The Tribune

WHITE-tailed Tropic birds are breeding successfully in the Tilloo Cay Reserve in Abaco but may still be threatened by preying feral cats on the island, a recent Bahamas National Trust survey has found.

The BNT has a keen interest in protecting and conserving the seabirds of the Bahamas and were able to locate several successful nests in the Reserve, one of six national parks on Abaco. The team located several successful nests during the exercise.

“These assessments are conducted on an annual basis during breeding season to assess the breeding population and determine nesting successes of the White-tailed Tropic bird,” said David Knowles, Director of Parks for the BNT. “This assessment provided a great deal of insight on the birds and it confirmed that there is still successful breeding occurring in the Reserve.”

During their assessment, the BNT team found eight active White-tailed Tropic bird nests with pre-fledging chicks and adults. The nests were found under coastal scrub vegetation and overhangs, in stone crevices and in the Reserve. Tilloo Cay Reserve was established 1990 to protect a pristine natural environment including important nesting habitats for seabirds. This recent assessment shows that the reserve is serving its purpose, as the birds are nesting successfully.

As well as for the White Tailed Tropic, Tilloo Cay Reserve is also a breeding ground and nesting site for other tropic birds, the yellow-crowned night heron, several species of terns and other seabirds.

“Despite this good news, BNT is concerned about the predation. While it is possible this may have been natural from a bird of prey, it is also possible that feral cats may still be on the island and are attacking the birds. We are asking all residents to help us preserve this sanctuary and to advise us if they see any cats in the area where the birds nest,” said Mr Knowles. “Abaco residents are keen to support our parks and we hope together to keep Tilloo Cay’s birds breeding successfully.”

The BNT is currently working with the National Audubon Society, the largest non-governmental organisation dedicated to protecting birds, and several other international agencies to broaden bird-based tourism in the Bahamas, and these White Tailed Tropic birds are a great sight for potential bird watchers.