The birds of Trinidad

This was another great trip with Jessie James "Members Only" Taxi Service. Four cruising couples joined to see the birds. First we went into the Northern mountain range, to the "Asa Wright" Nature center . In a beautiful wooded setting they try to preserve large areas of forest. It's a small hotel too and real birders should probably stay a night to see even more birds in the evening and in the morning. Guides take groups of people along trails and explain flora and birds. Dirk got to eat a termite, was supposed to taste a bit like carrot, but Dirk thinks it was more peppery. We had a good Kingfish lunch there, then relaxed on the veranda to watch the birds at the bird feeders. Trinidad is supposed to have 18 kinds of hummingbirds (plus females look different than males). We probably saw 6 species of hummingbirds and got a few good shots in the midday sun. The colors of some birds could be right out of the Trinidad Carnival.

"Ain't we a pretty couple?"




Later in the afternoon we headed for the Caroni Swamp to take a swamp-boat-tour and see Trinidad's national bird, the red Scarlet Ibis. A group of serious birders was in the same boat, dressed like for an elephant hunt, with checklists of birds they had seen. Way too serious folks for our taste. We just enjoyed the boat ride through the mangroves while the guide pointed out wild life left and right.

For sunset the guide positioned the boat close to an island in the swamp, where many Scarlet Ibis roost. Promptly, around sunset, the first red birds showed up, then groups of 3 - 5, than large flocks joined. the island started to look dotted with bright red paint spots. Pictures where a bit hard to take, the light was getting low and the guides/boats kept a good distance not to disturb the birds. So, the little blurry pictures will have to suffice.

Scarlet Ibis

During the whole day, Jessie entertained us with tidbits of information: History, politics, nature, food, events. He promised us a test at the end of the day so we paid attention. When we were taxied back to the marinas, the quiz started and the guests did pretty well. Jessie had to make good on his promise of a prize and he stopped at a stand with homemade ice-cream. Delicious!