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.

BirdsCaribbean’s Island Bird-Off is Back for Global Big Day 2026!

The biggest birding day of the year returns on Saturday, May 9th, 2026! Global Big Day (GBD) is more than a mass data collection event, it is a global celebration of magnificent birds and the incredible people who protect them, all focused on amplifying our potential to create a lasting, positive impact on our planet. On this day, bird enthusiasts and nature lovers around the world head outdoors to document as many bird species as possible in just 24 hours. These observations help scientists monitor bird populations, track migration patterns, and identify habitats in need of conservation.

What makes GBD truly special is that it’s open to everyone wherever they are. Whether you’re an expert birder chasing a rare endemic deep in the forest or just starting out with backyard birds, there’s a place for you in this global effort to understand and protect birds.

Compete for the Cause: Join Our Team Challenge!

We’re thrilled to bring back our popular teams competition for GBD 2026, and we’d love for you to be a part of it! Both national (individual islands) and multinational teams are invited to join in the effort to make a lasting impact on the birds and ecosystems of the Caribbean. Continue reading >>>

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. 

Great Backyard Bird Count 2026—joining together for the love of birds! By Team eBird

Sora, one of the birds that can be seen during the GBBC

The annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is Friday, February 13 through Monday, February 16. The GBBC was one of the first online projects to collect information on wild birds and was also instrumental in the creation of eBird back in 2002. Now there are more ways than ever to participate and share your love of birds!

If you’re new to birding, participate with Merlin: beginning bird admirers can participate in the GBBC using Merlin Bird ID—simply identify birds and save them with the app anytime February 13-16.

If you’re already eBirding, participate with eBird: go birding for at least 15 minutes anytime February 13-16, count all the birds you see or hear, and enter your observations via the GBBC website or eBird Mobile app. If you haven’t used eBird since the last GBBC, take the free eBird Essentials course for a refresher. continue reading here >