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Pic Paradis is home to
many migratory birds not found elsewhere on the island, such as this American
Redstart. EPIC biologists collected data on this bird and released it unharmed
as part of ongoing research into bird health and diversity at Loterie Farm.
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Preparations for the
event are well underway. A team of wildlife experts and event coordinators
conducted a test run of the birding tour
at Loterie Farm this past Saturday to plan the best route for the
birdwatching tour, and noted a wide variety of migratory and resident birds
along the route, including hummingbirds, thrashers, redstarts, and
warblers.
Local artist and Les Fruits de Mer Secretary Stephen Winkel is designing special wildlife-inspired children’s art activities
for the event, which will include decorating bird feeders made from calabashes.
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) is organizing the bird
education station, where event guests will learn to recognize birds by their
song. Thanks to support from the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and BirdsCaribbean, there will also be children’s activities including
a Junior Birdwatcher journal and activity book as well as free bird stickers
and tattoos. Bird identification cards and t-shirts will be available for a
donation to support conservation efforts.
The location of the
first Birds & Bugs event, Loterie Farm, is one of the most ecologically
significant places on St. Martin.Pic Paradis is listed as an Important Bird
Area (IBA), a designation provided to sites that support significant global or
regional bird populations. The broadleaf forest on the western slope of
Pic Paradis, including Loterie Farm, is a unique environment that is home to an
extraordinary array of fascinating animal species. This habitat, with its large
trees and full canopy, is both essential and breathtaking. EPIC Senior
Biologist Adam Brown states, “Of all
the habitats on St. Martin, this one has provided the most unique window into
the life of migratory birds. This forest alone has been the location of at
least seven first island records of bird species and played a significant role
in the re-establishment of such resident forest species as Scaly-breasted
Thrasher, Scaly-naped Pigeon, and Bridled Quail Dove. I can’t imagine the
island without this forest.”
“The wildlife in this
forest is an important part of St. Martin’s natural heritage, and the Birds
& Bugs event is the perfect opportunity to experience, celebrate, and learn
about it!” said Mark Yokoyama, author of The Incomplete Guide to the
Wildlife of St. Martin. Yokoyama will be hosting the bug discovery station,
which will showcase a variety of live insects and other invertebrates from St. Martin, including walking sticks, katydids, caterpillars and spiders.
The Les Fruits de Mer
Association is currently seeking additional volunteers to help out at the
event, and sponsorship for event materials including art supplies for the kids’
activities, t-shirts, additional binoculars, and drinking water. People
interested in being involved can contact info@lesfruitsdemer.org.
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Local bird expert and
Les Fruits de Mer member Binkie van Es and President Jenn Yerkes
test-run the
event’s birding tour at Loterie Farm..
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EPIC was
founded in 2000 with the mission to protect the Caribbean environment through
research and community-based action, and has conducted long-term studies on the
birds of the island while working to raise awareness of bird conservation
issues. EPIC biologists have partnered with Loterie Farm for over a decade to
study the health and diversity of birds in this rare habitat.
Loterie Farm is a
private nature reserve. The 54-hectare property includes broadleaf forest
as well as the remains of historical buildings dating back to the 18th century.
Loterie Farm safeguards the history and the environment while also sharing this
unique site with the public. The Farm has hosted a great deal of biological
research, including ongoing studies of birds and other animals. Loterie Farm
offers hiking and zip-lining as well as a gourmet restaurant, lounge, and
spring-fed swimming pool.
Les Fruits de Mer is a
non-profit association based in St. Martin whose core mission is to raise
awareness about nature, culture, and sport. The organization carries out this
mission through publications, an education program, and special public outreach
events that entertain, inspire, and inform. The Association is currently
accepting new member applications on its website, http://ass.lesfruitsdemer.org.
For
more information about Birds & Bugs 2013, visit website or Facebook ,
and visit http://www.epicislands.org to
learn more about EPIC.
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