April 2013
Kathy Genaw
Our visit to Aruba during the last week of April, 2013, provided me with 9 new species of birds to add to my life list. In total, I was able to check off 24 species from your website list. Bubali Bird Sanctuary was amazing. A Scarlet Ibis flew overhead as I watched from the top of the tower, but, sadly, I missed that photo op. The Yellow Warblers were stunning! Other species at this location included the Common Moorhen, Caribbean Coot, Green-backed Heron, Tropical Mockingbird, Carib Grackle and the Common Yellowthroat (female). At Arikok National Park I spotted a Crested Caracara in flight, but missed that shot as well. The troupials seemed happy to pose, however. It was here in the Park where I was able to get the shot of the Northern Scrub Flycatcher. While visiting the Butterfly Farm, I heard a continuous squawking coming from the wooded area around the complex. Before I left, I took the opportunity to scout around a bit and was rewarded with a wonderful sighting and photo of the Brown-throated Parakeet! Moments later, a Blue-tailed Emerald hovered briefly just a few feet before me! On the grounds of the Aruba Marriott Ocean Club, I was delighted to find a pair of Black-faced Grassquits in an Oleander shrub. Least terns were numerous in the California Sand Dunes area, and on the property of the Aruba Marriott Surf Club, where we were staying, Bananaquits, Bare-eyed Pigeons and both male & female Carib Grackles were common sights. On the beach, Ruddy Turnstones scurried about and, overhead, Magnificent Frigatebirds circled above fishing boats. We hope to make a return trip to this lovely island during migration season next year!