From July 12 through the 22nd I visited the tropical islands of Trinidad and Tobago, just off the coast of Venezuela. During my trip Bill posted some things I wrote before I left, for which I thank him, and I also want to thank him for getting Viewpoint back up and running despite the headaches he encountered in his move to Florida.
Trinidad is a remarkable place, and the time I spent there was memorable. I went for the birds, which were spectacular (I've posted below a few photos gleaned from the internet of just a sampling of the more beautiful species I saw there), but was profoundly interested in the culture of the island as well. I met a number of very interesting people from around the world, had several fascinating conversations, and learned a lot about a place which had heretofore been for me just a name on a map.
For most of my stay I lodged at the Asa Wright Nature Center which is a world famous destination for nature admirers. Prince Charles even paid a visit in 2008. So many of the birds, butterflies, and flowers on this island are gorgeous, and I couldn't possibly show them all, but here are a few that are representative of a much larger variety of species that even a non-naturalist might see and enjoy there.
The Scarlet ibis is the national bird of Trinidad and makes spectacular flights to it's roosting grounds every evening:
Photo by Roger Neckles
The Red-legged honeycreeper is a beautiful little bird that's found on the grounds at Asa Wright:
The Green honeycreeper is a cousin to the Red-legged and is just as breathtaking. It comes regularly to the numerous feeders the staff at Asa Wright set out in the morning:
The striking Blue-crowned motmot with its unusual tail and iridescent blue head feathers is a favorite at Asa Wright:
Everyone who comes to Asa Wright hopes to see the Collared trogon which inhabits the rain forests of Trinidad and Tobago:
Finally, there's the Channel-billed toucan with it's extraordinary beak and marvelous coloration:
There were many more. To view some lovely photos of the birds of Trinidad you can go here.
RLC
