Window To Our Wetlands: February 2010

Stilt sandpiper photo taken by Jacqueline Cestero.

(The Valley, Anguilla; Anguilla National Trust) In February, numbers and diversity of birds were up from January’s count with Road Pond, Caul’s Pond, and West End Pond accounting for over half of the birds recorded. Caul’s Pond was especially impressive with over 200 white-cheeked pintails observed on the pond’s northern shore. In addition, similar to last month, over 70 Black-necked stilts were once again seen on Mimi’s Bay Pond.

Wetland Bird Monitoring Dates: Wednesday 17 February – 19 February 2010

What to Watch For: Stilt Sandpiper

The Stilt sandpiper is a medium-sized shorebird that ranges between 7 and 9 inches. It has a grey back and fine grey streaks mark its white breast and belly. A mark also runs across its dark eyes. The Stilt sandpiper’s bill is long and dark and droops slightly at its tip. Its legs are long and green-yellow.

The Stilt sandpiper breeds in Alaska and Canada and migrates for the winter to central South America, travelling through the Central America and the West Indies.

In Anguilla, the Stilt sandpiper can be found on many of the island’s brackish-water wetlands where it feeds on insects.

In February, a total of 261 Stilt sandpipers were seen on West End Pond (217), Gull Pond (37), and Road Pond (7).

For more information about the Anguilla National Trust’s monthly wetland bird monitoring programme or to learn how to become involved, please contact the Trust at 497 5297. To become a fan and to receive regular updates on Trust activities, search for the Anguilla National Trust on www.facebook.com.

Farah Mukhida                                                                                                            21 March 2010

Executive Director