Bonaire Bird Photography Tours

02/07/2025

Fun Facts About the Western Cattle Egret
If you’ve driven past the kunukus or open fields in Bonaire and spotted a small white bird near goats or donkeys — you’ve met the Western Cattle Egret (Ardea ibis).

Here are some fun facts about this fascinating feathered friend:

Cattle Egrets are year-round residents here in Bonaire. You’ll often see them foraging in dry areas, roadsides, or tagging along with livestock, snatching up insects stirred from the ground.

But in the spring and early summer, Western Cattle Egrets put on a show! Their usual all-white feathers gain beautiful golden-orange plumes on the head, chest, and back. Their bills and legs also brighten to a striking orange or pinkish-red — perfect for attracting a mate!

The Western Cattle Egret is the only species in its genus, Bubulcus. That makes it a bit of a loner in the bird world — unique among herons and egrets.

Though originally from Africa and Asia, Cattle Egrets made their way across the oceans and have thrived here in the western hemisphere.

These little egrets help control pests by eating grasshoppers, beetles, and other insects — making them an important part of Bonaire’s natural pest control team!

So next time you’re exploring around Bonaire, keep your eyes open — you might spot these sharply dressed island residents in their breeding best!

26/06/2025

How do you scratch an itch when you don’t have hands?

This Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) offers a solution.

As a member of the raptor family, the opportunistic Crested Caracara relies on its beak and talons to perform essential grooming behaviors like preening and scratching. When dealing with unreachable spots—especially on the head or neck—it may use the talons to “scratch that itch” or it might even use environmental tools such as branches or rocks. However, I imagine using cactus spines might be just a tad too much scratch! 😄

This kind of behavior helps to maintain feather health and remove parasites. It seems that Mother Nature indeed equips every creature with the tools it needs—even if those tools aren’t hands.

14/06/2025

The Big Gulp: Nature’s Amazing Feat

Nature never ceases to amaze! Have you ever witnessed a Great Blue Heron swallowing a parrotfish? It’s a true testament to the incredible abilities of these majestic birds.

In order to swallow such a large fish, the heron must position it head first. Why? The parrotfish has dorsal spines that can stand upright, which would make it difficult to swallow if not positioned properly. When the fish is head first, those spines lay flat, allowing the fish to slide down smoothly. If the heron tried to swallow it tail first, the spines would remain erect and could get stuck in the throat, causing a potential blockage.

But here’s the truly fascinating part: the heron’s throat is incredibly flexible! As the parrotfish begins to slide down, the heron’s throat expands to accommodate the fish. Think of it like a natural stretch – the muscles in the bird’s neck and throat loosen, making room for the fish to pass through without any trouble.

It’s a reminder of how perfectly adapted creatures are to their environments. From the positioning to the physical flexibility, the Great Blue Heron knows exactly how to handle a Big Gulp.

And what a way to celebrate Nature Photography Day tomorrow!

31/05/2025

Honoring Bonaire’s “Lora-Man,” Gibi Coffie, on World Parrot Day 2025

Today on World Parrot Day, Bonaire pays tribute to an unsung hero, Gibi Coffie, affectionately known as the “Lora-Man.”

Who is Gibi Coffie?

A true gentleman and guardian of nature, Gibi has dedicated more than 15 years to protecting and nurturing the island’s parrots, the Yellow-shouldered Amazon (Amazona barbadensis), known in the local language of Papiamentu as the “lora.”

Without ever seeking fame, recognition, or reward, Gibi has given his time, resources, and boundless compassion to ensure these vibrant birds not only survive, but that they thrive.

A love affair that was rooted in a Kalbas tree.

Gibi’s love affair with Bonaire’s parrots began in the most unassuming way—with a Kalbas (Calabash) tree in his front yard. The tree, leaning over into the street, regularly dropped fruit, a favorite treat for the loras. Parrots would swoop in and land in the street to feed, oblivious to the danger posed by passing traffic.

Sadly, some met tragic ends. One parrot suffered a broken wing. Gibi gently brought the injured bird into his home, nursing it back to health over six months. Though the parrot eventually regained the ability to fly, its coordination was never perfect. In a subsequent mishap, the bird lost one of its eyes.

This unsettling experience stirred something deeper in Gibi. He began moving the fallen Kalbas fruits into his garden, offering the birds a safe haven in which to feed. This small act of kindness sparked a remarkable relationship—one that has now spanned over 1-1/2 decades.

Finding sanctuary in the garden.

As word spread among the loras, perhaps via the rustle of the many beating wings or the happy whistles of contentment, more parrots began to appear. Gibi responded in kind, providing a natural diet of seeds, nuts, and plantain slices in addition to the Kalbas fruits.

The loras quickly came to recognize Gibi as a friend. With time, they grew bold enough to perch on his shoulders, arms, and even his head. It was a relationship built on trust, patience, and mutual respect—never forced, always freely given.

The parrots always make the decisions.

(Continue reading at https://bonairebirdtours.com/honoring-gibi-coffie-bonaires-lora-man-on-world-parrot-day/)

14/05/2025

Pop Quiz Time!
Can you believe these two birds are the same species?
Both photos were taken on the same day, in the same spot—just a stone’s throw apart!

So, what are they... and why do they look so completely different?

Drop your guesses in the comments, and check back tomorrow for the answer!

13/05/2025

Enjoying the final notes of spring migration with a special visitor — a Hooded Warbler!

Warblers are among the last migratory birds to pass through Bonaire each spring, traveling incredible distances from South America to their North American breeding grounds. Over the past few weeks, I had the joy of spotting a female Hooded Warbler twice — pausing to rest and refuel before continuing her epic journey.

What makes it even more magical? Around this same time last year, in the very same 10 square feet of habitat, I saw a female Hooded Warbler too. Could it be the same bird returning? We’ll likely never know, but it truly felt like welcoming an old friend back to Bonaire.

I’ll be waiting for her again next spring!

12/05/2025

A late migrant showing off its breeding plumage!

Here on Bonaire, shorebirds are among the earliest migrants to arrive from South America each spring, joining the individuals that overwinter here. Some, like this stunning Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus), are en route to the Arctic tundra—nearly the top of the world—for their summer breeding season.

With such a long journey ahead, many shorebirds get an early start and have already moved on by March or early April. In fact, while spring migration is in full swing in North America, here on Bonaire, we are saying goodbye to the last migrants.

That’s why I was thrilled to spot this Stilt Sandpiper last Saturday--Global Big Day—still on Bonaire and already in full breeding plumage! Normally, when we see the Stilt Sandpiper in winter, they are typically just gray and white, so seeing this transformation is a real treat.

06/05/2025

Get ready for an exhilarating birding event coming up this Saturday—the highly anticipated Global Big Day 2025! Once again, I am thrilled to be a part of Team Flying Pintails, led by the esteemed BirdsCaribbean Executive Director, Lisa Sorenson. Wherever you are in the world, I invite you to join me in this fantastic bird-counting endeavor. Global Big Day 2025 serves as a fundraiser for BirdsCaribbean.

Recently, significant amounts of federal funding—already committed through grants to federal partners—have been canceled or indefinitely paused. This funding drove BirdsCaribbean’s core programs, which upskill thousands of Caribbean nationals, advance research on our at-risk species, establish the region’s first Motus network, and inspire communities and youth to learn about and love nature through educational festivals. Without these resources, BirdsCaribbean faces serious threats to continuing this vital work.

For over 35 years, BirdsCaribbean has worked tirelessly to protect the Caribbean’s birds and natural heritage. They believe in a future where people care deeply for nature and where birds thrive across the Americas. More determined than ever, they stand strong for birds, biodiversity, and the communities that protect them—and they need your support.

If you cannot partake in the competition this year, you can still make a meaningful impact by supporting Caribbean birds through a contribution. No amount is too small, and your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your help, and I'll see you out there on Saturday!

We are raising funds to ensure our vital bird conservation programs continue despite the funding freeze.

29/04/2025

Look for these wonderful signs on your next Bonaire birding adventure!

15/04/2025

We humans have amassed a vast amount of knowledge about the species we share this planet with. Yet every now and then, nature reminds us just how much we don’t know.

Take the Northern Scrub Flycatcher (Sublegatus arenarum), for instance—a small, unassuming bird that can be found right here on Bonaire. It typically breeds between March and June, crafting a cup-like nest in the fork of a tree. The male will feed the female while she incubates the eggs for 14 days, but after that, the story becomes a mystery.

What parental care is provided in those critical early days of life?
How long does it take for the chicks to fledge?

Surprisingly, these questions remain unanswered.

That’s where citizen science projects like eBird come in. By simply observing and logging what you see, you can help researchers piece together the missing details about species like this one. It’s a meaningful way to contribute to science while enjoying the birds around you.

If you haven’t already explored eBird, it’s worth a look—you might be amazed at what’s waiting to be discovered.

08/04/2025

Farewell to the Northern Shovelers!

What a joy it’s been these past few months watching our migratory visitors grace the waters of Bonaire. Five stunning Northern Shovelers—three males and two females—have captured our hearts, but now it’s time for them to journey back north to North America.

As they begin their spring migration, we wish them safe travels and clear skies. We hope they’ve enjoyed their tropical stopover as much as we’ve enjoyed their company.

Until we meet again during fall migration—bon voyage, beautiful birds!

31/03/2025

Seeing Double? The Two Faces of the Reddish Egret

Don’t let their colors fool you—these striking birds are both Reddish Egrets (Egretta rufescens)! Here on Bonaire, we’re lucky to see both the white and dark morphs, and they even interbreed.

When the rainy season brings an abundance of food, our local Reddish Egrets take advantage by rearing back-to-back clutches—typically with two chicks each time. This stunning pair is in peak breeding plumage, showing off their bright blue legs, eye patches, and elegant wispy plumes.

In this special moment, they prepare for their second clutch while a young egret from their first clutch watches on. Nature’s cycle in action!