and the critical role insects play in their survival.
Insects provide a rich source of protein essential for birds’ energy needs and overall health. Unfortunately, insect populations worldwide are declining, making this festival theme a timely call to action for insect conservation. “This year’s theme serves as a friendly reminder that every bee, butterfly and bug play a vital role in keeping nature thriving,” said Eduardo Llegus, co-regional coordinator of the CEBF. “Unsung heroes, insects are key players in our ecosystems. Without them, many birds – and the very balance of nature – would face serious problems, including the forests and wetlands that are essential for their survival. Protecting insects is about ensuring that all life, including birds, in the Caribbean can flourish together.”
A Martinique Oriole searches for food. They eat both insects and fruits. (Photo by Bussier Romain-Macaulay Library-ML136544221)
Trinidad and Tobago
The Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre (TTBO) held a fun-filled event hosting more than double the previous year’s participants — from 30 in 2023 to over 70 in 2024! Activities like the “Save the Soil for Cicadas” parade and interactive displays on birdwatching and insect identification captivated participants. The day culminated with habitat model constructions of nests and hives.
Are you Team Insects or Team Birds — or both?! (Photo by TTBO)
Handmade nests with paper birds. (Photo by TTBO)
Green-backed Trogon spotted during the TTBO Bird Harvest festival. (Photo by TTBO)
Youth learning about beekeeping. (Photo by TTBO)
Proud to be on Team Insects! (Photo by TTBO)
Beekeepers demonstrating how to handle bees safely. (Photo by TTBO)
Happy to be on Team Birds! (Photo by TTBO)
Youth birdwatching during the Bird Harvest festival. (Photo by TTBO)
Youth wearing an insect face mask. (Photo by TTBO)
St Vincent and the Grenadines
The team at Science Initiative for Environmental Conservation and Education (SCIENCE SVG) brought the excitement of bird festivities to Sandy Bay Primary School. Students were thrilled to dig deep into the world of their unique endemic birds, such as the majestic St. Vincent Parrot and the charming Whistling Warbler. For many, it was their first-time observing the beautiful birds in their schoolyard through a spotting scope, sparking awe and a deeper appreciation for local wildlife.
The event was not just about birdwatching; it also featured a variety of fun activities, including face painting, coloring, and mask-making. These creative endeavors allowed students to explore self-expression while learning about birds and insects.
Student displays his colored in drawing of the Whistling Warbler. (Photo by SCIENCE SVG)
Students coloring endemic bird coloring pages and decorating their insect and bird masks at Sandy Bay Primary School. (Photo by SCIENCE SVG)
Youth wearing a bird mask that she colored. (Photo by SCIENCE SVG)
Guadeloupe
AMAZONAhosted a birdfair for the community of Petit-Bourg. The event was a delightful celebration of nature, with birdwatching taking center stage. Enthusiastic participants ventured into the lush surroundings, where they were thrilled to spot an impressive 19 species of birds, including the striking Guadeloupe Woodpecker and the adorable Plumbeous Warbler.
The Guadeloupe Woodpecker is endemic to Guadeloupe. (Photo by Frantz Delcroix)
Plumbeous Warbler. (Photo by Frantz Delcroix)
St Eustatius
The St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) hosted a booth at the monthly Taste of the Cultures event, allowing them to engage with and educate the public and visitors, especially children, on the importance of birds and insects through fun games. A major hit was the “I spy” bird game where children used binoculars to spot small bird photos that were set up around the booth. They shared with us that teenagers especially enjoyed the game, one of whom exclaimed “You should have more of these games! Seriously, I was looking for all the hidden birds around the booth with the binoculars for a while!” They also provided Endemic Birds of the West Indies coloring books, Statia bird ID guides, activity guides, stickers and other materials to fuel their interest in birds and nature.
STENAPA staff setting up their bird booth for the event. (Photo by STENAPA)
Posters about insect types and functions, created by STENAPA staff. (Photo by STENAPA)
STENAPA’s bird booth at the Taste of Cultures event with books, stickers and other materials on display. (Photo by STENAPA)
Antigua and Barbuda
barbudanGO hosted a variety of activities aimed at enhancing understanding and appreciating the Barbuda Warbler, the only endemic bird to Antigua and Barbuda, currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Participants engaged in artistic events that provided insights into the warbler’s habitat and conservation needs, fostering awareness and advocacy for its protection. Key highlights included the “Sip and Paint” event, which combined relaxation with artistic expression and education, and the “Puzzle Master” challenge designed for adults.
For children, they offered a “Birdhouse Construction” workshop where 11 to 16 year olds built and decorated birdhouses for a garden that was specifically planted to attract the Barbuda Warbler!
Completed birdhouses. (Photo by BarbudanGO)
Over in Antigua, the Environmental Awareness Group hosted bird fairs at two Important Bird Areas on the island: McKinnon’s Saltpond and Fitches Creek/Parham Harbour (Byams Wharf) and a habitat cleanup. Participants enjoyed seeing regional endemics like the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, Caribbean Elaenia, and Green-throated Carib. Of course, no CEBF bird fair would be complete without games from our BirdSleuth Caribbean curriculum such as “Bird Spy Bingo” and the “Bird Survival Game.” Find out more about BirdSleuth Caribbean here.
Habitat cleanup crew consisting of members of both Environmental Awareness Group and The Rotaract Club. (Photo by EAG)
St. Martin
Les Fruits de Mer integrated birds into their larger Endemic Animal Festival, which included challenging scavenger hunts, free book giveaways, and lots of art and craft activities for over 100 attendees. Their coloring and activity books are free to download here.
A young girl decorating her pouch using bird stencils during the Endemic Animal Festival. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Les Fruits de Mer founders Mark Yokoyama and Jennifer Yerkes with volunteers.
Both children and adults attended the Endemic Animal Festival. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Young girls learning about the endemic animals of St. Martin. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Puerto Rico
Conservation Opportunity headed to Playa Buje, Cabo Rojo for a bird census — which we were told was a hit among participants! They rounded out the day with a beach cleanup, an educational talk that emphasized the integral role insects play in bird conservation, and installed an interpretive sign at the beach reminding beach goers to keep their environment clean.
Participants of the morning bird census led by Carla Montalvo of Roots and Shoots Puerto Rico.
Bird ID cards used by participants of the morning bird census. (Photo by Conservation Opportunity)
Fabiola Torres, Conservation Opportunity Founder, giving a presentation on endemic birds and insects. (Photo by Conservation Opportunity)
And at El Yunque National Forest, over 1,000 enthusiastic participants came together for what could be the biggest CEBF one-day event of the year! The Fundación Amigos de El Yunque joined forces with Para La Naturaleza, Fundación Alma de Bahía, Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña (SOPI), Hacienda El Portal, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to create a spectacular celebration of birds and bugs! From bird tours to inspiring presentations and nature-based activities, this event was a whirlwind of energy, creativity, and a shared commitment to protecting our birds!
Opening remarks from Yaritza Bobonis. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
Iguaco (Puerto Rican Parrot mascot) from USFWS with Amigos de El Yunque. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
Families having fun at the festival. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
Youth learning how birds eat and build their nests through sensory play. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
Presentation by Jessica Ilse from Forest Service. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
USFWS exhibit at the festival. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
Coriecis, Inc. invited adults and children to learn about the endemic birds of Puerto Rico through a webinar, after which they took the learning into nature at the Piñones State Forest — where they documented 34 species! Check out their eBird checklist here.Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico and Pajareo Virtual superbly integrated their CEBF celebrations into Global Big Day bird counts. They formed a small but determined team to spread the message that insects are important to birds and people and conducted a bird count at Playa Table Rock. Here is their checklist from Global Big Day. Along their route they spotted some insect munching birds like the Gray Kingbird and Puerto Rican Flycatcher. This activity was repeated at Caño Madre Vieja Reserve where 33 species were recorded.
Coriecis’ virtual presentation on the endemic birds of Puerto Rico. (Photo by Coriecis)
Birding group at Bosque Estatal de Pinones. (Photo by Coriecis)
Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico’s small but dedicated birding group at Playa Table Rock for CEBF 2024. (Photo by Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico)
Gray Kingbird feeding, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Edgardo Cruz)
At the University High School, Miguel Sabatier (OREC) gave a riveting presentation highlighting the importance of insects for both endemic and migratory birds. Miguel shared with us that “the students, teachers, and graduate students’ faces lit up when they heard the bird calls and recognized some they were familiar with.”
Birding is truly for every body and we are proud to share that the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources’ CEBF activities involved leading an interpretive tour through La Plata Reservoir Natural Reserve for a group of blind birders.
The staff of the US Fish and Wildlife Service led a massive 580 participants on exhilarating birdwatching tours through Laguna Cartagena and Cabo Rojo NWR. They also organized an epic movie night under the stars that brought people together in celebration of birds and community.
Movie night at Cabo Rojo. (Photo by USFWS)
The staff at the Estuario de la Bahía de San Juan concentrated on recruiting more citizen scientists from nearby communities for their bird monitoring initiatives. To engage various community groups, they offered informative webinars and exciting birdwatching trips to local natural reserves.
Eliezer Nieves giving a presentation on the birds of Estuario de la Bahia de San Juan.
Despite the rainy weather which impacted attendance, Para La Naturaleza made a meaningful impact by introducing a dedicated participant to the fascinating world of birds. Together, they identified 15 species, including six that are endemic to Puerto Rico.
Eduardo Llegus, CEBF Coordinator based in Puerto Rico, along with his students got their hands dirty for the birdies and completed an early morning habitat cleanup at Punta Cucharas Nature Reserve in Ponce.
Eduardo with is students at Punta Cucharas.
Dominican Republic
Grupo Jaragua created an exciting roster of events for Dominicans to discover and celebrate their iconic birds. Throughout May, they hosted a variety of engaging activities, including an interpretative walk and bird count celebration for Global Big Day on May 11. They also held a recycling workshop and a short talk on the connections between pollution, insects, and birds on May 25. Their vibrant social media campaign featured nine informative posts, while a live webinar on May 16 brought in a wider audience. Additionally, influencer, nature advocate, and entomologist Yohan Nunez (@YohanNature) produced a captivating reel, and bird conservation outreach took place in the preschool program Natura Avventura throughout the month.
The CEBF celebrations in Cuba were a huge success. We owe a huge thank you to our amazing partners at Club de observadores de aves Granma, Club de Observadores de Aves de Guisa, Club de Observadores de Aves en Libertad (Holguín), Grupo Ecologia de Aves (University of Havana) and Jardín Botánico Nacional Cuba, Empresa Flora y Fauna, Museo de Historia Natural Joaquín Fernández de la Vara, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba, and independent coordinator Yorniel Martínez Cruz! Their enthusiasm and expertise were truly invaluable in making the events both memorable and impactful for Cuban bird conservation.
People of all ages and abilities enjoyed bird-themed puzzles, cartoons, and games, while also taking part in habitat clean-ups and tree planting. They were especially excited to see the birds in their neighborhoods, school yards, and nature reserves. Local media, and a podcast for kids by kids, Amiguitos de Las Aves, helped spread the word about the important relationship between birds and insects.
Youth enjoying bird games offered by the University of Havana Bird Ecology Group. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
A young Cuban birder’s one-stop bird station set up by Club de Observadores de Aves de Guisa.
How long is your wingspan? A young girl measures her arm length against a banner with various bird wing lengths printed on it. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
University of Havana Bird Ecology Group brought the wonders of birds and birdwatching to differently abled students. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
University of Havana Bird Ecology Group member shows a younger birder where to locate the bird. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
Protect Cuban birds posters designed by Yorniel for the Proyecto Amiguitos de la Naturaleza.
Youth birdwatching in Laguna de Maya Wildlife Refuge in Matanzas, Cuba.
Youth with their bird masks and participation certificates. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
Jamaica
BirdLife Jamaica joined forces with Hope Gardens once again to host not just one, but two captivating bird walks at the beautiful Hope Botanical Gardens. This engaging event allowed participants to spot some of Jamaica’s unique endemic birds right in the heart of the city of Kingston! To cap off the experience, attendees also had the chance to plant bird-friendly trees, contributing to the preservation of these remarkable species. It was a wonderful blend of education, appreciation, and action for our feathered friends!
Group birdwatching at Hope Botanical Gardens. (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
Common Gallinule at Hope Botanical Gardens. (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
Insect mounts on display at Hope Botanical Gardens. (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
The Yellow-billed Parrot is one of two endemic parrots on Jamaica.(Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
Two young birders using our Landbirds of the Caribbean bird ID card while birdwatching. (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
You’re never too young to start birdwatching! (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
Over in Clarendon, our partner Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation hosted a poster competition for primary and secondary schools. They also provided delightful activities at the Portland Bight Discovery Centre such as Pin the Beak on the Bird, a Scavenger Hunt, and a Guess That Bird Sound activity for staff, students, and teachers. After an engaging presentation by guest speaker Michelle Roberts (BirdLife Jamaica) on Caribbean birds, participants were led on a birdwatching trip around the Centre.
Michelle Roberts speaks to attentive students during CCAM’s CEBF event at the Portland Bight Discovery Centre
CCAM staff member and Michelle Roberts teaching students how to use binoculars. (Photo by CCAM)
Students in CCAM’s bird hide using binoculars to watch birds. (Photo by CCAM)
Poster from the Pin the Beak on The Bird game. (Photo by CCAM)
The Bahamas
On Grand Bahama Island, EARTHCARE Bahamas was kept busy with tree planting (over 1500 mangrove seedlings!) and habitat clean-up at Water Cay; a magnificent birdfair and thrilling bird count at Rand Nature Centre; and a presentation at Bishop Michael Eldon School introducing students to the wonderful world of birds.
Gail Woon of EARTHCARE Bahamas explaining how to complete the scavenger hunt. (Photo by EARTHCARE Bahamas)
Gail and Dr Ancilleno Davis speaking to attendees about Bahamian birds during their CEBF 2024 event. (Photo by EARTHCARE Bahamas)
A Legacy of Advocacy for Urban Wildlife and Inclusivity in Conservation
We remember an extraordinary environmental educator, Simón Guerrero, who passed away earlier this year. His research on urban ecology focused on making cities more habitable for wildlife, including birds. Simón had a remarkable ability to bring the wonder of birds into classrooms, captivating both students and teachers. A passionate advocate for inclusivity, he founded a birding group for blind Dominicans and emphasized the importance of ensuring that birds “know” our actions are in their favor.
His bird festivals always included the planting of native trees around schools and the university he worked at. Through the CEBF Small Grants and with the support of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, he was able to install nests for Hispaniolan Woodpeckers and Hispaniolan Parakeets. The Hispaniolan Parakeet is one of two endemic but threatened parrot species on the island. While there is a breeding population on the university campus, there are not enough nest cavities. During World Migratory Bird Day celebrations last year, Simón shared, “I always plant some trees to be sure birds will know we are doing something real for them, not just talking.”
Simón Guerrero was a founding member of the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds. An engaging teacher and speaker with a great sense of humor, he influenced many to become fans and defenders of nature for many decades.
Students plant the firebush plant in their school’s garden. (Photo by Simón Guerrero)
Artificial nest boxes built by Simón and his team. (Photo by Simón Guerrero)
Simon leading a birdtour in the DR. (Photo by Grupo Jaragua)
We believe that his vision for greener urban spaces will continue to inspire future generations of conservationists.
Conservation champions honored at #BCDR24
In July, we were grateful for the opportunity to connect with our amazing community of Caribbean conservationists at the BirdsCaribbean 24th International Conference in the Dominican Republic. We took the opportunity to honor organizations and educators too. They were awarded for their exceptional efforts in celebrating the CEBF over the past two years in consistently organizing creative and enjoyable activities for youth and local communities, and submitting their event reports and photos. Recipients of the 2024 Educator Awards will be shared in an upcoming blog highlighting all of BirdsCaribbean’s 2024 awardees.
We also distributed CEBF materials, featuring the artwork of Arnaldo Toledo, to participating organizations for their bird conservation outreach activities.
Feathery facts and free resources for classrooms and homes
Each day, we featured a new Endemic Bird of the Day on our website and across BirdsCaribbean’s socials, sharing 27 new species in 2024. The species were carefully selected to include truly unique birds, like the Vitelline Warbler; species which keep birders’ ID skills in check, like the Antillean Palm Swift; and endemic crooners, like the Greater Antillean Elaenia. You can find the complete library of 131 endemic birds covered thus far here.
Each endemic bird profile was accompanied by a beautifully drawn image by award-winning Cuban artist Arnaldo Toledo, stunning high quality photos and videos, online puzzles tailored for different levels (between six and 1,024 pieces), and bird calls. Fun, free and engaging activities were also provided for both kids and adults, including downloadable coloring pages, experiments, up-cycle crafts, and more. If you’re looking for more insect activities to do with children, inside and outdoors, to have fun together and be creative, download our ‘Incredible Insects’ activity booklet today.
This year’s CEBF is over — but don’t worry, we still have plenty of bird content for you to enjoy! Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn; and have joined the BirdsCaribbean mailing list to keep up to date with our latest news via our monthly newsletter.
The Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival will return next April 2025 — but we need your support to help ensure that bird education remains accessible to all in the Caribbean.
Your donation is an invaluable investment in the future of Caribbean bird conservation and will help us provide materials and access to capacity-building programs to early-career Caribbean conservationists. These passionate individuals are committed to advancing bird conservation on their islands through engaging outreach events, like those listed above, that inspire communities to embrace bird-friendly practices. Your support will help amplify their efforts, fostering a deeper connection between people and the incredible wildlife that surrounds them.
Acknowledgements: A massive THANK YOU to the island coordinators for your enthusiasm and dedication to making this another memorable CEBF! Each year we see a growing number of participants committed to increasing their knowledge of Caribbean birds and actively working to protect their habitats. We also extend our gratitude to our donors and members who help us provide the coordinators with the support and resources they need to educate and inspire future generations of bird and nature loving communities. Special thanks to the US Forest Service, International Programs and the United Nations Development Program Ridge to Reef and IWEco Project for funding for our education and conservation programs.
