The Barbados Birds and Birding Report - March

Pacific Golden-Plover was a new addition to the 2024 checklist

March witnessed a surge in birding activity, with over 50 checklists submitted to eBird for Barbados, mostly by visiting birders. A warm welcome to all the birding visitors who contributed to these numbers! We also added some new species to the 2024 checklist, visiting birders David Blezard spotted a Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) at Bath Beach, St. John. Additionally, a Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva) appeared in St. Philip. This rare sighting, both for the island and the region, is believed to be the same bird recorded in the same location for multiple years.

Spotted Sandpiper molting to breeding plumage

Most migratory and some local birds are currently in various stages of molting, transitioning into their vibrant breeding plumage. This transformation, especially pronounced in males, serves a crucial purpose: attracting potential mates. The molting spectacle varies greatly between species. Take the Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius), for instance. Throughout its stay, it sported a plain white underside, but now it's transforming into its diagnostic spotted attire.

Sanderlings (Calidris alba) is another fascinating example. This speedy shorebird begins its molting journey here but migrates north before completing the transformation but keen eyes see them trading their pale winter coat for a reddish-brown look.

Ruddy Turnstone in breeding plumage

Meanwhile, Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) puts on a full fashion show right here in Barbados. Keep an eye out for these stunning birds at Oistins or Inch Marlow, Christ Church. Their black and white heads and throats create a captivating contrast with their vibrant chestnut and black backs. 

Other migrating noticeably molting are Blue-winged (Spatula discors) and Green-winged (Anas crecca) Teals, the Greater (Tringa melanoleuca) and Lesser (Tringa flavipes) Yellowlegs, and a variety of other shorebirds, each showcasing their own unique molting transformations.

April Notes 

As the month progresses, the molting process of migratory birds will become increasingly noticeable. During this time, many avian travelers will commence their journey but coming from breeding grounds south will also drop in while heading northward. One such bird is the Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) This vibrant beauty often makes a brief stopover, seeking refreshment, particularly during inclement weather, so be on the lookout for them. However, by the end of April, numerous visiting species will be en route to their breeding grounds, preparing to perpetuate another generation of globe-trotters

March Rare Bird Sightings

While the month was uneventful in terms of new rare bird sightings, there were intriguing additions of pelagic sightings worth noting. As we came to the end of the winter season, some cruise ships repositioned on the other side of the Atlantic so it wasn’t surprising to see Atlantic pelagic records turning up on ebird for the island, all within its eastern sovereign boundary.  These sightings provided a fascinating glimpse into an area of birding—pelagic birding—that is not commonly explored on our shores.

Here’s a summary of the notable rare birds observed in March, parish by parish. (*birds that remained from previous months)

St. Lucy

One of the two remaining Glossy Ibis

• Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)*(2)  - Two birds were seen at the usual location, with one going into breeding plumage. 
• Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) - two birds, brown phase, were identified from photographs off of the Animal Flower Cave.

St. Philip

Ruff

• Ruff (Calidris pugnax)* (2) - these two birds are moving between ponds in ponds in the parish and a few outside.
• Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva) - believed to be the same bird recorded in the same location for multiple years.
• Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) (8) - multiple records from cruise ships journeying across the Atlantic 

Christ Church 

Ruff

• Ruff (Calidris pugnax) (3) two of the birds from St. Philip with another one was seen at the WSR. Judging by the bird's sizes it is believed to be two males and a female (Reeves)

Grey Heron

• Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) - spotted at two locations in the parish, still try to confirm if it is a different bird than the one in St. Lucy.

Feel free to contact me, Julian Moore @ 100birdsbarbados@gmail.com, John Webster @ barbadosbirds@gmail.com, or Ed Massiah @ ebmassiah@hotmail.com to report any rare bird sightings, or if you need assistance identifying a bird, we would be happy to help.  A new tool to help with your local bird identification is our Facebook Group, The Birds of Barbados. Click here to join