Birdwatching Guide T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
Birding & Activity Holidays
PANTONE COLOURS
340 C
213 C
7404 C
1788 C
The beautiful twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago are wonderfully unique, bursting with rich culture and combining their own distinctive features to make the ideal Caribbean holiday destination. Visitors are offered a fantastic choice of activities; from tranquil beaches and breath-taking scenery to first class restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, there is something here to suit every taste. Here you will find one of the most cosmopolitan societies in the Caribbean with a cultural diversity that has produced Calypso and Carnival, amazing cuisine, arts, music and friendly, fun loving people.
We are passionate about the islands and can offer honest advice on all aspects of your holiday. We know all the best places to stay and people to guide you and can tailor-make an itinerary that is as organized or relaxed as you want it to be.
The islands are most southerly in the Caribbean and less than 10 miles from the coast of South America, which helps to explain the amazing diversity of flora and fauna to be found here. Both islands are a paradise for nature lovers with one of the most richly populated eco-systems in the world, combined with some of the region’s best bird watching reserves. Without doubt Trinidad and Tobago are truly an eco-tourist’s dream, the ultimate stop for both experienced and novice nature lovers and bird watchers.
Produced on behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board, London · www.gotrinidadandtobago.com · www.visittobago.gov.tt All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any other means, electronic, mechanical, photographic, recording or otherwise without the prior written consent of the publisher.
Tailor-made holidays from the Trinidad & Tobago specialists
Tel: 44(0)1327 359622 www.motmottravel.com
Scarlet Ibis
Advertising Sales – GSTravel Publications Tel: 01795 599690 · Photography courtesy of Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board and David Lingard Graphic Design by GreenApple Graphics (GSTravel Publications & GreenApple Graphics are part of the Lightening Graphics Limited group of companies). Although every effort is made to ensure that the content, both editorial and advertising are true and accurate at time of going to press neither the publisher nor the Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board can be held responsible for any claims made within this publication.
3
PUBLICATIONS
Produced by GSTravel Publications Wises Oast, Wises Lane, Borden ME9 8LR Tel: +44 (0) 1795 599 690 simon@gstravel-publications.co.uk
Bird watching on Trinidad Trinidad boasts lush tropical savannah, rainforests, extensive wetlands, rivers, waterfalls, towering mountain ranges and miles of empty palm-fringed beaches. The island is home to some of the most diverse and spectacular bird life in the Caribbean. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded here from the elusive Speckled Tanager to the spectacular Scarlet Ibis, making it one of the richest birding countries per square mile in the world and enabling it to offer experiences rivalled only by mainland South America, but in a far more compact and accessible form without long drives or treks.
echolocation to enable them to navigate in the absolute darkness of the caves and while flying under dark canopies. They have very specific nesting requirements, breeding and roosting in large colonies primarily on high rocky cave ledges. Oilbirds are protected under the Conservation of Wildlife Act and those found at Dunston Caves are the subject of a detailed conservation programme carefully managed by the AWNC. Make time to visit this beautiful spot for a truly memorable bird watching experience.
The Northern Range
Hidden away in the delightful mountains of Maracas on the island’s Northern Mountain Range, Yerette proudly boasts the largest concentration of hummingbirds in the Caribbean. This is a truly unmissable gem for all bird watchers, with the opportunity to view such hummingbirds as the White Chested Emerald, the Blue Chinned Sapphire and the Ruby Topaz against a backdrop of carefully tended flowers, orchids and ferns. Be sure to take the time to order a leisurely afternoon tea for a truly memorable experience.
Trinidad’s Northern Range is comprised of forested hills crossing the width of the island, and here one finds a wide variety of species not normally seen at the lower elevations elsewhere. Make your way to the lookout points on the Arima-Blanchisseuse Road and Lalaja Road to be rewarded with sights of birds such as the Double-toothed Kite, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and Ornate Hawk Eagle.
Asa Wright Nature Centre Comprising nearly 1,500 acres of mainly forested land in the Arima and Aripo Valleys of the Northern Range, the Asa Wright Nature Centre is considered by ornithologists to be among the best bird watching sites in the world, stunning visitors with its myriad of beautiful birds, sensational hiking trails and engaging bird watching tours. Unmatched in the Caribbean for its bio-diversity, many of the Trinidad and Tobago’s 400 species of native birds, 55 different reptile species, 25 amphibians, more than 600 butterflies and 2,000 types of flowering plants can be found at the Centre.
Dunston Caves Situated within the grounds of the Asa Wright Nature Centre, Dunston Caves are home to Trinidad’s most accessible colony of rare Guacharos, or Oilbirds. This fascinating, nocturnal fruit-eating bird uses
Yerette
Cumaca Valley Mountains The Cumaca Valley mountains is a wonderfully productive area for bird watching for mountain forest species such as bellbirds and woodpeckers, Zone-tailed Hawk, Blue Dacni, Green Kingfisher, Whiteflanked Antwren and many other desirable species.
Aripo Agricultural Research Station This area provides truly excellent bird watching with access to open savannah, wet pastures, hedgerows and isolated trees. Typical of the area are the Savannah Hawk, Wattled Jacana, and Red-breasted Blackbird. Wintering American shorebirds including the Southern Lapwing and Stilt Sandpiper are often found in the wetter areas, providing glimpses of birds not otherwise seen on a regular basis.
4
Arena Dam and Forest Reserve Arena Dam is a popular bird watching area with excellent chances of seeing birds such as the Grey Hawk, Plumbeous Kite, and Squirrel Cuckoo. The Arena Forest Reserve has several hiking trails that are well suited for an early morning or easy afternoon walk, consisting of mainly gentle gradients and well suited to those who do not hike regularly but want to experience a hike in a tropical rain forest. In and around the Arena Forest Reserve you will see Yellowrumped Caciques, Piratic Flycatchers and the wonderfully named Violaceous Trogon.
Bay-headed Tanager © David Lingard
Waller Field The disused airfield of Waller Field in the Aripo Savannah provides excellent bird watching opportunities. Typical sightings here include Fork-tailed Palm Swift, Sulphury and Bran-coloured Flycatchers, White-tailed Goldenthroat Hummingbird, Moriche Oriole and occasionally Crimson-crested Woodpecker. It is also the perfect spot for those who prefer their action after dark, where you may catch glimpses of night birds such as the White-tailed Nightjar, Nacunda Nighthawk and Tropical Screech Owl.
Caroni Swamp Caroni Swamp is without doubt one of Trinidad’s bird watching highlights. An extensive estuarine system of mangrove forests intersected by a network of channels with some beautiful open lagoons, providing a variety of habitats for flora and faunal species and as such, supporting a rich biodiversity of birds and wildlife. The area is home to several mangrove specialities such
as the Grey Potoo, Bicoloured Conebill and Straight-billed Woodcreeper. It also hosts the Big Event of Trinidadian birding – the spectacular sunset display of the Scarlet Ibis, one of the national birds of Trinidad and Tobago. Thousands flock home to roost every evening, blanketing the sky and trees with a vibrant red hue. Why not join one of the early evening boat trips to witness this wonderful spectacle.
Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust Located along the western coast near San Fernando you will find this superbly picturesque bird watching reserve founded in 1966 and maintained by the Pointe-aPierre Wildfowl Trust. The Trust has a very successful breeding programme for Scarlet Ibis and Whistling Ducks; other species found here include Saffron Finch, Redcapped Cardinal and Ringed Kingfisher. Be sure to visit the onsite learning centre and then take a leisurely stroll around the lake to truly enjoy the beauty and colour of the birds, trees and flowers within the Reserve.
5
Tamana Caves The Tamana Caves on the northern slope of Mount Tamana in Central Range are home to an extensive colony of bats and for the naturalist it are a ‘must see’ place of interest. An estimated one and a half million bats inhabit the caves, with twelve individual species living side-by-side in this underground colony, each with its own complex social structure. The highlight of the expedition is to witness at dusk, the spectacular migration of bats leaving the caves in a spiral formation in search of food. If you stand still, the bats incredibly sophisticated sonar keep them from contacting you directly. This is an experience which can only be described as exhilarating.
Images by David Lingard LIPU-UK · Fernwood, Doddington Road, Whisby, Lincs, LN6 9BX +44 (0)1522 689030 · www.lipu-uk.org
Hummingbirds
Useful Information – Trinidad and Tobago
Bird watching on Tobago
Caledonia Wildlife Bird Sanctuary For a guaranteed bird watching delight the Caledonia Wildlife Bird Sanctuary in the former Grafton cocoa plantation at Black Rock is a true paradise for bird watchers. Take your time to stroll through one of the forest hiking trails to be rewarded with many opportunities for sighting the resident birds. You may wish to time your visit to coincide with the 8am and 4pm feeding times and have the birds come to you. Be sure to bring your camera as there will be plenty of chances to get close-up shots of birds such as the Red-crowned Woodpecker, Blue-gray Tanager and the Barred Antshrike, while some of the Motmots are so tame that you can feed them out of your hand.
Motmot © David Lingard
The beautiful island of Tobago is only a 20 minute flight away from Trinidad and is an unspoilt haven of perfect sandy bays, clear turquoise seas and coral-reefs with world class dive sites. Bird watching in Tobago is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the island. With more than 230 species of tropical bird in such a small area, it’s not surprising that Tobago has become an increasingly popular destination for bird watchers. Tobago offers a great variety of natural habitat for birds including tropical rain forest, mangrove swamp, marshland, open country and scrubland, gardens, parks and coast. Serious birders will probably seek out specific species in those habitats but you can enjoy a variety of exotic birdlife in the comfort of your hotel or villa. The Bananaquit, or ‘Sugarbird’, lives up to its nickname and may join you at your dining room table. The Tropical Mockingbird is also extremely common, and will probably be the first bird you hear singing in the morning, while the Blue-crowned Motmot, known locally as ‘King of the Woods’, has strikingly beautiful plumage and can often be seen perched on wires or in branches by the side of the road.
Little Tobago Island Take a delightful glass-bottomed boat trip from Speyside on the east of Tobago to reach Little Tobago Island, taking time to view the attractive corals and brightly coloured tropical fish on the way. Here you will find one of the most important seabird sanctuaries in the Caribbean. Once you arrive you will have the opportunity to overlook the nesting grounds for seabirds such as the Red-billed Tropicbird, Sandwich Terns and the Magnificent Frigatebirds.
Gilpin Trace There are a number of tempting trails for birdwatchers in the UNESCO-listed Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest natural reserve in the western hemisphere. Gilpin Trace has the distinction of being the oldest named trail within the Reserve. A deserved favourite amongst bird watchers and tourists alike, the trail leads through areas that are home to one of the rarest hummingbirds, the endemic White-tailed Sabrewing which was only rediscovered on Tobago after Hurricane Flora in 1974. Other birds to be seen include the Fuscous Flycatcher, Blue-backed Manakin (Tobago’s only Manakin) and White-necked Jacobin.
6
Other excellent bird watching areas on the island include the Hillsborough Dam District, the Roxborough-Bloody Bay Road and Charlotteville Village.
Best Times for bird watching in Trinidad and Tobago December to April is usually the best time to visit for most birds, especially March and early April, before the wet season when many forest species are at their most active and North American migrants are at their peak. However, as the islands have a huge range of permanent resident birds, good field observations are assured whichever time of year you choose to visit. As well as the glorious abundance of wildlife, Trinidad and Tobago offer the beautiful idyllic Caribbean setting of crystal blue waters, golden sands and swaying palm trees to guarantee you a trip to remember, making the islands the perfect holiday destination both for nature lovers and discerning travellers.
Capital: Port of Spain, Trinidad
Taxes
• Taxi Drivers: 10% of the fare
Population: Trinidad and Tobago’s population stands at 1,328,019.
• Hotel Tax This tax of 10% is standard to all hotels and guesthouses in T&T. In addition, hotels may add on their own service and utility fees or security deposits - but this depends on the provider. The best way to find out about these fees is from your hotel or guesthouse.
• Service Staff at a Restaurant: 10 to 15 % of total bill
Currency: The local currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar. US dollars are widely accepted at an approximate rate of TT $6 to US $1 and you can find rate information at local banks, or the daily newspapers. Euro’s and the Pound Sterling (GBP) are not as widely accepted as US dollars. Traveller’s cheques and international credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and malls. ATM machines are located at the airport, banks, malls, cities and towns. Language: The official language of Trinidad and Tobago is English. Area: Trinidad is approximately 1853 square miles (4,800 sq km) and Tobago 116 square miles (300 sq km) Location: Trinidad and Tobago are the most southern islands in the Caribbean, located a mere seven miles off Venezuela’s north eastern coast. The islands are a 3 hour and 19 minute flight from Miami, 4 1/2 hours from New York and 58 minutes from Caracas. Climate & Weather: Trinidad and Tobago has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average daytime temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius. Our islands have two main seasons, the Dry Season, from January to May and the Rainy Season, from June to December. In the Rainy Season, mornings are usually sunny, followed by rainy afternoons and fair nights. During this time, our general rainfall pattern is interrupted by days of brilliant sunshine. Banking & Business: Banks are open on Monday to Thursday, 8am-2pm and Friday, 8am to 1pm;3pm-5pm. Banks located in shopping plazas and malls are the exception to this rule with business hours from 11am to 6pm. As a rule, the day starts at 8am and ends at 4pm, from Monday to Friday at most Government Departments and private business. Shops open from 8 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday except for stores in malls, which are open from 10am to 7pm.
• Value Added Tax Value Added Tax, or VAT, is a 15% tax added to goods and services. The prices displayed in stores usually include this tax, unless otherwise stated. Electricity: 110/220 volts. If this voltage is different from your home country, some hotels offer adapters to their guests or adaptors can be purchased from local hardware and electrical stores. Telecommunications: The international dialling code for Trinidad and Tobago is 1-868 followed by seven digits. On the islands, use the seven digits alone. Internet: Internet cafes are very popular in T&T and rates start at US .80 cents per hour (there may be an extra charge for the use of webcams, printers and other accessories). Health: No special vaccines or precautions are required before your trip to Trinidad and Tobago, however you should pack all prescription medication required for the trip. Business hours for malls, shops, and supermarket: As a rule, most shops open for business at 8am till 5pm from Monday to Friday. Stores in Port of Spain close at 3pm on Saturdays; however the malls are open from 10am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. Most business, including malls and shopping plazas, are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Groceries and some pharmacies are the exception. Tipping: This is left to your own discretion; however you can follow the guidelines shown here:
• Spa Attendants: 10% of total bill. What type of clothing should I pack: If you are visiting Trinidad and Tobago on vacation, comfortable, light cotton clothing is recommen-ded, to protect you from hot daytime temperatures, but pack a light sweater as it can get quite cool in the evening. Please note, it is illegal in Trinidad and Tobago for civilians to wear camouflage clothing and these items will be seized if found in your possession. Driving: To drive you will need a valid international driver’s permit or one issued in the Bahamas, Canada, England, France, Germany or the United States of America. This permit is valid for 90 days after arrival. In both islands, traffic moves on the left side. Most vehicles, including rentals, are right-hand drive and to secure yours a credit card or cash deposit is required. Random: The steelpan is Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument Bird Watching - Trinidad Trinidad is home to some of the most diverse and spectacular bird life in the Caribbean. This variety can be attributed to the island’s location on the tip of South America. Home to the Asa Wright Nature Centre, a world renowned centre for bird watching, Trinidad’s size and accessibility to popular sites, ensures many species can be seen without long drives or treks. Bird watching - Tobago Tobago has over 200 bird species on just 116 square miles of land. The island has several great vantage points for bird watching including the Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and Little Tobago Island, a small offshore island located just off the village of Speyside.
Contact Information: Advantage Management Group UK Suite 200, Parkway House, Sheen Lane, London SW14 8LS United Kingdom Tel: + 44 (0) 844 846 0812 Fax: +44 (0) 208 878 9124 Email: trinbago@amgltd.biz
Most malls and shops are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Trinidad & Tobago Tourism Development Company Ltd. Level 1, Maritime Centre, #29 Tenth Avenue, Barataria, Trinidad, West Indies Tel: 1-868-675-7034 Fax: 1-868-638-7962 www.tdc.co.tt The Division of Tourism and Transportation #12 Sangster Hill, Scarborough, Tobago, W.I. Phone: 1 868 639 2125, 639 4636 Fax: 1 868 639 3566 The Anhinga © David Lingard
7
THE HAPPIEST ISLAND
In The Caribbean Awaits You Tobago was named the Happiest Country in the Caribbean by World Happiness Report published by the United Nations. We’re happy because of the beauty that surrounds us. We’re happy because we attract tourists from all over the world. We are happy to share our beautiful island with you. This luxury resort is situated on 750 acres with miles of coastline and is a nature lover’s paradise. There are over 470 different species of birds on Tobago and you will spot many of them at our resort. Our professional tour desk will also consult with you on the many birding tours and locations you can visit. The national bird, the colourful Scarlet Ibis, has been seen in Tobago and our resort on special occasions. They are a nationally protected bird and are more commonly seen in Caroni Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad. Tobago has much to offer from exciting watersports to eco-adventure in one of the hemisphere’s oldest rainforests.
The Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort has 178 deluxe oceanfront guest rooms and 22 suites, all featuring breathtaking ocean views from large private balconies and terraces. There are 3 oceanfront swimming pools, a PGA designed 18-hole golf course, tennis, a PADI 5-star dive centre, spa services, guest activities, a kids club and a variety of excursions, as well as a wide range of dining options.
Reservations: 0845 004 8276 • Local: 868-660-8500 • Email: Reservations@MagdalenaGrand.com
W W W .M A G D A L E N A G R A N D . C O M