10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 21, 2022

I’ve been leading a small but faithful group on Trinidad for several years to count birds within a livestock farm that is generally restricted to the public (you can read about some of those shenanigans here ); this was the first time I was to embark on a CBC on the smaller island of Tobago.

Falcons 241

Falcons Trinidad Ducks Groups 241

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. In fact, it was.

Trinidad 178

Trinidad Birds Fast Food Cattle 178

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 5, 2020

Farmers keep their livestock in this wetland also. 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. Great Blue Heron. Common Waxbills.

Livestock 215

Livestock Ducks ALA illegal 215

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 6, 2021

For the fifth year in a row, I was assigned the prolific and well-known Aripo Livestock Station at the foothills of Trinidad’s Northern Range. For birders who have visited T&T in the past, the livestock station has always been a staple site for several key species that would be fairly difficult elsewhere.

Trinidad 264

Trinidad Livestock Groups Eagles 264

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 23, 2020

Seven hours in total, reaching halfway up the second highest peak on Trinidad, El Tucuche. Trinidad Lancehead , or Fer-de-lance. The sandy forest yielded half-decent looks at several uncommon forest species such as this White-shouldered Tanager. What actually unfolded was quite different from what I had expected, however.

Trinidad 174

Trinidad Livestock 2015 Groups 174