There is an excerpt from “Bonaire’s New Bird Species (2021-2024).” See the entire article in dcna nature (Bionnews 81).
Every year, “new bird species” are observed in the ABC Islands. This means species that have no previous records of Alba, Bonaire, or Curacao. Since 2016, new bird species updates have been regularly provided to Bonaire Bionnews. Between 2016 and 2020 (see Bionnews Questions 11, 19, 31, and 43), a total of 16 new species were reported, four of which were entirely new to the ABC Islands. Among these new species of Bonaire are birds of prey that have been identified only in 2024, eight years after the initial observation. This article discusses the sightings of this bird of prey and eight new species recorded between 2021 and 2024. [. . .]
Blue and White Swallow (2021) On July 10th, three local birders (Sietse Nagelkerke, Steve Schnoll and Susan Davis) woke up early in the wetlands of Washikemba to observe Wattl’s Jakana, which had been discovered by two visitors the day before. While they enjoyed this unusual vagrant, unfamiliar swallows appeared in the marsh. The birds alternated between foraging low above the water and resting on bare trees in the center of the wetlands. Based on their photos, they were able to identify the birds on the same day Blue and white swallows. [. . .]
Blue and white swallows There are three subspecies, all of which breed in South America. The white amount of the Bonaire bird’s obscurity suggests it belongs to a subspecies Patagonica. This subspecies breed in southern South America and migrate to the northern part of the continent after the breeding season.
Manxia Water (2021) On November 11th, Martijn Hickmann discovered sheared water while working on the water along the ocean side of Lac Bay. The birds were flying around and resting in the ocean. He managed to film the bird and based on his recording, it Manxia Water. [. . .] On November 14, 2023, Hickman again observed Manx Shearwater in the same location and took a photo. [. . .] Manxia Water They breed mainly and in large numbers on islands in the northern Atlantic Ocean. Outside of breeding season, species are dispersed throughout the Atlantic Ocean, reaching the southern tips of South America and South Africa. Its presence in the Caribbean is exceptional.
Green Wing Teal (2021) On the afternoon of November 21st, Peter Paul Shetz observed a female Teal swimming in the “Main Pond” of a water treatment facility. This would have only been in a Green Winged Teal (American Teal). Visually, this type of female is Eurasian Tealoccurs in Europe and Asia. Until a few years ago, both (Eurasian teal and green-winged teal) were considered subspecies of a single species, General teal. [. . .]
Green Winged Teal It is extensive in North America and is located south of Mexico and the northern Caribbean islands. Occasionally, individuals travel to the ABC Islands. Interestingly, this was Bonaire’s first recorded sighting. Observations from Alba and Curacao are known from November to April. [. . .]
Yellow Thrush (2022) In the ABC Islands, rare songbirds are usually observed in October and November, but in 2022, Steve Schnoll demonstrated that May can also bring surprises. On May 20th he discovered a woman Yellow thrush Washington Slagbai National Park was the first recorded sighting of the ABC Islands. The next day, Snor watched the bird again. This type of male is black, resembling a male blackbird, while the female is brown. Both sexes have yellow legs. [. . .] The species breeds in northern Venezuela. Venezuela is relatively close to the ABC Islands. However, the intersection to the island has never been documented previously.
White Tail Kite (2022) On September 4th, Susan Davis discovered an adult White Tail Kite Near the water treatment facility. This small, elegant bird of prey hovered into position, providing a spectacular view by hunting. The bird eventually stayed in Bonaire for more than two weeks, with the last sighting recorded on September 19th. During this time, they appeared in various locations, but sometimes they couldn’t track them for a few days. [. . .] White Tail Kite It is located in the western and southern United States, Central America, and most of South America. It is relatively common in northern Venezuela and is known for its migratory behavior. Nevertheless, this species has only been observed twice in the ABC Islands, and these sightings are very noteworthy. [. . .]
White Id Bileo (2024) On January 13th, Steve Schnoll discovered a White eyed vireo Washington – at Pos Mangel in Slagbai National Park. He managed to record that distinctive song, later observing the bird several times, and making his final sighting in late March. Schnorr has also managed to capture some great photos. This sighting represents a new species of the ABC Islands. White eyed vireo It breeds in most of the United States and in the northeastern part of Mexico. It usually has winter in the southern United States, southern Mexico, and the larger Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica). The Bonaire birds were far from their normal range.
Godwit of Marble (2024) [See photo by Denise de Jongh-Rekwest above.] The latest Bonaire up until 2024 is Marble Godwit. On March 21, during a visit to Salt Pan, Susan Davis found a large share bird between a group of black-necked sticks she had never seen before. It turns out to be a marble godwit. [. . .] The photo Davis took a photograph of the bird is the first documented image of the ABC species. Three days after the first sighting, the bird was also observed by Dennis de John Lekwest. [. . .]
Conclusion: Thanks to the patience of some local birds, new species are added to the ABC Islands bird list every year. Around 245 species are recorded in Bonaire, with a slightly higher number in Alba and Curacao. [. . .]
See the complete article https://dcnanature.org/bonaire-birding-2024/
[Shown above: Marbled godwit by Denise de Jongh-Rekwest, 24 March 2024, salt pan Pekelmeer.]
