It is unclear how many nuthatches may be left. Observations of two birds together and other single birds (including a juvenile) scattered across miles of forest indicate that five or more birds could survive.
The Bahama Nuthatch is an Endangered species, only known from native pine forest on Grand Bahama Island, which lies approximately 100 miles off Palm Beach, Florida. Closely related to the Brown-headed Nuthatch of the southeastern United States, the Bahama Nuthatch is considered by some authorities to be a distinct species (Sitta insularis) while others regard it as a subspecies (Sitta pusilla insularis) of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla).
Locations of Brown-headed (Bahama) Nuthatch sightings on Grand Bahama in ebird. Most sightings are in the Lucaya Estates Pine Forest. The sighting in Freeport is at the Rand Nature Center in November 1978.
Common on Grand Bahama in the 1960s, the species declined drastically. Extensive population surveys in the mid-2000s by Hayes et al (2004) and Lloyd and Slater (2009) confirmed that the birds had become very rare; it was estimated that 1,000 to 2,000 individuals remained, all within the “Lucaya Estates” area. It had not been seen since Hurricane Matthew hit Grand Bahama in October 2016.
Two search teams worked in coordination with Bahamas National Trust (BNT) to rediscover the bird during the breeding season, starting in April of this year. One team was led by Zeko McKenzie and his students at the University of The Bahamas-North, supported by American Bird Conservancy, and another by University of East Anglia (UEA) masters students Matthew Gardner and David Pereira, in conjunction with BirdLife International.
Both teams first observed nuthatches in May 2018, documenting their observations with photographs. McKenzie’s team observed five birds in all, starting with a sighting of two individual Bahama Nuthatches together on May 1. The next sighting was on May 23, over a mile from the first observation, and included a juvenile bird accompanying a Bahama Warbler. The juvenile was distinguished from adults by the lack of distinctive brown plumage on the crown of the bird’s head. A video recording of this juvenile Bahama Nuthatch by McKenzie was the earliest documentation of the species’ continued survival in 2018, and was followed by additional photographs of adult birds by both research teams later in May and in subsequent months.
The Bahama Nuthatch exhibits several highly unusual and endearing behaviors: It is one of the very few bird species that conducts co-operative breeding, in which young males assist with nest construction, nest sanitation as well as feeding of the female sitting on the eggs, nestlings and fledglings. It is also one of the few birds known to utilize a tool. On occasion, it uses a bark chip, held in its bill, to pry off bark portions during foraging for insects and grub. (photo by Carrol Henderson)
Dr. Diana Bell, from UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, said, “The Bahama Nuthatch is a critically endangered species, threatened by habitat destruction and degradation, invasive species, tourist developments, fires and hurricane damage.”
Regarding the moment when he saw the Bahama Nuthatch, Matthew Gardner recalled, “We had been scouring the forest for about six weeks, and had almost lost hope. At that point we’d walked about 400km (250 miles). Then, I suddenly heard its distinctive call and saw the unmistakable shape of a nuthatch descending towards me. I shouted with joy, I was ecstatic!”
“The photographs clearly show this distinctive species and cannot be anything else,” said Michael Parr, President of American Bird Conservancy. “Fortunately this is not a hard bird to identify, but it was certainly a hard bird to find.”
Parr continued, “Despite the critical situation for this species, other birds—such as the New Zealand Black Robin—have recovered from tiny populations. We are optimistic that conservation can also save the Bahama Nuthatch.”
All of the Bahama Nuthatches was observed within the Lucaya Estates, an area previously logged during the mid-1900s and since developed with many miles of roads for residential development.
Bahama Nuthatch photographed in July 2018. (photo by Erika Gates)
A last sighting and photographs of a pair of Bahama Nuthatches was made by Erika Gates, well-known Grand Bahama birder and guide and BirdsCaribbean Director, on June 28, 2016, prior to Hurricane Matthew on October 6, 2016. She is elated at the recent sightings of the bird. “This will hopefully generate sufficient excitement in the scientific community to begin aggressive research and map a much needed conservation strategy,” she commented.
Bahamian researcher Zeko McKenzie said, “Although the Bahama Nuthatch has declined precipitously, we are encouraged by the engagement of conservation scientists who are now looking for ways to save the species.” Zero had previously set up nest boxes for the Bahama Nuthatch, but they were not used.
“The Bahamas National Trust feels that research on endangered species, such as the Bahama Nuthatch, is really important,” said Shelley Cant-Woodside, Director of Science and Policy of the Bahamas National Trust, “especially in the face of a changing climate.”
“These recent observations confirm that the Bahama Nuthatch is not extinct; it is critical that we raise awareness about the precarious status of this unique species and do all we can to make sure it survives,” declared Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director, BirdsCaribbean.
Participants at BirdsCaribbean’s 18th International Conference in Grand Bahama in July 2011 were fortunate to observe this rare species on one of the mid-conference field trips to the pine forest. (photo by Erika Gates)
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 was a terrible day for the British Virgin Islands.
With peak-sustained winds measured at 185 mph and momentary gusts exceeding 225 mph, Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic damage, turning the once vibrant green islands into a dull brown mess.
As conservation professionals, much of our time is spent on convincing people not to encroach upon or damage our important mangroves. I never dreamt that in just one day a “non-human” named Irma could deliver such a devastating blow to the BVI’s entire mangrove forest.
Salt-tolerant plants that grow in or near the water’s edge, mangroves provide countless benefits to nature and humans. Mangroves provide habitat and nursery areas for fish, playing an important role in fishery and coral reef health. Additionally, they help maintain good water quality by providing a catchment area for runoff from higher ground. They also act as a buffer for storm surge – wind and waves – protecting coastlines.
Bakers Bay Before and After Hurricane Irma. Note all the dead mangroves along the shoreline. (Photos courtesy of the Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society)
Conservation starts with scientific information and planning
In April, with the financial support of the BirdsCaribbean Hurricane Recovery Fund, the Jost Van Dykes (BVI) Preservation Society carried out a rapid assessment of the hurricane-damaged mangrove areas in the British Virgin Islands. The Society also received technical assistance from Dr. Gregg Moore, a restoration ecologist from the University of New Hampshire with vast experience in evaluating post-hurricane mangrove systems in the Caribbean,
Successful Mangrove Seedling growing in Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Island waters. (Photos courtesy of the Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society)
Land and boat-based rapid assessments were combined with UAV (drone) based aerial surveys. Dr. Moore compiled the results of the surveys into a report, which was provided to key BVI government agencies and non-governmental organizations. This report serves as a useful tool for informing future mangrove restoration.
The report confirms what we might have already guessed: about 90% of mature red mangrove trees that form the coastal fringing system have been defoliated and are dead, with very few exceptions. The damage to BVI mangroves is a serious ecological blow to the system, but the storm also took with it the flowers and fruits that we would expect to be the next generation of mangrove trees.
Nevertheless, the study offers some optimistic findings and some important lessons for the BVI and other Caribbean islands that may suffer serious storm damage. The “take home” lessons include:
Lesson 1: “Learn to See the (Mangrove) Forest Through the (Dead) Trees”
Jost Van Dyke youth planting mangrove seedlings with visiting volunteer from Actionquest’s Go Beyond Program. (Photos courtesy of the Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society)
Let’s repeat together! DO NOT CUT DOWN THE MATURE DEAD MANGROVE TREES.
There are many reasons to support the recommendation to not cut the standing mangrove deadwood whenever possible:
Mangroves provide valuable habitat for wildlife such as birds and invertebrates;
As dead mangrove trees decompose, they release energy and return essential nutrients and carbon to the system;
Mangrove’s physical structure is mainly intact and still buffers wave and storm energy, and helps hold peat and sand in place along fragile coastlines; and
That structure also protects animals and helps trap and protect mangrove seedlings that will regenerate the forest naturally.
Any cleanup of debris should be limited and very carefully managed to avoid further damage. Foot traffic and the hauling of cut wood can trample fragile seedlings.
Even if most of the mature trees are dead, the mangroves are still a forest. Since Gregg’s visit, we have carried out monitoring of as part of a UK Darwin Initiative-funded ecosystem resilience project. During each visit I see perching birds, which help spread forest seeds, resting on the tops of dead trees; herons stalking the crabs that live around the prop roots; and seabirds foraging in nearby marine systems that are supported by our mangroves.
The mangrove forest and the environment are damaged, but the ecosystem is still alive, and needs a chance to recover.
Lesson 2: “The Children are the Future”
Despite severe damage to the mature canopy, virtually every site visited in the BVI had a significant understory of live, rooted seedling plants. Albeit quite young and short today, these young plants are the future of BVI’s mangroves and should be carefully protected.
We should get young humans involved. They will be the future stewards of this important ecological resource, and should play an important role in mangrove restoration work.
Lesson 3: “Think global, but Act/Grow Local”
There is a wide body of literature on mangrove and coastal habitat restoration available. Learn from others around the world about what works (and what does not) in mangrove restoration. Find seedlings that are available locally, or as close to your degraded site as possible. Importing plants carries the risk of introducing invasive species, diseases and other potential calamities.
Lesson 4: “It Takes a Village”
Jost Van Dyke youth and volunteers prepare for JVD’s first mangrove planting. (Photos courtesy of the Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society)
Involve everyone. Or as many people as possible.
I was pleasantly surprised by the level of interest the stories about our mangrove work in local news publications and on social media generated in the BVI. Undoubtedly, some of the conservation community’s messages about the importance of mangroves have gotten through over the years!
Mangrove restoration across the BVI is going to be an enormous effort. We are excited to be partnering with the Rotary Club of Road Town. The Club plans to help turn mangrove conservation and re-planting activities into a territory-wide effort, involving individuals, community-based organizations and businesses.
We sometimes feel isolated on our tiny, individual islands, but we need to think in terms of broader landscape or seascape-level management. Our BVI-wide rapid mangrove assessments were useful in identifying mangrove sites within the BVI that can be used for the sustainable recruitment of plant stock for restoration and conservation efforts. The slogan “stronger together” is more than just a catch phrase.
Many thanks to generous donors to BirdsCaribbean’s Hurricane Relief Fund for supporting our mangrove restoration and education efforts! In October, Dr. Moore will return to Jost Van Dyke, BVI to assist the JVD Preservation Society and Rotary Club of Road Town in hosting a Mangrove Restoration Workshop. JVD Preservation Society is working to establish a small mangrove nursery site on the island of Jost Van Dyke.
By Susan Zaluski, Director, Jost Van Dykes (BVI) Preservation Society.
After the hurricanes, many birds, like these hungry Antillean Crested Hummingbirds in St. Martin, relied on feeders while vegetation recovered. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
What a year it was.
The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season was a bitter and painful one for sections of the Eastern Caribbean – in particular during the peak month of September, when Hurricanes Irma and Maria raged through several islands. Some Caribbean nations were still not fully back on their feet as June 1 ushered in the start of the 2018 season.
Everyday life was turned upside down on more than a dozen islands – and that included their precious birds. BirdsCaribbean came to the rescue, with all speed, to help partners and birds struggling to cope in the aftermath of the storms. Stories poured in of pigeons and doves standing in the road, weak, dazed and exposed; hummingbirds trying to feed on brightly-colored pieces of trash since no flowers were left; and surviving parrots descending into towns from the forest in search of food. The birds were as traumatized as many of the islands’ human residents.
Food, Glorious Food
Food was the most immediate need. BirdsCaribbean sprang into action, reaching out to U.S-based bird feed suppliers, who responded generously. Lizzie Mae Bird Seed donated 5 tons of bird seed. Classic Brands, Songbird Essentials, Freeport Wild Bird Supply and Aspects Inc., among others, donated high quality nectar feeders and nectar concentrate or provided them at a discount.
The needs were great, so BirdsCaribbean started a fundraising campaign on MightyCause (formerly Razoo). “Over 500 amazing donors from around the world responded to the call for help and we raised about US$126,000,” said Executive Director Lisa Sorenson. “We used some funds to buy and ship the bird feed supplies, but follow up work is equally important; most of the funds have been used to award grants to partners for hurricane restoration activities.”
It is estimated that over 60 species of birds were helped, including Bananaquits hummingbirds, pigeons, doves, parrots, thrashers, grassquits, and bullfinches-many found only on one or a few Caribbean islands (Map by Aly Ollivierre)
It was an enormous task. In total, BirdsCaribbean, along with partners, volunteers and with the support of generous donors, coordinated shipments of 4,201 nectar feeders; 5 tons of bird seed; 1,850 bottles of nectar concentrate; and 100 tube feeders. These supplies were delivered to no less than 18 islands or countries impacted by one or both hurricanes.
From Miami to the Islands
Bird feeder giveaway in Grand Case St.Martin, hosted by Skys the Limit restaurant. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
The logistics were complex and time-consuming. Using five different sea freight companies — Tropical Shipping, Four Star Cargo, ECU Worldwide, Hassle Free Shipping, and King Ocean Services — BirdsCaribbean battled with seemingly endless paperwork, customs forms, emails and phone calls to arrange the multi-island shipments. Volunteers in Miami (where FEMA kindly provided temporary storage) worked hard. Some shipments had to be sorted and repacked. Thanks to their efforts, the items reached each island within a few days of leaving Miami. On each island, they were cleared and unpacked by our amazing Caribbean partners, who worked hard at the receiving end. Despite a number of ports being either damaged or overloaded with relief supplies, our shipments got through. Truly, it was a labour of love by all!
Volunteers staff a feeder giveaway station in the US Virgin Islands. (photo by Renata Platenberg)
Then, the distribution began, with numerous non-governmental organisations, government agencies and volunteers pitching in to help on the ground. All held giveaway events in the weeks and months after the hurricanes. Many schools also received feeders.
The response to the outreach events was heart-warming. Many island residents realized for the first time how important their birds were, and learned to love them. Despite struggling with their own post-hurricane problems (no roof, for example, or lack of utilities such as electricity and water) the islanders were delighted to help their hungry birds, who flocked to the feeders and quickly emptied them.
Bringing Hope and Happiness to Birds and Humans
Hurricane Maria transformed the landscape on the once lush island of Dominica. Colleagues at the Forestry Department struggled to recover, after losing much of their infrastructure and equipment. Director of Forestry, Wildlife and Parks MInchinton Burton thanked BirdsCaribbean for their donation of field equipment and bird feed: “Your very timely and generous support assisted us in being able to respond in a tangible manner to some of the urgent needs of the birds, particularly our two endemic parrot species, whose habitat and food sources were severely impacted by this monstrous storm.”
A Green Mango visits a feeder in Puerto Rico. (Photo by Manuel Torres)
The U.S. Virgin Islands suffered considerable damage to bird habitats, as well as infrastructure. The supplies were welcomed with open arms. On St. John, Phyllis Benton and Sybille Sorrentino from VI Ecotours reported on the distribution of supplies in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay: “People love them!! They’re so excited to be able to do something immediately helpful for the birds. Thank you and the group again so much for…bringing a little happiness and hope.” They noted “many hungry hummingbirds and Bananaquits at feeders!”
On St. Thomas, Renata Platenberg, Assistant Professor of Natural Resources Management at the University of the Virgin Islands expressed it well: “From the ocean to the sky, the natural world is struggling to cope in the aftermath of the storms.” She noted that residents were anxious to help birds such as the Scaly-Naped Pigeon, which were “largely unable to find any food and so they’ve just been collapsing where they stand.” She noted the importance of this species, which feeds on fruit. This species is critical for seed dispersal and thus the revival of the forests. In many ways, the supplies that followed the storm brought people closer to nature. One St. Thomas family put up feeders by the window. “The grandmother sits and watches the birds all day long, and it makes her so happy,” said Professor Platenberg.
Caribbean Youth Get to Know (and Feed) the Birds
Outdoor classroom in Dominica: showing students how to fill a feeder.
The donations increased Caribbean citizens’ bird knowledge and conservation awareness. One young Anguillan, first-former Tahena Polanco-Hodge, was enthusiastic: “I was so excited to set up the hummingbird feeder. We had hummingbirds visiting our backyard before the hurricane but had hardly seen any after. But my mom and I put our feeder up and we’ve already had six hummingbirds flying around it and feeding from it!”
On Tahena’s island, the give-away of 200 hummingbird feeders, nectar concentrate and over 350 pounds of bird seed sparked tremendous interest, noted Executive Director of the Anguilla National Trust Farah Mukhida. “The island’s birds now have a much higher profile,” said Ms. Mukhida, with residents dropping by her office to talk to her about their bird sightings.
In Guadeloupe, BirdsCaribbean partner AMAZONA collaborated with garden suppliers Jardiland, distributing feeders at Abymes Town Hall. This was a valuable opportunity to teach schoolchildren greater environmental awareness.
Appreciating the Beauty of Nature in Puerto Rico
Installing two feeders in Utuado, Puerto Rico. (Photo by SOPI)
In hard-hit Puerto Rico, BirdsCaribbean’s shipments brought hope and a degree of comfort. Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña Inc (SOPI) worked hard to provide hummingbird feeders for at least 27 municipalities. SOPI’s major partner was Para La Naturaleza, whose properties served as distribution centers. “These feeders were not only beneficial to the birds but also the people that could find a little solace in the beauty of nature,” mused SOPI’s Nathaniel González. “In these trying times we can always turn to nature to know that everything shall pass and that we can look forward for a better future,” he added.
“There is no doubt that the feeders and seed provided a boost to many native birds,” commented Sorenson. “This helped them survive a serious food shortage. The birds, in turn, lifted people’s spirits and brought them closer to nature.”
A Huge “Thank You!”
Boxes of Feeders and Food arrive in St. Maarten.
Post-hurricane assistance was a monumental effort coordinated by BirdsCaribbean. It was only made possible by close teamwork and collaboration across the region with literally hundreds of partners, donors and volunteers, including governments, non-governmental organisations and businesses.
We are tremendously grateful to all those who supported our effort (see a partial list of companies and organizations below). However, the work is not over! Recovery projects and surveys are ongoing, taking place across the region with BirdsCaribbean’s financial support, thanks to all the donors. You can still donate to this effort by clicking here. Further updates will follow.
Last but not least, the birds were thankful for the lifeline, too!
We invite you to enjoy the gallery of photos below. Hover over each photo to see the caption or click on the first photo to see a slide show. See our acknowledgments below.
Blue-headed Hummingbirds are found only on Dominica and Martinique (Photo by Paul Reillo)
Students hang up bird feeders in Barbuda. (Photo by John Mussington)
Volunteers in Puerto Rico ready to distribute feeders and bird seed.
Feeder giveaway in Guadeloupe. (Photo by Eric Delcroix)
St Thomas US Virgin Islands feeder giveaway. (photo by Renata Platenberg)
Zenaida Dove- one of many doves and pigeons helped with bird seed. (Photo by Ted Eubanks)
Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña Inc (SOPI) volunteers distribute feeders in Puerto Rico.
Pallets of bird seed wrapped and ready for shipping! (photo by Judd Patterson)
Zenaida Dove (photo by Glenroy Blanchette)
Principal Ellis and students of Bethel Methodist School with feeders in St. Eustatius. (Photo by Hannah Madden)
Volunteers on the ground in Puerto Rico. (Photo by Para la Naturaleza)
Boxes of bird feeders arrive in St. Thomas, USVI. (Photo by Renata Platenberg)
Feeder giveaway in Anguilla. (Photo by Farah Mukhida)
Antillean Crested Hummingbird trying to get nectar from a brightly colored piece of trash in St. Martin following Hurricane Irma. There were no flowers available for weeks following the storm. (photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Princlpe and students from the Tete Morne Primary in Dominica with their bird feeders.
Feeder giveaway in St. Maarten. (Photo by Binkie)
Forest Ranger Eugene explains the importance of bird feeders to students in Dominica.
Para la Naturaleza staff in Puerto Rico were happy to receive bird feeders.
The Scaly-naped Pigeon is one of the many species of pigeons and doves that benefitted from the bird seed. (Photo by Canter Photography)
Setting up the bird feeding stations in Dominica.
Bird feeding station in Dominica. Thanks to the Forestry Dept for making these awesome feeders!
Forest Ranger Eugene demonstrates to the students of the Morne Prosper Primary School in Dominica how to set up the bird feeders.
School students in Barbuda prepare seed and nectar for the birds. (Photo by John Mussington)
Bamboo feeding station installed at Cabrits National Park, Dominica.
Adult Eared Dove with chick in Grenada – Mt. Hartman Estate. (Photo by Greg Homel)
A Bullfinch at a feeder made by the Forestry Dept. in Cabrits National Park, Dominica.
Feeder giveaway in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
A Pearly-eyed Thrasher visits a feeder in Dominica.
Recipients learned how to clean and fill feeders in St. Martin. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Volunteers Raul (left) and Craig (right organize 25 pound bags of bird seed to go to different islands. (photo by Judd Patterson)
By Emma Lewis, writer and social media activist, member of BirdsCaribbean’s Media Working Group.
BirdsCaribbean is extremely grateful to the following companies and organizations for providing funding and/or in-kind donations for our “Operation Feeder Rescue” Project; thanks also to many individual donors to our Hurricane Relief Fund and to our many partners and volunteers in the U.S. and across the Caribbean islands.
Lloyd giving his dramatic presentation about Ashton Lagoon in poetry (photo by Beny Wilson)
Chirp chirp I cried
Flapping my wings from the sky
To see all my siblings from another egg
Black, white, and even red
From the quit of the banana
To that of the dowitcher
Terns and herons
Plovers and flycatchers
Doves and even the belly yellow elaenia
Nice how we diversify
The lagoon who’s gravity we defy
Flapping our multi-colored wings
And showing off our different bills
Come one, come all
Short and tall
To the Ashton Lagoon
Where restoration has placed us
In the showcasing mood
Thanks to those nice people
At SusGren, Inc.
Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Grenada race, one of the common flycatchers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. Note the crest and yellow belly. (photo by Greg Homel).
This poem was written by Lloyd Joseph, a recently participant at BirdsCaribbean’s Caribbean Birding Trail Interpretive Bird Guide Training Workshop on Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He described his experience in poetry as well as prose. Lloyd works at Palm Island Resort, another island in the Grenadines. Although he had little experience in ecotourism prior to the workshop, he called himself a “fast learner and very interested in wildlife.” The training took place from May 28 to June 1, 2018 and was hosted by Sustainable Grenadines Inc (SusGren, Inc), a local non-governmental organisation based on Union Island and a long-time partner of BirdsCaribbean.
On the last day of the training, each participant was required to give a five-minute presentation, incorporating what they had learned about environmental interpretation. “Lloyd Joseph blew us away with a dramatic reading of a poem he had written about the restoration of Ashton Lagoon, which was taking place while we were there,” said Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean, who was one of the trainers. Susgren Inc is carrying out the Lagoon restoration. View his inspiring presentation below about Ashton Lagoon, where he gives a voice to the lagoon, and his reading of the above poem.
He simply described the workshop experience—and birding in general—as “a fun and educational way of studying and interacting with these amazing creatures called birds.” The fun part was simply enjoying the birds; the learning part was, as he realized:
Lloyd and other workshop participants enjoy spotting and identifying birds during the guide training workshop. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
FUN: Picture not having any family time and always being too busy to enjoy the simple things of life with your family or even on your own. Allow me to introduce you to an enjoyable activity that will blow your mind away and will definitely relax you. The workshop was the most fun and relaxing time I have had in a long time. Using binoculars and even a telescope to view these birds in their natural habitat and watching them feed was great – not to mention the friendliness of the entire class and the instructors. A week well spent, I must say.
LEARNING: One is never too old or too intelligent to learn something new. It is my honest opinion that our biggest challenge as humans is being malnourished in knowledge. To be honest I was so malnourished that I was a bit afraid to attend the workshop! Then attending the workshop my mind was opened and blown away with the vast amount of information that was passed on to me by the instructors. Interpretation skills were taught in the simplest forms so we all could understand. Skills like poetry and the hierarchy of needs (Maslow) emerged when taking a group out on a hike. Also, learning about a jaguar’s mating call, which our instructor Rick gave as an example of an interpretive story (complete with a drum to make the roaring sound), brought the power of the interpretive message home.
What do I think about birdwatching? Why did it take me so long to attend such a program?
The experience is amazing. The beauty of the birds astounding. And yes, the different bird calls—both normal calling and mating sounds—are fascinating.
I would most definitely want to attend such a workshop again. Thanks to BirdsCaribbean, SusGren, and all other participating agencies for making it possible for persons who were so malnourished in knowledge to be nourished. Thanks to Lisa, Rick, Beny, Aly, and all the other information sharers for a time well spent and a great experience. I must say, after this program, that birdwatching has become a part of me and I can’t help but observe, count, and keep track of birds wherever I go, from now on.
By Lloyd Joseph. Check out additional fun articles on the guide training here and here.
Aerial view of Ashton Lagoon and mangrove and Union Island in the distance. The lagoon was damaged by a failed marina development. It is is currently being restored through opening up the causeway and dock fingers to allow water to circulate. (photo courtesy of SusGren)Lloyd receives his Certificate of Completion from the facilitators at the end of the Guide Training Workshop, left to right: Rick Morales, Lisa Sorenson, Lloyd Joseph and Beny Wilson (Photo by Aly Ollivierre)Lloyd received a prize for giving one of the best presentations. (photo by Aly Ollivierre)
To learn more about the restoration of Ashton Lagoon:
A big thank you to all of the sponsors of this workshop for their funding and/or in-kind donations:
Sustainable Grenadines Inc.
Marshall Reynolds Foundation
KfW German Development Bank through Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)
US Forest Service, International Programs
Optics for the Tropics
Palm Island Resort
Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, Forestry, Fisheries, Disaster Management and Information
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC)
Ridge to Reef Project Grenada
Carefree Birding
Private donors
Kings Landing Hotel
Its local name is “Little Devil.” But not much is known about this elusive bird, either on land or at sea. An intrepid group of conservationists go on an expedition in the mountains of the Dominican Republic to find out more about the Black-capped Petrel.
A Seabird in the Mountains
Map of study site in the Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, Dominican Republic (Map by Aly Ollivierre)
We park the pickup trucks at the park ranger’s hut and unload our gear and supplies. I climb the flimsy wooden stairs of the nearby fire tower, hoping to catch a glimpse of the sunset. We have arrived on the ridge of the Sierra de Bahoruco, the Dominican Republic’s southernmost relief and the eastern end of the De la Selle mountain range. This is the backbone of Hispaniola’s southern peninsula. Below me, the forest of Occidental pines unfurls in a deep green velvet. To the north, I can see the dark plains surrounding Lago Enriquillo, already in the shadow of the mountains. To the southwest, the glistening waters of the Caribbean Sea. Further to the west, below the setting sun, Haiti is already disappearing in the fog that has started to accumulate against the escarpment. From atop the fire tower, I try to imagine what might happen in a few hours. Not far from our camp, a small silhouette will pierce the night clouds, crashing through the trees before rushing to its burrow. It’s a Black-capped Petrel – the region’s only endemic seabird and one of the most endangered seabird species in the Atlantic Basin. The petrel is returning to feed its single chick after a week at sea.
For the next two weeks, we will stay in the mountains of the Sierra de Bahoruco National Park to try and gather more information about how this elusive bird behaves at sea. Our team consists of Ernst Rupp, senior researcher and project manager at Grupo Jaragua, the Dominican conservation NGO monitoring the petrel’s nesting sites in the country; Pirrín Jairo Matos, Gerson Feliz, José Luis Castillo and Ivan Terrero, indispensable field technicians with Grupo Jaragua; Patrick Jodice, lead scientist at USGS – South Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit (SC CRU); and myself, Yvan Satgé, early career biologist at the SC CRU – Clemson University. As the temperatures drop with dusk and the wind picks up, I join my colleagues huddled around the cooking fire. At 2,000m above sea level, even a mid-April evening in the Caribbean can get cold.
The team, still fresh and clean on the first day of fieldwork. Left to right: Pirrín Matos, Ivan Terrero, Yvan Satgé, Patrick Jodice, and José Luis Castillo – not pictured: Ernst Rupp and Gerson Feliz (Photo by Ernst Rupp)
The Mysterious “Little Devil” – What We Know
The Critically Endangered “Diablotin” or Black-capped Petrel in flight. (Photo by Doug-Gochfeld)
Black-capped Petrels (Pterodroma hasitata), like most gadfly petrels of the Pterodroma genus, are famously hard to study on land. As pelagic seabirds, they spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land to nest from mid-January to mid-June. They were once more common in the Greater Antilles. They are locally known as Diablotin, the little devil. They are night birds and their eerie calls during the mating season give them their name. The bird’s breeding sites have been especially hard to find. They were only re-discovered in the 1960s in Haiti, and the 1980s in the Dominican Republic. As recently as last year, Ernst and his team found a new nesting area in the central mountain range of the Dominican Republic. There is hope that Black-capped Petrels might also be nesting in the Sierra Madre of Cuba (where they are known as brujas, the witches) and Dominica, but none have yet been found there.
Although better-studied than breeding sites, the marine habits of Black-capped Petrels also remain vague. Until recently, they were thought to fish the waters off the southeastern United States year-round. However, our 2014 satellite tracking study of three adults showed that they might in fact forage off the coasts of Colombia and Venezuela while raising chicks. During this expedition, we plan to track a dozen nesting petrels with lightweight GPS loggers and to study their diet. Once we know where they go and what they eat, we will better understand the secrets of their travels and the threats they face at sea.
“Como una aguja en un pajar” – The Proverbial Needle in a Haystack
Grupo Jaragua field technician Pirrín Matos walks among prime Black-capped Petrel nesting habitat in Loma Quemada, Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Yvan Satgé)
Before we can study the petrels though, we need to catch them. This is where the knowledge of Grupo Jaragua’s field technicians comes into play. The expression “a needle in a haystack” translates well in Spanish, and applies particularly well to their mission. In a haystack of dense mountainous vegetation, they are experts in finding the petrels’ burrows—underground “needles” hidden among rocky screes or under thick layers of leaf litter. Pirrín’s skill is in locating the nest entrances among the rocks and vegetation. He confirms his findings with the presence of a fly that seems to favor active nest sites: “Pirrín’s fly”. José Luis is in charge of the borescope. Maneuvering the thick cable of optical fibers as far as 2 meters underground, he inspects every corner of the burrow for signs of recent activity: a well-defined nest cup, an adult incubating the pair’s single egg, or a sleeping chick. Gerson, the team’s memory, can remember every burrow Grupo Jaragua has ever monitored. Knowing how to use rock-climbing equipment, he is also the group’s de facto safety officer, were the terrain to become too abrupt and exposed. Ivan is still a trainee; but if he learns as fast as he walks through the thick vegetation or climbs up and down the steep ravines, he will be finding new nesting sites very soon.
Small but Helpful Gems Found in a Burrow
José Luis Castillo uses the borescope to look for signs of activity in a nest previously located by Pirrín Matos (right). (Photo by Yvan Satgé)
At each active burrow, I collect as many samples as I can. The first nest brings me beginner’s luck: just in front of the entrance a petrel dropping awaits. It is shiny and fresh from the previous night. My colleagues joke as I collect the dark part of the poop as if it were a golden nugget (the white part, urea, is useless for our testing). As insignificant as it looks, this little sample can tell us a lot. Thanks to my fellowship with the Dave Lee Fund, I will use DNA found in the sample and others like it to identify the species of prey eaten by Black-capped Petrels. Dave Lee himself had studied the petrel’s diet off the coast of North Carolina and showed that they favored squid. The technique available at the time, however, tended to put heavier focus on prey species that took a long time to digest (such as squid, whose beak fragments tend to build up in the digestive tract). With the molecular analysis of fecal DNA, I’m hoping to refine our knowledge of the diet of Black-capped petrels. This will help us better understand their life at sea.
José Luis hands me a few breast feathers left behind by adult petrels when they enter or exit the tunnel. Feathers can tell us about the broad diet of the bird through an analysis of stable isotopes. We can also use them to measure the bird’s exposure to mercury, which Black-capped Petrels are prone to bio-accumulate. Finally, if we are lucky, DNA left in the quill will inform us on the genetics of the local population. We are also interested in collecting remnants of eggs. If the egg has hatched, the remaining shell can be tested for contaminants. It can also provide clues to the diet of the female when she produced the egg. If the egg proved infertile, we will collect it with great care to bring it back to the Dominican National Museum of Natural History for their specimen collection.
More Finds for the Test Tube
Typical entrance of a Black-capped Petrel burrow in Loma del Toro, Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. Note the chicken-wire of a trap shining inside the tunnel. (Photo by Patrick Jodice)
In an active burrow, I find an insect that seems to use the discarded feathers to make its cocoon, a black tube with protruding white barbs of the petrel’s feather. Could it be Pirrín’s fly? I plop the fly into a test tube; each sample joins our growing collection in a freezer, until we have enough funding to analyze them. Then Ivan comes back to me with good news. The team found a group of four nearby nests, with a chick in each burrow. To limit disturbance, we will be using GPS loggers that remotely send their tracking data to a base-station. Due to the dense vegetation and the steep surroundings, the range of the base-station is limited to a radius of about 300m. It is therefore crucial that we choose nest sites close to each other. Under Pirrín’s supervision, we set chicken-wire traps at the entrance of each tunnel to capture the adults as they return at night. After carefully concealing the traps’ openings under the rocks, sod, or pine needles surrounding the burrow, we take a deep breath and hike up to the nearest ridge. We are hoping for success when we come back at sunrise.
By Yvan Satge. Yvan is a Research Associate in the Lab of Dr. Pat Jodice, at the South Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, Clemson University. He has been studying various aspects of seabird ecology for the last few years.
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 acclaimed Cuban bird guide, Ernesto Reyes Mouriño, on the adventure of a lifetime in January or March of 2019.
Cuba is well-known for its amazing landscapes, vibrant culture and unique biodiversity. According to the new Endemic Birds of Cuba: A Comprehensive Field Guide, 371 birds have been recorded in Cuba, including 26 which are endemic to the island and 30 which are considered globally threatened. Due to its large land area and geographical position within the Caribbean, Cuba is also extraordinarily important for Neotropical migratory birds—more than 180 species pass through during migration or spend the winter on the island.
Our itinerary takes you to several of the best and most beautiful birding locations in Cuba, providing opportunities to see many of Cuba’s endemic species and subspecies as well as many migrants. Along the way, we will meet people in local communities, stay mainly in Bed & Breakfast establishments (casas particulares) and eat in private restaurants (paladars), allowing you to experience Cuba’s rich culture, delicious food, friendly people, and generous hospitality. We will also have the opportunity to meet and have discussions with local ornithologists and conservationists that have been working with BirdsCaribbean for many years.
BirdsCaribbean is offering two tours in 2019: an 8-day trip in January and a 12-day trip in March. Find detailed itineraries for both trips below. Traveling with us helps Caribbean birds as a portion of the proceeds from the trip supports our bird conservation programs and partners in Cuba and the Caribbean. See some of the world’s most beautiful and memorable birds, knowing you are helping ensure their welfare by supporting the people who study and protect them. Read testimonials and see photos from past trips in the gallery below.
Our 2019 tours are now full, but do email us to get on the waiting list or to be the first on the list for our 2020 trips.
Send an email to Lisa.Sorenson@BirdsCaribbean.org
Check out the report and photos from our January 2016 trip here and from our July 2017 trip to Havana and Zapata Swamp here. See testimonials and photos from past trips below. Purchase the new Endemic Birds of Cuba Field Guide here.
NOTE: The recent policy changes in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations do not affect BirdsCaribbean’s birding trips or the requirements of US citizens traveling with us. Their birding trips consist of group travel under the general license that authorizes travel transactions that support the Cuban people (also known as the people-to-people general license.) The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requires that (1) all people-to-people travel be conducted under the auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction and that sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people contact (BirdsCaribbean), and (2) such travelers be accompanied by a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction who is a representative of the sponsoring organization (the BirdsCaribbean trip leaders). While you are on the trip, BirdsCaribbean will ensure that you have a full-time schedule of activities that engage private citizens (e.g., local guides, Cuban biologists, private business owners), and avoid transactions with the State Department’s List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated with Cuba (“the Cuba Restricted List”).
Whether it is through GoogleEarth or a scope, the Grenadines are a beautiful sight to behold.
It was back in my university days on Antigua. I was studying for an undergraduate degree in Tourism. I remember spending every spare moment traversing the globe virtually, via GoogleEarth. One afternoon, I could visit the Louvre, and on another, discover the archaeological zone of Choquequirao in Peru. I was learning the world, one tiny part at a time – and not spending more than my monthly internet fee doing it!
On one of my virtual adventures, I decided to visit the Grenadine Islands, so close, yet quite unknown to me. I was blown away by the many tiny islands that connected Saint Vincent to Grenada. Some are reserved for unique plants and animals; some are tucked away as a private getaway for the rich; and others are home to regular people, just like me.
Anyone who knows me is fully aware that I’m addicted to budgets. Having explored the Grenadines online, I quickly set about costing out my actual trip there. I knew that, when reality hits you, sometimes your dreams are put on hold.
A Virtual Trip Becoming Reality
Whimbrels are common migrants to Union Island wetlands. (Photo by Dax Roman)
Fast forward eight years, and I am fully enjoying my career in endangered species conservation, specifically my work with birds. I receive an unexpected invitation to join an Interpretive Bird Guide Training Workshop – in where else but Union Island (Grenadines)! Though the training was targeted to people living in the Grenadines, Carefree Birding, a company that supports BirdsCaribbean’s Caribbean Birding Trail, stepped forward to support two Antiguans to attend the workshop. I was one of them! So on 26th May, I began my journey to Union, to learn how to lead nature tours, and how to make them fun, exciting and meaningful to my clients.
Apart from the normal jitters that plague me when I soar through the sky in an aluminium tube, my heart skipped several beats on my journey to Union. I could see in real time images just like those I had carefully tucked away and cherished in my mind. GoogleEarth was pretty good at teaching me how a place looked. However, it could never help me experience the smell of an island, or feel the gentle Caribbean breeze. It could not make my emotions of awe well up, as I observed one Grenadine island literally kissing the coast of another. My virtual journey could not greet me with the welcoming smile of the Unionites. GoogleEarth could not offer me the mouth-watering coconut bakes that I was introduced to. These made me promise to definitely return to the Grenadines!
Learning and Birding on Union Island
Beny teaches the group about digiscoping at Ashton Lagoon. (Photo by Akeisha Clarke)
The workshop began bright and early on Monday 28th May. BirdsCaribbean’s Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Sorenson, officially opened the workshop. The Executive Director of Sustainable Grenadines (SusGren), James Lorde, and Programme Officer, Orisha Joseph, welcomed us. We were introduced to our two main facilitators, interpretive guides, Rick Morales and Beny Wilson, both from Panama. Besides their obvious love for their work and positive, high-energy presentations, something struck me almost from day one: Beny and Rick knew each participant by name and by country and they even knew our interests. They easily conversed with each us, making us feel like old friends.
Beny, Lisa and Rick’s numerous anecdotes during their presentations made them all the more interesting for us. Between Beny and Lisa, we learnt the necessity of properly marketing ourselves, how to identify birds, how to adjust our binoculars and how to set up our spotting scope to view birds. Beny taught us how to position ourselves before the group, how to lead the group and how to ethically use playback and a laser pointer to show the bird to clients. Beny strongly emphasized the need to ensure that all guests had a fair chance of using the bird-watching equipment.
Lystra Culzac role plays in her presentation, excitedly showing an imaginary St. Vincent Parrot flying overhead to her “clients,” other workshop participants. (Photo by Kristy Shortte)
Rick’s focus was on the actual interpretation during a tour. He taught us how to meet the needs of our clients by first getting to know them and assessing their knowledge levels. He showed us how to create a tour that was an unforgettable experience – not by doing fancy or audacious things, but by simply knowing your product and being passionate about it. Your client becomes drawn in by your knowledge and enthusiasm. Between theory, personal experiences and field exercises, he encouraged us to ensure that our tours were relevant, engaging and personal.
During the classroom sessions, the group was also introduced to eBird, a virtual platform that allows users to upload their bird observations. These data are analysed by scientists and converted into graphs and models, such as bird migration models. It’s a wonderful tool for the user and allows us all to contribute as “citizen scientists.”
Grenada Flycatchers are found only in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (Photo by Ted Eubanks)
In between learning about our product and meeting the needs of our clients, there were mornings and afternoons of birding. Yes, getting to know our product! Our group was comprised of people from Grenada, Carriacou, Petite Martinique, Union Island, Saint Vincent, Palm Island and Antigua. We were all in closely related fields, but we were not all birders. Our facilitators took baby steps, teaching us to identify birds. Tests in the classroom, games, and actual birding in the field all helped us to hone our skills. It was heart-warming to see the group birding. We all had different interests and different personalities, yet when it came to birding we all connected, even the shyest of us. We all wanted to identify the new bird, the one we hadn’t seen the day before.
I remember being overwhelmed with amazement when I observed Scaly-naped Pigeons (or Ramiers for the Grenadine people) everywhere! In Antigua & Barbuda, I’ve positively identified it only twice. I also saw two species for the first time in my life: the Grenada Flycatcher and the Yellow-bellied Elaenia. One participant, Lystra Culzac, ably guided us through the minute details that would enable us to differentiate between both birds.
Aerial photo of the restoration work at Ashton Lagoon, happening now. By opening up “holes” in the abandoned marina causeway and berths, circulation is being restored in the lagoon – the water is already much clearer from work completed to date. (Drone photo by SusGren)
One of my favourite birding sites was the Ashton Lagoon, particularly because of the story behind it. The government of Saint Vincent approved the conversion of the wetlands to a marina in the 1990s but the project went bankrupt and the investors left. What remained was a destroyed lagoon with dead zones created by the water’s inability to circulate. SusGren worked with local residents and partners (including BirdsCaribbean) and after several years, got approval from the government to restore the area. It’s already a beautiful spot to enjoy nature and no doubt, as SusGren continues to work on its rehabilitation, it will shine even more as an area of outstanding natural beauty, supporting the health and well-being of the people.
Showing Off What I Had Learned, Despite Nerves
Natalya demonstrating her new skills during her final presentation, a mini interpretive tour about mangroves. (photo by Alison DeGraff Ollivierre)
As the training drew closer to its conclusion, even the bravest of hearts were tempted to faint. We had one final test: our own interpretive tour. We had to show that we had learnt to apply techniques and knowledge gained throughout the week. This challenge was taken so seriously that half the group opted out of an evening hike to go back to our rooms to practise our tour. I was absolutely torn between hiking to Union’s heights with my new-found friends, or working out my tour in preparation for the last day. My decision later haunted me. I opted to return to my room, working feverishly on my tour and later lost my notebook with all my points!
In the wee hours of Friday morning I rose to practise my newly planned tour – as I still hadn’t found my notes. I wanted to prove that the workshop did have an impact. I wondered if other participants were doing the same. I went over my handouts and practised away and day broke. The time drew close.
Starting off our presentations in the Ashton Lagoon and making our way to other wetlands and beaches, we were treated to “boat” tours, walking tours with mangoes falling from the sky, poems, songs, skits and games. I shook like an earthquake and sweated bullets throughout my presentation. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice but me! We did well, we had paid attention all week, and I think we made our facilitators very proud that day.
Learning about the principles of environmental interpretation from facilitator Rick Morales. (photo by Alison DeGraff Ollivierre).
On 2nd June, we non-Unionites begin the journey to return home. It was bittersweet. I have attended many workshops. Indeed, this was one of the most useful, memorable, and fulfilling trainings I’ve ever been fortunate to receive. Our entire group bonded extremely well, working together to get our activities done. We socialised, explored, birded, trained and played together. As I boarded my plane out of Union, I looked back and thought of my week’s experience. I got to my seat, sat down and smiled. It was a great week. The plane started up. Then there came the butterflies!
By S. K. Natalya Lawrence. Natalya has worked at the Environmental Awareness Group in Antigua and Barbuda for the past eight years, restoring offshore islands that are a refuge for globally significant and in some cases rare plants and animals. She primarily focuses on reptile and bird conservation and is passionate about educating Antiguans and Barbudans about the natural world which surrounds them. She often leads tours with schools, government ministries and community groups.
Group photo – Participants and facilitators at BirdsCaribbean’s Caribbean Birding Trail Interpretive Guide Training Workshop. (photo by Vendol Ollivierre)
Editor’s Note: Natalya is too humble to mention this in her article but she won an award for delivering one of the best presentations (about the value of mangroves) on the final day! Natalya was one of 24 participants in BirdsCaribbean’s 6th Caribbean Birding Trail Interpretive Guide Training Workshop, held in Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, May 27 to June 1, 2018. The workshop was hosted and organized locally by Sustainable Grenadines Inc. Workshop topics were related to building a sustainable tourism market focused on birds, nature, and heritage, including bird identification and guiding, environmental interpretation, and marketing. Check out entertaining blog posts by 2 other participants: Allison Caton and Lloyd Joseph.
Hover over each photo to see the caption; click on photos to see larger images and a slide show. To see more workshop photos, visit our Flickr page.
Natalya consulting her field guide. (Photo by SusGren)
Birding at Ashton Lagoon, Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Participants enjoy a morning of spotting birds in the field.
Spotting birds in the field.
Natalya (second from right) with facilitators Rick Morales, Lisa Sorenson and Beny Wilson. Natalya won an award for best presentation, incorporating what she learned into an entertaining tour with a clear message. (photo by Alison DeGraff Ollivierre)
Participants recording their bird observations at Ashton Lagoon. (Photo by Kristy Shortte)
Whimbrels at Belmont Salt Pond, Union Island. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Caribbean Elaenias are found across the region, including Union Island. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Facilitator Rick Morales talks to the participants about guided interpretive walks. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Birding at Ashton Lagoon, Union Island. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Participants listening intently to a presentation.
Participants study shorebird identification in the field with facilitator Lisa Sorenson. (Photo by Kristy Shortte)
Looking at American Oystercatchers in Ashton Lagoon. (Photo by Akeisha Clarke)
A big thank you to all of the sponsors of this workshop for their funding and/or in-kind donations:
Marshall Reynolds Foundation
KfW German Development Bank through Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)
US Forest Service, International Programs
Optics for the Tropics
Palm Island Resort
Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, Forestry, Fisheries, Disaster Management and Information
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC)
Ridge to Reef Project Grenada
Carefree Birding
Private donors
Kings Landing Hotel
Short-billed Dowitchers and Willets look a lot alike! (photos by Peter Hawrylyshyn, Macaulay Library ML82816481 & David Raynor).
I recently attended BirdsCaribbean’s week-long Caribbean Birding Trail Interpretive Guide Training Workshop on Union Island in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. I learned many things, including bird identification, guiding techniques and the importance of conveying a message on your tour. One of the highlights of the training for me, however, was learning to identify shorebirds.
Most shorebirds have long, skinny legs and long bills, allowing them to wade and feed on insects and other food in the shallow water and mud. Their long, pointed wings help them to fly quickly over long distances—many migrate each year from the Arctic to South America and the Caribbean. As an amateur birder, I am fascinated by the variety, similarities and subtle differences that exist between shorebirds.
During the training, we had the opportunity to visit Ashton Lagoon, Belmont Salt Pond and Richmond Bay on Union island, as well as the Salt Pond on the island of Mayreau. We observed a large variety of birds including plovers, turnstones, sandpipers, dowitchers, yellowlegs and Whimbrel and American Oystercatcher. The Willet, which belongs to the sandpiper family, and the Short Billed-Dowitcher initially posed the largest challenge for me to tell apart.
At first glance through my binoculars, I recognized the Willet as large and stocky with long legs and a thick, straight bill. The Short-billed Dowitcher bears a striking resemblance but is speckled which gives the appearance of nutmeg sprinkled along its back. The Short-billed Dowitcher also has a distinctive football-shaped tummy. Time and again, I had trouble with the ID. Once the Willet took flight, however, the black and white stripe along its wings became easily discernible and all confusion vanished from my mind!
Short-billed Dowitchers (above) and Willets (below) (photos by Jeff Gerbracht & Lisa Sorenson). Short-billed Dowitchers can be distinguished from Willets by their longer bill, which is yellowish at the base, white eyebrow stripe, “buffalo” hump when their head is down, yellowish-green legs, barring on flanks, and distinctive feeding method of probing up and down in the mud like a sewing machine.
The facilitators were very knowledge, insightful, and patient with the participants. They were willing to share and there were many opportunities to ask questions during coaching sessions in the field, as well as birding quizzes in the classroom. They motivated us by explaining that it was normal to make identification errors in the early stages of birding. They then highlighted subtle tricks that can be used to distinguish similar species such as the call, the way the bird moves, size and shape of the bill, and color patterns in the plumage.
As one of the leading nature-based personalized tour operators on the Island of Carriacou, I found immense value in this training workshop. My certification as a Caribbean Birding Trail Interpretive Guide provides me with a unique selling point and will significantly improve my ability to provide my guests with biologically and ecologically sound information on the birds we encounter.
Despite my significant improvement in shorebird identification, my biggest “take home” is the fact that I am a novice birder – and that I should not be afraid to tell a client that I cannot identify a bird we may encounter. I may be accompanying a very accomplished bird watcher, who would be able to identify the species and provide me the opportunity to learn from their experience. We can learn so much from each other—I am looking forward to this!
The Willet has a unique black and white pattern on its wings, which shows in flight and clinches ID of this species (photo by Andrew Dobson). The Short-billed Dowitcher has a white rump stripe extending part way up the back (no white on wings).
By Allison Caton. Allison is the Managing Director of Isle of Reef Tours in Carriacou, Grenada. She has worked as a guide for 4 years. Allison was one of 24 participants in BirdsCaribbean’s Caribbean Birding Trail Guide Training Workshop, held in Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, May 27 to June 1, 2018. The workshop was hosted and organized locally by Sustainable Grenadines Inc. Workshop topics were related to building a sustainable tourism market focused on birds, nature, and heritage, including bird identification and guiding, environmental interpretation, and marketing. With the training she has received, Allison is excited to start offering bird watching tours to her customers.
Editor’s Note
Allison Caton studies her bird ID cards to figure out a bird, along with fellow workshop participant Bryan Prince (left). Instructor and professional guide Beny Wilson (right) provides guidance. (photo by Aly DeGraff Ollivierre)
We thank Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) for sponsoring Allison’s participation in the workshop. EPIC notes the need for bird guides in the Grenadines: “The remote islands of the Grenadines archipelago are home to thousands of breeding seabirds, with some islands classified are regional or global Important Bird Areas. Unfortunately, these nesting sites suffer from poaching, introduced predators, and other threats. That’s where the Grenadines Volunteer Patrol comes in. This group of fishers, tour guides, and concerned citizens conducts seabird surveys to monitor populations and advocates on behalf of these crucial nesting areas.
One repeated request we receive from trainees during our workshops is to learn how to be a bird guide. This year EPIC was able to sponsor Volunteer Patrol members to attend a 5-day Caribbean Birding Trail Interpretive Guide Training Program hosted by Sustainable Grenadines and BirdsCaribbean. Participant Allison Caton noted that “the facilitators were top notch and the information was delivered in a serious, yet fun way.” She and others can now integrate this crucial knowledge, whether they currently run tours or plan to start a new business. Either way, it’s a win-win for the birds and the people who benefit financially from bird conservation.”
A big thank you to all of the sponsors of this workshop for their funding and/or in-kind donations:
Allison Caton receives her certificate of completion for the Caribbean Birding Trail Interpretive Guide Training Workshop in Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (photo by Aly DeGraff Ollivierre)
Marshall Reynolds Foundation
KfW German Development Bank through Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)
US Forest Service, International Programs
Optics for the Tropics
Palm Island Resort
Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, Forestry, Fisheries, Disaster Management and Information
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC)
Ridge to Reef Project Grenada
Carefree Birding
Private donors
Kings Landing Hotel
CBT Workshop Participants birding at Belmont Salt Pond, Union Island (good shorebird habitat, especially when a bit wetter!).
To read more about this workshop, check out entertaining blog posts by 2 other participants: Natalya Lawrence and Lloyd Joseph. See more photos in an album on our Flickr page.
Haitian students plant trees to help local birds. (Photo by Société Écologique d’Haïti)
“We’re so excited to have an event in Haiti this year!”
Ingrid Flores is delighted to add a new country to her map of events. She is the coordinator of the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF), organized every year by BirdsCaribbean. Partners across the region host events as part of the festival each spring. Its focus is on the types of birds that are unique to each island, or to the Caribbean itself. This year, events took place in at least 16 islands and involved over 2,000 people. Activities take place between April 22 (Earth Day) and International Biodiversity Day (May 22). This year, celebrations took place in at least 16 territories and involved more than 2,000 participants. Events ranged from lectures to bird walks, arts and crafts, tree plantings, exhibitions, and more.
For the first time, partners in Haiti joined the celebrations. The Société Écologique d’Haïti saw the CEBF as “the perfect opportunity” to boost nature education in Haitian schools. 290 students in Forêt des Pins and Les Cayes learned how hunting and caging birds is harmful. They also enjoyed planting trees and learning how trees help birds and people.
Ready to enjoy and help the birds in Puerto Rico!!! Activity by Fundación Ecológica Educativa, Inc.
In neighboring Dominican Republic, The Peregrine Fund led activities in five places during Ridgway’s Hawk Week. This beautiful hawk lives only on the island of Hispaniola. Listed as “Critically Endangered,” its numbers are falling. Over 300 schoolchildren and residents went on bird walks. They were thrilled to see a live hawk at one event.
On Jamaica’s south coast, the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation visited children from toddlers to age 11 years at four local schools. At one school, teachers hung bird art made by the children from classroom ceilings. To the east, 50 members of BirdLife Jamaica visited the Source Farm Foundation and Ecovillage. They joined residents for guided bird walks in the nearby hills.
On the island of St. Martin/Sint Maarten, groups worked to restore wild spaces. The island still shows damage from Hurricane Irma. Les Fruits de Mer launched a new nursery to provide native tree seedlings at their Endemic Animal Festival. Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) hosted visits to the Little Bay Pond bird watching hut, which was rebuilt by with hurricane relief funds raised by BirdsCaribbean.
A glamorous “Barbuda Warbler” (Shanna Challenger) and youth pose for a pic at the CEBF Bird Fair in Antigua.
Many BirdsCaribbean partners in Puerto Rico were busy in 16 locations, including schools. Here they spread the word about endemic birds. Students at a science high school in San Juan were full of questions. They expressed a wish to conduct their own bird counts next year.
In Antigua, the Environmental Awareness Group, Dept. of Environment and Ministry of Education hosted a Bird Fair for 3 primary schools. Shanna Challenger, dressed as a colorful Barbuda Warbler, shared information with the students about the country’s only endemic bird. Through arts and crafts, birding, and other fun activities, the students also learned why birds are important in our environment. “The students were really into it!” commented organizer Natalya Lawrence.
Some endemic birds are iconic on particular islands. One of these is the splendid Guadeloupe Woodpecker, the island’s only endemic bird. It was among many other birds spotted during a CEBF bird walk in Guadeloupe – the location of BirdsCaribbean’s 22ndInternational Conference in July, 2019.
“As many islands still recover from hurricane damage, we were excited to share local birds and nature with people,” said Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean. “For the 17th year, the festival has reached thousands of people across the Caribbean.”
Hover over each photo to see the caption; click on photos to see larger images and a slide show.
Gorgeous Ruddy Quail Dove on the Caribbean Endemica Bird Festival promotional poster in Guadeloupe. (Photo by Franz Delcroix.)
Bird walk in Guadeloupe for the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival
Adrianne Tossas giving a talk on Puerto Rico’s endemic birds at a girls Science Summer Camp.
Getting ready for a bird walk and survey at a girls Science Summer camp in Puerto Rico.
Introduction to bird watching in Haiti with Societe Ecologique d’Haiti.
Students in Haiti celebrate CEBF
Birding in St. Martin/ Sint Maarten with Binkie van Es.
The Wildlife Art Station was busy Les Fruit de Mer’s Endemic Animal Festival in St. Martin.
Boy Scouts in Puerto Rico learn all about Puerto Rico’s endemics birds.
Celebration of CEBF at Turabo University.
Arts and crafts for one of the bird festival events in Puerto Rico by Fundación Ecológica Educativa, Inc.
A fun celebration of CEBF in Puerto Rico with Fundación Ecológica Educativa, Inc.
A student compares her size to the size of various birds at an event in Puerto Rico with Fundación Ecológica Educativa, Inc. (Photo by Ingrid Flores)
Eliezer Nieves-Rodriguez and the San Juan Bay Estuary Program celebrating GLOBAL BIG DAY in the Piñones State Forest (Puerto Rico) as part of their CEBF.
Sharing information on the fascinating and beautiful endemic birds of Puerto Rico at the Ecoexploratorio (Science Museum).
Birding field trip at Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JOBANERR), Puerto Rico
Youth in Cuba enjoyed learning about endemic birds
Ridgway’s Hawk art activity in the Dominican Republic, organized by the Peregrine Fund and local partners.
Ridgeway’s Hawk Week in the Dominican Republic was a fantastic opportunity to learn about this critically endangered bird.
Birding from the observation tower for Ridgeway’s Hawk Week CEBF Celebration.
Birding Group poses for Global Big Day and CEBF 2018 in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Youth spotting birds for Global Big Day, Puerto Rico.
Display at CEBF celebration in Trinidad organized by Lester Doodnath.
Learning how to use binoculars at the CEBF Bird Fair in Antigua.
Students participating in the CEBF Bird Fair in Antigua.
Learning how to set up a bird feeder at Roseau Primary School in Dominica (bird feeder donated by BirdsCaribbean).
Barbuda Warbler Shanna Challenger leads a flock of students for a short flight at the CEBF Bird Fair in Antigua.
A student shows off her bird art at the CEBF Bird Fair in Antigua.
Learning about Caribbean endemic birds and why birds matter at the CEBF Bird Fair in Antigua.
Junior Prosper shows youth in Antigua how to use a spotting scope
Students from St. Martin Primary School in Dominica planted native plants for CEBF 2018.
Youth birding in Dominica for CEBF 2018.
BirdLife Jamaica members and guests take a bird walk at Source Farm. (Photo by Source Farm)
Sociedad Ornitologica Puerto Rico shares information about birds for CEBF 2018.
High school students in the Dominican Republic planting Hamelia patens shrub a native plant good for birds, organized by Simón Guerrero.
Birding activity with special education group in Puerto Rico by Yogani Govender
Youth learn about birds in Jamaica at C-CAM’s headquarters in Jamaica.
Young students celebrate CEBF in Jamaica with C-CAM (Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation)
At Earth Day and the CEBF 2018 start date, Asociación Puertorriqueña de Interpretación y Educación, Inc. (APIE) celebrated our endemic birds as part of their Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival. This activity was carried out with the co-host of the U.S. Forest Service and BIRDING PUERTO RICO.
CEBF Educational display @ Portalito HUB: Palmer of The U.S. Forest Service – El Yunque National Forest. (photo by Ingrid Flores)
Presentations on Puerto Rico’s endemic birds at Josefina Marrero Febus Elementary School. (photo by Glenda Lozada)
CEBF activity in PR at Centro Criollo de Ciencias y Tecnología del Caribe (C3Tec)
Endemic birds of PR poster – Centro Criollo de Ciencias y Tecnología del Caribe (C3Tec)
Presentation to children CEBF celebration Puerto Rico: Centro Criollo de Ciencias y Tecnología del Caribe (C3Tec)
Recording data for a habitat assessment activity in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Urban Green Lab. (photo by Laura Hidalgo)
Learning about endemic birds of Puerto Rico, Urban Green Lab activity (photo by Laura Hidalgo).
Materials to learn about the endemic birds of Puerto Rico, Urban Green Lab activity (photo by Laura Hidalgo).
Learning about endemic birds in Puerto Rico with Laura Fidalgo, Urban Green Lab
Enjoying Cuban endemic bird art for CEBF 2018 in Cuba.
An Inventory of Breeding Seabirds of the Caribbean. Hardcover book edited by Patricia Bradley and Robert Norton, is recommended for anyone with an interest in Caribbean seabird ecology, conservation and management.
The most recent, comprehensive look at Caribbean breeding seabirds is now available at an extremely reduced cost!
This island-by-island inventory of Caribbean seabirds includes colony locations and estimates of the numbers of breeding pairs, the severe threats that seabirds face, and proposals for research and conservation measures.
In the past two decades, global populations of seabirds have declined faster than any other group of birds, yet few conservation resources are expended to counteract this trend, especially among tropical seabirds. This volume includes twenty-five national accounts, written by professional and amateur ornithologists, and illustrated by maps specially prepared by William Mackin and The Nature Conservancy. This inventory brings together the best and most complete set of data on breeding seabirds that nest on the islands throughout the Caribbean, making it invaluable for anyone interested in sustaining seabird populations.
“Represents a major undertaking that is indeed original, significant, and an important contribution toward better understanding and ultimately conserving this extraordinary resource”. – Herbert A. Raffaele, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
“The Caribbean is biologically rich and varied. This book on seabirds ably demonstrates that the Caribbean is much more than just a holiday destination of sun, sea, and sand. I highly recommend it.” – John Chardine, Canadian Wildlife Service”
Originally distributed by University Press of Florida (for US$75), this book is now out of print. BirdsCaribbean has purchased remaining inventory, and is making this valuable book available for US$24.95 (members), $US29.95 (non-members) plus shipping ($4.00 US, $35.00 International).
Patricia E. Bradley, author of Birds of the Cayman Islands, The British Ornithologists’ Union Checklist and contributor to Birdlife’s Caribbean Important Birds Areas, is involved in bird conservation in the Cayman Islands.
Robert L. Norton, a contributor to Ecology and Conservation of Neotropical Migrant Landbirds, and The Birds of North America No. 649, has written about and studied seabirds in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands for the past 35 years.
Jennifer Wheeler shares “postcards” from her recent volunteer vacation in the Bahamas, where she sailed the ocean blue with a crew of dedicated conservationists. She shares stories from a week spent in the beautiful northern Exumas, surveying and banding shorebirds and seabirds, and removing invasive plants.
Dear folks,
I’m recently back from my “volunteer vacation” in the Bahamas. I’m a bit burned, battered and bruised, but that’s the nature of the work we were doing to find and protect some special birds! Similar to last year, Conservian, a non-profit in Florida, invited BirdsCaribbean to share in the chartering of a sleep-aboard sailboat to take us from island to island. This photo was taken on a sunny afternoon, but much of the trip was overcast … too bad clouds don’t keep you from getting sunburned! (Photo by Dawn Rasmussen)
As you know, the Bahamas is made up of a lot of islands (about 700!) and during my week on the boat, the route focused on the Exuma Cays, which begin about 35 miles east-southeast of Nassau and stretch southeast in a gently curving arc for about 90 miles. Over a week, we visited the stretch between Allen Cay and Warderick Wells cay, which includes the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
So what were we looking for? Our primary targets were breeding populations of Wilson’s Plover, White-tailed Tropicbird and Audubon’s Shearwater. We deployed in teams to various cays to search the beaches and cliffs, walking many hours during the day (and sometimes night). We took note of other birds, as well, including American Oystercatchers, Laughing Gulls, and Least Terns. (Photo by Dawn Rasmussen)
Wilson’s Plover is a medium size (about 8” tall) shorebird that forages on the sand and wrack; pairs of plovers set up breeding territories widely separated along beach habitats. To find Wilson’s Plover, teams visited cays with suitable habitat and carefully walked the beach looking for adult birds to call out in warning. One or two adults chirping and/or pretending injury was a good sign that a nest was nearby. (Photo Bella Rooney)
Actually finding the plovers’ simple nest is not easy. The spotted eggs blend perfectly into their surroundings. Careful where you walk! (Photo by Dawn Rasmussen)
The White-tailed Tropicbird is a striking white bird, 14-16” long, not counting its long streaming tail feathers. To find these birds, one must do a lot of stooping and peering, as these beautiful birds nest in the holes and crevices formed in the wind and wave-carved limestone made of ancient corals (very, very sharp, by the way). We found most tropicbirds on a single egg or new chick; the males and females take turns in the burrow, waiting on average nine days until their turn to fly far out to sea to forage for squid, flying fish, and other prey. (Photo by Dawn Rasmussen)
In all, we found about 150 tropicbird nests on three different islands in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. We banded 60 new birds and recaptured more than 10 that were banded in previous years. Though graceful in the air, in the hand these birds are fighters. The White-tailed Tropicbirds were none too pleased to be pulled from their nest holes and each came out screaming and biting. We took care to minimize the stress on the birds when handling and worked quickly to band them. (Photo by Lisa Ferguson)
Audubon’s Shearwater is another bird of the open ocean, which returns to land only in darkness and nests in natural cavities, under rocks, or in burrows it creates; it is a stocky, black and white bird, 12” from bill to tail. Surveying for shearwaters requires working at night. Being smaller, drabber, and more deeply tucked in than tropicbirds, shearwaters usually can’t be seen from the surface. Instead, a recording of courtship calls (or rather, screeches- listen below!) is played to prompt the birds to call out, sometimes from right beneath your feet. (Photo by Lisa Ferguson)
With a sleeping mat to cushion against sharp rock and vegetation, one can reach in to pull out struggling shearwaters, which fortunately are not able to bite nearly as hard as tropicbirds. We banded several, but it seemed as if shearwaters were taking a year off from breeding, something that is not uncommon when spring weather is bad (as it was this year). The good news is that the rodent traps that we set out for a week on Allen Cay yielded no mice! It would appear that the mouse eradication conducted in 2012 was successful. Mice did not directly harm the Audubon’s Shearwaters there, but their presence encouraged Barn Owls to settle on the island, which indiscriminately killed shearwaters. Also, a careful survey in daylight hours revealed very few fresh bird corpses – yay! (Photo by Jennifer Wheeler)
Keeping an eye on bird populations is important to conservation, but our project also involved taking action to help the birds. Caribbean bird populations today are just a remnant of the masses that once called the region home – historically reduced by human harvest, introduction of predators, and development and conversion of habitat to human uses. The small, uninhabitable cays and those in the Park are protected from development, but still threatened by alien species, and some cays are inhabited. In addition to bird sightings, teams recorded the state of the habitat and signs of threats, such as tire prints and footprints indicating human disturbance or predators. (Photo by Dawn Rasmussen)
Introduced mammals are a big problem for island birds. The Warderick Wells tropicbird colony is still recovering from its decimation by dogs several years ago. On this trip, we encountered dogs on Shroud Cay. They were very friendly, and you know I love dogs, but it was definitely not good to see them there! Dogs running free pose a threat to the birds, not to mention iguanas, hutias (native rodents), and other native species. (Photo by Dawn Rasmussen)
Introduced plants can also be a big problem. A prime example is Casuarina, or Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetifolia). The plant was originally brought to the region for landscaping and is now a scourge. Its fast growth and prolific seeding has distributed it to almost every island in the Bahamas, where its thick litter smothers native vegetation and increases beach erosion. We spent a full day killing casuarina on Shroud Cay, using axes to hack girdles and spraying an herbicide into the cuts. The “hack and squirt” method is quite effective, but hundreds of trees in, gets very tiring. Plus, the necessary gloves, glasses, long sleeves and pants makes for very hot work! (Photo by Lisa Ferguson)
All and all a great trip for me – the birds were awesome, my team members were great, the sailboat crew superb, the weather decent and no sea-sickness! It felt good to contribute to our knowledge of Bahamas birdlife and conservation efforts. I’m grateful to Margo Zdravkovic, Director of Conservian, for organizing the trip, Will Mackin, Co-chair of BirdsCaribbean’s Seabird Working Group, for leading the seabird monitoring work, the many volunteers who assisted with the work, and the fantastic captain and crew of the sailboat Avalon (charter them at Lost Island Voyages)! (Photo by Lisa Ferguson)
Love,
Jennifer
Jennifer Wheeler is an avid adventurer and loves volunteering her time to help conservation causes. She was the coordinator of the Waterbird Council for 10 years and is currently a member of the Board and Treasurer of BirdsCaribbean.
This trip was supported by BirdsCaribbean, Conservian, and many partners and donors. For more information about multi-week excursions that Conservian organizes to the Bahamas and the trip sponsors and partners, see the full trip description and visit Conservian’s Facebook page
Planning is underway for the 22nd International Conference of BirdsCaribbean. We are excited to announce that we will be hosted by Parc National de la Guadeloupe from 25-29 July 2019 on the beautiful Leeward Island of Guadeloupe.
Details on the program, logistics, conference field trips, and registration will be coming your way in the coming months. For now we want to encourage you to spread the word and block these dates off in your calendar.
And if you haven’t done so already, please sign up for our monthly newsletter in order to receive up-to-date news and information regarding the conference. We’re looking forward to seeing you in Guadeloupe!
The beautiful Bahama Parrot, one of three subspecies of the Cuban Parrot .(photo by Lynn Gape)
Scott Johnson shares with us his recent experience conducting surveys of Bahama Parrots in the wilds of Great Abaco with Dr. Frank Rivera-Milan— read on to find out more about the challenges these birds face and the results of their work.
The chilly 52 degree breeze stung my face as I headed to our champagne coloured SUV. As the vehicle started and warmed up, I waited patiently for Frank to leave our residence and jump into the jeep. We were staying at the Research Center of Friends of the Environment, a non-governmental organization in Marsh Harbour on the island of Great Abaco, The Bahamas. Once Frank got settled in the vehicle, we began our hour-long drive south to the home of the Bahama Parrots.
The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is a non-governmental organization that manages the national park system of The Bahamas. It currently protects over 2 million acres of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in its 32 national parks across the Bahamian Archipelago. Great Abaco is the second largest island in The Bahamas, with no less than six national parks. Abaco National Park is the southernmost, consisting of a 22,500 acre terrestrial park and including the habitat of the second largest population of Bahama Parrots.
The Bahama Parrot, which is currently listed as a sub-species of the Cuban Parrot, has three populations on three islands in The Bahamas: Great Abaco, Great Inagua and New Providence. Population monitoring and assessments are important for the management and conservation of these charismatic birds.
Irma’s Impact
Classic pine forest habitat in Abaco—prime habitat for the Bahama Parrot.(photo by Frank Rivera)
In the destructive fall of 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the southern Bahamas. devastating the Ragged Island chain. Irma also severely impacted the island of Great Inagua, home of the largest population of Bahama Parrots. After Irma had passed, there was great concern for both the parrot and the American Flamingo populations. How were they doing, and how had they been affected? The BNT decided to conduct post-hurricane assessments. Based on information from BNT park wardens on Great Inagua, most of the flamingos flew to other islands prior to the storm. The status of the parrots remained unknown. Because of logistical challenges, the BNT had to postpone the Bahama Parrot surveys on Great Inagua to late summer. They were anxious, however, to determine the status of the Great Abaco parrots, last surveyed in 2016. The BNT enlisted the help of population ecologist Frank Rivera-Milán, who helped me with the search for these lively birds. With financial support from Birds Caribbean and BNT, we travelled to Abaco on March 23rdand spent 10 days surveying the parrot population in the central and southern parts of the island.
Parrots Disturbing the Peace
The dynamic duo in the field – Dr. Frank Rivera-Milan (aka “Crazy Frank”) and Scott Johnson. (photo by Scott Johnson)
As we approached Abaco National Park, the cool, calm morning was interrupted by the vociferous squawking of dozens of parrots conversing with each other in the pine trees. I was super excited to see them, particularly because I had never seen Bahama Parrots on Abaco, let alone in the pinelands. As my mind began drift away from reality due to the sheer joy of hearing the birds, the survey point was just 200 meters away.
We stopped and parked the car at the point. We quickly got out, binoculars, range finders, and datasheets in hand (and around our necks) and listened and observed attentively. We were conducting point count surveys. Once a parrot was seen or heard, the information (such as the number of birds heard and seen, the distance from the point, food availability and habitat type) was recorded in our datasheet. We counted parrots at each point for 6 minutes.
Parrots – in Holes?
As we were continued counting, a pair of parrots flew into our survey area. “This pair is looking for a nest site,” Frank said. “The female is on the ground inspecting holes and the male keeps watch.” We watched as the female disappeared in the scrubby understory vegetation as the male remained perched on a pine branch just a few feet above her. Bahama Parrots are devoted couples; they tend to mate for life.
There is something very special about the Bahama Parrots on Abaco. They are the only parrots that habitually nest in solution holes underground – that is, holes or crevices created by rainwater dissolving limestone rock. This is an adaptation to the fire-dependent pineland ecosystem. In their holes, the birds can avoid the heat. No other New World parrot engages in such behaviour. Bahama Parrots feed on a variety of plants, such as West Indian Mahogany, Lignum Vitae, Cinnecord, White Torch, Gum-elemi aka Gumbo Limbo, and False-Mastic.
Dangers Lurk
Fire is one of several threats that Bahama Parrots face; too many fires (often set by humans) in the pine forest damage the habitat for parrots and other wildlife. (photo by Frank Rivera)
As we were driving to a survey point, we saw some rustling in the vegetation on the side of the road. It was a feral cat. These creatures are the biggest threats to parrots. Hurricanes are seasonal and of course, do not always hit Abaco. Cats present a different kind of danger – an everyday threat. They kill both chicks and incubating females. During the survey, we saw seven cats – three in areas where Bahama Parrots were known to nest. These cats gone wild have been a major conservation problem for the Bahama Parrot on Abaco. However, BNT Park Warden Marcus Davis and colleagues have been making tremendous efforts to remove this invasive species from the park. As a result, the numbers of parrots have increased from an estimated average of about 5,100 in 2008 to about 8,800 in 2016 – an impressive gain of nearly 60% .
Another regular threat is fire. One morning, as we were driving south to our study site, we noticed smoke in the distance, near the area where we had survey points. As we continued driving, the smoke increased and we saw fire in the pinelands and near the road. This fire had just been lit that morning. People often light fires to clear the understory so that they can hunt wild hogs, another invasive animal found in the pinelands.
Although fire plays its part in rejuvenating the pinelands, too many fires can cause great harm to the pine forest ecosystem. Frequent blazes can kill young pine trees and change the composition of the understory vegetation. Often, after pine fires, invasive bracken ferns move into the newly vacant space, blanketing the entire area. These invasive plants can quickly turn a once diverse understory, teeming with fruit-bearing shrubs that the parrots love, into a monoculture of ferns. Bahama Parrots will avoid these fern-dominated areas, which means that there is less suitable breeding and foraging habitat for them. For the Bahama Parrots, this is not good news.
A Healthy Population
Bahama Parrot feeding in a favorite tree – the Gumbo Limbo tree. (photo by Frank Rivera)
One evening, as we were driving along an old logging road in the pinelands, a flock of parrots flew into view and settled in the canopy of pine trees. Being the “somewhat” impulsive person that I am, I quickly jumped out of the vehicle and ran to the location where I saw the parrots. There they were, dozens of them squawking, their green plumage blending perfectly with the green vegetation, their white faces betraying their presence. The parrots then flew off in unison and headed to what appeared to be their roosting site. As I was observing and thoroughly enjoying the sight of these spectacular birds flying by in a huge flock, the ever-astute Frank was diligently counting. Ninety-three parrots!
After eight days of surveys, we analysed the data, using the program DISTANCE and other statistical software. Based on the survey data collected, we estimated that approximately 8,832 parrots dwell in central and southern Abaco. This suggests that the population appears to be stable and doing well – thanks to the management efforts of BNT’s park wardens. I take my hat off to them!
Conservation Partnerships Are Key
Upside down parrots! Bahama Parrots are partners for life. (photo by Scott Johnson)
The Bahamas National Trust, BirdsCaribbean and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service continue their partnership to accomplish the mission of managing and conserving wildlife and ecosystems in The Bahamian Archipelago and the Caribbean region. The Caribbean is home to a variety of important species, from endangered Rock Iguanas to American Flamingos. Wildlife management and conservation can be very challenging. It is not just about the animals and birds. It involves people, policy and laws, and the search for the right balance between the needs of humans and the needs of wildlife. As wildlife conservationists, we understand that our work illustrates the importance of biodiversity. We recognize that weare the active voices speaking up for the native and endemic plants and animals that may go extinct if no conservation action is taken.
It is always a joy to see our beautiful parrots flying wild and free. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that our future includes the amazing creatures that also call the Caribbean…home.
By Scott Johnson (Bahamas National Trust) and Frank F. Rivera-Milán (United States Fish and Wildlife Service). Scott is a Science Officer with the BNT; his work focuses on terrestrial fauna in the national parks and he loves Bahamian birds and reptiles. Frank is a Population Ecologist with US Fish and Wildlife Service. He frequently conducts field studies of doves and pigeons. He especially enjoys studying parrots.
Click on the photos below to see a larger version and slide show.
Devoted couple – Bahama Parrots pair up for life. (photo by Frank Rivera)
Lookout! Only in Abaco do you find a parrot crossing sign! (photo by Scott Johnson)
Bahama Parrot surveying his domain. (photo by Scott Johnson)
93 is the count for a huge flock of parrots that flew by. (photo by Frank Rivera)
Scott Johnson getting ready for the next count. (photo by Frank Rivera)
Bahama Parrots perched on a bare tree. (photo by Frank Rivera)
Pine Forest habitat with bracken form understory following fire passing through the area. (photo by Frank Rivera)
Scarlet Tanager in full breeding plumage glory, observed on Grand Bahama, May 5th, 2018 (Erika Gates/ Macauley Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Every year, Global Big Day is an all-out effort to get the “big picture” on birds across the planet. This year, it hit a new world record. In one single day (May 5, 2018) 29,866 people ventured outside in 170 countries, finding 6,963 species, These numbers equate to approximately two thirds of the world’s bird species in just 24 hours! 1.6 million bird sightings by citizen scientists and avid birders worldwide were recorded on eBird.
This year was a particularly important one for the Caribbean, since many islands are still in recovery mode after the passage of two hurricanes in 2017, and it was important to check in on how the bird populations are doing several months later. BirdsCaribbean members and partners made significant contributions to the global total from the Caribbean*, with 453 species reported. The weather was not kind on May 5, with stormy and rainy weather across several islands. Nevertheless, 254 participants braved the elements to count birds. They spotted an impressive 102 endemic birds on May 5. A much higher number of checklists was submitted this year: 926, nearly doubling the previous number of 567.
Which Caribbean islands came out on top? Trinidad and Tobago had 178 species (woo hoo!), but of course this is not a level playing field with the rest of the region! The Bahamas and Puerto Rico ended up “neck and neck”, with 136 and 135 species each – some way ahead of third-place Guadeloupe with 83. Cuba and the Cayman Islands rounded out the top five.
A rare Eurasian Spoonbill was included in Barbado’s Global Big Day checklist (Julian Moore/ Macauley Library at the Cornell Lab or Ornithology)
Top eBirders Eric Torres-Rivera and Julio Salgado from Puerto Rico spotted 104 species each; Puerto Rican birders submitted a remarkable total of 249 checklists. This was an encouraging result from the island that suffered such destruction from 2017 hurricanes. BirdsCaribbean is also happy to note that Dominica, which was ravaged by Hurricane Maria, recorded 32 species, thanks to Forestry Officer Stephen Durand.
Bermuda Petrel (Cahow) chick receiving a health check on Global Bird Day, Nonsuch Island, Bermuda (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
There were some rare and unexpected finds, noted Jeff Gerbracht, eBird’s Lead Application Developer at Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Eurasian Spoonbill and Pacific Golden Plover were both seen at the same site in Barbados. It is most unusual for these species to be seen together, especially in the Western Hemisphere.” View the checklist here.
“The Black Kite, a European species rarely seen on this side of the Atlantic, was reported and photographed on the island of Inagua in the Bahamas,” said Gerbracht. “Also, Lisa Sorenson (BC Executive Director) and her husband Mike were on Bermuda with BC President Andrew Dobson, seeing all the local birds, including a robust Bermuda Petrel (Cahow) chick.
We hope everyone enjoyed the day and we thank you for your participation and commitment to our region’s beautiful birds. Next year will be even more fun!
How did your country do on Global Big Day? Find out here.
An overall report for Global Big Day is available here, with nice summaries for each region. The total species list for the West Indies (Bahamas, Greater and Lesser Antilles) is here.
*NOTE: The Global Big Day summary statistics in this article include the islands of the West Indies (Bahamas and Greater and Lesser Antilles), plus Bermuda, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, and Trinidad and Tobago. These islands comprise the region where BirdsCaribbean carries out its mission.
Plenty of migrants were seen on Global Big Day, like this Blackpoll Warbler spotted in the Cayman Islands (Peter Davey/Macauley Library at Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
eBird is the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed each year by eBirders around the world. A collaborative enterprise with hundreds of partner organizations, thousands of regional experts, and hundreds of thousands of users, eBird is managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.Submit your birding checklists and join the eBird family! You will find more details on registering and recording your sightings here.
If you bird in the Caribbean, be sure to use our portal—eBird Caribbean. This will give you access to our special protocols for the region (e.g., Caribbean Waterbird Census) and our latest news and updates on birding in the islands.
By Emma Lewis (@petchary), blogger and birder in Jamaica
Pink water and salt pyramids create a surreal landscape at the Cargill Salt Ponds. (Photo by Peter Nijenhuis)
Imagine a vast expanse of rectangular saline ponds in surreal colors – pinks, turquoises, greens – that reach out towards the horizon, flanked by a collection of enormous, immaculately white pyramids of salt. It’s an extraordinary landscape, with an eerie beauty.
Now, there is something even more remarkable about Bonaire’s Cargill Salt Ponds. BirdsCaribbean is excited to share the fantastic news that this important stopover and wintering site for migratory birds has been designated a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) site of Regional Importance. This is the second WHSRN site in the Caribbean, joining the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats in southwestern Puerto Rico. This designation will ensure the protection and management of the site for shorebirds. It’s excellent news for the Red Knot, in particular. In addition to this threatened migratory bird, more than 20,000 shorebirds, representing 17 species, have been recorded at the location.
What is the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network?
The Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network is dedicated to protecting key habitats throughout the Americas, helping sustain healthy populations of shorebirds. With the addition of Cargill Salt Ponds Bonaire, there are now 103 WHSRN sites covering nearly 15 million hectares (38 million acres) in 17 countries. Sites are categorized as having Regional, International or Hemispheric Importance based on the total number of shorebirds they support annually; or if the sites support a substantial percentage of the population of a single species. The new site, the first for the Dutch Caribbean, also lies within BirdLife International’s Important Bird Area (IBA) Pekelmeer Saltworks, Bonaire. This area includes the 400-hectare Pekelmeer Ramsar site (a designation given to Wetlands of International Importance.
The Big Attraction for Shorebirds at Cargill Salt Ponds
A banded Red Knot at Cargill Salt Ponds. (Photo by Fernando Simal)
Why do shorebirds thrive at the Salt Ponds? What on Earth could possibly survive in this alien landscape? The answer: brine shrimp and brine flies. These small invertebrates lay the foundation that support thousands of shorebirds annually. Most of them are hungry migrants, taking a much-needed break before continuing on their journey, or spending the winter at this food-rich site. A privately-owned salt production facility at the southern end of Bonaire, owned by Cargill Salt Bonaire B.V., the site comprises 3,700 hectares: 2,700 hectares are artificial wetlands – primarily solar evaporation ponds for salt extraction. Brine shrimp fill the ponds. The dike roads running between the ponds are covered with brine flies. For shorebirds, the shrimp and flies are a delicious food source, right amongst the mountains of salt.
Many are familiar with the extraordinary migratory cycle of the Red Knot: every year, this shorebird flies a roundtrip of close to 19,000 miles, from the Arctic to southern Chile and Argentina. If that wasn’t impressive enough, this bird’s journey includes multi-day stretches (even up to one week!) of continuous flight between stopover sites. These sites that allow the birds to rest and refuel are critically important to the success of the Red Knot’s migration. Without them, this fascinating shorebird would not survive.
Cargill’s Invaluable Support for Shorebird Surveys
Shorebirds feeding at Cargill Salt Ponds. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
Daniel DeAnda Jr., Cargill’s Production Manager, collaborated with Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean, on the nomination of the salt ponds for WHSRN status. With Cargill’s support, BirdsCaribbean led surveys, beginning in 2015, to learn more about the species and numbers of birds using the site. Survey results revealed that more than 20,000 shorebirds visit the wetlands annually, qualifying it as a WHSRN site at the “Regional” level of importance. This large concentration of shorebirds includes at least 1% of the biogeographic population of the threatened rufa (American) subspecies of Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa) and Short-billed Dowitcher.
Unfortunately, shorebird numbers are declining. Some species have seen dramatic and worrying decreases in numbers. The rufa subspecies of the Red Knot has declined 80% over the last 20 years. The population of Semipalmated Sandpiper, which winters on the northern coast of South America, has shown similar declines over 30 years. This is a global problem: The Spoon-billed Sandpiper, which breeds in Russia and winters in Southeast Asia, may have just 100 breeding pairs left. The greatest threats to shorebirds are habitat loss, predators, hunting, and climate change. Areas such as WHSRN sites, which are preserved and protected for shorebirds, are crucial for successful breeding and migration.
BirdsCaribbean and partners recorded 15 other species during the salt pond surveys, including: Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, and Sanderling. Significant numbers of Snowy Plovers are also found regularly at the location. These are probably a combination of migrants (nominate Charadriusnivosus) and resident birds belonging to the Caribbean breeding subspecies (C. n. tenuirostris). The area is the only known nesting area on Bonaire for the Royal Tern. It also supports one of the most important American Flamingo nesting colonies in the Caribbean.
The Power of Partnerships
Fernando Simal surveying shorebirds. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
BirdsCaribbean was very fortunate to have motivated and passionate international and local partners, who were essential during the survey periods. The partnership included staff and volunteers from STINAPA Bonaire, WILDSCONSCIENCE, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance. Survey teams led by Fernando Simal (WILDCONSCIENCE) counted birds at 110 points, over five counting periods. Their findings informed the site’s WHSRN designation.
Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean commented, “We are very grateful for the support we received from Cargill and our partners and volunteers, who enabled us to complete this work. We are especially thankful to Environment and Climate Change Canada for its principal funding support for the surveys, as well as the contribution of the U.S. Forest Service’s Department of International Programs. We also deeply appreciate the encouragement and support we received from Manomet for our nomination.” BirdsCaribbean looks forward to continuing to work together with Cargill and all the partners to monitor and manage the site for shorebirds.
What can we do to help our shorebirds?
A Greater Yellowlegs surveys the salt ponds. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
What can we do to help our shorebirds and their habitats? The Caribbean is a key link on the Atlantic Flyway. Its beaches, lagoons, marshes, swamps, rice fields, and other wetlands support enormous numbers of shorebirds annually. In order to ensure shorebird survival and mitigate against ongoing population declines, it is critical to identify and protect important sites in the region. One way you can help is by taking part in the Caribbean Waterbird Census, when professionals as well as citizen scientists count waterbirds during a 3-week period from January 14th to February 3rd as well as other times of year. Read more about shorebirds and the efforts to conserve them through the Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative.
Acknowledgments
BirdsCaribbean thanks Fernando Simal (WILDCONSCIENCE), Jeff Gerbracht (Cornell Lab of Ornithology), Frank Rivera-Milan (US Fish and Wildlife Service) and Lisa Sorenson (BirdsCaribbean) for many hours in the field to survey shorebirds. We also thank the following individuals for field assistance: Paulo Bertoul, Caren Eckrich, Herman Sieben, Elise Lara Galitzki, Diana Sint Jago and Luigi Eybrecht from STINAPA Bonaire, Elly Albers from Bonaire Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, and Jilly Sarpong (Biology student at HAS University of Applied Sciences in The Netherlands). Dr. Frank Rivera-Milan carried out the data analysis needed to support our nomination of Cargill Salt Ponds as a WHSRN site. Funding support was provided by Environment and Climate Change Canada with additional assistance from the US Forest Service and in-kind support from STINAPA Bonaire, Cargill Salt, STINAPA and Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance.
Lisa Sorenson surveying shorebirds in the salt ponds. (Photo by Fernando Simal)
Least Tern nest with 3 eggs at Cargill Salt Ponds. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
A Snowy Plover with its chick. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
American Flamingos are a common sight on the salt ponds. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
On the hunt for invertebrates: Semipalmated and Western Sandpipers wading through the salt ponds. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
Shorebirds in flight over the water at Cargill Salt Ponds. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
Lesser Yellowlegs and a Semipalmated Sandpiper feeding in the salt ponds. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
More than just shorebirds use the Cargill Salt Ponds- flamingos also feed on brine shrimp. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Two Red Knots at the salt ponds. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
Red Knots foraging. (Photo by Jeff Gerbacht)
Fernando Simal taking part in the shorebird survey. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Shorebirds on a dike at Cargill Salt Ponds.
Snowy Plover standing on rock salt at Cargill Salt Ponds, Bonaire. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Fernando Simal counting shorebirds with salt mountains looming in the distance. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
The Cargill Salt Ponds site also supports other habitat types, like these mangroves. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Our first visit to the Cargill Salt Ponds in 2015 with Daniel Deanda, when we discovered the wealth of shorebirds using the site. L to R: Fernando Simal, Michele Kading and Daniel Deanda (Cargill Production Manager). (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Red Knots and Short-billed Dowitchers at the Cargill Salt Ponds. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Black-crowned Palm Tanager, endemic to Hispaniola. (photo by Dax Román E.)
Your contributions to the past three Global Big Days have set back-to-back-to-back world records for the most bird species seen in a single day. Thank you. On 5 May, we’re looking for another world record, and we need your help. With over 170 endemic species and many regional specialities, the Caribbean is a great place to get outside and look for birds this Saturday.
Just like past years, you just have to go out and enjoy birds. Here’s our two-step guide:
Watch birds on 5 May: You don’t need to be a bird expert, or go out all day long. Even 10 minutes in your backyard will help. Global Big Day runs from midnight to midnight in your local time zone. You can report birds from anywhere in the world.
Enter what you see and hear on eBird Caribbean: You can enter your sightings via the website or—even easier—use the free eBird Mobile app. You can enter and submit lists while you’re still out birding, and the app will even keep track of how far you’ve walked, so you can just focus on watching birds. While you’re downloading free apps, try out the Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID app for help with identification.
Go birding for 10 minutes around your home, or for 10 hours across your entire county, state, province or country–and submit your sightings to eBird Caribbean. Every Bird Counts. Global Big Day is also a great way to celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, ongoing now!
No matter what you do, have fun, enjoy the birds you find, and share your sightings on eBird Caribbean and our Facebook page. Because in our world, every bird counts.
#BirdYourWorld #CEBF2018 #GlobalBig Day #YearOfTheBird
p.s. Don’t forget to enter your Caribbean bird counts into eBird Caribbean – our own portal. All the data goes to the same place (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) but we have some of our own protocols (Step 2 of data submission), for example, counts conducted at wetlands, ponds, mud flats and beaches can be entered as Caribbean Waterbird Census counts.
The Great Lizard Cuckoo is endemic to the Bahamas and Cuba. They have a loud ka-ka-ka-ka-ka call and can be spotted perched in trees and running along the branches. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
It’s springtime in the Caribbean and all across the islands, the landscape will be painted with the vivid colours of the striking yellow and pink poui trees, the gentle blue from the blossoms of the Lignum Vitae, and so many other trees, bursting with colour. This too is the time when our birds settle down to nest and raise their chicks.
This year, 2018, is an extra special celebration of our birds. The year was designated “The Year of the Bird” by the National Geographic Society (NatGeo) to commemorate 100 years of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This was (and remains) a powerful document that has lessened the human threats on birds. Some 15 Caribbean countries and 40 organizations will celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF), now in its 17thyear. More than 100,000 Caribbean residents, friends and visitors will join in the activities, led by BirdsCaribbean. For 2018, the region’s largest wildlife conservation-focused NGO will support the theme “The Year of the Bird.” April 22 (Earth Day) marks the beginning of the festival, which will end on May 22 – the International Day for Biological Diversity.
Children having fun on a bird walk and count at Ashton Lagoon, Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadine. (Photo by Orisha Joseph)
In the nearly two-decade history of the CEBF, BirdsCaribbean and its enthusiastic partners across the region have always found fun and creative ways to connect people to our Caribbean endemic birds. The endemics – which are found only in our region and nowhere else in the world – are one way in which people who live in or visit the Caribbean islands can easily appreciate and understand nature more deeply and incorporate these lovely birds into their lives. The birds simply “speak for themselves.” The festival seeks to encourage responsible behaviour in humans of all ages and walks of life to conserve our birds and our natural environment. This is even more critical in the wake of 2017’s devastating hurricanes. The recovery and the resilience of our bird populations must also be recognized in the coming months.
Why is the CEBF important? Well, the Caribbean is well known for its high level of endemism. Of the 565 species of birds in our region, 173 are unique to us. Some may be easier to spot than others; some may be only found in one country. The CEBF is also an expression of who we are and how we connect with the environment. It brings people together, whatever their ages, abilities, nationalities or cultural backgrounds. Learning about our birds takes place in a diverse, harmonious setting. In previous years, church services, radio and television interviews, street parades, fairs, information booths, drama and art competitions have all formed part of the CEBF celebrations.
Planting firebush (Hamelin patens), an excellent native plant for birds, especially hummingbirds. CEBF activity at The Academy in the Dominican Republic. (photo courtesy of Simon Guerrero)
You do not have to celebrate birds and support conservation through your local organization alone. Earth Day’s philosophy is for individuals to take action. There is a lot that you can do all by yourself, or in small groups, to help birds and the environment. Grab a friend or two and head outside to admire nature, noting the birds you see. Stick decals on your glass doors to reduce bird collisions. Plant a native tree, to add to the beauty of your home. This will also become a home for a variety of creatures – including birds. What other actions can you take that will help our birds?
NatGeo has partnered with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society and Birdlife International and many other organizations for The Year of the Bird. Each month brings a new theme and a new, specific call to action, promoting the conservation of birds: there are inspiring articles, informational features, fun quizzes, photographs and insights into the incredible world of birds to be explored online.
Visit birdscaribbean.org or find BirdsCaribbean on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information about the CEBF, with updates throughout the month. For more information on how to #BirdYourWorld, visit the official site for tips and resources.
By Emma Lewis and Natalya Lawrence, members of BirdsCaribbean’s Media Working Group. Thanks to the US Forest Service, Environment for the Americas and Optics for the Tropics for supporting our Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival!
The colorful and friendly Cuban Tody, known locally as “Cartacuba.” (photo by Bill Hebner)
Join Holbrook Travel and BirdsCaribbean for an unforgettable birding tour of Cuba’s foothills, wetlands and coast, November 3-13, 2018.
Cuba’s protected natural areas, geographic isolation, and limited development combine to create an ideal destination for birders. The country’s diverse habitats support over 360 avian species, more than two dozen of which are endemic to the island. Join BirdsCaribbean and Holbrook on this 11-day program, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe specialties like the Cuban Tody, Cuban Trogon, Zapata Wren, and Oriente Warbler, and explore dry scrub, mangrove, wetland, and coastal ecosystems. Gain deeper insight during meetings with Cuban conservationists to discuss projects and governmental policies. During your travels, meet Cuba’s friendly people and discover the rich history and culture for which the country is known.
Program Highlights
Learn how an urban park in Havana is connecting locals with nature.
Watch for target species like the Cuban Grassquit and Olive-capped Warbler and meet with residents at Las Terrazas, a community and reserve that is a model of sustainability and ecotourism.
Go birding at La Güira National Park, several sites in the Zapata Swamp, and on Cayo Coco, where we will have an excellent chance to see most of Cuba’s endemic birds, as well as many regional endemics.
Visit the limestone cave that was Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s headquarters during the Cuban Missile Crisis and an excellent place to spot Cuban Solitaire and Scaly-naped Pigeon.
Alejandro Llanes receives his certificate upon completion of BirdsCaribbean’s Caribbean Birding Trail Interpretive Guide Training Workshop, October 2018. Left to right Instructor Rick Morales, course organizer Maikel Canizares, Alejandro Llanes, Instructors Lisa Sorenson and Beny Wilson. (photo by Ernesto Reyes)
Our local bird guide will be Alejandro Llanes Sosa. Alejandro is a research ornithologist at the Instituto de Ecología y Sistemática in Havana, where he studies and bands birds. He has expert knowledge of Cuba’s birds and natural history and has guided specialized bird tours for Holbrook since 2015. Alejandro recently completed BirdsCaribbean’s Interpretive Bird Guide Training Workshop, held in Cuba in October 2017. He received certification as a Level 5 (highest level) Caribbean Birding Trail guide. Alejandro is dedicated to advancing ornithology and bird tourism in Cuba and is a warm and kind person. He looks forward to sharing Cuba’s beautiful birds, landscapes and culture with you!
Our group leader is Lisa Sorenson. Lisa Sorenson is an ornithologist, conservation biologist, and executive director of BirdsCaribbean. She has been working in the region for 30 years, starting with field research on the White-Cheeked Pintail in the Bahamas for her PhD. Lisa coordinates many of BirdsCaribbean’s programs, raises funds, mentors young Caribbean wildlife professionals, develops materials, and facilitates training workshops in conservation education, bird research and monitoring techniques, and bird guide training. She is passionate about the region’s amazing and unique birds and habitats and has dedicated her life to their conservation. She has traveled to and worked with partners in nearly every country in the region and is looking forward to sharing her love of Cuba and its people with you.
A common mode of transportation in Cuba. (photo by Roland Bahret)
The critically endangered Diablotin (Black-capped Petrel) in flight; the Diablotin will be studied with David S. Lee award funding. (photo by Doug-Gochfeld)
BirdsCaribbean is excited to announce 2018 awards for the David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds. Five young scholars will carry out important research that will increase our knowledge of Caribbean birds and the actions needed to conserve them. The 2018 award recipients are Yvan Satge, Janine Antalffy, Juan Carlos Fernandez-Odoñez, Eduardo Manuel Llegus-Santiago, and Holly Garrod.
The David S. Lee Fund was established in 2016 to recognize the scientific and conservation efforts of David S. Lee, a biologist and naturalist dedicated to Caribbean biodiversity. The award funds innovative avian conservation research in the Caribbean. All projects demonstrate a commitment to engaging with local scientists, government officials, organizations and communities, as appropriate, to involve them in the research, share results, and build interest in local birds and their conservation. The projects are described below.
Thanks to support for the fund from a number of generous donors, BirdsCaribbean is able to provide a grant of $1,000 to each of the 2018 recipients. Congratulations to these dedicated and hard-working scholars, who we are confident will make important discoveries that will lead to enhanced conservation efforts and awareness of our amazing birds. Several students (Holly Garrod, Spencer Shubert, Maya Wilson, Paige Byerly) that received support last year have written blog articles sharing their exciting findings. We wish this new flock of Dave Lee award recipients all the best in their upcoming field seasons and look forward to hearing about their results in future articles and publications.
Foraging choices of the Diablotin Black-capped Petrel: using spatial ecology and diet to inform conservation
Yvan Satge, Clemson University
Yvan Satge will study the diet of Black-capped Petrels using DNA analysis of fecal samples.
The Diablotin (Black-capped petrel; Pterodroma hasitata) is one of the most endangered seabirds in the western north Atlantic and one of only two extant seabird species endemic to the Caribbean. Although loss of terrestrial breeding habitat is a primary threat to the species, disturbances affecting the marine environment, which have been under-studied, are also likely to impact the survival of the population. Yvan Satge will study the diets of adult and juvenile Diablotin through novel DNA analysis of fecal samples collected at nest sites in the Dominican Republic. Data will inform conservation efforts by the Black-capped Petrel Working Group regarding use of marine resources by breeding Diablotin. The success of this project will be measured by evaluating diet composition and comparing those results to at-sea habitat use by tracked birds to assess the distribution of prey in the marine environment.
Conservation biology of the Bahama Oriole, a critically endangered island endemic
Janine Antalffy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Bahama Oriole adult on Andros. It could be a male or a female, as both sexes have this striking black and yellow coloration. (photo Daniel Stonko, UMBC)
The Bahama Oriole (Icterus northrop) is a critically endangered songbird restricted to the Andros island complex in The Bahamas. Having disappeared from the neighboring island of Abaco in the 1990s, a 2011 study suggested that fewer than 300 individuals remained on Andros. Little is known about life history traits and causes of population decline of this species. Janine’s research will contribute knowledge to inform conservation strategies for the species through addressing three questions about the Oriole, including assessing genetic diversity and connectivity between populations in the Andros Islands, assessing the response of this species to logging (to estimate population size during wholesale clearcutting in the mid 1900s), and distribution modelling to look at past populations on Andros and for the extinct Abaco population. These data will be useful for The Bahamas government to determine if the species should be managed as one or several populations, and to guide the reintroduction of the Bahama Oriole to Abaco.
Updating information about Audubon’s Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri loyemilleri) at Los Roques archipelago (Venezuela)
Juan-Carlos Fernandez Ordoñez, Fundación Científica ARA MACAO
An Audubon’s Shearwater feeds along the surface of the water.
Audubon’s Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) is a small seabird that inhabits warm waters, mostly in the tropics. It breeds in colonies on islands and offshore cays. Once common, it’s status is now vulnerable due to disturbance and loss of breeding habitats. Audubon’s Shearwater is known to breed in the islands of the Los Roques archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Venezuela. Thanks to its strategic geographical location, the 314 islands, cays and islets of this archipelago provide important stopover and breeding sites for migratory and endemic birds. Juan-Carlos will revisit the remote and unspoiled Los Roques Archipelago to locate and survey nesting populations of Audubon’s Shearwater. JC will also identify and describe threats at the breeding sites. These colonies have not been visited in many decades, thus JC’s work will fill in major gaps in our understanding of of the status of these nesting populations. In his analysis, JC will test occupancy models as a much faster way of monitoring remote populations. He will share his results with local managers to aid conservation efforts in the archipelago.
Restoration and Monitoring of Nesting Areas of Shorebirds in the Punta Cucharas Natural Reserve, Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Eduardo Llegus (seated with blue plaid shirt) with Punta Cucharas Team. Left to right: Miguel García, Nashalie Aponte, Pier Le Compte, Israel Jr. Rivera, Ian Maldonado, Gilmarie Rivera, Karla Oquendo, Hommy Pacheco.
Eduardo Manuel Llegus-Santiago, University of Puerto Rico at Ponce
Eduardo will work to restore and monitor beach-nesting bird habitat in Punta Cucharas Natural Reserve, an estuary ecosystem located at southern Puerto Rico, in the City of Ponce . This community-centered project will rebuild fences that were created to protect birds from invasive dogs, cats, and vehicles during their nesting. The project includes the restoration of the fence and monitoring of the birds with volunteers and an educational program to teach local communities about shorebirds with the production of a bird guide for the area to stimulate bird-friendly tourism. Eduardo will also monitor survival rates of shorebirds in the restored area and compare them with other colonies within the natural reserve.
A tale of two todies: understanding how vocalizations mediate hybridization between two sympatric species
Holly Garrod with a tody in the hand at her field site in the Dominican Republic.
Holly Garrod, Villanova University
Climate change and other human disturbances are causing range shifts in bird populations around the world. In some cases, species that were previously separated may come into contact and hybridize, which ultimately can result in long-term losses of biodiversity. In the Dominican Republic, Broad-billed and Narrow-billed Todies separate on an elevational gradient, with the Broad-billed Tody (Todus subulatus) in lowland wet forests and the Narrow-billed Tody (Todus angustirostris) in montane cloud forest. Climate change may push Broad-billed Todies upslope, increasing the overlap (sympatry) in the two species’ ranges at mid-elevation. Increased competition and hybridization could disproportionately harm one of the species, most likely the Narrow-billed Tody, because the high-elevation tody has “nowhere to go.” Holly will use playback experiments to investigate the extent to which the two species recognize and respond to each as competitive threats (e.g., for males defending territories) and as potential mates. If species recognition mechanisms are imperfect, this could lead to hybridization. To date, one such hybrid has been documented. Holly’s research will likely yield important insights about different ways in which behavior mechanisms influence hybridization. Holly’s research in 2017 (supported with David Lee funds) examined nesting success of todies in different habitats – read about her exciting results here.
To learn more about the David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds, click here. If you would like to contribute to the fund and help support future projects, click here. You can choose to designate your gift to the David S. Lee Fund.
BirdsCaribbean thanks the scientists that provided thoughtful and constructive reviews of the proposals. We are very grateful to all that have donated to the David S. Lee Fund. We are pleased and proud to honor Dave’s legacy with the funding of these exciting projects that will advance the development of young Caribbean scientists and contribute to the conservation of Caribbean birds.
BirdsCaribbean, its members and partners note the controversy surrounding the export of two Sisserou (Imperial Parrots Amazona imperialis) and ten Jaco (Red-necked Parrots Amazona arausiaca) from Dominica to a facility in Germany on March 17th, 2018. Both species are endemic to Dominica, both are globally threatened, and the habitats of both were badly damaged by the passage of Hurricane Maria in September 2017. The Sisserou is Dominica’s iconic national bird, appearing on its flag, coat-of-arms, Parliamentary Mace and other national symbols and instruments. The Sisserou has long represented a unique flagship of national pride for Dominicans.
The Parrots Were in Good Condition
Rescued and rehabilitated Imperial Parrot (Sisserou) on the right; 18 year old Sisserou female on the left. Also a rescue (having fallen from the nest), this female successfully reproduced in captivity in 2010. (photo by Stephen Durand)
While there is no doubt that disastrous events like hurricanes pose a serious threat to the persistence of endangered species, there is evidence that both species are resilient and recovery in the wild is possible. Dominica’s parrot populations were greatly affected but recovered after Hurricane David in 1979. Their survival has been aided by multiple conservation measures taken in Dominica including parks and protective legislation, community outreach and education events, programs to reduce agricultural conflicts, complemented by research and monitoring.
Despite the confidence of local and international experts (who have been working in Dominica with the parrots since 1981) that on-island efforts to support the recovery of local populations would be successful, some politically-appointed individuals within the Government of Dominica, apparently decided to facilitate the export of these parrots as an “emergency measure” to support the establishment of a captive breeding population in Germany by the Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots (ACTP).
Conservation Issues for Threatened Bird Species
This action raises many issues concerning the conservation of threatened bird species. BirdsCaribbean has engaged with local partners in the region for 30 years, and we support the position of most threatened species specialists that:
Conservation programmes for threatened species should be guided by recovery action planning based on sound science, engagement by all stakeholders, and international laws and guidance.
Conservation programmes for threatened species should focus firstly on recovery of wild populations in the wild, with captive breeding as a last resort.
There are many risks associated with captive breeding, including risks in transport, transmission or exposure to new diseases, acclimation to a new environment, and loss of genetic diversity and natural behaviors. These programs must be carried out in an extremely careful manner and risks increase if the program is in another country.
Captive breeding programs can be an effective and important conservation tool (e.g., as shown for the Puerto Rican Parrot), but they must be based on sound science, be proposed and vetted transparently to the conservation community, and wherever possible, be in the country of origin.
Threatened species programs must involve and empower to the maximum extent possible the local organizations and communities who are ultimately the stewards for the species.
Red-necked Parrots (aka Jaco) in aviary on Dominica, recovering and doing well following Hurricane Maria. (photo by Stephen Durand)
BirdsCaribbean suggests that there are legal, scientific and ethical reasons to question the export of Sisserou and Jaco parrots from Dominica.
The export of globally threatened species is controlled under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to which Dominica and Germany are both signatories. Export permits are granted through the local CITES management authority, which may only license export of threatened (Appendix 1) species under very strict conditions. In Dominica, this is the Environmental Coordinating Unit (ECU). BirdsCaribbean has been reliably informed that the permit for the export of these parrots to Germany was not granted by the ECU and the ECU was not consulted. (see https://goo.gl/dB9SF2). Additionally, Dominica was under suspension of all trade under CITES since January 2018 for failure to file annual reports for three consecutive years. Therefore, no CITES Appendix I species should have been permitted for export.
The Situation Was Not an “Emergency”
Any argument that the export was justified as an “emergency” action is contradicted by the following:
All of the exported animals survived the hurricane;
The female Sisserou at the aviary had lived there for 18 years and successfully reproduced at the aviary in 2010;
Ongoing parrot surveys reveal that both species’ wild populations also survived the hurricane, with the ecologically common Jaco parrot now widely distributed and some sightings of wild Sisserous; known to be shy and difficult to survey in the wild;
The aviaries were in the process of being refurbished, with new enclosures, wire and supplies already sent to Forestry;
The aviary birds were examined and attended to with multiple animal-care teams from IFAW;
The exported Jaco parrots were being prepared for release into the wild;
No proposal for emergency action was presented to Forestry, the personnel responsible for animal-care at the aviary, nor ECU.
BirdCaribbean is surprised that a permit would be granted by any authority, because it would appear that the export is detrimental to on-going local conservation efforts. We are especially concerned about the export of the Sisserou, partly because their local breeding populations are smaller, and partly because two individuals are not sufficient to establish a breeding programme. This calls into question the scientific justification for this export and whether there may be additional requests for exports in the future.
BirdsCaribbean Supports Dominican Experts, Local Partners
Imperial Parrot feeding on palm fruits in the wild. (photo by Bertrand Jno Baptiste)
In addition, the scientific authority for CITES in Dominica, the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division, was also not consulted about the export—no proposal, conservation plan or agreement was shared with the team in charge of parrot conservation on the island. Instead the arrangements were apparently made in secret and the birds taken without the knowledge or permission of either CITES authority on the island.
Our Dominican partners remain committed to the on-island conservation programs and the protective measures it has developed for its parrots over many years. Thanks to generous donors, BirdsCaribbean has assisted in Hurricane Maria recovery by shipping more than US$12,000 worth of supplies to aid recovery of Dominica’s parrots, including bird feeders, bird seed, tools and field equipment. We have long supported outreach, education and surveys conducted by Dominica’s own experts, who have decades of experience and knowledge. We believe that the conservation of Dominica’s parrots is best done in Dominica by Dominicans, – supported, but not undercut, by foreign entities.
We know that the people of Dominica are resilient and proud of their beautiful birds and in particular, their National Bird, the Sisserou. For this reason alone, the recent removal of these birds from the island calls for far more explanation and justification than has been made public.
What You Can do to Help
Rescued and rehabilitated Jaco parrots at the aviary in Dominica. (photo by Stephen Durand)
BirdsCaribbean is one of thirteen signatory organizations expressing concern over the recent export of endemic parrots from Dominica to Germany. We include here a joint communication shared today, April 5, 2018, with the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as well as representatives within CITES, the government of Dominica, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the European Union. Read the UNEP letter.
It is a pleasure to announce the publication of the first issue of the Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba by Nils Navarro Pacheco and Ernesto Reyes Mouriño (No 1, 2017). This publication will serve as an official list and platform for work in the field of ornithology within the Cuban archipelago, as well as keeping the ornithological community updated on changes in taxonomy, systematics and new additions to the bird list of Cuba.
Earlier lists or volumes describing the birdlife of Cuba (Garrido and Montana, Catalogo de las Aves de Cuba 1975; Garrido and Kirkconnell, Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba, 2000; and Endemic Birds of Cuba, Navarro 2015) provide ample details on species behavior, habitat and range. This new checklist condenses and provides updated and new information on conservation status, endemism, abundance, breeding, and seasonality for 398 naturally occurring species and 15 exotics.
The checklist is beautifully illustrated with color photographs of Cuba’s 28 endemics on the back cover. The authors intend to update the list on an annual basis as verifiable information becomes available. With increased numbers of homegrown birders and professional ornithologists as well as foreign contributions, a “living” checklist under the careful stewardship of Navarro and Reyes makes perfect sense.
Cuba is the largest island in the West Indies and boasts 28 endemics as well as some of the most important habitats found in the region. Cubans, with support from abroad, have responded to the need to protect these habitats especially for endemic birds by developing many national parks and reserves, conducting ornithogical research, delivering outreach and education programs, and monitoring birds, for example, through the Caribbean Waterbird Census. While these efforts may have limited resources, the Cuban people and the conservationists they support are very proud of their birds and significant achievements. That passion bares fruit in this checklist when you look through the references and supporting documentation.
As one who is particularly interested in the ever-evolving state of West Indian avian biogeography, I appreciate the inclusion of a short communications section with articles on recent sightings and banding records and photographs of documented (with citations) recent rarities. I have no doubt that at least two factors—climate change and the increase in knowledgeable observers—are contributing to requisite checklist updates which the authors also recognize. The authors in fact encourage reporting of bird sightings through eBird Caribbean (Cornell Lab of Ornithological Database). Reports are vetted by local experts and contribute greatly to our knowledge of the status and trends of migratory and resident trends and status of species in Cuba as well as the West Indies. Many of you already understand that neotropical migrants, for example, spend only a few months (May-August) raising young on the North American continent before returning to the tropics. As you may have sensed, checklists of birds anywhere are outdated by the time they go to press.
So, in the tradition of James Bond’s Supplements to the Checklist of the Birds of the West Indies (1956-et seq.), this checklist is expected to provide intermittent updates founded by substantiating evidence and hopefully commentary by two of the leading field biologists in Cuba. I have worked with both Nils and Ernesto on reviving Christmas Bird Counts in Cuba since 2012 and can attest to their depth of knowledge and commitment to preserving the natural patrimony of Cuba. This and subsequent updates to the checklist should be a part of any West Indian ornithological library, both private and public, as a resource to measure changes in status of both resident and migratory Cuban birdlife in this hemisphere.
The checklist, published by Ediciones Nuevos Mundos, is a 40 page booklet, 8.0 x 11.5 inches in size, illustrated, with saddle stitch binding. The first print run is in English. The checklist can be purchased from the publisher for $12.00 (plus $3 shipping) at this link. A downloadable version is available here.
Robert Norton is a founding member of BirdsCaribbean (then the Society of Caribbean Ornithology); initiating author of the West Indies Region report (1980- ) North American Birds, American Birding Association; West Indies regional editor Christmas Bird Counts, National Audubon Society; eBird reviewer, Virgin Islands, Cornell Lab of Ornithology; coauthor w/ Patricia Bradley, Inventory of Breeding Seabirds of the Caribbean, 2009.
Caleb Spiegel, Beth MacDonald, Jen Rock, and Elise Elliott-Smith Searching for Piping Plovers (Photo by Eric Salamanca)
We have heard the painful stories of the 2017 hurricanes, which had devastating effects on humans and birds on some islands. How did our shorebirds weather the storm—especially those we are most concerned about from a conservation viewpoint? Elise Elliott-Smith shares her story of post-hurricane surveys in the Turks and Caicos Islands in February 2018.
For the past three years, I have been privileged to work with an international team of scientists led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center. Working with local partners and other international partners we have conducted surveys for Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) and other shorebird species of conservation concern in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Charming Piping Plover
The Piping Plover is a small, round-bodied shorebird, with a charming, big-eyed look. It breeds on beaches in the interior and Atlantic Coast of the U.S. and Canada, migrating to beaches in the southern Atlantic U.S., the northern West Indies, and across the Gulf Coast into northern Mexico. There are three discrete breeding populations, all of which are listed as endangered in Canada, and threatened or endangered in the U.S.
Piping Plovers (Photo by Eric Salamanca)
Fifteen years ago, no one knew that large numbers of Piping Plover winter in the Bahamas and northern Caribbean. But there was a surprise in store. During the 2011 International Piping Plover Census, it was discovered that around 1,000 birds wintered in the Bahamas. So, searching the Turks and Caicos Islands became a priority for the next Census in 2016 (read about 2016 International Piping Plover Census here). Our 2016 search yielded almost 100 Piping Plover and we counted 174 during an expanded search in January 2017. During this search, we also tallied about 20 other shorebird species, many of which are declining in numbers, or are focal species of the Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative. These species included the Red Knot (Calidris canutus), which is also listed as threatened/special concern in the U.S. and Canada.
The Onslaught of Hurricanes Irma and Maria
Destroyed House on South Caicos (Photo by Elise Elliott-Smith)
On September 7, 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the Turks and Caicos Islands as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 175 miles per hour. Two weeks later, Hurricane Maria arrived, packing 125 mph winds and torrential rain. My thoughts were with my colleagues and friends in the Turks and Caicos Islands as the storms passed. Despite extensive damage, and a heavy blow to the islands’ infrastructure, everyone was safe; miraculously, there were no deaths in the Turks and Caicos Islands. And after hearing this, I started wondering about the birds.
Far from the storm, I saw images on my computer screen of the destruction to human property and then the video of injured and dead flamingos in Cuba. I reasoned that given the small size of the Piping Plover, they could likely hunker down in strong winds. Perhaps some were still on their southerly migration and had not yet arrived. But a Piping Plover is not large, nor is it pink. The plovers’ small sand-colored carcasses would surely wash away unnoticed. The truth was, I really did not know how the storms had affected shorebirds or their habitat. But we had collected comprehensive survey data on all shorebird species for two prior winters at many remote sites in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I was eager get back there and see what had changed.
Post-hurricane Surveys Show Drop in Piping Plover Populations
Planning and preparing for these excursions is always exciting and a bit stressful. Our colleagues at the Turks and Caicos Department of the Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) wanted to conduct surveys but they needed assistance. Partners at the USFWS and Canadian Wildlife Service – Environment and Climate Change Canada (CWS-ECCC) were also interested in helping but there were a lot of details to work out and questions to answer. Would we get funding? Would we get government permissions? Would we have enough cash to pay for the boats? Would the weather cooperate during the surveys? And would the birds themselves cooperate? This year, however, there was one very big question constantly looming in my mind as I was trying to secure funding for surveys and plan for the trip. How had the hurricanes affected the birds and their habitat? Would they even be there this year?
Surveying Piping Plovers (Photo by Eric Salamanca)
Post-hurricane surveys finally became possible with the support of BirdsCaribbean, the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund, DECR, SWA Environmental, USFWS, CWS-ECCC and USGS. We had an excellent International team of surveyors, with the support needed for surveying remote cays. So I found myself flying into Providenciales, TCI on the evening of 30 January 2018. Under the cover of night, I did not get to see the turquoise waters or the tarped and patched roofs of houses damaged by the storms. But looking out the window the next morning I saw evidence of the hurricanes that reminded me the Turks and Caicos Islands are still recovering.
Over the next 10 days our teams conducted surveys on over 15 islands and cays in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We revisited every site where Piping Plover had been seen the prior year and surveyed a few new sites. In total, we saw just 62 Piping Plover. This was a far lower total than had been seen in 2017 or 2016. Counts of Piping Plovers were actually down at all of the sites surveyed in prior years, and they were completely absent from several sites.
Landscapes and Habitats Reshaped by the Storms
Mixed species flock including Red Knot, Short-billed Dowitchers, Black-bellied Plovers (Photo by Eric Salamanca)
The extent of damage to human structures varied from island to island. Similarly, some Piping Plover sites appeared largely unaffected by the storms, while other sites had been substantially altered. Little Ambergris Cay was one of the sites hardest hit by the storms. The habitat had changed drastically. Multiple sandbars were breached or washed away entirely, interior mudflats were flooded, beaches were over-washed, and the island was literally split in two. Piping Plover had been seen at multiple locations on this island in 2016 and 2017. Despite the habitat changes, there appeared to be quite a bit of suitable habitat remaining in 2018. However, when we conducted a very thorough survey, no Piping Plover were seen. Shorebird numbers in general were down.
Caleb Spiegel (USFWS) and Jen Rock (CWS-EEEC) wading out to survey the high tide roost at remote sandbars south of Middle Caicos (Photo by Elise Elliott-Smith)
Some of the most important sites seemed relatively unchanged. However, storm erosion can be insidious, leaving sites looking deceptively undamaged at first glance. One of the most important shorebird sites in the Turks and Caicos Islands consists of a handful of very remote, tidally exposed sand flats and a tiny island, south of Middle Caicos. At this site, there is only a single small rocky area exposed during high tides. Birds tend to roost in this spot until neighboring sand flats are exposed for feeding. In 2017 we had seen about 3,000 shorebirds of at least 12 species at this site, including about 400 Red Knot. It is hard to identify and count 3,000 shorebirds, especially when they are spread out and moving around, so we planned our surveys for high tide, when birds concentrate. The area appeared to be largely unchanged. However, there were only about 1,000 shorebirds, far fewer than the prior year. We stayed in the area for nearly an entire tide cycle, but much of the sandflats remained shallowly flooded, even at low tide, indicating sand was likely lost during the hurricanes.
The Fate of Missing Birds Largely Unknown
Casaurina uprooted by the storms at Dickish Cay (Photo by Elise Elliott-Smith)
Our early observations add to mounting evidence that there may be immediate negative effects of hurricanes on local wintering Piping Plover and other shorebird populations. However, questions remain. As in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Piping Plover numbers were greatly reduced in the Bahamas after Hurricane Matthew, particularly in areas hardest hit by the storm (Matt Jeffrey and Walker Golder (National Audubon), pers. comm). However, it is not known if shorebirds are dying in hurricanes or leaving in advance of the storm and wintering elsewhere. Spotting marked birds again may be the key to understanding this question of mortality. During our surveys in the Turks and Caicos Islands we observed Piping Plover that had been marked on their Atlantic Coast breeding grounds in the U.S. and Canada. Piping Plover tend to be faithful to their winter sites. However, some marked birds seen in the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2017 were “missing” on 2018 surveys. We will be looking for these individuals on migration and breeding grounds this summer. Re-sighting them would indicate they survived the storm. We also hope to return to the Turks and Caicos again in early 2019 to see if these missing birds have returned.
So what of the birds’ uncertain future? How resilient are Piping Plovers to hurricanes over the long term? And how resilient are the ecosystems on which they depend? Will sand be deposited again where it was lost? And how are the invertebrates (aka shorebird food) affected by hurricanes? These questions need further study, especially considering that with changing climates, storms may become more frequent and intense. In addition to searching for marked birds, the next step in answering these question is seeing shorebirds return to their favorite haunts in the Turks and Caicos Islands in higher numbers next winter. If birds survived the storm, we might expect to see a rebound in numbers next year.
Caribbean Waterbird Census – An Important Tool
Tagged Piping Plover (Photo by Eric Salamanca)
We were fortunate to have baseline data before the storm from our previous surveys to assess how well Piping Plovers had survived the 2017 devastating hurricane season. Our results highlight the importance of the Caribbean Waterbird Census (which we have contributed to during our surveys of the Turks and Caicos) and other surveys that provide critical information on bird species abundance and distribution. This helps us gauge avian response to hurricanes and our changing climate and suggests actions that we can take to help birds survive. We cannot prevent the hurricanes from coming. But there is a lot that can be done to protect the birds remote habitats from development and minimize human disturbance.
As I returned home, I felt relief that at least some birds survived the storm and very encouraged by the incredible international support for our work. As an international species of concern, the Piping Plover requires collaboration to conserve their habitats across the different phases of their life cycle. I am optimistic that with the help of many, we can come together again to answer remaining questions and take steps to protect this beautiful little bird.
You can help too! We are still learning about this species’ distribution throughout the Caribbean – so learn how to distinguish them from similar species (like Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, Wilson’s Plover, and Snowy Plovers) and help conduct surveys. Be on the lookout on sandy beaches and tidal mudflats, look for bands and flags, take pictures of the birds you see, and report all your observations on eBird Caribbean (and any Piping Plovers to me as well please! Contact Elise Elliott-Smith).
Aerial view of some of the best Piping Plover habitat in the Turks and Caicos Islands including “Piping Plover Cay” (Photo by Elise Elliott-Smith)
Notes from the Field
Searching for Birds on Dickish Cay (Photo by Eric Salamanca)
Day 1: A very rainy adventure to cays between Providenciales and North Caicos with Caleb Spiegel (USFWS), Eric Salamanca and an intrepid boat crew from the Turks and Caicos Department of the Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR). Few birds are seen and no Piping Plover are seen on either of the cays where they were documented in 2016 and 2017. This could be due to tour boat disturbance seen at one of the sites, but it is easy to miss birds when it is windy and wet. Need to return for a re-survey in better conditions.
Day 2: After a morning flight to South Caicos, Caleb, Eric and I kayak to what had been the most important Piping Plover site during our surveys the prior two years, a small uninhabited unnamed cay that we’ve affectionately dubbed “Piping Plover Cay”. Looking out the window while the plane landed and driving to the end of the road to put our boats in the water, it appears that South Caicos was hit harder than Providenciales by Hurricane Irma, and lacks the resources of the more popular tourist destinations to make a speedy recovery. Many houses are still missing roofs, some are missing walls, and at least a couple have been leveled by the storm.
Power Line Damage on South Caicos (Photo by Elise Elliott-Smith)
More power lines are askew or knocked down than remain upright. And the salt ponds are too deeply flooded to support small shorebirds. Surprisingly, “Piping Plover Cay” looks good and largely unchanged. However, conditions are windy with some rain and although we see some shorebirds, there are no Piping Plovers in the flocks.
Day 3: Jen Rock and Beth MacDonald, our Canadian colleagues (ECCC), arrived last night. The weather has cleared, and we finally find some Piping Plover!! Seven birds are seen on Dickish Cay, a small uninhabited cay where we had seen them during both of the prior survey years. In 2016, we had accessed the site by swimming across a channel from the end of the road in Middle Caicos and had found 11 Piping Plover on interior mud flats. In 2017 we accessed the island by boat, surveying it twice, and the high count had been 24 Piping Plover, including two marked birds seen on the sandy beach. Piping Plover tend to be loyal to their winter sites, so we look for the marked birds seen in 2017. They are not in our small flock but we do see two newly marked Piping Plover: one marked as a chick in Newfoundland the prior summer and the other marked a few weeks before Hurricane Irma while on a migration stop-over in North Carolina. Although the number of birds is lower than prior years, if anything the hurricanes seems to have had a positive effect on the Piping Plover habitat. Invasive Casuarina has been uprooted and sand has been deposited on the east side of the island, widening the beach.
Caleb Spiegel and Elise Elliott-Smith scanning potential habitat in the windward channel between Middle and East Caicos (Photo by Eric Salamanca)
Day 4: Our team is joined by Kathleen Wood (SWA Environmental) and we head out in the DECR boat to survey Little Ambergris. We split into three teams of two and are dropped off at different locations on the islands so that we can efficiently cover all the habitat. Two sandbars on the south side of the island have been entirely washed away, creating inflows and flooding. We realize that the inflow on the southwest side has broken all the way through to the north side of the island, splitting the island into two. One beach was totally over-washed, widening it by leveling the short vegetation. Twenty-five Piping Plover were seen on this island in 2016 and 29 were seen in 2017. None are seen on this survey and overall shorebird numbers are lower than previous counts. There still appears to be a lot of reasonable shorebird habitat, but much of the habitat is greatly changed. On our way back we stop at Big Ambergris Cay. It is our first Piping Plover survey on this island; we did not survey it previously because the habitat on aerial images did not look ideal. Hurricane damage is very apparent here as well as erosion of beach habitat and cliffs backing the beach. Many structures are seriously damaged. We see no plovers and few shorebirds on the mostly exposed, windswept beaches.
Tagged Piping Plover (Photo by Eric Salamanca)
Day 5: Jen, Beth and Kathleen return to “Piping Plover Cay”. The conditions are good and they see 45 Piping Plover – including two birds that Beth banded in Nova Scotia the previous summer! Caleb, Eric and I do not have as much luck. We return to Dickish Cay but do not see any Piping Plover (they also may use neighboring Joe Grant Cay or Wild Cow Run beach but we do not have time to check there). Our expert boat operator, Tim Hamilton, shows us some habitat in Lorrimer’s channels on Middle Caicos that we had not explored in prior years. It looks like good shorebird habitat but we see few birds.
Day 6: Sandbars south of Middle Caicos. This is the site where we saw about 3,000 shorebirds last year, including Red Knot. We arrive close to high tide and go to the roost spot. The area around the roost is very shallow so we need to get off the boat and wade in waist-deep water a few hundred meters to survey. Caleb and Jen start surveying while Beth, Eric and I stay in the boat to check the other sandbars, which are all inundated. We return to the roost spot and help count. There are only about 1,000 shorebirds this year and around 40 Red Knot. We discuss why we are seeing such reduced numbers and whether some birds could be roosting in an unknown location. We decide to wait for the tide to fall and see if more birds arrive. The sun is setting with the falling tide so we leave just before low tide. Although it is a pretty extreme low tide, the multiple finger-like sand flats all seem to still be inundated. The habitat looked unchanged when we first arrived at the site that morning but it is likely that some of the sand has eroded. As we return to South Caicos the sun is setting with a squall in the distance and a rainbow over the turquoise waters.
Piping Plovers roosting just north of South Caicos on “Piping Plover Cay”, including a bird banded as an adult in 2017 on breeding grounds in Nova Scotia (Photo by Jen Rock)
Days 7-10: Caleb, Jen and Eric return to Providenciales and then to North Caicos where they survey with Naqqi and Flash (DECR). No Piping Plover are seen at the Northwest Point National Marine Park, where one Piping Plover was seen in 2017. Later, they return to re-survey islands between Provo and North Caicos in better weather than day 1, but still do not see any Piping Plover, and few shorebirds. However, they have luck on East Bay Island, seeing 10 Piping Plover where 16 were seen in 2017, including four tagged birds: two that were marked on breeding grounds in Canada and two at breeding sites in the U.S.
Beth and I split off from the rest of the group and travel to Grand Turk where we explore habitat and survey with Katharine Hart (DECR). I had not been to Grand Turk previously and while we see many waterbirds on this island, the habitat is not ideal for Piping Plover. On our second day, we take a very rough and wet boat ride to explore two nearby uninhabited islands, Cotton and Gibb’s Cay. Gibb’s Cay has some good habitat but it is frequented by cruise ships and we only see a couple shorebirds. The next day we take a bigger boat to Big Sand Cay. Katharine has been to the island before for turtle work (it is a National Sanctuary and the most important hawksbill turtle nesting site in the islands) and reports that it has been affected by the hurricane. A tidal surge likely washed out vegetation so that now the east and west side of the island are connected by sand flats in a couple of spots. The habitat looks very good on this island. We do see turtle nests but we don’t see any Piping Plover.
Many thanks to Caleb Spiegel, Beth MacDonald, Naqqi Manco, Kathleen Wood, Emma Lewis, and Lisa Sorenson for input on this article. And special thanks to DECR, BirdsCaribbean, American Bird Conservancy, Turks & Caicos Reef Fund, SWA Environmental, USFWS, CWS-EEEC, USGS, and Big Blue Unlimited for providing financial and other support for this research.
East Bay Island Survey Crew: Cardinal Arthur (boat captain), Jen Rock (ECCC), Eric Salamanca (DECR), Junel “Flash” Blaise (DECR), and Brian Naqqi Manco (DECR). (Photo by Caleb Spiegel)
Black-necked Stilts and White-cheeked Pintail forage in harmony in an Antiguan wetland. (photo by Colin Banks)
In Antigua, when we think of wetlands we think of swamps—smelly, waterlogged places riddled with wicked mosquitoes and starving sandflies. Why, oh why would we want to spend precious life moments at a swamp?! While some may find wetlands unappealing, in Antigua and across the Caribbean they perform vital ecological functions. In an area where tourism flourishes, they also have unexplored economic potential, if managed sensitively.
On February 2nd, 1971, understanding the importance of wetlands to human life and wellbeing, an international treaty was signed in Ramsar, Iran, called the Ramsar Convention or Convention on Wetlands. Annually on 2nd February, since 1997, we recognize the value of these watery spaces on World Wetlands Day. In the Caribbean, as we struggle to balance development and frugal use of our natural resources and as we begin to understand how these wetlands support our economy and health, this celebration is necessary. This year’s theme is “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future.”
Christian Cove Wetland is a hotspot for many species of wetland birds. (photo by Shanna Challenger)
Why is the celebration of World Wetlands Day a vital date on the Caribbean calendar? Because, as important as our wetlands are, they face real threats, primarily from backfilling, urbanisation, development, and use as illegal dumping grounds. Sadly, the Fitches Creek Swamp, one example in Antigua, can be called Cooks Dump Part II. While swamps are naturally strong smelling, a properly-functioning swamp, not adversely manipulated by human hands does not bear these overpowering, nauseating odours.
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, permanently or seasonally. They vary from country to country and may be naturally occurring or artificially made. In Antigua and Barbuda, wetlands include mangrove swamps such as Christian Cove and Fitches Creek Swamp; dams such as Bethesda, and Potworks; ponds such as McKinnon’s; reservoirs such as Wallings Reservoir; Creeks such as Indian Creek, and lagoons such as our internationally known and Ramsar-designated site, the Barbuda Lagoon.
Binoculars and spotting scopes are perfect for counting birds; Sophie Steele and Andrea Otto participate in the 2018 Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC). (photo by Shanna Challenger)
How are wetlands important to us? Wetlands reduce flooding. Think of them as a sponge. They soak up floodwater, releasing it gradually. They are also excellent filters. In built-up areas where concrete and asphalt have replaced water-absorbing soil, surface run-off is increased during rains. The plants in wetlands filter this run-off, which can include untreated sewage, pesticides and fertilizers. Some of these pollutants can also be trapped in the soil below the water in the areas. Water leaving wetlands is in considerably better “shape” than when it entered.
Wetlands in Antigua and elsewhere in the Caribbean act as an effective barrier against wind and wave action during storms. Think of them as a naturally occurring wall or breakwater. They are also important for our fisheries. Marine wetlands are nurseries for our sea life: fish, shrimp, lobster and the list goes on. Just think about the Barbuda Lagoon, and Antigua’s famous lobsters! No wetland, no baby fish, no big fish.
Now to the fun part! As a major tourist destination, Antigua & Barbuda can add to its product by promoting the use of wetlands. With interpretive signage and non-intrusive boardwalks and paths, wetlands can support eco-tourism (both locally and internationally). In Antigua & Barbuda’s wetlands you are surrounded by wildlife, including resident birds such as the sleek-looking Green Heron; migratory birds that travel jaw-dropping distances to flee the cold such as the tiny, unassuming Ruddy Turnstone, or the majestic Osprey that swoops in, perches and immediately demands your attention. Residents can take their exercise routine to the wetlands and have a refreshing walk on paths or boardwalks. Carefully managed non-motorised water sports in some wetlands can also be a boon for the economy.
In addition to nature, there is almost always a significant historical link to our country’s wetlands. There is the Pre-Columbian settlement at Indian Creek, or the wells dug close to wetlands in Bethesda and Parham, some dating back to the 1800s, still seen today.
Spotted Sandpiper searches the water’s edge for invertebrates. (photo by Nick Hollands)
Our wetlands support high fashion too! One Antiguan bird guide often relates his stories of taking internationally acclaimed designers to wetlands where they sit, observe, and ponder on colours for the new season.
Visiting Caribbean wetlands can be a pleasant, relaxing experience – a place also to learn and observe. Many of the wetlands in Antigua & Barbuda are quite accessible – so, if you are interested in wetland birds, you are welcome to contact the Environmental Action Group in Antigua at eagantigua@gmail.com. They will be happy to recommend sites to visit and hook you up with a local, knowledgeable birder. Also, don’t forget to take strong insect repellent; the mosquitoes and sand flies are no myths!
By Natalya Lawrence, Coordinator, Offshore Islands Conservation Programme, Environmental Awareness Group, St. John’s, Antigua & member of BirdsCaribbean’s Media Working Group.
The sun sets behind the Red Mangroves of birding hotspot – Fitches Creek Swamp. (photo by Shanna Challenger)This cartoon says it all – destroy our mangroves and there will be consequences!
A rare Common Merganser (female) was spotted in the 2018 CWC in Bermuda. (photo by Andrew Dobson)
Midwinter in the Caribbean is not as chilly as it sounds – and it is a good time of year to count the region’s waterbirds, as most of them are not on the move somewhere else at this time. There is also the opportunity to do an annual health check of the wetlands that support this varied and fascinating group of birds. This year was very much a mixed picture. Reports from the islands brought some discouraging news, but also some exciting sightings.
Every year, intrepid BirdsCaribbean partners and volunteer citizen scientists put on their water boots and go out to count those birds that frequent our rivers, coastlines and wetlands. 2018 marked the 9th annual Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC), the region-wide waterbird and wetland monitoring program. The CWC forms part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC) – the largest volunteer waterbird count in the world, organized by Wetlands International and now in its 52nd year. This year’s three-week counting period began on January 14 and ended on February 3 – including World Wetlands Day, February 2. The collected data is recorded on the newly designed eBird Caribbean online platform.
The results of the 2018 CWC have not been altogether encouraging. We might have expected this in light of the devastating hurricanes that tore through numerous islands last year, damaging fragile wetland habitats already threatened in recent years by human activities. For example, the island of St. Eustatius (Statia) reported a “very poor count,” with a small number of tropicbirds, one Osprey and one Belted Kingfisher noted. Our friends on the Turks and Caicos Islands, which were impacted by Hurricane Irma, also counted fewer shorebirds in general; numbers of Piping Plovers were notably lower than in previous years, according to a survey supported by BirdsCaribbean’s Hurricane Relief Funds.
Normally common, only a few White-cheeked Pintails have been spotted on Sint Maarten since Hurricane Irma hit in the fall of 2017. (photo by Binkie van Es)
Binkie van Es is very worried about the bird populations on Sint Maarten following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Irma. In the period shortly after the storm he found lots of shorebirds all over the Island but lately they are almost completely absent. Also missing are big parts of the local population, there are only small numbers of White Cheeked Pintails (normally a few hundred), almost no Black-Necked Stilts (normally about 300), half the population of the Brown Pelican (the national bird) was lost, and only a few pairs of migratory ducks are present. He commented, “There is food and water for the birds but habitat is destroyed so no shelter. Also some of the ponds have unusually high water levels making it difficult for waders.”
Antigua’s CWC team, led by Andrea Otto and including some up-and-coming youngsters, surveyed several wetland areas. Their observations at McKinnon’s Pond were encouraging, with good numbers of Brown Pelicans, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Cattle and Snowy Egrets, and Herons (Little Blue, Great Blue, Tricolored and Green, all present). The less common Yellow-Crowned and Black-Crowned Night Herons were accompanied by a family of White-cheeked Pintail ducks. At Christian Cove, among other species, the birders reported “over 250 Black-necked Stilts entertained us with their comical gait and amusing, knobbly pink legs.” At the Bethesda and Potworks Dams, more ducks and grebes were observed in numbers, among them Blue-winged Teals, Ruddy Ducks and Pied-billed Grebes, feeding and diving alongside herons and Common Gallinules. Several Ospreys also delighted the CWC team as they fished.
Black-crowned Night Heron spotted at McKinnon’s Pond, Antigua. (photo by Shanna Challenger)
Sadly, however, the team did not see any West Indian Whistling-Ducks at all. This Caribbean endemic species, a resident on some islands and a vagrant on others, is listed as Vulnerable largely because of deterioration of habitat, predators and hunting. Antigua and Barbuda are normally a stronghold for this species so it is concerning that the duck has not been sighted in recent months. It is hoped that the 2017 hurricanes did not reduce the population of this beautiful bird any further across the region.
On Guadeloupe, the picture was not a cheerful one. In the previous two years, around 300 Semipalmated Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers were present on the shoreline of Anse-Bertrand. This year, a solitary Semipalmated Plover was counted. There have been fewer ducks in the past two years even before the storms, and the Guadeloupe National Park reported generally low numbers of waterbirds on Fajou Islet.
Rare bird for the Caribbean: a Whistling Heron, native to South America, has been spending the winter in Curacao. (photo by Michelle da Costa Gomez)
However, the picture was not all “gloom and doom.” There was no cause for disappointment in Bermuda. Unusually, three goose species were counted (Snow Goose, Brant Goose, and Canada Goose). Amongst 17 duck species, the highlights were the White-winged Scoter (only the sixth record for Bermuda), Black Scoter and Common Merganser. However, the headlines were stolen by the first ever record of a Northern Fulmar on 8th Jan and the arrival of about 1,000 Killdeer in the first week of January, as a result of Storm Grayson in the northeast US.
Spectacular sightings included the continued appearance of the rare Whistling Heron (first spotted on Curacao on December 13 2017). On January 17 at Blue Bay Curacao Golf & Beach Resort, a Willet, several Stilt Sandpipers and Short-billed Dowitchers, and 238 American Flamingos were seen at St. Michiel, a Ramsar site on February 3, displaying courtship behavior.
Participants in BirdsCaribbean’s January Bird Tour to Cuba conducted CWC counts at Las Salinas in Zapata Swamp and other wetland areas in Cuba. White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, White Pelicans, and numerous species of herons, egrets, seabirds, marsh birds, and shorebirds were recorded at different locations in the swamp. A special treat was a boat ride in Santo Tomas, a sawgrass marsh deep within the swamp, to find the endemic Zapata Wren and Zapata Sparrow – a few individuals of both species were seen and heard.
Several islands, including Jamaica and Bonaire, organized birdwatching trips as part of their recognition of World Wetlands Day. The Anguilla National Trust conducted its CWC activities on February 1, the day before, with a bird count at East End Pond Conservation Area and Mimi Bay Pond. At East Pond, despite a somewhat gloomy afternoon, the Anguilla team spotted a number of waterbirds, including the Great Blue Heron, Greater Yellowlegs and Black-bellied Plover.
Zapata Wren, endemic to the Zapata Swamp in Cuba, singing its heart out. (photo by Ernesto Reyes)
Since 2010, the CWC has provided critical insights into waterbirds’ stopover and wintering sites – large, small and sometimes unexpected – helping us to build a picture that informs conservation efforts and planning for future programs. We hope that counts later in the year and into 2019 can provide us with more fascinating discoveries that will help us to understand our changing habitats and the behavior of our endlessly intriguing waterbirds.
By Emma Lewis, Blogger, Writer, Online Activist, and member of BirdsCaribbean’s Media Working Group, based in Kingston, Jamaica. Follow Emma at Petchary’s Blog—Cries from Jamaica.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to our fantastic network of dedicated CWC participants! Your observations are adding to our knowledge of bird distribution and abundance in the Caribbean, especially important this year because of the hurricanes which impacted so many islands in the fall of 2017. Everyone, including visitors and residents, is encouraged to continue doing counts and entering your observations in eBird Caribbean. Participation is easy – learn more at this link.
American Flamingos courting in St. Michiel, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, in Curacao (photo by Michelle da Costa Gomez)The International Waterbird Census enters its 52nd year as one of the largest citizen science programmes in the world. Up to today, the census has counted 1.5 billion waterbirds in 50,000 sites in about 180 countries. Every blue dot on the map shows where volunteers have taken part in the International Waterbird Census in the years since 1967.
Additional photos from CWC activities are featured in the gallery below. Hover over each photo to see the caption; click on photos to see larger images and a slide show.
Birding expert Junior Prosper (Environmental Awareness Group) teaches his son how to use the spotting scope to view wetland birds in Antigua. (photo by Shanna Challenger)
CWC participants in Antigua at McKinnon’s Pond. (photo by Shanna Challenger)
Boat ride in Santo Tomas, Zapata Swamp, Cuba to look for the endemic Zapata Wren and Zapata Sparrow. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
A rare wintering sea duck in Bermuda: White-winged Scoter. (photo by Andrew Dobson)
A flock of Willets and Short-billed Dowitchers take flight in Las Salinas mangroves, Zapata Swamp, Cuba (photo by Ernesto Reyes)
Sunset at Potworks Dam Reservoir – very low water levels this year (photo by Shanna Challenger)
A young birder, Jordan Lawrence, helping spot birds for the CWC count in Antigua (photo by Natalya Lawrence)
1,000 Killdeer showed up in Bermuda after winter storm Grayson in the Northeastern U.S., January 2017. (photo by Andrew Dobson)
Half the population of Brown Pelicans disappeared in St. Maarten after Hurricane Irma. (photo by Sipke Stapert)
Yellow-throated Warbler—one of many migratory birds that has benefitted from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. (photo by Bill Hebner)
What year is it? Well, last time we checked, 2018 was already well under way. So, is there anything special about it?
Yes, for bird enthusiasts there is. The National Geographic magazine has declared 2018 the Year of the Bird, recognizing the centenary of the historic Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Over the years, this Act has extended its influence across the Americas, helping to save the lives of literally billions of birds.
Encompassing twelve months of storytelling, science research and conservation efforts, the Year of the Bird is a partnership between the National Audubon Society, National Geographic, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, BirdLife International and dozens of other partners. Participants will examine how our changing environment is driving dramatic losses among bird species around the globe and highlight what we can do to help bring birds back.
Participating organizations include nonprofit and conservation groups, state and federal agencies, zoos, nature centers, and ornithological societies that are working together to raise the visibility of birds and inspire action (don’t forget the hashtags #BirdYourWorld and #YearoftheBird) throughout 2018. And BirdsCaribbean is a part of the project, too.
So, how do we in the region go about “birding our world” in 2018? What should we be doing to celebrate this special year?
Firstly, if you have not already done so, sign up at www.birdyourworld.org – not only for monthly updates, but for a Call to Action. For example, February was the month for the Great Backyard Bird Count – four days of tallying our bird observations and recording them on eBird, to give scientists a picture of what’s happening globally.
The month of March will focus on a topic that is dear to our hearts in the Caribbean: Native Plants for Birds.
Download a copy of our free eBook in English or Spanish to help you create a bird-friendly yard.
In post-hurricane islands in particular, this theme is especially appropriate. Our environment is changing, with particular challenges for our birds. By making sure that we grow native plants in our gardens and backyards, in containers and on verandahs, we are providing birds with the food and shelter they need – and helping them to adapt and survive. We can create a natural sanctuary for our birds.
BirdsCaribbean has already produced materials that will definitely help you to focus on native plants and birds during the month of March. Some visits to your local plant nursery may be necessary, or you may be able to propagate plants and trees that are in your neighborhood.
A very useful guide is our free eBook, Heritage Plants: Native Trees and Plants for Birds and People in the Caribbean. You can download this in English here, and it is also available in Spanish. This beautifully illustrated book focuses on both native and migratory birds in the Caribbean, and the plants and trees that attract them. For example, did you know that the slow-growing Lignum Vitae tree is a favorite of orioles, mockingbirds, tanagers, grackles and more; and that hummingbirds, bananaquits, and orioles are particularly fond of cactus flowers?
Another online resource is our free webinar, co-hosted in 2015 with the Bahamas National Trust, on bird-friendly gardening: Native Plants for a Bird-Friendly Yard. You can tune in here.
A Bee Hummingbird in Cubs perches in Firebush (Hamelia patens)—a beautiful native plant. The nectar and fruit are a favorite of hummingbirds, bananaquits, thrashers, tanagers and finches. (photo by Jessica Rozek)
“Birds and native plants are made for each other thanks to millions of years of evolution,” says Dr. John Rowden, Director of Community Conservation for the National Audubon Society, which has its own Plants for Birds online public database.
“With our changing climate and rising temperatures, there is an even greater need to nurture our beautiful birds,” commented BirdsCaribbean President Andrew Dobson. “Across the Caribbean, birds face many threats, including spreading urbanization, which is eating into bird habitats. So, let’s make the effort to focus on our native plants and trees – for the sake of the birds. They will feel right at home.”
By growing native plants, you can help protect birds while turning your home into a private wildlife paradise. It’s a “win-win,” for you and the birds.
By Emma Lewis, Blogger, Writer, Online Activist, and member of BirdsCaribbean’s Media Working Group, based in Kingston, Jamaica. Follow Emma at Petchary’s Blog—Cries from Jamaica.
Migratory shorebirds like Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderlings rely on Caribbean beaches and wetlands for a safe haven during migration and overwintering. (Photo by Max Schwenne.)
The fall of 2017 was a tumultuous one for the Caribbean. Hurricanes beat relentlessly on our islands, destroying homes, toppling trees and darkening cities. The storms hurt both people and nature, damaging forests, wetlands, and the animals that live in them.
Despite the challenges, bird enthusiasts across the region rallied to learn about migratory birds. At events all over the region, people young and old took time out from rebuilding to connect with nature. It brought people together with each other and with local birds.
These events were part of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD). IMBD focuses on the natural enchantment of birds and uses this to motivate a passion for their conservation through an annual conservation theme. In 2017, this theme highlighted the importance of stopover sites, those places where migratory birds rest and refuel before continuing their journey. IMBD takes place all over the Americas, and is coordinated by Environment for the Americas. Caribbean events are organized by BirdsCaribbean, and take many forms.
Dr. Adrianne Tossas (right) and her students at the University of Puerto Rico assessed the impact of Hurricane María on the numbers and diversity of birds in mangrove and coastal native forests as part of their IMBD celebration. (photo courtesy of Adrianne Tossas).
Dr. Adrianne Tossas involved students at the University of Puerto Rico in a study that will examine whether Hurricane María changed the numbers and diversity of birds in mangroves, coastal native forests and the seashore. Ingrid Flores, the Puerto Rico IMBD Coordinator, taught the value of wild spaces to migratory birds with school children at Instituto Las Américas of Caguas, Puerto Rico.
In Haiti, Anderson Jean from Société Écologique d’Haiti took 150 guests to Les Cayes to learn bird identification. In Cuba, a team led by Alieny Gonzalez visited schools to explain why stopover sites are key to migratory birds. Youth were amazed to learn that some birds can use wind gusts in their favor to “ride out” a tropical storm and survive. Grupo Jaragua in the Dominican Republic worked with more than 1,000 people during presentations and bird walks.
In the Dominican Republic, Grupo Accion spent two days with students of ABC school – they studied migratory birds and native plants that are “bird-friendly. They also learned how to use binoculars and identified 46 species of birds in a field trip to the Botanic Garden in Santo Domingo.
Coordinators in Cuba (Alieny Gonazalez and Ianela Garcia) talk about the importance of stopover sites for migratory birds with a youth club in Cuba. (photo courtesy of Alieny Gonzalez)
On islands impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, hundreds of hummingbird feeders and bags of bird seed were given out to help local birds. These were donated by BirdsCaribbean, thanks to generous donations to the organization’s hurricane recovery fund on Razoo. “Food for our birds was in seriously short supply following the hurricanes,” commented IMBD Coordinator Ingrid Flores. “People and schools were happy to receive these items so that they could help birds in their back yards survive through a rough patch.”
“Through International Migratory Bird Day, we work to engage people of all ages to make their homes and towns safe places for birds,” says Susan Bonfield, Executive Director of Environment for the Americas. For many islands in the Caribbean, creating safe spaces for birds can also be part of our recovery.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to all of our Caribbean coordinators for once again organizing amazing IMBD events this year! Thanks also to Lizzie Mae’s Bird Seed for donated “Hurricane Relief Bird Seed” and to Classic Brands and Songbird Essentials for discounted and donated hummingbird feeders. Thank you to Environment for the Americas for help with educational materials. And big thanks to the many donors that supported our Hurricane Recovery Fund on Razoo (still raising funds for recovery projects!).
Additional photos from celebrations around the islands are featured in the gallery below. Hover over each photo to see the caption; click on photos to see larger images and a slide show.
Materials for IMBD celebration in Carriacou Island-Grenada, organized by Keisha Clarke
Schoolchildren excited to learn about birds – IMBD in Carriacou Island, Grenada
Birding Field Trip – Carriacou Island, Grenada, organized by Akeisha Clarke
Youth birding for IMBD-Carriacou Island, Grenada
Special stickers help kids remember lessons learned – Carriacou Island, Grenada
A male Yellow Warbler in the Bahamas
Ingrid Flores presenting Birds of Pterocarpus forest
Children enjoy the migratory bird puzzle, Carriacou Island, Grenada
Ingrid Flores with primary children following IMBD activities
Ingrid Flores with a group of Graduates students of Universidad del Turabo at Pterocarpus Forest.
Bird feeder made at the Shorebird Festival organized by SOPI (Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña)
Side 1 of brochure produced by AMAZONA in Guadeloupe – all about the Caribbean Martin
Side 2 of brochure produced by AMAZONA in Guadeloupe – all about the Caribbean Martin
Proyecto Reverdece tu Comunidad-Birds in Agriculture conference
Proyecto Reverdece tu Comunidad-Black Friday Bird Count
Proyecto Reverdece tu Comunidad-Flyer-habitat conservation
Proyecto Reverdece tu Comunidad-Group Photo – habitat conservation
Proyecto Reverdece tu Comunidad-Black Friday bird census
Proyecto Reverdece tu Comunidad – Shorebirds sighted on bird count in October.
Proyecto Reverdece tu Comunidad – Oct bird count
Proyecto Reverdece tu Comunidad-Selfie time during the bird count
Proyecto Reverdece tu Comunidad-Working on bird ID during a bird count.
Proyecto Reverdece tu Comunidad-schoolyard birding
Proyecto Reverdece tu Comunidad – Second graders give feedback on bird ID Workshop.
Sheylda Diaz-Mendez and students at University of PR, Arecibo campus
Students show off materials in Univ. of Puerto Rico, Arecibo campus.
Birding at Shorebird Festival organized by the Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña
Shorebird Festival organized by the Puerto Rican Ornithological Society
Ingrid Flores at IMBD information table at Shorebird Festival
Birding at Shorebird Festival organized by the Puerto Rican Ornithological Society
Birding at Shorebird Festival organized by the Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña
Learning about birds at the Universitarios Pro Ambiente y Biodiversidad workshop in Puerto Rico.
Urban Green Lab-making bird journals with youth in Puerto Rico
Urban Green Lab-youth with their bird journals-
Urban Green Lab-PRHome-made bird feeder activity with youth in Puerto Rico
Grupo Accion in the Dominican Republic – group photo with students 2017
Students learned how to use binoculars and spot birds with Maria Paulino-Grupo Accion Ecologica, Santo Domingo, DR
Youth birding at Grupo Acción Ecologica IMBD activity in the Botanical Garden in Santo Domingo
Andrea Thomen (Grupo Jaragua) talks with students about migratory birds in the Dominican Republic
IMBD activity at Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR)
Children complete IMBD puzzle at Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR) event
Environmental Biology Association of University of Turabo – Festival event for students
Environmental Biology Association of University of Turabo – Festival event for students – showing materials
Education Coordinator for Jobos Bay NERR (JBNERR), Ernesto Olivares gives a talk about migratory birds
Environmental Biology Association of University of Turabo group photo
Eliezer Nieves Rodriguez at San Patricio Forest with Boy Scout Troup 685 getting ready for a bird census.
Eliezer Nieves Rodriguez at San Patricio Forest with Boy Scout Troup 685.
Eliezer Nieves Rodriguez leads students on a bird Census at the San Juan Bay Estuary via boat with Univ. of PR Human Geography students.
Students at Specialized School of Science and Mathemathics of San Juan color in drawings from BirdsCaribbean Migratory Birds of the West Indies coloring book.
Eliezer Nieves Rodriguez and students at Specialized School of Science and Mathemathics of San Juan.
Eliezer Nieves Rodribuez gives a talk about birds and restoration of the estuary at a San Juan Fashion Event.
Eliezer Nieves Rodriguez with students at a workshop and bird census with the San Juan bay Estuarine Program and UPR with the Environmental Interpretation Course
Banding demonstration Bermuda with Bermuda Audubon Society.
Teacher Johannie Mercado and kindergarten students celebrate IMBD in PR.
Teacher Johannie Mercado and kindergarten students celebrate IMBD in PR.
Art activity to learn about birds and celebrate IMBD in PR.
Kindergarten students of teacher Johannie Mercado prepare soil for planting native trees.
Teacher Mayra Ortiz and students in Puerto Rico participate in IMBD for the first time
Teacher Mayra Ortiz and students at Notre Dame Middle School
Wilson’s Plover adult and chicks. This is an excellent opportunity to gain multi-species shorebird and seabird ID and monitoring experience. (photo by R.J. Wiley)
Your help is needed to protect beach-nesting birds, nests, and young. Conservian is planning for Year 3 of their shorebird and habitat conservation program in the Bahamas. Come join them for the adventure of a lifetime!
BirdsCaribbean, the Bahamas National Trust and Conservian are seeking a weekly crew of 8 to 10 enthusiastic volunteers for our Bahamas shorebird and seabird habitat conservation project in May 2018 aboard our 75ft schooner research schooner. This is an excellent opportunity to gain field experience and shorebird ID skills. Trip cost for one week is $1,350 and includes your bunk, onboard meals, water, and ground transportation associated with project. Participants will fly to the Bahamas each week to designated airports for shuttle transport to schooner. A valid passport is required. Airfare and insurance are not included.
Project Summary
We need volunteers to help count birds and remove invasive plants from coastal habitats. This year we are visiting the Exuma Cays including two of the world’s largest Audubon’s Shearwater colonies and the world’s first and most beautiful Land and Sea Park. We are also going to the Joulter Cays and Andros for a week to some of the most important Piping Plover winter habitat. Both trips have ample opportunities to enjoy the beaches, islands, reefs, and marine life of the Bahamas while helping conserve the birds and other wildlife.
Our days will be filled with much adventure aboard the 75ft schooner “Avalon”. (photo by Margo Zdravkovic)
Our days will be filled with much adventure. The focus of the work is surveying for beach-nesting bird breeding pairs, nests and young, and working with local volunteers to implement protective measures in the field. Focal species include Wilson’s Plovers, American Oystercatchers, Least Terns, Audubon Shearwaters and other colonial nesting species. We will work in both populated and remote areas, sail blue Caribbean waters, visit white sandy beaches, boat to little islands, conduct ground surveys for beach and cay nesting birds, nests, and downy chicks, and meet new people. We will work with local volunteers to post and sign shorebird sites and control invasive Australian pine. Field crew will assistant with collecting data on breeding pairs, habitat assessment and human-created disturbance. Field crew will also assist with shipboard duties; sailing, cooking and cleaning. There will be time to fish, snorkel, enjoy the breath-taking beaches, and visit local island towns.
Project Activities:
Protect, post & sign shorebird & seabird sites
Collect new data on nesting shorebirds, seabirds & habitat
Locate and protect shorebird & seabird nests and downy young
Observe/assist with bird banding (conditions permitting)
Control invasive Australian pine on beach habitats
Work with local volunteers to accomplish the above goals
Snorkel reefs in gin clear waters
Learn saying crew skills
Fish for dinner-catch of the day!
Qualifications: Applicants must be responsible, adventurous, in good physical condition, enjoy working in teams and be capable of walking several miles during warm weather in the Caribbean. Applicants must be comfortable living communally onboard a schooner and riding in small boats to access survey sites.
May 2018 Expedition Schedule and Locations:
Aerial photo of the Joulter Cays, Bahamas (photo by Margo Zdravkovic)
Choose one week or more:
Week 1: Joulter Cays & North Andros – May 6-13 (Nassau Int. Airport) – shorebird focus
Week 2: Northern Exumas – May 13-20 (Nassau Int. Airport) – seabirds and shorebirds
Each week includes 7 nights aboard the schooner. If you have a special interest in seabirds, then participate in week 2.
The trip is being led by Margo Zdravkovic (Conservian) and Will Mackin (BirdsCaribbean Seabird Working Group co-chair) with assistance from Jennifer Wheeler, Lisa Sorenson, and The Bahamas National Trust. If you would like to join our conservation crew for a week or more, please contact Will Mackin, Margo Zdravkovic or fill out the short form here. The review of applicants is ongoing and will continue until positions are filled.
If you can’t go, we can accept donations of any amount to sponsor the trip. If you know of someone who would want to come, please send us their contact information.
Project partners include: BirdsCaribbean, Bahamas National Trust, International Conservation Fund of Canada, USFWS/NMBCA, LightHawk, Dow AgroSciences, Grand Bahama Nature Tours, Optics for the Tropics, Grand Bahama Port Authority, Bahamas Public Parks & Beaches Authority, Bahamas Environment, Science & Technology Commission, Rand Nature Center, Abaco Friends of the Environment, Treasure Cay Community Center, Royal Bahamas Police Force/Marine Support.
BirdsCaribbean’s second biennial photography competition took place at our 21st International Conference in Cuba, July 2018. The three judges thoroughly enjoyed looking through 72 photos submitted on BirdsCaribbean’s Flickr (look for tag “BCPhotoContest2017”) by many fine photographers.
This year’s contest featured three distinct categories as well as an overall Grand Prize Winner. The Endemics category showcased the bird species found only on Cuba. Fun with Birds and People highlighted both human-bird interaction and the International Conference itself. Birds and Nature explored birds as well as their habitats and the other animals and plants that make up island ecosystems.
The judges had a challenging time deciding on the winners in each category—they considered composition, focus, colour and overall interest of each photo. After some debate, the judges were unanimous in their decisions for the following prize winners.
Captured! by John Webster – First Prize winner in Fun with Birds and People category
First Prize – Captured! by John Webster, with a fun backstory: A local Cuban woman (not attending our conference) was painting a Belted Kingfisher using an illustration from Herb Raffaele’s Birds of the West Indies Field Guide as a reference. Herb, the good birder he is, spotted her working on the painting that was to be sold to the next tourist. Naturally, Herb was intrigued. Not knowing her understanding of copyright, he introduced himself as the author of the book. She was shocked and a little sheepish to be caught copying the artwork. This amazing moment was well captured by John Webster. In the end, to properly honor the author, she presented him with the freshly rendered kingfisher. ¿¡Que suerte?! Second Prize – Zapata Wren Here we Come by David Southall Third Prize – That’s the Bird! by Aly (DeGraff) Ollivierre Honorable Mention – Linda and Bee Hummingbird by Jessica Rozek
Whoooose there? Bare-legged owl by David Southall, First Prize Winner in Endemics Category
Congratulations to all the winners! The grand prize winner will receive a pair of Atlas Optics Sky King Binoculars (10×42) and JBL Flip 3 Splashproof Portable Speaker. First prize winners winners will receive a Woofit Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, second place will get a signed copy of Wildlife of the Caribbean and third place will receive a signed copy of Birds, Beasts & Bureaucrats. Thanks to our sponsors Eagle Optics and Princeton University Press for donating these fabulous prizes.
Thanks also to our three wonderful judges, Andrew Dobson, Skip Glenn, and Ivan Mota, for their time, expertise, and careful consideration of all the photos.
Finally, thanks to all the photographers who participated in the contest! Many excellent shots were submitted, making the decision on the winning photos a real challenge for the judges. To see the entries in each category, follow these links: Endemics, Fun with Birds and People, and Birds and Nature.
Broad-billed Tody perched in a tree. They will typically perch on small branches with food before entering the nest. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
Invasive mammals are known to be a problem on many islands. Holly Garrod shows first-hand how some of these pesky species are causing nest failure for one of the Caribbean’s most well known and best loved birds—the tody.
It was a muggy afternoon, typical for the summers in Jarabacoa, the central region of the Dominican Republic. Rubber boots on and camera in hand I was making my way through the creek system of a local farm. The goal was to check Broad-billed Tody nests. I was in the first field season for my master’s research, studying the breeding biology and behavioral interactions of Hispaniola’s two tody species: the Broad-billed Tody (Todus subulatus) and the Narrow-billed Tody (Todus angustirostris). One aspect of my research included how non-native mammals were affecting their breeding success. I had dubbed the creek I walked through as “tody neighborhood” (or barrio de barrancolis in Spanish), due to the high volume of nests I had found, totaling up to 15 in that one creek alone. I anticipated it would be one of my most productive sites this year, little did I know I was to be wrong.
But before I get into the mystery at tody neighborhood, let me explain some basic tody facts. Todies, while appearing to look like our pollinating hummingbird friends, are actually more closely related to kingfishers. Interestingly enough, todies are one of only two families of birds that are endemic to the Caribbean (the other being Dominican Republic’s national bird – the Palmchat). Within their Family Todidae, there are 5 species distributed throughout the islands of the Greater Antilles, most of which are named for the island they’re found on, excepting the aforementioned Hispaniolan todies. This interesting phenomenon, where Hispaniola is the only island to have two tody species, is the baseline for my master’s research, and the reason I was walking through creeks searching and monitoring for tody nests.
Typical clutch of Broad-billed Todies at 12 days old. Clutch size is typically 1-4 chicks. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
Now when most people hear “bird nest,” they think of an assemblage of twigs and moss carefully placed among the branches. But todies are different. For their nests, the pair chooses a dirt bank, then takes turns digging a burrow using their beaks. Typically, the burrows end up being about 10-15 cm deep, with some of them curving and all of them having an enlarged chamber at the end. With their preference for dirt banks, the best place to look for these burrows ends up being creeks.
Which brings us back to tody neighborhood. Walking through the creeks, notebook in hand, I stopped at the first nest. It was still early in the season, late May, and from my last check I knew all the nests had eggs. Now it was just a matter of seeing when they would hatch. I used an endoscope camera to check the nests, a long bendable tube with a camera and light on one end, where the other end hooked up to a monitor, providing live-stream tody footage. I slid the camera into the first nest, seeing nothing. Knowing that this nest had a tricky curve, I tried for several more minutes until something appeared, a cricket. Oftentimes when the todies finish breeding, other animals will move into the unoccupied cavities; typically large cave crickets are the most common. For this reason, todies almost always construct a new burrow every year. Presence of the cricket meant the nest had failed.
I continued to the other nests, hoping to have better luck. I breathed a sigh of relief as I saw the next nest still had the three eggs noted from several days earlier. But that’s where my luck ended. The next 5 nests had failed. I was baffled, from all outward appearances the nests appeared fine: the holes were still the same size and there were no signs of forced entry or tracks around the banks. When I returned several days later, it was more bad news. More failed nests and still mostly no signs of the culprits. Several nests appeared as though they may have been enlarged, but most others maintained the same outward appearance. Who could be predating these tody nests?
This is a Broad-billed Tody chick at 13 days old. I banded chicks between 12-14 days because at that point they were most developed. Chicks typically fledged (left the nest) around 14 days after hatching. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
I started putting up camera traps (part of my funding from the David Lee Grant), hoping to get footage of what was happening at these nests. The idea being, the camera traps are motion activated and start recording with the presence of movement. I set one up at one of the few remaining active nests in tody neighborhood, scattering the others at nests in other creeks. One week later, I returned to glean the videos. Sitting back at the field house, going through the videos I was disappointed with the first two cameras. Most of the videos showed twigs moving or people walking by, the angle looking slightly off to catch the curprit.
Then I came to a night picture. I was about to pass by when I saw the outline of a cat walking by. Suspect number 1. Yet when I checked the records that nest had fledged successfully when I retrieved the camera. Plus a cat would have to have caused some external damage to the nest hole to access the tody. Ruled out as the common culprit, but still a potential predator.
The next set of videos I pulled up began with a night shot. I waited several seconds and then suspect number 2 appeared: a rat. I watched several videos of what I can only assume to be the same rat climbing on logs and scurrying around. Video after video I watched the rat run around, but appear oblivious to the nest entrance. Finally, watching the rat take its usual stroll around the log, I saw it. The flicker of interest in the nearby nest hole. I watched as the rat approached, holding my breath. There was no way the rat could fit, it would have to dig out the nest at least a little bit, leave some trace of evidence behind. But lo and behold, the mammal contracted in its side and squeezed into the hole, no damage and no evidence. Then out it came, baby tody in its mouth. I finally understood why the nests were failing!
Video: During the night, a rat enters the tody cavity and predates one of the two tody chicks inside. The other was presumably trampled based on appearance the next day. This rat was caught on camera for several nights before entering the cavity. (Video by Holly Garrod)
As I continued watching the videos for another nest that had failed, I saw a third culprit appear, one I was surprised I hadn’t seen earlier. Let me introduce you to culprit number three, the mongoose. I watched as the weasel-like mammal appeared and begin excitedly digging at the base of the hole until it managed to disappear inside, and return with a single tody chick in its mouth.
Video: A mongoose digs out the nest from below and enters from the bottom, leaving with a tody chick at the end of the video. No todies were present after checking, suggesting the mongoose likely returned for the second chick. (Video by Holly Garrod)
A Narrow-billed Tody displays in the forest. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
Mystery solved. Or is it? From the videos and what evidence I could find, it appears that rats are the most wanted, followed by mongoose, and leaving room for both feral cats and dogs. What is clear is that the majority of these predations are from introduced mammals. Even though these mammals have likely been present on the island for several hundred years, it may not have been enough time for the tody to adapt in some way. Throughout these videos I saw no evidence of nest defense behavior, or evidence the parents were even present. Additional behavioral experiments I conducted using a mammal decoy showed the same result—no interest or concern in the “mammal” present at the nest. Do we really know the impact these non-native mammals are having on bird populations? Out of 42 Broad-billed Tody nests I was monitoring, nearly half (20) of them failed, while 6 of 20 Narrow-billed Tody nests failed. All of them appeared to fail from non-native mammalian predators.
While these mammals may not be putting a huge dent on the tody populations, it’s clear they are having an impact. Continued predation could cause a decline in population sizes, especially since the todies show little to no defensive behavior and are therefore highly vulnerable. My research highlights the importance of understanding breeding ecology and the factors that influence nest success in Caribbean endemics like the tody. It’s important to monitor populations so that we can undertake management actions if needed to ensure long-term survival of these amazing birds.
By Holly Garrod. Holly is a MsC student in the Biology Dept at Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania. One of the goals of her thesis research in the Dominican Republic is to better understand how Caribbean endemic birds respond to changing landscapes and invasive predators. Holly was a recipient of the 2016-2017 BirdsCaribbean David S. Lee Fund Grant.
Martha (Mandy) Walsh McGehee recalls her experiences with several devastating hurricanes in the Caribbean during the 1980s and 1990s, and the heartening interactions between people and birds in their aftermath.
I have had hurricane nightmares. Once, they were about boy-named hurricanes. Now they are about the girls. My first “bad dream” was in St. Croix in 1989, when Hurricane Hugo came to visit. My two-story home was demolished. The roof of the top floor and the sea walls on both floors were gone. I was in a downstairs closet for three days – blocked in by debris – before anyone could get to my house in the East End. I was lucky to be on the first flight to the United States. I never returned to St. Croix. Instead, I relocated to the island of Saba in 1990.
An aerial view of Saba after the hurricanes in the late 1990s. (Photo by Mandy McGehee)
On Saba, I had become known as the “Bird Lady” due to my work with the Rare Center for Tropical Bird Conservation (now called RARE), and my experience rehabilitating birds. My doorbell rang often and I would answer it to find an islander with a cardboard box, which contained an injured or dehydrated bird. I lost some, but was able to rehabilitate many.
In 1992 I met a man from Miami who came to Saba without a dive buddy and we eventually married. His experiences in Florida prompted him to update my home for hurricanes. For example, he immediately made certain that the glass doors and windows had adequate permanent shutters. All went well until my second bad dream in 1998: Hurricanes George (followed a year later by Lenny). We retreated to the laundry room that was a level down from the house and protected from the sea by our cistern. When we emerged and went upstairs to the main house, we found the stone walls were intact but the house was full of water. George even took our fireplace chimney and part of the roof with him!
I walked outside to our courtyard and couldn’t believe the number of Purple-throated Caribs and Bananaquits that were waiting on bare twigs near where our feeders had been. We had eight feeders in the fridge that I had removed the evening before George hit, and we took them out immediately.
My faithful Purple-throated Carib waiting in the yard. (Photo by Mandy McGehee)
The first feeder went to a Purple-throated Carib we called Buddy. He dominated the pool area and successfully defended “his” feeder from all other hummingbirds and Bananaquits. His perch was less than a foot away. We always talked to him and it took him no time to recognize his name. If he wasn’t on his perch above the feeder he would come in if we called him. When I removed his empty feeder he would perch outside my front door. When I came out with a full one he would fly to my shoulder and ride to the feeder. I think he chose the shoulder over the feeder to avoid being sloshed with sticky fluid. He was one smart bird!
With Buddy safe it was time to check on our Gray Kingbird named Jeremiah, who we rehabilitated after receiving him as a nestling. We had raised him in our family room, teaching him to catch moths and bugs outside when he was fully feathered and starting to fly. He came immediately when I called. Needless to say, it was such a relief that he had also made it through the Hurricane!
After Hurricane Georges in 1998, the lack of vegetation revealed a sight never before seen from my house- the airport down below. (Photo by Mandy McGehee)
After tending to the birds, I looked around and saw that the elfin forest was completely gone, stripped bare of all leaves, fruits and flowers. I knew what we had to do. We had a satellite phone and called Miami. I managed to get a donation of 250 hummingbird feeders and we ordered four pallets of birdseed to be shipped to the island in the fastest way possible.
The word spread quickly through the island that I had ordered emergency rations for the birds and as a result, our house became a feed and feeder distribution center. Most of the islanders lost their roofs. I can remember blue tarps covering damaged houses everywhere. Yet, in the midst of utter devastation, I would see Sabans out every day filling feeders for the birds.
From my experience, islanders really began to pay attention to their birds after the hurricane. Because the elfin cloud forest was gone, many birds that were primarily seen only there and passage migrants were forced to come halfway down the mountain to the villages in search of food. This excited people and I was constantly identifying birds for curious residents. A Baltimore Oriole was spotted and soon attracted the whole neighborhood!
Much of the vegetation on Saba was damaged after the hurricanes- removing critical food sources for many of the island’s birds. (Photo by Mandy McGehee)
Saba has no standing water, so water birds were especially exciting. One of the most memorable bird identifications I made was of a Green Heron. I arrived at the home of an elderly gentleman who was standing in his yard waiting for me. He thought the bird was the prettiest bird he had ever seen. He wanted to know everything about it. I always had a bird guide in my car so was able to answer all of his questions. After spending over half an hour discussing the bird and looking at it from all the varying angles, I finally told the man I needed to go home. He gave me a big hug and thanked me with tears in his eyes. He said he hoped the bird could go back to its home, but hoped that if another hurricane came the bird would visit again.
I have had nightmares again, since Irma and Maria. Throughout my career, I traveled to many islands to supervise bird projects we were working on in the Lesser Antilles. My heart breaks for all the islands impacted by the recent hurricanes, and I know many of them- and their birds- well. I am hoping that, by telling my story, maybe those islands can plan ahead and have a repository of feeders and seed on hand at the beginning of hurricane season. They will likely be rewarded, as I was, with an island that truly loves and takes care of its birds.
Cleaning up the damage after Hurricane Georges. (Photo by Mandy McGehee)
I would now like to add a postscript. Since writing the first draft of this article I have been in almost daily contact with my very dear friend on Saba who is the current bird rehab person specialist. When she wrote to tell me there was no more seed and few feeders on the island, I arranged for her to get in touch with Lisa Sorenson. Lisa has arranged for a seed and feeder shipment to Saba. I will always be grateful to BirdsCaribbean, and I am very proud to be a member.
By Martha (Mandy) Walsh McGehee, biologist and member of BirdsCaribbean since its beginning in 1988.
Editor’s note:We thank Mandy for writing about these memories. Her inspiring story, originally told to Lisa Sorenson by phone after Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit in September 2017, motivated us to make sure that all the islands (15) impacted by these hurricanes received shipments of feeders and seed. We’re happy to report we were able to do this, thanks to many generous donors to our Hurricane Relief Fund. We continue to help birds and our partners recover with many restoration activities planned for 2018. The needs are enormous, however, so continued donations to the fund are welcome.
Planning is underway for the 22nd International Conference of BirdsCaribbean. We are excited to announce that we will be hosted by Parc National de la Guadeloupe from 25-29 July 2019 on the beautiful Leeward Island of Guadeloupe.
It is a pleasure to announce the publication of the first issue of the Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba by Nils Navarro Pacheco and Ernesto Reyes Mouriño (No 1, 2017). This publication will serve as an official list and platform for work in the field of ornithology within the Cuban archipelago, as well as keeping the ornithological community updated on changes in taxonomy, systematics and new additions to the bird list of Cuba.
