10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 19, 2020

This was actually the place where the late Richard ffrench spent much of his time as a music teacher, amassing countless observations of birds that would later form the basis of one of the essential birding guides for Trinidad and Tobago. The subtle white edging to the gape of this bird indicates it is near breeding time.

Trinidad 212

Trinidad Birds Parrots Falcons 212

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 9, 2023

With my recent relocation to the central forests of Trinidad, I have been afforded the incredible opportunity of observing three oft-confused species in close proximity to one another. While the bird above recalls a Great Kiskadee in size and structure, both Variegated and Piratic Flycatchers are considerably smaller and slimmer.

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Trinidad Abandon Abandoning Abandonment 150

10,000 Birds

APRIL 29, 2020

The last time I had seen a Summer Tanager was during a Christmas Bird Count in 2012. Sightings in Trinidad have been sporadic, 38 to be exact since the formation of the T&T Bird Status and Distribution Committee. This is an immature bird, as evidenced by the yellow wash on his underparts.

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Trinidad Birds Squirrels 2012 212

10,000 Birds

APRIL 1, 2020

I’ve always birded from home for as long as I can remember. Now, every day I end up subconsciously birding from before my eyes open in the morning. Not being a fan of human structures in my images, I’ve never done much bird photography at home. Tropical Mockingbirds on a neighbor’s tree. Great Kiskadee.

Birds 231

Birds Raised Owls Humane 231

10,000 Birds

APRIL 28, 2021

Perhaps his first attempt at raising a family – I’ll be checking on him in a few days! What I’m not looking forward to is the flurry of rare bird reports of elaenias. Some birds chose to sit quietly together, perhaps getting to know each other’s quirks and habits before settling down to raise a family.

Raised 264

Raised Breeding South America Family 264

10,000 Birds

JULY 8, 2020

But I know, we’re here for the birds. The Trinidad Motmot is the only endemic species on the island. The fishing birds have it easy here. Be warned, staying at Cuffie River Nature Retreat may encourage you to cancel your other birding plans on the island. They are quite tame at the lodge.

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Trinidad Parrots Species Hunting 171

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 14, 2020

Out of the approximately 26 species of snipes worldwide, two have been recorded on Trinidad. On Trinidad it took me some more time until I saw my first snipe. For many years, even after I joined the Rare Bird Committee , I simply took it for granted that I would have to walk away from some snipe ID questions.

Trinidad 272

Trinidad Welfare North America Emotional 272