Grand Bahama Birding Group surveying Paradise Cove Mangrove Wetland
Bottom left: Reddish Egret, and bottom right: Tricolored Heron
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The recent fieldtrip by the
Grand Bahama Birding Group, led by Erika Gates, took enthusiastic participants
to several productive birding sites in the western part of Grand Bahama Island.
The first stop was the
mangrove wetland between Paradise Cove and the Westend Highway where 14 species
were observed. A Reddish Egret and a
Tricolored Heron were exciting new species for several of the birders.
Off to a good start, the
group proceeded to a wetland at Bootle Bay and amongst 14 species recorded at
that location was a pair of Gadwalls which had not been seen on Grand Bahama
before but had been recently recorded by Dr. Woody Bracey on Abaco! The male
and female migratory ducks were “lifers” for everybody in the group.
The Gadwall male with his distinctive white patch (Birding Fieldtrip to West Grand Bahama)
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A brief stop was made at one
of the three miniparks that have been developed along the waterfront through
the efforts of the Westend community under the leadership of Nakira Wilchcombe,
Linda Barry-Cooper and Keith Cooper. The attractively landscaped areas invite
visitors and residents to relax on benches, have a picnic and enjoy the birds
that are foraging or resting in the natural mangrove habitat and along the
sandy shoreline at low tide. An interpretive bird sign, designed and installed
by Grand Bahama Nature Tours, enhances the site.
Nineteen Birders on Fieldtrip to West Grand Bahama (from left to right: Rudy Sawyer, Peter and Nikki Meith, Keith Cooper, Judith Dawkins, Chas Tuchel, Erika Gates, Zeko Mckenzie, Delores Kellman, Linda Barry-Cooper, Barbara Zill, Mary Tarzwell, Louise Durocher, Charmaine Hall, Bridget Davis, Marian Chamberlain, Duncan Mullis and his guest, Christopher Baker taking photo
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The Birders were once again
permitted by Mr. Derek Gape to visit the Ginn Golf Course at Westend where the
last three hours were spent that resulted in the observation of 21 species.
Again they were treated to a highlight by being able to observe a rare
Bonaparte’s Gull which was bobbing on the waves of a canal totally oblivious to
the group!
Bonaparte's Gull (Birding Fieldtrip to West Grand Bahama)
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To end a perfect day of
birding, the group gathered at the Old Bahama Bay beach front restaurant for a
late lunch. The service was friendly and food was excellent and the camaraderie
and friendship among the birders were outstanding ! For species list please
refer to www.ebird.org and check 2/14/15 locations Paradise Cove, Bootle
Bay, Westend
Lunch at Old Bahama Bay
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Erika Gates is
owner
of Kayak Nature Tours (one of the first Eco-Tour businesses in The
Bahamas); co-founder of the Ecotourism Association; a published writer;
and a Cacique award winner! Her column
Bird Talk will enlighten and educate us about birds of The Bahamas, as well as the importance of Ecology. Erika can be reached at
gbntours@hotmail.com or (242) 373-2485
