Quinlan Cijntje is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable local young birdwatcher, who inspires many people from the island to observe and learn more about the very interesting nature the island has. He joined the Bird Watching Curaçao volunteer team in 2021. He now studies in the Netherlands but will always be on the lookout for birds (and other animals) everywhere he is. Now that he is on vacation on his island he will share some of his birding experiences on this website and our social media channels.
Rare Bird Sighting: The Enigmatic Red Knot’s Visit to Klein Curaçao! 
Hello fellow bird enthusiasts! 
We’ve got an extraordinary tale to share with you today—a remarkable encounter with the elusive Red Knot on the pristine shores of Klein Curaçao. This tiny island, known for its rare bird sightings, recently graced us with a birding spectacle that left us in awe.
Klein Curaçao: A Birder’s Paradise
Klein Curaçao, a diminutive gem located just a short boat ride from its larger sibling, is renowned among birders for its reputation as a hotspot for rare avian visitors. Surrounded by sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, it’s the perfect place for avian enthusiasts to experience nature’s surprises. And that’s precisely what happened during our recent excursion.
Background:
The Red Knot, Calidris canutus, is a long-distance migrant known for its striking rufa subspecies, which sports a deep red plumage during the breeding season. However, our recent sighting was of a Red Knot in its non-breeding attire—a gray-ish white plumage adorned with subtle hints of red on its breast. Such a sighting is indeed a rare treat for birdwatchers.
The Extraordinary Encounter:
Imagine this: We had just settled down on the rocky northern coastline of Klein Curaçao, taking a well-deserved water break after a morning of birding. As we quenched our thirst and discussed the day’s sightings, our binoculars suddenly revealed a most unexpected sight.
A Red Knot, resplendent in its gray-ish white plumage with those delicate hints of red, took flight from a rocky outcrop further west. It flew gracefully toward us, as if drawn by our presence. And it wasn’t alone! To our astonishment, it was accompanied by two Dowitchers, creating a trio of wading birds against the stunning backdrop of the island’s rugged terrain.
Observing the Knot and Its Companions:
As this trio of avian wonders drew closer, we were treated to a remarkable spectacle. The Red Knot’s steady, rhythmic wingbeats and the Dowitchers’ elegant wading in the shallow tidal pools were a testament to the wonders of nature.
We could hardly contain our excitement as we watched these birds explore the rocky coastlines, their movements both delicate and purposeful. It was as though they were sharing their secrets with us, allowing us to witness their natural behaviors up close.
Photography Extravaganza:
Cameras clicked in a frenzy, capturing this unexpected encounter in all its glory. Each photograph was a testament to the bird’s elegance and the sheer luck of our encounter.
A Conservation Reminder:
Klein Curaçao’s status as a birding paradise comes with a responsibility. Our encounter with the Red Knot and its companions serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems. Even remote islands like this play a vital role in the migratory routes and resting places for these magnificent creatures.
The Red Knot’s unexpected visit to the rocky shores of Klein Curaçao was a gift from nature—a testament to the island’s reputation as a birding paradise. It’s a reminder that when you least expect it, nature can surprise you with its beauty and wonder.
Quinlan Cijntje
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