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 245

Falcons Trinidad Ducks Groups 245

10,000 Birds

JULY 7, 2012

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. Fortunately, we weren’t far at all from a mandatory stop on any Trinidad & Tobago nature tour. Time to explore some new habitat! In fact, it was.

Trinidad 180

Trinidad Birds Fast Food Cattle 180

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 5, 2020

Farmers keep their livestock in this wetland also. Arriving before sunrise, we could already see the thick clouds on the horizon. Scores of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks circled overhead, these vocal ducks are often hunted illegally here so it was refreshing to see so many.

Livestock 219

Livestock Ducks ALA illegal 219

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. This small tanager is widely distributed across Trinidad albeit much less common than the very similar White-lined Tanager. What actually unfolded was quite different from what I had expected, however.

Trinidad 176

Trinidad Livestock 2015 Groups 176