ARUBA BIRDLIFE CONSERVATION

PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY GREG PETERSON ON THE ISLAND OF ARUBA IN 2011

This page has grown very long.  In 2012 I will start a new page with photos sent in by Greg for that year.  For now this will be the page to look at.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS TAKEN BY GREG IN 2012

This Caribbean Coot loves our salinjas and is very much at home at Tierra del Sol. It eats the moss that grows in the brackish waters. This bird has evolved intelligently. It gets a load of young of which most fall prey to the Peregrine Falcon. Every year for the past ten years I have seen the pairs of Coots raise two or three young ones successfully. They offer the larger part of their offspring to keep the predator content while assuring the existence of its own species.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 10 April 2011 – Tierra del Sol - Aruba
English: Caribbean Coot
Papiamento: Gaito frente blanco
Dutch: Caribische Koet
Scientific: Fulica caribaea

This Bare-eyed Pigeon is educating the photographer. You can observe two seeds of the fruit of the cactus on its beak. Once this bird has had its fill, it flies away and disperses the seeds of the cactus. The cactus on the other hand makes the bird an offer it can’t refuse: a delicious belly full of healthy fruit. Flora and fauna are one system!
Photo: Greg Peterson – 10 April 2011 – Tierra del Sol - Aruba
English : Bare-eyed Pigeon
Papiamento : Barbacoa (Ala Blanca)
Dutch : Naaktoogduif
Scientific : Columba corensis
TO SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP, CLICK ON THIS LINE: Aruba Birdlife Conservation You can help save our birds!

The Pied-billed Grebe can be found from Canada to Argentina; a true American. At Tierra del Sol, three pairs have successfully bread young this year. This bird is a true diver and whenever danger may arise it escapes by diving and swimming away rapidly under water; sometimes quite a challenge for the photographer to follow. In this picture the parent to the left has a broad black band encircling its bill. Its young still has extra camouflage traits on its head.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 10 April 2011 – Tierra del Sol - Aruba
English: Pied-billed Grebe
Papiamento: Sambuyado pico diki
Dutch: Dikbekfuut
Scientific: Podilymbus podiceps

The greater yellowlegs is a regular non-breeding visitor. They breed in Alaska and Canada and travel to Aruba as one of our special repeat tourists. At our salinjas they enjoy small fish, crustaceans and worms and never leave a chance pass by to snack on insects as desert…
Photo: Greg Peterson – 10 April 2011 – Tierra del Sol - Aruba
English: Greater Yellowlegs
Papiamento: Snepi pia hel grandi
Dutch: Grote Geelpootruiter
Scientific: Tringa melanoleuca

The American Kestrel often takes up a strategic position at a height to attain a clear overview of a certain piece of terrain. It targets lizards, mice, large insects and sometimes even small birds. Once it swoops into action, dinner is served! At this moment Kinikini’s are breeding all over the island. Once in a while they nest at locations which can lead to unfriendly encounters between protective parents and human passersby. Sometimes this can lead to a scare. Once the young leave the nest, this type of conduct stops. The solution: tolerance and patience!
Photo: Greg Peterson – 20 March 2011 – Aruba
English: American Kestrel
Papiamento: Kinikini
Dutch: Amerikaanse Torenvalk
Scientific: Falco sparverius

The Troupial (Turpial in Spanish) is Venezuela’s national bird. In the Caribbean it is found in Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire and Puerto Rico. It is found in the South American continent from Colombia down to Argentina. They are beautiful to see and a joy to hear. Next to fruit and insects they also sometimes eat small birds and eggs. They mostly breed from March to September.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 20 March 2011 – Aruba
English: Troupial
Papiamento: Trupial
Dutch: Oranje Troepiaal
Scientific: Icterus icterus

Chuchubi chasing away a Warawara from its nesting location.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 17 April 2011 – Aruba

Photo: Greg Peterson – 24 April 2011 – Tierra del Sol - Aruba
English: Crested Bobwhite
Papiamento: Patrishi
Dutch: Kuifbobwhite
Scientific: Colinus cristatus

Photo: Greg Peterson – 25 April 2011 – Tierra del Sol - Aruba
English: American Kestrel
Papiamento: Kinikini
Dutch: Amerikaanse Torenvalk
Scientific: Falco sparverius
TO SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP, CLICK ON THIS LINE: Aruba Birdlife Conservation You can help save our birds!

Artistic rendering of the act of procreation of Aruba’s Kinikini.
Photo and rendering: Greg Peterson – 25 April 2011 – Tierra del Sol - Aruba
English: American Kestrel
Papiamento: Kinikini
Dutch: Amerikaanse Torenvalk
Scientific: Falco sparverius

And then there is that sparkle of hope again. Two proud and protective Shoco parents (Aruba’s Burrowing Owl) with their brood of four.
Aruba Birdlife Conservation has campaigned strongly to get this local endemic subspecies nominated as Aruba’s National Bird. But so far nothing yet from the committee involved in this matter. March 31st 2011 was the deadline for their project. Minister Sevinger will be responsible for the final decision. We keep our fingers crossed and hope that our Shoco will soon be nominated. Nominating the Shoco as Aruba’s National Bird might just make the difference between the Shoco making it … or not making it.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 1 May 2011 – Aruba (long distance shot…)

The Osprey eats fish. Its eyes are like binoculars. It flies around above our waters until it targets its prey. Then it hangs still in the air for a moment, pulls in its wings and dives with high velocity straight at the fish. When hitting the surface of the water its claws are stretched forward and its wings are stretched out in the opposite direction. I have witnessed the entire bird disappear under water only to appear shortly afterwards holding on to its catch with its very long talons; deadly weapons. The Osprey is then wet of course and has extra weight to lift in order to break free from the surface of the water. The Osprey then flies to a dry and safe location for dinner. It is not successful every time it dives. I have seen it dive up to six times before it scored the catch of the day. Once having its fill, the Osprey takes a moment of rest… well deserved.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 1 May 2011 – Aruba

Another invasive species: the Sapo (Giant Toad). First registered in Aruba in the nineties, this toad is like the Boa constrictor, a threat for Aruba’s fauna. This toad has glands on its back that contain a poison which can be emitted in a foamy form. It also has glands next to its ears from which it can squirt the poison up to a distance of 30 centimeters. Many dog owners have lost their pets. A dogs mouth has to be washed with water immediately once detected that it had one of these toads in its mouth. Then rush it to the vet. This toad eats all types of small animals, even our baby Cascabels (rattlesnakes). Be cautious when handling one of these creatures. They can grow as large as one of our Shoco’s (Burrowing Owls) : 20 centimeters.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 30 April 2011 – Aruba
English: Giant Toad
Papiamento: Sapo
Dutch: Reuzenpad
Scientific: Bufo marinus

They are back again, our skimmers. Just two this time. A few years back there were more than a hundred. They can fly for a very long time, maneuvering around the wetlands at Tierra del Sol. It will position itself just above the water surface and lower its jaw into the water. Once it touches a fish, the beak snaps shut delivering the catch of the day. Very elegant and peaceful fliers. Very successful hunters. This is an early morning picture.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 30 April 2011 – Aruba
English: Black Skimmer
Papiamento: Pico di sker
Dutch: Amerikaanse Schaarbek
Scientific: Rynchops niger

In Aruba we get three birds confused with each other. If we see a black bird and it is the size of a Tropical Mockingbird a.k.a. the ‘Chuchubi’ in Aruba, we automatically call it Chuchubi Preto (preto meaning ‘black’). The bird depicted in this picture is the original Chuchubi Preto or Groove-billed Ani. If you observe the bill or beak of the bird, it has a rounded top part and there are grooves in it as well. The other two, the Carib-Grackle (Papiamento: Zenata caribena) and the Shiny Cowbird (Papiemento: Parha vakero lustroso), have very different appearences, their beaks are pointed for instance. The Shiny Cowbird is very shiny indeed, almost bluish. The Carib Grackle’s tail, instead of it appearing horizontal as in the case of most birds, it actually appears vertical, like the rudder of a boat. The tail of the Chuchubi preto is relatively very long, of the other two, they are shorter. So, not every black bird is a Chuchubi Preto.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 30 April 2011 – Tierra del Sol - Aruba
English: Groove-billed Ani
Papiamento: Chuchubi Preto (a.k.a. ‘Cassilia’)
Dutch: Groefsnavelani
Scientific: Crotophaga sulcirostris

Tierra del Sol’s golf course is full of surprises!! I gladly share this one with you. On the way back from the Tierra del Sol’s salinja, on the way to the main building I passed by a ‘tee’ and noticed 4 killdeers in a squeamish with each other. I love it when birds draw my attention. If you look a little closer to the first picture, you’ll see something just at one of the feet of the grown-up bird. This turned out to be a chick. The parents of this chick were trying to chase away the other pair that entered their breeding territory. In the following picture you can see the chick making a run for it from the invading killdeer pair. We see a lot, but there is so much more to see.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 29 April 2011 – Tierra del Sol - Aruba
English: Killdeer
Papiamento: Lopi killdeer
Dutch: Killdeerplevier
Scientific: Charadrius vociferus

This baby Shoco (Burrowing Owl) was rescued and is being given a second chance by Dr. Ricardo Gogorza.
In this picture it is being hand fed. Just super!
Photo: Greg Peterson May 8, 2011 - Aruba
Courtesy: Aruba Birdlife Conservation You can help save our birds!  Click on the link.

This bird is the Nightjar. I believe the White-tailed Nightjar. It is a nocturnal bird and is very infrequently seen. Chances are that if you were to walk next to it over day, you still wouldn’t see it since its camouflage is outstanding. It catches beetles and moths during flight at night. This bird was rescued by a girl (makes me so proud!!) and the grown-ups around her managed to get it to Aruba’s magical bird doctor, professionally he is also a doctor by the way. Dr. Ricardo Gogorza has a very long track record of getting sick or wounded birds recuperated and back into nature. Such actions really make my day. I took these pictures by Ricardo to be able to identify this very infrequently seen bird. It is a true beauty. To see the entire series of pictures, just scroll down. Enjoy.
Aruba Birdlife Conservation – Greg Peterson

Aruba’s Cottontail is neither a hare nor a rabbit !! Its fur color looks like a combination of white, grey and light brown. But its 3rd Latin name ‘nigronuchalis’ depicts it to be a subspecies and refers to the black stripe on the rear of its head and back. It grows up to 35 centimeters. In years gone by it was hunted by humans and now by Boas. Its numbers also seem to be dwindling. This Cottontail had an unfriendly encounter if you look at the tip of its left ear. One of Aruba’s jewels…
Photo: Greg Peterson – 8 May 2011 – Aruba
English : Cottontail
Papiamento : Konenchi - Koneo
Dutch : Konijntje
Scientific : Sylvilagus floridanus nigronuchalis

Fully grown, this ‘King of our Cunucu’ may – including its tail – reach 2 meters in length. I am sure if Spielberg would have studied this animal well, he would have filmed part of Jurassic Park in Aruba. It is a delight for the eye when two old machos try to trump off each other for some pretty dame in the neighborhood. One of the actions is that they move their heads up and down and in doing so show the opponent the skin flap hanging from their lower jaw and throat. But if none backs off, then you can expect a wrestling match. Sometimes they even become like Zorro and use their natural whips on each other in the contest of domination. In general, they are slow moving creatures, but every now and then you might get surprised when they move into gear. One of Aruba’s jewels.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 8 May 2011 – Aruba
English : Green Iguana
Papiamento : Yuana
Dutch : Groene Leguaan
Scientific : Iguana iguana

If you would like to see a video of the Flamingoes, taken by Greg, click here. http://youtu.be/QJVevXV4k10
In May, between one to two thousand species of birds are on the move. This is the peak of the birds’ spring migratory season. Birds can be observed all over the world on their journeys, quite often returning to their breeding grounds. At this moment Aruba is being visited by a relatively small flock of Flamingoes. I counted 9 in the flock.
The range of the Greater Flamingo is from the Caribbean region and from Central America south to North-eastern Brazil and the Galapagos Islands. This bird is a breeding resident in Bonaire and a regular non-breeding visitor in rather large numbers in Curacao.
However, in Aruba its status is classified as an irregular non-breeding visitor in small numbers.
This is just the third time that I have seen them in Aruba. In this picture 4 of the flock.
A very special treat for bird lovers in Aruba. A marvelous sight!
Photo: Greg Peterson – 18 May 2011 – Aruba
English : Greater Flamingo
Papiamento : Flamingo
Dutch : Rode Flamingo
Scientific : Phoenicopterus ruber’

This Common Tern is an artist when it comes to plunge-diving. It can hoover over a location targeting its prey (tiny fish) and then it sweeps in, time after time, scoring a meal. This picture is taken at one of our salinjas, the reason why we have to conserve our salinjas. Many birds depend on the salinjas to survive. We hope that one day soon Aruba’s salinjas will become part of Parke Nacional Arikok. Whenever you are seeking bird action, chances are that if you sit quietly at a salinjas you too will score as good as this Common Tern!
Photo: Greg Peterson – 22 May 2011 – Aruba
English : Common Tern
Papiamento : Sternci común – of – Meuwchi piku cora
Dutch : Visdief
Scientific : Sterna hirundu
Courtesy: Aruba Birdlife Conservation You can help save our birds!

Bird migration is in full swing. Anywhere between 1500 and 2000 species of birds are on the move, heading North. At this moment just a few White-cheecked Pintails are left and can be witnessed pumping up their wing muscles in preparation for their yearly voyage. These pintails are truly beauties and their flying skills are just something else. But … nothing like experiencing them in a landing. This is an early morning shot taken at a substantial distance. It all happens in a second or two, keeping the photographer sharp. At that time of day and with such action, hot and strong coffee is the photographer’s best friend.
Photo: Greg Peterson – 28 May 2011 – Aruba
English : White-cheecked Pintail
Papiamento : Pato di anja
Dutch : Bahamapijlstaart
Scientific : Anas bahamensis

Aruba’s Santanero is often depicted as Aruba’s natural pest control. This snake is basically harmless and quite docile. It loves the more humid locations and can often be found in gardens among plants. The ‘pest control’ nick name is due to the prey it hunts: cockroaches and other insects, mice and as this picture depicts, even frogs. The frog in this picture is the Sapo, an invasive species that has a negative impact on Aruba’s fauna. So once again the added value of our Santanero is proven. It can grow up to 70 centimeters in length and about as broad as your thumb. Aruba’s Santanero is an endemic subspecies and can be found nowhere else in the world. All the more reason why our Santanero should be a protected species in Aruba !
Photo: Greg Peterson – 2 June 2011 – Aruba
English : Baker’s Cat-eyed Snake
Papiamento : Santanero
Dutch : Baker’s katteoogslang
Scientific : Leptodeira annulata bakeri

Beauty in Aruba: Blue-tailed Emerald (female)
One of Aruba's jewels !!
Papiamento: Blenchi Berde
Dutch: Blauwstaartsmaragdkolibrie
Scientific: Chlorostilbon mellisigus
Photo: Greg Peterson

Flamingoes in flight over Aruba.
Photo: Greg Peterson

BARN SWALLOW
Papiamento: Swalchi
Dutch: Boerenzwaluw
Scientific: Hirundo rustica
Photo: Greg Peterson

Papiamento: Sambuyado chikito
Dutch: Amerikaanse Dodaars
Scientific: Tachybaptus dominicus
Photo: Greg Peterson

This Black-belied Whistling Duck is between 45 to 50 cm long. First time recorded seen in Aruba: 10 September 1977 at Arashi. It lives in the tropical and subtropical lowlands of North, Central and South America, from Texas to Northern Argentina. What a beauty, this very special guest. (Thanks to the tip I received from Andino Angela, who in turn received the info from Lenny of Canashito Farm Supplies. Masha danki!)
English : Black-belied Whistling Duck
Papiamento: Pato pigigi barica preto
Dutch: Zwartbuikfluiteend
Scientific: Dendrcygna autumnalis
Photo: Greg Peterson

A pure spectacle seeing this creature hunt for its breakfast! This canopy feeder throws open its wings to create a shade which attracts swiftly moving fish and then… It runs forth and back like a ballet dancer while targeting its prey. Pure beauty in Aruba!
Photo: Greg Peterson - Aruba
Eng: Reddish Egret
Pap: Garsa cora
Ned: Roodbruine Reiger (Roodhalsreiger)
Scientific: Egreta rufuscens

Warm feelings dawn upon you when you see this bird ‘do its thing’! Pending the conditions, it adapts its hunting strategy. It will go up to waist height in rough waters if it has to. But here in Aruba, this is one of our repeat guests and guess what? Life in Aruba is good for our fine feathered friend. Another expression of beauty in Aruba!
Photo: Greg Peterson - Aruba
Eng: Tricolored Heron
Pap: Garsa barica blanco
Ned: Witbuikreiger
Scientific: Egretta tricolor

Our Brown Pelicans are often taken for granted. These gracious birds can attain a length of between 100 and 135 cm, including the bill of 25 to 33 cm. These expert flyers dive into the sea repeatedly catching fish, to take a maintenance break afterwards, often on some type of human construction, like a pole or a fishing boat. They carefully work over their feathers with their long beaks, stretch their wings a couple of times ending in a whole body shake down Then they rest for a while. These magnificent creatures breed in the rhizophore mangroves on the reef opposite of the airport; another reason why our reef islands should be protected.
Photo: Greg Peterson – Aruba
Eng: Brown Pelican
Pap: Pelicano or Ganshi
Ned: Bruine Pelikaan
Scientific: Pelicanus Occidentalis

Aruba Birdlife Conservation started a campaign on February 4, 2011 to get our Shoco nominated as the National Bird of Aruba. Dr. Adrian Delnevo recently estimated that there are only approximately 200 pairs of Shoco’s left. The numbers are dwindling. The Shoco is one of the two endemic sub-species Aruba has. Protecting this unique bird of Aruba may prevent its extinction. We hope that the Government of Aruba will soon declare our Shoco the National Bird of Aruba. That would be a precious gift to Aruba’s nature in commemoration of 25 years Status Aparte. Thank you for your support!
Photo: Greg Peterson - Aruba
English: Burrowing Owl
Papiamento: Shoco
Dutch: Holenuil
Scientific: Athene cunicularia arubensis

The Northern Scrub Flycatcher’s family is holy! They are an emancipated species of bird. Both parents incubate and feed their young incessantly. The clutch usually consists of 2 young. In this case, one didn’t make it. This chick will grow strong since it is getting double portions. It is outgrowing its 6 centimeter-nest quickly! Whenever the three of them are together, their joy is obvious. Here dad brings a brown ant to junior, while mom and chick express their adorable approval.
Photo: Greg Peterson - Aruba
Engels: Northern Scrub Flycatcher
Papiamento: Parha bobo
Dutch: Noordelijke Struikvliegenpikker
Scientific: Sublegatus arenarum

The Northern Scrub Flycatcher’s chick makes sure that its parents don’t miss the spot where its food has to go. The parents can’t miss that bright orange mouth…
Photo: Greg Peterson - Aruba
... Engels: Northern Scrub Flycatcher
Papiamento: Parha bobo
Dutch: Noordelijke Struikvliegenpikker
Scientific: Sublegatus arenarumSee More

Our Dornasol is not only beautiful from the front, but just as interesting and beautiful from a rear view perspective. With the right level of sunshine, an otherwise very dark appearing bird can really brighten up your day. The Papiamento name ‘Dornasol’ gives true merit to its beauty; no matter the angle. What a piece of art!

Regretfully, to date birds are not protected in Aruba.

Photo: Greg Peterson, Sept 2011, Aruba

English : Ruby-topaz Hummingbird

Papiamento : Blenchi Dornasol

Dutch : Rode Kolibrie

Scientific : Chrysolampis mosquitus

Courtesy: Aruba Birdlife Conservation You can help save our birds!

Once again, this picture proves that the Southern Lapwing breeds in Aruba. Four eggs were laid, 3 hatched, and to date it seems that 2 have survived. Their biggest threat at this point of their lives: off-road quad racing. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Regretfully, to date birds are not protected in Aruba.

Photo: Greg Peterson – Sept 2011 – Aruba

English : Southern Lapwing

Papiamento : Kivit sur-amerikano

Dutch : Chileense Kievit

Scientific : Vanellus chilensis


A pair of American Kestrels was flirting on the edges of our cliffs. For a moment, it looked like they were even trying to impress one another with their aeronautical skills. The updraft of the wind at the cliff’s edges is one of their favorite playing grounds. They dance with Aruba’s warm breeze!

Birds are still not protected in Aruba. You can help make a difference! Try convincing your favorite Ministers and/or Members of Parliament to help get our birds protected. Thank you for caring!

Photo: Greg Peterson – 1 October2011 – San Nicolas - Aruba

English : American Kestrel

Papiamento : Kinikini

Dutch : Amerikaanse Torenvalk

Scientific : Falco sparverius


The Caracara Cheriway, known by our locals as the ‘Warawara’, wears a beautiful orange mask. To its rear protrude its binoculars: 20-20 vision! Resting on the top of our cacti is also a great opportunity to detect a potential dinner. They are not only great flyers. They master the art of running as well and they do so faster than our lizards can!

Birds are still not protected in Aruba. You can help make a difference! Try convincing your favorite Minister or Members of Parliament to help get our birds protected. Thank you for caring!

Photo: Greg Peterson – 28 December 2010 – Aruba

English : Crested Caracara

Papiamento : Warawara

Dutch : Kuifcaracara

Scientific : Caracara Cheriway


The Peregrine Falcon has returned for his winter stay over in Aruba. Today I spotted 2. Mr. Bill Mattox, an expert on Peregrine Falcons explained to me how proof was collected that the bird can fly to Aruba all the way from Greenland.

This is the master of the skies. Birds … beware!

Birds are still not protected in Aruba. You can help make a difference! Try convincing your favorite Minister or Members of Parliament to help get our birds protected. Thank you for caring!

Photo: Greg Peterson – 1 October 2011 – San Nicolas - Aruba

English: Peregrine Falcon

Papiamento : Falki Peregrino

Dutch: Slechtvalk

Scientific: Falco peregrinus


The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is unique among North American shorebirds in having a lek mating system. Males defend relatively small territories that provide no resources for females and are simply display sites to which females can be attracted. Females select a mate and then leave to nest and raise their chicks elsewhere.
Breeds in dry, grassy tundra. On migration and in winter found in dry grasslands (usually short grass), pastures, plowed fields and, rarely, mudflats.
Info from: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Birds are still not protected in Aruba. You can help make a difference! Try convincing your favorite Ministers and/or Members of Parliament to help get our birds protected. Thank you for caring!
Photo: Greg Peterson – 2 October2011 – San Nicolas - Aruba
English : Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Papiamento : Snepi blond boca chikito
Dutch : Blonde Ruiter
Scientific : Tryngites subruficollis


A shorebird of grasslands, not shores, the Upland Sandpiper inhabits native prairie and other open grassy areas in North America. Once abundant in the Great Plains, it has undergone steady population declines since the mid-19th century, because of hunting and loss of habitat.
Info from: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Birds are still not protected in Aruba. You can help make a difference! Try convincing your favorite Ministers and/or Members of Parliament to help get our birds protected. Thank you for caring!
Photo: Greg Peterson – 2 October2011 – San Nicolas - Aruba
English : Upland Sandpiper
Papiamento : Snepi Bartram
Dutch : Bartrams Ruiter
Scientific : Bartramia longicauda

Greg Peterson sent in some unique footage of a parent Crested Caracara or ‘Warawara’ as it is known by our locals, feeding its chick.

This short film footage was made on Sunday, 16 October 2011, in Aruba.

It is dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, Queen of The Kingdom of The Netherlands.

Our Queen will visit Aruba shortly and Aruba Birdlife Conservation welcomes her wholeheartedly by means of this tribute.

The members of the Royal Family are nature lovers!

Very few people have ever seen such a feeding event, so please share it with all of your contacts and please show it to the children!

 

CLICK ON THE NEXT LINE TO SEE THE FOOTAGE ON YOU TUBE

Aruba's Majestic Crested Caracara


During the last three weeks I received quite some feedback from bird lovers that they have spotted this bird in Aruba. I have seen five myself in one area. Most of them are spotted sitting quietly somewhere. That is because they are exhausted from their journey to their southern destinations. They breed from central California, Minnesota, and southern New Brunswick southward. Once winter approaches they travel to South America and may fly all the way to northern Argentina.
Some stopover in Aruba for a little rest and some insects before they continue southwards. When the early morning sunshine caresses their feathers, they really look so beautiful!
English : Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Papiamento : Cucu pico hel
Dutch : Geelsnavelkoekoek
Scientific : Coccyzus americanus
Photo: Greg Peterson – 23 October 2011 – Aruba
Aruba Birdlife Conservation

During our rainy season, every now and then our loyal north-eastern trade winds take a rest, albeit for maybe just a day. Such calmness can turn otherwise rimpled waters into a mirror. This migrant White-cheecked Pintail was obviously enjoying the peacefulness of the day!
English : White-cheecked Pintail
Papiamento : Pato di anja
Dutch : Bahamapijlstaart
Scientific : Anas bahamensis
Photo: Greg Peterson – 23 October 2011 – Aruba
Aruba Birdlife Conservation

It has recently been estimated that there are approximately only some 200 pairs of our Shoco left, Aruba’s Burrowing Owl; more the reason why it is a real treat to witness Shoco offspring. Aruba Birdlife Conservation hopes that the Government of Aruba will soon declare the Shoco the National Bird of Aruba. In such the Government will then give this magnificent creature a better chance of not going extinct and thus preserving it for future generations. We keep our hopes high!

English : Burrowing owl

Papiamento : Shoco

Dutch : Holenuil

Scientific : Athene cunicularia arubensis

Photo: Greg Peterson – 23 October 2011 – Aruba

Aruba Birdlife Conservation


The White-cheeked Pintail can depict gracefulness of Aruba’s nature beyond aw.

English : White-cheeked Pintail

Papiamento : Pato di anja

Dutch : Bahamapijlstaart

Scientific : Anas bahamensis

Photo: Greg Peterson – 23 October 2011 – Aruba

Aruba Birdlife Conservation


Elegantly peaceful…

English: Great Egret

Papiamento: Garsa blanco grandi

Dutch: Grote Zilverreiger

Scientific: Ardea alba

Photo: Greg Peterson, 23 October 2011, Aruba

Aruba Birdlife Conservation


To identify this bird, I turned to the expert Adrian Delnevo (my bird ‘guru’). This is what Adrian thought and told me today:

“Basically, it is a ground foraging fly-catcher, somewhat similar to a tropical kingbird (fly-catcher), but largely more terrestrial in its foraging and behavior. In South America, particularly Venezuela – where it is common, it is often associated with cattle or other animals, and can be seen ‘perching’ on their back while looking for disturbed insects.”

Adrian was only aware of one other record for this species in the ABC islands. This occurred on Aruba, at Savaneta between April 5, 2002 to early June 2003 (T.G. Prins et al. 2009. Checklist of the Birds of Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire).

Thank you Adrian. For the record. Two were spotted this morning at about 7:30 a.m.

English: Cattle Tyrant

Papiamento: Pimpiri vakero

Dutch: Veetiran

Scientific: Machetornis rixosa

Photo: Greg Peterson, 29 October 2011, Aruba

Aruba Birdlife Conservation


Just like our Princes Maxima, the Southern Lapwing can come from as far as Argentina!

Majestic beauty!

English : Southern Lapwing

Papiamento : Kivit sur-amerikano

Dutch : Chileense Kievit

Scientific : Vanellus chilensis

Photo: Greg Peterson – 29 October 2011 – Aruba

Aruba Birdlife Conservation


Normally the Patrishi is difficult to see. They are masters of camouflage. Now that their habitat is diminishing and the invasive Boa constrictor is patiently waiting on them in the underbrush, they have become very scarce. The time has come for us to protect them.

English : Crested Bobwhite

Papiamento : Patrishi

Dutch : Kuifbobwhite

Scientific : Colinus cristatus

Photo: Greg Peterson – 29 October 2011 – Aruba

Aruba Birdlife Conservation


Two species of Grebes can be found in Aruba: the Pied-billed Grebe and the Least Grebe. Here we see the Pied-billed Grebes with their newly laid two eggs. Yes, they breed in Aruba. What a ‘Grebish Delight’!

English: Pied-billed Grebe

Papiamento: Sambuyado pico diki

Dutch: Dikbekfuut

Scientific: Podilymbus podiceps

Photo: Greg Peterson – 29 October 2011 – Aruba

Aruba Birdlife Conservation


Aruba’s Southern Lapwing

This is a short film on Aruba's Southern Lapwing shot by Greg Peterson with the Aruba Birdlife Conservation.

Courtesy: Aruba Birdlife Conservation You can help save our birds!

“What it takes to raise a chick” … is a short film of the Northern Scrub Flycatcher (Papiamento: Parha bobo) raising its young, filmed in Aruba!


Love is in the air!

A pair of Kinikinis getting ready to mate.

American Kestrel – Amerikaanse Torenvalk – Falco sparverius

Photo: Greg Peterson

Aruba Birdlife Conservation


There are 3 Pied-billed Grebes in this picture.

Take your time and try to discover the new born chic!

Born in Aruba!

Pap: Sambuyado pico diki

Ned: Dikbekfuut

Sc: Podilymbus podiceps

Photo: Greg Peterson
Aruba Birdlife Conservation


One parent gives the offspring shelter on its back while the other feeds it!
Humans can learn a lot from birds!

Sambuyado pico diki - Dikbekfuut - Podilymbus podiceps

Photo: Greg Peterson
Aruba Birdlife Conservation


The majestic Osprey having its fill after a successful hunt on Christmas day. One of the marvelous birds that visit Aruba every year. A spectacle to see…

English: Osprey

Papiamento: Gabilan Piscador

Dutch: Visarend

Scientific: Pandion haliaetus

Photos at Tierra del Sol by Greg Peterson

Aruba Birdlife Conservation


CLICK HERE TO SEE GREG'S ORIGINAL PLEA FOR SUPPORT.
CLICK HERE TO SEE GREG'S SECOND PLEA FOR HELP ON THIS MATTER
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE ARUBA BIRDLIFE CONSERVATION DIRECTORY

CLICK HERE TO SEE GREG'S PHOTOS OF BIRDS AND WILDLIFE IN ARUBA TAKEN IN 2012