Rare migratory bird spotted in TT

One particular species is the osprey (pandion haliaetus). The osprey, also called sea hawk or fish hawk, can also be seen year round in TT. The numbers, however, dramatically increase during the North American winter period where they migrate south. Their diet consists primarily of live fish which they swoop down and catch with their specialised opposable outer toe which allows them to grasp fish. They can even dive, feet first, up to a metre deep.

These amazing birds can cover over 250 km per day when migrating. One particular sighting of an osprey at the Petrotrin, Pointe-a-Pierre dam was seen to have a red tag on its leg. This sighting was made by Nicholas Hassanali who is a member of the Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust. Based on his research, it was discovered that the osprey was tagged in July this year. The tagging was done by Ben Wurst a member of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, Red Band Project.

Since this is a juvenile osprey he will spend the next two winters here. With such an ample foraging ground, it is likely that he will imprint on this area and may return here for the rest of his life. The nest he came from was comprised of three siblings; they were tagged 04, 05 and 06 C. Since 04/C was sighted, the search is on for 05 and 06!

From time to time, Trinidad and Tobago is also host to a one of a kind visitor. This year a European black kite (milvus migrans) was spotted. This species of bird is home to Europe and South Asia with migrations documented to Africa and even to Australia. The sighting is possibly the first record for such species visiting TT.

The sighting was first made by Jaipersad Roopchand and members of the Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust Jameel Mohammed and Hassanali. This bird of prey was unknown to them and had to be researched extensively. The particular species that has been sighted is believed to be milvus migrans (Boddaert, 1783) (European black kite). These species are known to be opportunistic hunters with high tendencies to scavenge. The latter can account for why it has been seen flying and perched with American black vultures, known locally as corbeaux. Their interaction with one another, however, is not very congenial. The corbeaux have been observed attacking and attempting to chase the black kite off at times without much success. The species was also observed feeding whilst in flight clutching its prey with one foot. The prey was seen to have been dropped several times and the black kite was able to catch it again in a magnificent aerial manoeuvre. This behaviour closely resembles that of the swallow-tailed kites (Elanoides forficatus), another member of the accipitridae family, where a small band can be observed year round in Trinidad.

The various habitats within Trinidad and Tobago must be viewed with a high priority when it comes to protection from things like deforestation, pesticide use and hunting. Our shores are vital wintering and breeding grounds to a myriad of avian species. Determination of how we can protect and preserve these vital breeding and foraging grounds should be firstly sought out by bird lovers, conservationists and governments. Together they can accomplish great things for the present and future generations. To date, other sightings of migratory species include crane hawk, immature peregrine falcon and West Indian whistling duck. Annually, several migratory species are seen on the lakes and in the environs of the Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust.