Noteworthy bird sightings: October & November 2011

The months of October and November proved to be very productive for birdwatchers with some extraordinary sightings coming out of Central and South Trinidad.

On 15 October a flock of 14 White-faced Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna viduata) was found in the South Oropouche Lagoon. It is not known whether these birds were genuine visitors from the mainland or releases from the Wildfowl Trust, however their nervous behavior could indicate that they were wild birds.

Later that day, a playing field in Penal produced both a Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) and two Buff-breasted Sandpipers (Tryngites subruficollis). Both are migrant sandpipers, on passage through Trinidad and Tobago.

In November, at least two Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea) were found feeding in the mangroves at Carli Bay by N. Lallsingh and D. Smith. At least one Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata) was also in attendance

At Orange Valley, a Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) was found by D.Smith and N. Lallsingh at the gull roost. This is the third reported sighting for Trinidad & Tobago.

While not considered a rarity, several Yellow-billed Cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus) were reported from both islands. Yellow-billed Cuckoos are migrants from North America on passage through Trinidad and Tobago, on their way to South America.

An adult Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis) was seen circling over the Rousillac Swamp on 16 November. This species was last reported in Trinidad & Tobago in 1998.

Finally, a pair of Scaled Doves (Columbina squammata) was found at the Pitch Lake in La Brea by S. Parasram. Undoubtedly the most extraordinary sighting of the period, this species has rarely been reported on mainland Trinidad.