As usual, birders and leaders met on the Malecon across from VCHT at 7:30. In our brief stay
there we saw 1 White-winged Dove on the wire, 1 Royal Tern on the rocks at the west end of
the beach, 2 Brown Pelicans and 5 Great Egrets flying near the island. 1 Gray King perched on
the top of the light pole.
The next stop, just inside the gate to Sun Bay, we observed a nice variety of birds, some on the
ground and some perched in the trees across the field. We had good viewings of
1 Scaly-napped Pigeon, and 1 Smooth-billed Ani. With the scope we were able to identify
1 Merlin perched at the top of a dead branch. Kingbirds were very cooperative. We had
sightings of 1 Gray Kingbird and 1 Loggerhead Kingbird. Once you see them together, you
understand the difference. Thanks to the scope, 6 Caribbean Martins with their dark upper and
white under parts were easily spotted resting at the top of the radio tower.
It was a banner day at the lagoon. We counted 41 White-cheeked Pintail ducks, some resting
and some dabbling, mixed with 26 Black-necked Stilts. 1 Great Blue Heron, 7 Great Egrets, and
12 Brown Pelicans were in deeper water. 4 Lesser Yellowlegs fed near the shore. Overhead 1
Osprey and 2 Magnificent Frigatebirds circled waiting for a meal. 1 Antillean Crested
Hummingbird whizzed by, 1 Yellow Warbler in the mangroves showed off its stripes, and 1
Bananaquit flitted around.
Our final destination was the small pond in the Reserve at the east end of Sun Bay. Trees shade
the path making the walk a pleasant relief from the sun. Because most shorebird numbers are
decreasing, conservation and protection of their habitats is essential. We are always careful
about disturbing them, and we cautioned everyone avoid frightening them. At the pond we
were happy to see 5 Black-necked Stilts and 4 Greater Yellowlegs. 1 Gray Kingbird gave us nice
views.
As we walked back down the path, we heard Bananaquits calling and Adelaide’s Warblers
singing.
The next Trust bird walk will be February 22. Meet on the Malecon across from the Trust at
7:30.
VCHT Bird Walk Leaders;
Dale and Priscilla Doucette
Mike and Marie Murphy
Chuck Sklar and Jeff Mendoza
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