Shorebirds in Peril: Hunting Amid Decline by Edward B. Massiah

At the UN Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) COP15 which took place in Brazil in March 2026, member nations adopted major recommendations to protect migratory shorebirds of the Americas.

Highlighting severe and alarming global shorebird declines across the Americas, the summit up-listed and recategorized 7 highly threatened species in the Appendix of the IUCN Red List, and added 3 species to the list of Vulnerable species thus granting them the highest level of international protection.

Graphic credited to Birds Caribbean 

Shockingly, and what should be of particular alarm to all Barbadians is that many of these rapidly declining shorebirds are species still shot in large numbers as they pass through the island during the migration period 15th July - 15th October including:

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes: Uplisted to Vulnerable caused by drivers including unsustainable taking. Estimated population reduction of 26-49%.

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca: Uplisted to Near-Threatened caused by drivers including unsustainable taking. Suspected population decrease of up to 29%

Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus: Uplisted to Near-Threatened. Population estimated to be decreasing by 20-29%

Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus: Uplisted to Vulnerable. Estimated population decline of 20-49%

White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis: Uplisted to Vulnerable. Recent monitoring suggests a rapid population decline of 40-49%.

We believe that once the authorities in Barbados are aware of this highly perilous situation, that appropriate measures can be put in place to save these birds.

Edward B. Massiah is one of Barbados’ leading bird conservationists, best known as a co‑author of The Birds of Barbados (BOU Checklist Series, 2009), and for decades of fieldwork, monitoring, and advocacy for the island’s avifauna. He has combined scientific research with active participation in citizen science platforms like eBird, helping document species trends and conservation concerns. 

May 1st Tradition of Rarities, Answered

Red-footed Falcon seen and photographed
by Mike St. John on May 1st 2026

May 1st and the day before and after it, has a curious avian history in Barbados—it seems to be a date that consistently tosses up surprises for birders. Over the years, this single day has produced sightings that few would have believed possible on our island.

• In 2000, a Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus) appeared, a shorebird far from its usual Eurasian haunts.
• In 2001, a Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) and an Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) were both recorded, adding to the mystique of the date.
• And in 2026, May 1st delivered perhaps the most extraordinary record yet: a Red‑footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus), the first ever for Barbados and the entire West Indies.

Curious about why this date seems to attract such rarities, I put the question to Dr. Andrew Farnsworth of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Andrew is a migration ecologist best known for his leadership in Cornell Lad BirdCast project, which uses radar, acoustic monitoring, and machine learning to track bird migration in real time. Since the late 1990s, he has been a central figure in advancing aeroecology—the study of large‑scale bird movements—and in bringing migration science to the public. His expertise in climatology, movement ecology, and vagrancy patterns makes him uniquely qualified to explain why Barbados, perched at the edge of the Atlantic flyway, so often becomes the stage for extraordinary sightings around May 1st.

Here is what he explained:

“It’s a union of climatology, movement ecology, and disorientation in late‑departing migrants from nonbreeding grounds—birds that are, in effect, moving outside the normal timing and directional envelope of their populations. Barbados is especially well positioned to reveal this pattern in early May and June because it is an exposed, easterly first landfall on the edge of the Lesser Antilles, where birds displaced across the low‑latitude Atlantic or southern Caribbean are more likely to be detected than lost across larger landmasses. By this point in spring, many appropriately oriented migrants (of many species) have already moved north, so the remaining odd records are disproportionately likely to involve late, delayed, overshooting, or directionally anomalous individuals. In 2026, that seasonal window coincides with the transition from the southern Caribbean dry season into the wet season, persistent Atlantic trade‑wind influence, and increasingly unstable late‑spring weather—conditions that can help convert small errors in timing or orientation into conspicuous vagrancy events on Barbados. A similar pattern of bizarre extralimital sightings often coincides with the first two weeks of June in the U.S. as well.”

So according to Andrew, May 1st falls within a seasonal window where weather, migration timing, and geography combine to deliver these avian gems every now and again. It’s one of those quirks that makes birding on this tiny island such an adventure—and why the stretch from April 30 to May 2 has become especially important days for birders in Barbados.

May 1: First for Barbados and the Region

May 1st in Barbados has a history of producing birds that defy expectation. In past years it delivered mega-rarities like Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus) in 2000, Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), and Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) in 2001, just to mention a few. May 1st, 2026, added to this record with a mega-rarity that turned out to be the first record for Barbados and the West Indies. ( Read more about the phenomenal sightings around May 1st here )

The Sighting

Undertail view of the Red-footed Falcon, photograph by Michael St. John

On that morning, the sharp eyes of birder Michael St. John, while birding in St. Lucy, caught sight of a falcon he believed to be a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). In his eBird posting, he noted that the bird “flew overhead fairly fast and continued towards the southeast.” Fortunately, he managed to capture several photographs as it passed by. The images revealed a raptor with the classic falcon silhouette—slender wings, an elongated tail, and a reddish-colored undertail. These features quickly cast doubt on the Peregrine identification and instead suggested two mega-rare possibilities, both species that winter in Africa: the Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) and the Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus).

Underparts view of the Red-footed Falcon, photograph by Michael St. John

On May 4th, Michael updated his eBird record after consulting with experts. Renowned raptor specialist Dick Forsman reviewed the photographs and a short video clip, noting: “It appears to have moulted its underwing coverts partially, which is not normal for a second-calendar-year bird. However, these are clearly dark, contrasting with the retained pale and barred juvenile feathers, identifying it as a Red-footed Falcon.”

The identification was settled, highlighting a first record for Barbados, bird species number 295 (Clements 2025), the West Indies, and only the second record for the Western Hemisphere (New York Times 2004).

About the Falcon

The Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) is about 11–13 inches (28–34 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 25–30 inches (65–75 cm). Males are smooth blue-grey, accented by vivid red legs and undertail coverts, which give the species its name. Females are more patterned, with a warm orange head, pale face marked by a dark eye stripe, and grey wings. Juveniles resemble females but are browner overall, with streaked underparts. It breeds across eastern Europe and west-central Asia, often nesting in colonies that reuse old corvid nests, especially those of rooks. A long-distance migrant, it travels thousands of miles to winter in southern Africa, with countries like South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana hosting large numbers. Occasionally, individuals wander far outside their normal range, with rare records even in North America and now Barbados. It is listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss, hunting, and reduced nesting opportunities.

Barbados continues to prove why it is considered a true vagrant trap—a birding box of crackerjacks. Come birding with us, and you’ll discover that you never quite know what surprises the island skies will deliver.

The Global Big Day 2026: Join Bajan Birders & Friends

The Global Big Day is quickly approaching, and we couldn’t be more excited! Last year, the Bajan Birders & Friends team soared to new heights during Birds Caribbean’s Global Big Day 2025. With 15 dedicated birders from four countries, we spotted an incredible 251 species and raised $840—breaking personal records and contributing to a record-setting count both regionally and globally. Relive the highlights here: Global Big Day 2025 Record-Breaking

On May 9, 2026, we invite you to join us once again for another unforgettable Global Big Day. This year, while enjoying birding with friends across the Caribbean and beyond, we’ll also be raising funds for travel scholarships. These scholarships will help Caribbean students and wildlife professionals attend the BirdsCaribbean International Conference, July 23–27, 2026, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago.

Every bird counted adds to the bigger picture of conservation. Every contribution helps a budding conservationist take flight. Together, we can bird, give back, and make this Global Big Day extraordinary.

👉 Sign up or contribute here: Bajan Birders and Friends – BirdsCaribbean Global Big Day 2026.

Barbados Birding Highlights: December - February (Winter Birds)

This period brought an exciting mix of rare visitors and continuing highlights across the island. From flooded cane fields in St. Lucy to coastal lookouts in st. Philip, birders recorded several noteworthy species— from a common rare bird to a first for Barbados, all the discoveries are listed below.

Waterfowl Surprises

• Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) – First observed at a flooded cane field in St. Lucy by Michael St. John.

  

  Wigeons - Eurasian (L) and American (R)

• Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope) – One bird appeared at Fosters, St. Lucy on December 24. Two days later, another was seen at Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge (WSR) among American Wigeons.

Shorebirds 

• Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) – Of three discovered by Quincy Clarke on September 28, one remained at Congo Road, St. Philip.
• Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) – First noted by Ian “Bolt” Atkins on November 30 at WSR and continued at the site into March.
• Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) – Discovered by Muriel Aboso and Anthony Levesque at North Point, St. Lucy, and still showing well into March.
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Seabird

• Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) – Seen at Oistins, Christ Church by Ocean Campbell.
  
  
  
• American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) – Also recorded at Oistins by Ocean Campbell.
• Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) – Three records this season: one off North Point, St. Lucy on December 10 (Julian Moore), and two more at Deeble Point, St. Lucy on February 21 (Quincy Clarke).

Spoonbills, Herons and Egrets

• Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) – Continued presence at Fosters, St. Lucy.
• Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) – Possibly multiple individuals, with sightings ranging from Fosters, St. Lucy to Congo Road, St. Philip, and even the reopened Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary.
  
  
  
• Western Reef-Heron (Egretta gularis) – Discovered by Ian “Bolt” Atkins on December 26 at WSR, where it showed well.
• Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) – A regular visitor, continuing this year.

Raptors

• Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) – Rediscovered at Deeble Point, St. Philip by Quincy Clarke.

Songbird Rarities

Grey  Trembler - A new bird for Barbados

• Grey Trembler (Cinclocerthia gutturalis) – A brand-new species for Barbados! First noticed by a resident near her home, with a second bird confirmed on January 1 at My Ladies Hole, St. John by Edward Massiah.
  
  
  
• Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) – Found at Turners Hall Woods, St. Andrew on February 25 by Julian Moore.

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Closing Note

This winter season has been remarkable, with both expected visitors and extraordinary surprises. The Gray Trembler stands out as a historic addition to the island’s bird list, while the diversity of waterfowl and seabirds underscores Barbados’ importance as a stopover and wintering site.

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Another Wintering Warbler Species

Prothonotary Warbler FP

Yes, another warbler species has been recorded wintering on the island! This time it’s the Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea), discovered by Ocean Campbell of Ocean Hikes on March 12th at Turners Hall Woods, St. Andrew. 

While the Prothonotary is among the more regular of our rare wintering warblers, it’s still considered uncommon here—like all wintering warblers, with the exception of probably the Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis), which occurs in larger numbers. This sighting marks the first record of the species for 2026. 

The Prothonotary Warbler is a striking golden-yellow songbird, breeding in the swamp forests, river floodplains, and wooded wetlands of the eastern and southeastern United States. In winter, it migrates to Central America, northern South America, and in small numbers, the Caribbean. It’s one of the most beautiful birds you might encounter while birding on our island.

The migratory Warblers Seen thus far for 2026: 

• Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis)
• Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)
• Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor)
• Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea)

Wherever your birding takes, stay safe and enjoy your birding.

Here is an interesting tip bit about the Prothonotary Warbler:

Unlike most warblers, the Prothonotary Warbler is a cavity nester. Instead of weaving nests in shrubs or trees, it uses natural holes in standing dead wood—or even nest boxes—often near water. This unusual behavior sets it apart from nearly all other warblers and adds to its charm as a species full of surprises.

 

Two Wintering Warblers

Wintering warblers are always a rare treat on the island, but within the span of just one week, I was fortunate to record two different species.

A female Black-and-white Warbler at Turners Hall Woods

The first, a female Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia), appeared on February 25th at one of the island’s best spots for wintering warblers—Turners Hall Wood, St. Andrew. Soon after, another individual joined her. This species breeds across northern and eastern North America and winters in the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. It is unmistakable in appearance, clad in bold black-and-white stripes. Females, like the one photographed here, show a white throat, while males display a black throat.

Prairie Warbler

Just days later, on March 4th, I encountered something even rarer—a Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor). Rain had thwarted my plans to bird at Turners Hall Woods, so I decided to explore a road I had only recently noticed, despite driving past it daily for months. The road led me into a mix of vegetation: River Tamarind (Leucaena leucocephala) on one side, mature Flamboyant trees (Delonix regia), and dense shrubbery.

With warblers still on my mind, I stopped to “phish” and see what might respond. As usual, the first arrivals were Barbados Bullfinches (Loxigilla barbadensis) and Bananaquits (Coereba flaveola). Then, in flew the warbler. Even before I saw its colors and markings, the size and shape gave it away. Once I caught sight of the plumage, I knew instantly—it was a Prairie Warbler. This beautiful species breeds in the eastern and southeastern United States and winters in Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of Central America. Its preferred habitats include scrublands, mangroves, and regenerating forests—ironically, it is seldom found in actual prairies.

I hope we will find more warblers before the season end.  That would be great. 

Barbados Birding Highlights: August–November 2025 (Fall Migration Period)

Fall migration continued the extraordinary wave of bird activity across Barbados. From familiar annual visitors to rare and mega-rare migrants, even a first island record. The island’s wetlands, coasts, and reserves became a stage for remarkable sightings. Each observation cemented Barbados as a vital stopover for migratory species and a migrant trap, especially for old world species. 

Here are the records for that period:

Shorebirds and Waders

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) rediscovered at North Point, St. Lucy on September 21st.
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) seen at WSR on November 30th (Ian Alkins).
Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) (2): one at Long Pond, St. Andrew on October 12th (Ed Massiah), and another at North Point on October 21st (Muriel Aboso & Anthony Levesque).

Southern Lapwing

Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) at Fosters on September 14th (John Webster).
Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) at Alaska Impoundment, Bright Hall, St. Lucy on October 25th (Muriel Aboso & Anthony Levesque).
Ruff (Calidris pugnax) (2): first on October 24th (Michael St. John), joined by a second on November 9th (Ed Massiah).
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Calidris subruficollis): two at Fosters on September 22nd, singles at Congo Road on September 27th (John Webster), and Alaska Shooting Swamp on October 21–22nd (Muriel Aboso & Anthony Levesque).

Gulls and Terns

Two Lesser Black-backed Gull at Brandon's Beach

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (2): first at Brandons Beach, St. Michael (Qunicy Clarke), later along the west coast.
Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis): Oistins Jetty on August 4th (Julian Moore), Chancery Lane on August 29th (Michael St. John).
Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) photographed at Long Pond, St. Andrew on August 30th (Michael St. John).

White-winged Tern

White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) at Fosters on November 7th (Julian Moore).

Glossy Ibis

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus): close to 50 birds recorded across the island.
Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia): first seen flying over the Ermie Bourne Highway on September 4th, later settling at Fosters, St. Lucy.
Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea): a regular visitor, continuing at Fosters and WSR.
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis): first at Six Mens Bay on September 15th (Qunicy Clarke), also at Oistins from August 26th to November 8th.

Raptors

White-tailed Hawk (Geranoaetus albicaudatus): still present, mainly around Walker Reserve.
Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus): a first record for Barbados, discovered October 26th (Muriel Aboso & Anthony Levesque), last reported November 12th.

Passerines

Red-eyed Vireos

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) (2): Harrison’s Point on October 19th (Julian Moore).

Cuban Martin (Progne cryptoleuca): Spring Hall, St. Lucy on August 26th with Caribbean Martins (Julian Moore).
Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) (2): Graeme Hall Swamp on November 9th (Musse Björklund), Fusilier Road, St. George on November 22nd (Macrae Hoyos).
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina): photographed at Fosters, St. Lucy on October 31st (Michael St. John).

New Avian Species on the Best Day of Birding

December 26 will surely go down as one of—if not the—best birding days of 2025 in Barbados.

Western Reef-Heron one of the rare birds at WSR

That morning, most of the island’s birders gathered at the Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge (WSR), drawn by the sharp eyes of its principal, Ian “Bolt” Alkins. He had spotted a strange-looking heron wading in the shallows, and his alert quickly brought the community together. The bird turned out to be a Western Reef-Heron (Egretta gularis), a true mega-rarity for the region.
As if that weren’t enough, while scanning the refuge we discovered another surprise—a Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope). Both species are exceptionally rare in the Caribbean, though each has been recorded on the island before.
The excitement didn’t end there. As birders chatted and compared notes at WSR, one of the newer and enthusiastic members of the community, Macrae Hoyos, shared a video of a bird no one expected to see in Barbados. He then led me and fellow birder Ocean Campbell on a twisting and winding drive throught the parishes of St. Philip and St. John to the eastern fishing port of Consett Bay, St. John.

Gray Trembler

There, the mystery bird was quickly confirmed: a Gray Trembler (Cinclocerthia gutturalis), a near-endemic of Saint Lucia and Martinique. Measuring about 9–10 inches (23–26 cm)—roughly the size of our familiar Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis)—the trembler showed off its grayish-brown plumage, paler breast and belly, and a slightly darker facial mask. Most striking of all were its eyes, glowing with the brightest golden hue I’ve ever seen.

This unexpected find nudged Barbados’ official avian tally even closer to the 300 species milestone, a testament to the island’s rich and ever-surprising birdlife.

Two New Avian Species Record for Barbados

It’s been a little while since my last post—not because things have been quiet, but quite the opposite. The final quarter of 2025 has been packed with birding headlines, and the biggest news of all is the addition of two new species for Barbados, both of Old-World origin.
The first of these was spotted on May 6th by local birder Quincy Clarke at Harrison’s Point, St. Lucy. The bird was later identified as a Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus). Unfortunately, his photograph was too poor for a confident identification at the time, but it set the stage for what was to come. Just two weeks later, on May 20th, I had my own fleeting encounter with the same bird while driving along Highway 7 near Top Rock, Christ Church. It was flying from the direction of the Graeme Hall Swamp. I pulled into a nearby car park to snap a photograph to assist with the identification, but a series of unfortunate events thwarted that effort. In my eBird post at the time, I described the bird as:

“A large bird of prey. Because of the backlighting and looking into the sun, I couldn’t make out color. It had broad wings with finger-like extensions, held in a V-shape while gliding, and a long tail.”

Hen Harrier photographed by Michael St. John

The mystery lingered until June 11th, when Michael St. John finally captured a usable photograph of the bird in St. Lucy. Even then, local and regional eBird reviewers debated whether it was a Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius), a raptor from the Americas, or a Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus), its Old-World counterpart. Yes—even with an image, the identification remained elusive. Finally, in early September, the puzzle was solved. Dr. Mark Avery, former Conservation Director of the RSPB, reviewed the evidence and confirmed the bird as a Hen Harrier, clearly explaining his reasoning in a blog post.

The second new species was much easier to identify. It was discovered by visiting birders from Guadeloupe, Muriel Aboso and Anthony Levesque, right at the close of their highly successful trip to the island. Remarkably, they spotted it on their way to the airport—a final highlight before departure. Their find was a Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), a small raptor observed along the Belle, St. Michael stretch of the ABC Highway. Widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Eurasian Kestrel is best known for its distinctive hunting style. Using a hovering flight technique called kiting, it faces into the wind and flaps rapidly to remain suspended in place, scanning the ground below for prey. Its diet typically includes small mammals, insects, and birds, making it a versatile predator.

With these two remarkable sightings, the island’s official bird tally has now risen to 292 species (Clements checklist)—a milestone that underscores the richness and diversity of Barbados’ avifauna.

The Unexpected Return of the Southern Lapwing

Southern Lapwing 2025

A bird once thought lost to the Barbadian landscape has made an unexpected reappearance.  On September 14th, Dr. John Webster observed a Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) in the parish of St. Lucy—marking a thrilling moment for local birders. This striking South American species, known for its bold plumage and loud, defiant calls, has long held a special place in Barbados’ avian history.

First recorded on the island in 1998, the species made headlines again in 2007 when a nesting pair at Bright Hall, St. Lucy produced three chicks—the first documented breeding of Southern Lapwings in the entire West Indies.  By 2021, the last time the species was recorded here, only a lone female remained. She faithfully returned each year to the Turf Farm at Bright Hall to nest. Despite laying eggs, her efforts were in vain—without a mate, the eggs were infertile, and no chicks emerged to carry the lineage forward, effectively halting the species’ expansion on the island. With no new sightings in recent years, many feared the Southern Lapwing had been lost to Barbados. But this new observation stirs hope once more. Whether the bird is our long-resident female or a fresh migrant from South America, one thing is certain: the Southern Lapwing has returned to Barbadian soil—even if just for a little while.

Lean more about the Southern Lapwing - Here and here

Banded Birds and Their Journeys

As August ushered in peak migration season, we observed an unusually high number of banded shorebirds passing through—three of which were equipped with GPS trackers. These tracking efforts, led by ornithologist, help monitor bird movements, reveal migration routes, uncover behavioral patterns, and support global conservation initiatives. Platforms like bandedbirds.org allow us to follow the journeys of these carefree world travelers in real time.

Whimbrel FF6 photograph by Michael St. John

Our first tagged bird was a Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), with the tag FF6, recovered on August 7th by Mike St. John at Long Pond, St. Andrew.

Whimbrel FK7 photograph by Michael St. John

At the same location on 30th, Eagle eyed Mike saw another Whimbrel (FK7) with a GPS tracker. While we don't have information on this specific bird's banding location or journey, its presence here is a wonderful start to our sightings for the month.

Willet HO4 with GPS tracker photograph by Michael St. John

The next exciting sighting also occurred at Long Pond, this time a Willet with a GPS tracker, HO4, seen by Mike St. John on August 22nd.

Willet HO5 photographed by Qunicy Clarke

A few days later, Quncy Clarke spotted a second Willet, HO5, at Inch Marlow in Christ Church. Thanks to Nathan Senner, we learned that both birds were tagged in Massachusetts, USA, in June as part of a Massachusetts Audubon project.

We also had a repeat visitor! A Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), tagged 2=T, was seen for the second consecutive year at Inch Marlow, Christ Church. This bird has made quite a journey.

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), tagged 2=T

• Captured and tagged: May 27th, 2018, at Mispillion Harbor, Back Beach, Delaware, USA.
• First Resighting: August 19th, 2023, at Long Beach, Christ Church, Barbados.
• Latest Resighting: August 14th, 2025, at Inch Marlow, Christ Church, Barbados.

Our final observation was of a Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), tagged N20, which was spotted at River Bay, St. Lucy. 

Semipalmated Sandpiper tagged N20

• Captured and tagged: May 13th, 2024, at Fortescue, Raybins Beach, New Jersey, USA. 
• First and only resighting to date: July River Bay, August 26, 2025

Each of these sightings offers a vital clue in understanding the migratory journeys of these vulnerable species. By tracking their movements, we aim to identify and address the challenges they face along their flight paths—and ultimately help reverse their population decline.

You can play a part in this important work. If you spot a banded bird, please report it to bandedbirds.org or share the sighting with us at Birds of Barbados.

Thank you and continue to enjoy your birding!

A Rare Sighting: The Cuban Martin Visits Barbados

Male Cuban Martin

On August 27, 2025, while the air in Barbados was filled with the sounds of CARIFESTA XV, thanks to the electrifying performance by the Cuban group Rumba Allstars, a different kind of cultural exchange was taking place in the skies. Without any fanfare, a rare and unexpected visitor arrived on the island: a Cuban Martin (Progne cryptoleuca).  This iconic bird, a species endemic to Cuba, was spotted at Spring Hall, St. Lucy, mingling with a flock of its more familiar Caribbean Martin (Progne dominicensis) cousins. While they share a similar shape and behavior, a closer look reveals the distinct features of this special guest. Unlike our local Caribbean Martins, the males of the Cuban Martin species are completely glossy blue-black, with subtle hints of white on their lower underparts. The females and juveniles, on the other hand, are much less iridescent, with a muted gray-brown breast and flanks contrasting with their white underparts.

This sighting is a fantastic reminder of the incredible biodiversity of the Caribbean region.