Naturalist Notes: In the Backyard

There is always something interesting happening in nature. Some people have this misconception that you have to be in the forest to see the wonders of nature, but really nature exists all around us! Just take a moment and look around, do you know how much cool stuff you can discover right in your own back yard?

Today I looked out my back door and there were Tropical Mockingbirds, Palm and Blue Tanagers, House Wrens, Yellow Orioles, and Bare-eyed Thrushes.

So next time you’re outdoors tune in to your surroundings, you would be surprise as to the amount of wildlife that exists.

__________________

Standing upright and tall

With strong arms wide open

In each and every direction

Teeming with life

And yet giving life to all

Who am I?

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: King Vulture

This is a short blog because frankly I am a stickler when it comes to giving out information. I’m all about telling it as it is and if I don’t know I’m honestly not one to make up stories. Sometimes just by saying you don’t know opens up the door to learning so much more.

In all my years as a Naturalist, I have never seen the King Vulture. This species, from what I have read, is not a very common sight in Trinidad. It is considerably larger than the other two members of this group (Black and Turkey). Another significant difference, the adult bird is mainly white, having a darker lower back and tail. 

Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Black Vulture

The Black Vulture is relatively smaller than the Turkey Vulture. It is mainly black, except for the wing tips (fingers) which are whitish in color and very distinctive, especially in flight. Their heads are also featherless and black in color.

Besides feeding on carrion and occasional fruits, they are sometimes known to attack live prey, particularly newborns like the hatchlings of Leatherback turtles as they emerge from the sand. This species is more often observed in large groups.

 © Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Turkey Vultures

I think one of the most underrated groups of birds is Vultures. They are so important to us and yet we often take them for granted. There are three species recorded for Trinidad—Turkey, Black and King (which is extremely rare, I am yet to see one!). These birds feed primarily on carrion (dead animals) some occasionally are also known to eat fruits. Their major role in the environment is to help clean up all the carcasses, without them one can only imagine the smell and sight which would exists.

In my previous notes I mentioned the resemblances between the Zone-tailed Hawk and the Turkey Vulture, today I will continue with the Turkey Vulture.

The Turkey Vulture is locally called Corbeau and is frequently observed throughout the island. In flight they are very unsteady, and often times you can see their distinctive dihedral (a V formation of the wings as they are held above their bodies). It is mainly brown-toned black in color with a red featherless head. It has a wingspan of over 5 feet and is just about 30 inches in length. The underside of the wing is two-toned in color, the upper half is dark and the lower half grayish. They have a heightened sense of smell and this is how they are able to find their food.

So the next time you see a Turkey Vulture do not turn up your nose, but smile and offer a  soft thank you to a creature that’s doing a very important job!

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Zone-tailed Hawk

Lately I have been seeing quite a number of Zone-tailed hawks as I walk throughout Arima and Malabar. This species of raptor (bird of prey) is mainly black and is sometimes confused with the Turkey Vulture, because they share several similarities.

They both have a dihedral shape when they fly, which simply means they hold their wings above their bodies in a V formation. When viewing both in flight, the underpart of the wings are two toned in color, the upper half darker than the lower half. In addition, they are both unsteady flyers, rocking back and forth.

The main distinguishing feature I use in identifying them is their tail, the Zone-tailed has at least 2 white stripes on the tail, also the edge looks like it has been clipped with scissors — it appears almost squared, as opposed to the Turkey Vulture's tail which lacks the white stripes and is rounded at the edge.

A major difference between both birds is their diet, the Zone-tailed feeds live prey like mammals and birds, while the Turkey Vulture feeds on carrion.  It is also smaller in size than the Turkey Vulture. Once you are close enough to the Turkey Vulture you should be able to see their red featherless head, whereas the Zone-tailed head is covered with feathers.

An interesting fact is that sometimes you can find a Zone-tailed hawk flying amongst a group of Turkey Vultures, it is believe they do this to capture unsuspecting prey! So next time you see a Turkey Vulture look closer it might just be a Zone-tailed hawk.

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Denise Etienne

 I have been pondering on what topic to write about next, suddenly it dawned on me why not write about myself - not intending to sound vain or anything, ;-)

I have been a naturalist for as long as I can remember, the great outdoors always brings me a sense of serenity. In 1995 I began my career as a Guide at the Asa Wright Nature Center, where I was able to share my love for the environment with others, educating foreigners and locals, adults and children of the importance of preservation. Enlightening everyone I possibly could to the simple fact that we all have a part to play in protecting our planet, despite how small our role maybe, it is just as significant as our existence.

Denise Etienne

Blue and Yellow Macaw

Hello, thanks for bringing us back
For we were once under attack
Almost to the point of extinction
Now we are notable to distinction
Fruits and seeds we love to eat
Palms are definitely a tasty treat! 

                            ~ Denise Etienne

This poem and painting are featured in our book "Birds of Trinidad"

I will be taking two weeks off, be back soon.
Take care,
Denise

Poem by © Denise Etienne. Image: "Hello" watercolor, courtesy of © Beatrice Bork

Feel

Close your eyes and listen to the wind.

As it dances through the leaves. 

Filling your heart with utmost joy, in its simplicity.

Feel it caressing your skin.  

Comforting, counseling and healing your soul.

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: White-Chested Emerald Hummingbird

One of the most aggressive species of hummingbird I have encountered while birding in the rainforest is the White-Chested Emerald. They intensely defend their territory by chasing away other birds, even people at times. They are indeed fierce! It is not recorded in Tobago.

This is a monomorphic species, which means the sexes are similar in appearance. They are just about 3.75 inches in length. Their upperparts are mainly green fading into a bronze rump and tail, (from the back it looks very similar to the Copper-rumped hummingbird, but lacks their distinct blue tail). The underparts are white with greenish sides. This species is quite vocal with no particular tune.

So folks, this wraps-up the 17 hummingbirds of Trinidad. I hope you all enjoyed, please feel free to ask any questions!

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Long-billed Starthroat Hummingbird

I have seen the Long-billed Starthroat hummingbird mostly in forested areas in Trinidad. It is not recorded in Tobago.

This infrequent species is just about 4.5 inches in length. The sexes are generally bronze-green in color on the upperside and grayish on the underside, both have white moustachial streaks. The males have a distinctive turquoise crown with a reddish throat, while the females have a greenish crown with a black throat. When identifying this species I particularly look for a white jagged streak on the back, this is not usually noted in the field guides. 

Their straight bill is reminiscent of a sword because it’s so long!

© Denise Etienne