10,000 Birds

JULY 12, 2023

This time, we are back in Trinidad and have relocated to a picturesque lodge in the very heart of the island. One step away from swifts are hummingbirds, and at least 13 species of these winged jewels flutter about from sunrise to sunset. Interesting. Yes, Red-bellied Macaws not only mate on the property, but nest here too!

Trinidad 223

Trinidad Barn Owls Owls Reptiles 223

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 3, 2022

As a birder, I’ve found this place to be a complete treasure trove for many species difficult to see elsewhere. Personally I’ve seen over a hundred species over several birding trips there, the overall species list for the location is approximately 160 – a tally that will only increase.

Trinidad 231

Trinidad Squirrels Birds Groups 231

10,000 Birds

JUNE 8, 2022

But at times, in the breeding season especially, the same birds would belt some of the most complex and absolutely juicy notes that made me reconsider my feelings toward them. Back in Trinidad, both Spectacled Thrush and Cocoa Thrush would nest in our backyard. They seem to be a bit angry for the most part. Wise creatures.

Trinidad 147

Trinidad Emotional Breeding Cats 147

10,000 Birds

MAY 25, 2022

It was an undeniably dank morning at the top of this island watershed, and even though we were able to discern some other species like Rufous-tailed Jacamar and the endemic Trinidad Motmot , activity was a bit slow. We were hoping for some of the more secretive species, however. A Magnificent Frigatebird soars over the bay.

Trinidad 231

Trinidad Woodpeckers Species Ducks 231

10,000 Birds

APRIL 29, 2020

Typical of the species. Sightings in Trinidad have been sporadic, 38 to be exact since the formation of the T&T Bird Status and Distribution Committee. Both species seemed content to observe each other though. Surprisingly, a pair of Striated Herons in breeding plumage flew in as dusk tightened its grip.

Trinidad 196

Trinidad Birds Squirrels 2012 196

10,000 Birds

MARCH 17, 2021

The southwest peninsula of Trinidad is unfortunately rarely birded by visiting birders. The area is known for being a breeding area of the enigmatic Rufous Crab-Hawk and it was the first place I saw the species, many years ago. hours one-way. As always, an adult Scarlet Ibis shines like a beacon. Rufous Crab-Hawk.

Sea Turtles 248

Sea Turtles Bats Turtles Trinidad 248

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 196

Trinidad Birds Parrots Falcons 196

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

The islands of the Caribbean are home to 176 species of endemic birds unevenly distributed across the region. Some islands host one or two species, others more than twenty. For some species, conservation actions are well underway and we are seeing some measure of positive impact as a result.

Grenada 130

Grenada Parrots Trinidad 2010 130

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 12, 2013

The Trincity Sewage Ponds in Trinidad and Tobago are no exception. My visit to the best sewage ponds for birding on the island of Trinidad was on 19 July 2013. Phaetusa simplex is the only species in its genus and it seems very unlikely that it will be confused with another tern species.

Trinidad 172

Trinidad New Jersey Nevada Illinois 172

10,000 Birds

APRIL 28, 2021

As the boreal migrants head north, breeding season for the residents and austral migrants is beginning to pick up. There are other austral migrants breeding here, however – I’ve found two separate nesting sites of the incredulous looking Swallow Tanager thus far. Common Black Hawks , adult and juvenile. Sounds like a party.

Raised 264

Raised Breeding South America Family 264

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 19, 2020

These intrepid travelers have captivated the very essence of my being, years ago when I used to work on an industrial port on the west coast of Trinidad I noticed each year these alien looking birds would appear, stick around for a while and then depart. Last weekend I wasn’t on the hunt for any species in particular though.

Trinidad 175

Trinidad South America Blackbirds Industry 175

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

An associated issue is that the Belize and Costa Rica guides share many of the same descriptions of species, written by Howell. Similarly, descriptions of species repeated across volumes do not lose their accuracy with each publication. Other species are splits and lumped and have had their names changed. Why are these issues?

Costa Rica 206

Costa Rica Belize El Salvador Birds 206

10,000 Birds

JULY 7, 2012

Have you ever enjoyed one of those brilliant birding expeditions, the outing where every target species takes its cue with machine precision? Such was my introduction to Aripo Savannah in Trinidad. My first morning in Trinidad was dedicated to discovering the myriad wonders of Asa Wright Nature Centre.

Trinidad 175

Trinidad Birds Fast Food Cattle 175

10,000 Birds

MARCH 10, 2021

(The White-tipped Dove is actually called, in Spanish, the Paloma Arroyera , or “Gully Dove” And sorry, I have yet to get a photo of this shy species. Like most of the species on this list, this tiny highland bird prefers to make its presence know by singing, rather than by being seen. You do want to see it.

Trinidad 175

Trinidad Emotional Transported Mexico 175

10,000 Birds

JUNE 25, 2012

Asa Wright Nature Centre in Trinidad holds a prominent position on that list of luminaries. The dichotomous republic of Trinidad and Tobago may be something of a cipher to anyone unfamiliar with the point where the Caribbean ends and South America begins. Now I’ve finally spent time at Asa Wright, I understand why.

Trinidad 243

Trinidad South America America Ecuador 243

10,000 Birds

APRIL 19, 2023

Some days ago I had the opportunity to explore the grossly underbirded southeastern corner of Trinidad. The Nariva Swamp is the largest wetland on Trinidad, giving to and taking from the relentless Atlantic Ocean on its eastern boundary. We managed to see both species of monkey, though – so we were ultimately well satiated.

Trinidad 29

Trinidad Falcons Primates Monkeys 29

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 6, 2018

Covering 1,261 species with data and taxonomy current up to August 2017, the field guide is an exciting achievement. And, then there are the more familiar birds–Wood-warblers, sandpipers, hawks–some species migrants, some species with a wide range. Can you guess which of the species cited above are endemic?

America 212

America El Salvador Costa Rica Honduras 212

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 5, 2020

Striated Heron in breeding plumage – extra plumes and blue lores. Two species of icterids populated the area, the presence of either was a direct indicator of the degree of water present. But for the time being we occupied ourselves observing two invasive species – Common Waxbills and Tricolored Munias.

Livestock 205

Livestock Ducks ALA illegal 205

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 15, 2012

This bird represented only the second documented record of this species in Florida. 2012 has certainly been a bumper year for me with an estimated year list of around 3,000 species after extensive travels to South Africa, Ethiopia, South Korea, Indonesia, the Russian Far East, United Kingdom, Peru, Guatemala and Panama.

2012 144

2012 Birds Guatemala Florida 144