Noteworthy bird sightings: August 2010

Several rare birds were recorded in the month of August in south Trinidad. The South Oropouche Lagoon yielded several Paint-billed Crakes, two Dark-billed Cuckoos and an Aplomado Falcon. A visit to the Rousillac Swamp produced a Lesser Elaenia. Elsewhere in south Trinidad, Lined Seedeaters were observed.

The Paint-billed Crakes (Neocrex erythrops) were first seen in late July (the bird seen here was spotted on 25 July), but were seen occasionally in August. In all about four (4) birds were seen in various parts of the South Oropouche Lagoon during the period.

Lined Seedeaters (Sporophila lineola) have been reported visiting areas in south Trinidad for four (4) years now. After a weak showing last year the birds have returned in larger numbers. Fewer males (like this one digiscoped by Dave Smith) are seen than females.

This Small-billed Elaenia (Elaenia parvirostris) was seen in the Rousillac Swamp on 15 August. Initially mis-identified as a Lesser Elaenia, it may not be as rare as believed - the bird easily escapes attention in its scrub habitat

At the end of the month a pair of Dark-billed Cuckoos (Coccyzus melacoryphus) were seen in the South Oropouche Lagoon. A bird was spotted by Nigel Lallsingh on 31 August and a second bird was seen shortly after. A rare visitor to scrub.

And luck would strike twice that day as an Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) was seen flying low over the open fields near to the pair of Dark-billed Cuckoos. A rare visitor from the north usually recorded later in the year.