Chronicles of a Birders Life List
Over the past 40 years I have had the good fortune to photographically document 85% of the bird species added to my “Life List.” This blog series showcases the images and anecdotal accounts that document those “Lifer” sightings and a little about the environment and culture of the area. This Lifer blog series begins with the first LIFER outside of the US, Lifer #624 and proceeds chronologically forward from there.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
Caribbean Elaenia (Elaenia martinica) > Tyrannidae > Passeriformes
IDENTIFICATION: Rather drab and inconspicuous flycatcher of tropical woodland, semi-open areas with bushes and trees. Often found at fruiting trees, where eats small berries. Limited overlap in range with slightly larger and brighter Yellow-bellied Elaenia, which has a spiky, white-based crest, unlike Caribbean, which usually holds its crest flattened; also note that Caribbean has a bright orange base to the underside of its bill, duller wingbars, and different voice; does not flick its wings or tail.
FIRST “LIFER” OBSERVATION:
Birding with: Miguel Amar Uribe from Mexico Kan Tours and my wife Maria
Date: 10 Dec 2021 @ Colonia Huertes Familiares, Cozumel, MX
Colonia Huertos Familiares | MX-ROO
SPECIES GLOBAL eBIRD DISTRIBUTION MAP
Yellow Star indications the location of my Lifer sighting
DETAILS ABOUT SIGHTING: We drove back down through the main road of San Miguel to a small colony just outside of town called Huertes Familiares. We drove slowly and stopped to get out several times to look at birds flitting around. This flycatcher posed quite calmly and I was able to get several decent images of it.
PHOTOS TAKEN: Images below taken @ Colonia Huertes Familiares, Cozumel, MX
Previous 3 posts in my LIFER Blog Series.
Reflections of the Natural World 
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