This is the SOUTH EASTERN CARIBBEAN BIRD ALERT January 2009 summary of sightings through the Region. Sponsored by the T&T Field Naturalists Club, our aim is to promote birding and ornithology by fostering communication among resident and visiting birders regarding the study of birds in the region. The SCBA and information about TTFNC, T&T Rare Bird Committee and our Photo Gallery are accessible at “http:///ttfnc.org” . Reports should be sent to Martyn Kenefick tel 674.7609; Email “martynkenefick@hotmail.com” The T&T Rare Birds Committee requires details for species indicated with an asterisk.
 
From Guadeloupe, a TREE SWALLOW (2nd for Guadeloupe) at Port-Louis Swamp on 25th Jan together with 300 BARN SWALLOWS, 10 BANK SWALLOWS and a NORTHERN PARULA. On the same date, a roost of 35 CARIBBEAN MARTINS were at Point a Pitre
 
From Barbados, heavy rain on 1st Jan brought in a LAUGHING GULL at Bridgetown Port ( a rarity in winter) whilst 39 CARIBBEAN MARTINS roosted in the town on 8th Jan. In St Philip 1 female and 4 male MASKED DUCKS were at a favored breeding site on 10th Jan and the 2 EURASIAN SPOONBILLLS, first found on 17th Nov 2008, remained all month. 
 
From St Lucia, on 26th Jan a very early returning CARIBBEAN MARTIN was seen at Moule a Chique together with at least 6 RED-BILLED TROPICBIRDS. At least 5 POMARINE JAEGERS were lingering in Soufriere Bay 26th - 27th Jan together with a probable PARASITIC JAEGER (potentially 1st for St Lucia) on the 26th. and a very early LAUGHING GULL on the 27th 
 
From Tobago, a NORTHERN PARULA * was found at Englishman’s Bay on 31st Dec 2008
 
In Trinidad, the Christmas Bird Count was held on 28th Dec. The lower than usual summary of 4705 birds and 173 species can be explained by the most unsavory weather conditions, especially for those counters in the Northern range. No locally rare species were found 
 
In the northern range of Trinidad, a hike east along the ridge trail from Morne Bleu Textel on 17th Jan produced 4 ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE THRUSH, 3 YELLOW LEGGED THRUSH and a female BEARDED BELLBIRD.
 
In north west Trinidad, 2 RUFOUS NIGHTJARS were seen at Point Gourde on 29th Jan
 
From the west coast of Trinidad, the un-seasonal presence of WILSON’S PLOVERS continues at Orange Valley with 14 birds present on 8th Jan. Early morning along Abidh trace, Cacandee produced 4 SORA RAILS on 11th Jan; still present on 18th Jan together with a YELLOW BREASTED CRAKE and the first reported DICKCISSEL of the season
 
In south west Trinidad, an adult male MASKED DUCK * in close to breeding plumage was found in South Oropouche on 8th Jan; present at least until the 11th. At the same locality, 3 RUDDY BREASTED SEEDEATERS were found on 11th Jan
 
From the east coast of Trinidad, an adult RUFOUS NECKED WOOD RAIL * was seen in mangrove north of Manzanilla on 1st Jan. This is the first documented mainland record away from Caroni swamp. In the same general area a sub-adult RUFOUS CRAB-HAWK was seen the same day
 

RARE BIRD REPORTING :- many of the identifications from Trinidad and Tobago reported in the SCBA are tentative. The T&T Rare Birds Committee, founded in 1995, requests details for all rare birds observed (see Species Review List at our website). Please submit details to the TTRBC Secretary : Martyn Kenefick, 36 Newalloville Ave, San Juan - Email “martynkenefick@hotmail.com”