Bonaire Bird Photography Tours

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!

28/03/2025

I laughed out loud when I read this post on 10,000 Birds so I just had to share it.

Imagine all the things the birds are saying about us as we are talking about them. Read them at https://www.10000birds.com/ten-things-birds-say-about-birders.htm -6881837

Do you have any to add? Mine is: "Oh, here comes Susan again. Didn't we just see her yesterday? Okay, everyone pose nicely now." 😁

Have you ever wondered what birds think and say about birders? Here are ten representative statements I overheard in the field. 1. "Ah, the humans are back. Must be checklist season." 2. "Honestly, I don’t mind the attention. It’s the misidentifications that hurt." 3. "One of these days, I’ll ...

06/03/2025

What is “Duck Season” on Bonaire?

First, allow me to explain that “Duck Season” on Bonaire has a slightly different connotation than in other areas. Here on the island, it refers to the arrival of migrating ducks from North America, usually beginning in November. This is an exciting time for local and visiting birders, as it offers a chance to observe a variety of species that either pass through on migration journeys or choose to overwinter on Bonaire.

This season, Bonaire witnessed an impressive diversity of duck species, with many opting to stay for the winter instead of merely stopping over. Some species even made a return visit after many years of absence.

Let’s dive into the highlights of Bonaire’s exceptional duck season and explore the fascinating visitors we had the pleasure of observing!

Resident ducks are thriving.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

Our Black-bellied Whistling Ducks remained consistent in their breeding habits. These striking birds, easily recognizable by their long necks, pink bills, and namesake whistling calls, continued to raise their young successfully. Everyone who witnessed their small ducklings swimming placidly alongside their watchful parents couldn’t help but smile at the charming sight.

White-cheeked Pintails (Anas bahamensis)
Bonaire’s resident White-cheeked Pintails surprised us with out-of-season breeding. Typically, these elegant ducks breed during the early summer months, but several families were discovered in January, delighting birders with their unexpected presence.

Migratory ducks: A spectacular influx

Continue reading at https://bonairebirdtours.com/bonaires-duck-season-brings-rare-migrant-ducks/

03/03/2025

Happy World Wildlife Day!

Today, we celebrate the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us — and there’s no better place to do so than on the beautiful island of Bonaire!

From the iconic flamingos in our salt ponds to the vibrant Amazon parrots flying high above the desert-like landscapes, Bonaire is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned birding enthusiast or a beginner, the island offers countless opportunities to spot native and migratory species in their natural habitat.

Let’s honor the wild and the wonders of nature today and every day. Take a moment to appreciate these beautiful creatures and commit to protecting the habitats they call home.

22/02/2025

Fast & Fierce: The Peregrine Falcon in Bonaire!

Did you know the Peregrine Falcon—the world’s fastest bird—visits Bonaire as a winter migrant? With speeds reaching 240 mph (386 km/h) in a dive, this incredible raptor is built for high-speed hunting.

During the winter months, peregrines make their way to Bonaire, soaring over our shores and salt flats in search of prey. Keep an eye out for their sharp silhouettes against the sky!

22/02/2025

Epic Travelers: The Red Knots in Bonaire!

Right now, the rufa subspecies of Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa) has already begun its northward spring migration, and uncredible numbers are arriving in Bonaire’s salt ponds. This area is a very important rest stop for these globe-trotting shorebirds as they migrate over 18,000 miles (30,000 km) roundtrip each year, connecting the Arctic and South America. Here on Bonaire, they will rest and eat, creating fat deposits that will fuel their continued journey to the Arctic tundra where they will breed in the summer months. As they fly over water, those fat deposits will dwindle, and they will make other stops along the way, doing their best to time these stops with food availability along the route.

During their spring migration, they begin transforming into their breeding plumage—their faces, necks, chests, and bellies turn a stunning red, signaling their upcoming nesting season in the Arctic tundra. You’ll see the beginning of this transformation on some of the arriving Red Knots.

Keep an eye out for these incredible travelers while they rest and refuel—it won’t be long before they take off again!

08/02/2025

Are Bonaire’s Snowy Plovers Expanding Their Breeding Season?

Historically, Snowy Plovers (Charadrius nivosus) on Bonaire have been observed breeding primarily in May and June, with chicks hatching and developing rapidly in early summer. However, recent observations suggest a potential shift in their breeding patterns.

Last summer, I encountered a very young chick in late August—possibly the result of a second clutch or a late-nesting pair. But now, in February, an unusually high number of Snowy Plovers have gathered at traditional nesting sites, all in full breeding plumage. During a survey last Thursday, I recorded seven individuals—both males and females—with at least two appearing to be incubating eggs.

Could this signal a broader change in Bonaire’s shorebird breeding cycles? In 2024, I documented similarly early breeding and chick success in other species, including Southern Lapwings (Vanellus chilensis) and Black-necked Stilts (Himantopus mexicanus). Notably, the Southern Lapwings have already repeated this early breeding behavior in 2025.

What environmental factors might be driving these changes? Could shifts in precipitation patterns, such as later rainy seasons, be influencing breeding timing? Or might rising year-round temperatures create more favorable conditions for prolonged or earlier breeding? Or have we just not documented early breeding in prior years?

Understanding these patterns is crucial for monitoring the impacts of climate and environmental change on Bonaire’s bird populations. Continued observations and data collection will help determine whether this is an isolated anomaly or an emerging trend.

Have you observed similar shifts in breeding behavior among shorebirds in other regions? Let’s discuss!

Image Note: It should be noted that at no time did anyone leave the vehicle to approach the nests. All images were shot using the vehicle as a blind and with a telephoto lens. The birds on the nests were not disturbed and did not leave their nests due to discomfort with our presence, nor did they indicate any signs of stress.

07/02/2025

A Treasure Trove of Warblers!

What a discovery—three Prothonotary Warblers spotted at once! This striking golden-yellow songbird is usually seen on Bonaire only during migration, as it travels between its North American breeding grounds and wintering sites.

But this sighting raises some fascinating questions...

Are they early migrants, making their way north ahead of schedule? Or did they overwinter on Bonaire, choosing to stay rather than continue their journey?

Only they know for sure! But one thing’s certain—it’s always a thrill to witness these beautiful travelers.

25/01/2025

The Greater Ani—from Rare Vagrant to Bonaire Breeding Bird?

Exciting birding news from Bonaire! Recently, we were thrilled to spot the Greater Ani (Crotophaga major)—a very rare vagrant to our island. This striking bird, native to the tropical lowlands of Central and South America, has been officially recorded on Bonaire (via eBird) only a handful of times.

But here’s where things get even more interesting… it was carrying a twig! Could this mean what we think it does? Nest-building?

The Greater Ani has never been known to breed on Bonaire, but seeing one transporting nesting material to a prime location—deep foliage overhanging water—is a promising sign. And if there’s a nest in the works, that might mean there’s a second Greater Ani nearby!

Interestingly enough, Greater Anis are considered cooperative breeders, a joint-nesting species where multiple pairs cooperatively breed in the same nest. So, without several breeding pairs on Bonaire, nesting here would be definitely considered to be out-of-the-norm.

However, this wouldn’t be the first time a previously rare visitor, such as the Least Grebe, decided to settle down and become a breeding resident on the island. Could the Greater Ani follow suit? Only time will tell!

We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for more signs of nesting!

14/01/2025

I’m beyond honored and deeply humbled to be featured in the Bird Guides of the World series by 10000Birds.com—a phenomenal hub for everything related to birds, birding, and blogging! 🐦🌍

This recognition wouldn’t be possible without YOU—the amazing community of birders who’ve joined me on countless adventures over the years. Whether we’ve spotted rare species or simply enjoyed the beauty of nature together, each moment has been a gift. 💚

Here’s to many more years of exploration, discovery, and shared passion for the incredible world of birds. 🦜🌿

From the bottom of my heart, thank you! 🙏

10,000 Birds

What is your favorite bird species? Ahh, I have so many! Being here on Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean, we have many beautiful birds, and favorites always include the island’s icon, the American Flamingo, as well as the Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrot. But I would have to say that my “spirit bird...

23/12/2024

20/12/2024

As water birds, we typically associate egrets with shorelines, wetlands, and other aquatic habitats where they gracefully hunt and forage. But every now and then, they surprise us!

Recently I came across this stunning Great Egret (Ardea alba) in an unexpected setting—perched against a backdrop of towering cacti. The contrast between the egret’s sleek, elegant form and the rugged, arid landscape is a fascinating dichotomy.

It’s a reminder of the adaptability and resilience of wildlife, and how nature continues to amaze us with its unexpected moments of beauty. Have you ever seen an egret in such a unique setting?

18/12/2024

The American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), known for its vibrant pink plumage, engages in elaborate courtship rituals that are essential for pair bonding and successful reproduction. These social birds perform synchronized group displays to attract mates, often involving dozens of individuals. The most iconic of these behaviors is the courtship march, where flamingos gather in large groups and move in unison. With their necks extended and heads held high, the birds step deliberately in a coordinated sequence, creating a striking visual display. This group choreography not only strengthens bonds within the flock but also signals readiness to mate.

Another prominent element of their courtship is the head wave, which involves a series of rhythmic head movements. Flamingos swivel their heads from side to side in an exaggerated motion, often while vocalizing softly. This display is thought to signal individual fitness and attract the attention of potential mates. The synchronized nature of the head wave, when performed by a group, amplifies its impact, highlighting the cohesiveness and vitality of the flock. Such displays emphasize the importance of collective behaviors in flamingo mating success.

The wing spread is another visually impressive courtship gesture, where a flamingo fully extends its wings to showcase their vibrant underwing coloration. This dramatic movement often occurs during breaks in the group displays and serves to accentuate the bird's striking features. The bright hues of their wings, a result of carotenoid-rich diets, act as a visual cue of health and vigor. Together, these courtship behaviors—the march, head wave, and wing spread—create a captivating and effective strategy for mate selection in American Flamingos, underscoring the role of group dynamics and physical display in their reproductive success.

Learn more about the breeding habits of Bonaire’s American Flamingo: https://www.bonairebirdtours.com/courtship-breeding-of-bonaires-american-flamingo/

07/12/2024

The Legend of the Gatekeeper tells of a sentinel who stands watch over the threshold to sacred or transformative realms. In today’s tale, the guardian is not a fearsome creature or a towering figure but a majestic Great Blue Heron. Standing tall and motionless beside a historic entranceway, the heron embodies serenity, wisdom, and vigilance. Its piercing gaze seems to assess the worthiness of those who seek passage, as if discerning their true intentions and readiness for the journey ahead.

Many birds are often perceived to have mystical qualities, and those with a spiritual inclination view the Great Blue Heron as a symbol of patience and self-reflection. With this thinking, Its presence at the gate suggests that the path forward requires not just courage, but also stillness and inner clarity. To cross the threshold, one must align with the heron’s calm and deliberate nature, proving they are prepared for the transformation that lies beyond. This graceful guardian serves as a reminder that profound change is often preceded by quiet introspection.

And then again, maybe it’s just waiting for its next meal! 😆

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) on Bonaire.

21/11/2024

Say hello to the Grasshopper Sparrow, an endemic subspecies found on Bonaire!

This small, charming bird is a treasured endemic subspecies unique to the islands of Bonaire and Curacao, and it is known for its subtle beauty and its soft, insect-like song that echoes through Bonaire’s grasslands, especially during the fall breeding season.

Its presence here on Bonaire was noted as far back as 1893 when an ornithological expedition recorded the special subspecies Ammodramus savannarum caribaeus in the area of Plantage Aruba, where it still resides today.

As an irreplaceable part of the island’s natural heritage, the Grasshopper Sparrow is a reminder of the importance of protecting Bonaire’s unique ecosystems. Let’s do what we can to safeguard the incredible biodiversity that makes Bonaire so extraordinary!

16/11/2024

The Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) is a charismatic shorebird known for its distinctive and piercing call, which sounds like “kill-deer, kill-deer,” giving the species its common name. This vocalization is often heard in open habitats like grasslands, fields, and even urban areas, particularly during the breeding season when the bird is highly territorial. The call serves as a warning to potential threats and a means of communication between mates.

Unusually adaptable, Killdeer are known for nesting in unconventional sites, including gravel rooftops, construction zones, and parking lots across North America. These birds create simple scrapes in the ground, often camouflaging their speckled eggs among rocks or gravel. Despite the risks of human activity, Killdeer thrive in these environments due to their bold behavior and clever strategies, such as feigning injury. This “broken-wing display” is used to distract predators and lure them away from nests. The adaptability of the Killdeer to human-altered landscapes highlights its resourcefulness.

In winter, Killdeer populations migrate southward to escape freezing temperatures. While some remain year-round in the southern United States, others travel as far as Central and South America. This migration is largely driven by food availability, as Killdeer primarily feed on insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates found in soft, unfrozen soils. Their migration patterns vary by region, with northern populations making longer journeys, while those in milder climates may not migrate at all. These seasonal movements ensure that Killdeer can continue to thrive in diverse environments year-round.

Here on Bonaire, we may come across the Killdeer during North American migration seasons, but sometimes they decide they like Bonaire and over-winter here as well.