2017 — FIRST NEW BIRD FOR ST.KITTS (BUT NOT FOR NEVIS)

Some birds are expanding their range throughout the Caribbean, generally heading northwards. We have recently recorded a couple of birds that were first (and recently) spotted in Nevis but had never been seen here.

I got a call from Stacy Hobson, who lives in the hills overlooking the capital of St. Kitts, Basseterre, that there was an unidentified bird feeding at his bird-feeder. He described the female as brown and fairly big, and the male as black with a distinct “shine” when in direct sunlight, and they were a bit smaller than the Carib Grackle, with which he was familiar.

A few days later I headed up by Stacy and my suspicions were confirmed, —– the Shiny Cowbird!!

I had seen them before in Nevis, but never in St. Kitts – until now!

I snapped a few pictures but had to leave before I could get a good shot of the male in direct sunlight.

Nonetheless, another new bird for St. Kitts is always a nice feeling!