Limosa - Birdwatching and Wildlife Hoildays Worldwide

Once again, the Asa Wright Experience proved its well-earned reputation as one of the seven wonders of the birding world. Great food, excellent guides (and of course I’m referring to the locals, not myself!!) and simply fabulous birds — right outside the window. From the moment we arrived until it was time to leave, this tour provided wall to wall fun and birds to take the breath away, all in marvellous tropical scenery amongst the rain forests and savannas of northern Trinidad.

A typical day at Asa Wright went something like this: at 05.10 (give or take five minutes), the local House Wren would begin the dawn chorus, followed shortly by Little Tinamous, Common Potoo and the tuneful Yellow Oriole. By 05.45, the chorus really got into full swing with Tropical Mockingbird, Cocoa Woodcreeper and a manic ramble from the Palm Tanagers filling the air as the day really got started. Early risers at 06.00 would find the feeders already stocked with food, which the last of the night flight of bats was tucking into, while Agoutis chomped bread on the floor under the feeder benches. Within five minutes, the daytime diners had taken over. The bats melted away, to be replaced by a mad tumble of Palm, Silver-beaked and White-lined Tanagers, Cocoa and Bare-eyed Thrushes Bananaquits and, usually, the resident Blue-crowned Motmot. Within another five minutes, startling Purple and Green Honeycreepers were on the sugar feeders and White-tailed Jacobins were battling for prime perching position nearby. All seemed orderly and easy to deal with by the end of the week, but on the first morning, new birds came thick and fast and it was almost too much to cope with!

Hummingbird attractions soon picked up too, the jacobins being joined by White-chested Emerald, Copper-rumped Hummingbird and the occasional Blue-chinned Sapphire (what great names!). Other delights that came and went at the feeder included Great Antshrike, Red-crowned Ant Tanager, Crested Oropendola and the wonderful Chestnut Woodpecker. But that’s just the feeders! Further out, the flowering Yellow Poui tree regularly hosted Turquoise and Bay-headed Tanagers, the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl called somniferously and Violaceous Euphonias (that well-known anagram!) were usually to be found. Yet further, a fruiting Wild Nutmeg almost always had Channel-billed Toucan, Black-tailed Tityra and Violaceous Trogon on view. The sound of the breakfast bell at 07.30 each morning almost saved us from a daily dose of birding overload!

Our walks around the grounds and along Asa Wright’s network of forest trails provided some great moments too. The guided tour down to Dunstan Caves to see those extraordinary Oilbirds — including one with a well-grown chick; the Common Potoo on his regular daytime perch; Andy’s discovery of the Streaked Xenops right on his birthday; and that extraordinary White-bearded Manakin lek — totally crazy. Not forgetting our regular visits to the Blue Vervain bushes to see the Tufted Coquette (once we had discovered where his regular patch was), the hermits which eventually provided great views; those wacky Barred Antshrikes…. it goes on and on.

Our excursions out, under guidance of brothers Roodal and Jogie, couldn’t have been better. The two best bird guides on the island led us through their homeland with great finesse, mastering the roads safely whilst still pulling a plethora of birds out of the hat, first on call, and then providing superb views. The forested Blanchisseuse Road gave us some wonderful sightings of the likes of Striped Cuckoo, Collared and White-tailed Trogons, Rufous-browed Peppershrike and a wonderful Bearded Bellbird. Roodal’s superb hearing provided some real forest skulkers too, all of which gave great views. Grey-throated Leaftossers and Black-faced Antthrush were classic examples — the latter this year appearing more like a small crake than a small cake, but the latter showed up on occasion too!!! (With due apologies to Robin Chittenden!)

Wetlands provided us with a host of other species to enjoy; both Nariva and Caroni Swamps were visited and didn’t let us down. Nariva’s grassy rice fields and melon patches held obliging Pied Water Tyrants, White-headed Marsh Tyrants and busy White-tailed Goldenthroats, as well as Purple Gallinules and our second chance to enjoy flights of Red-bellied Macaws going to roost — as always accompanied by a round of cake and rum punch! Caroni gave us different experiences, with its open tidal areas and mangroves swamps offering a different suite of birds. Black Skimmers and Laughing Gulls gathered on the beach were sheltering a marvellous Large-billed Tern and parties of Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers gave us a chance to test our skills — and scratch our heads! Our highlight, of course, at Caroni was the restful boat trip through the mangroves (via Cook’s Tree Boa, Silky Anteater and Bicoloured Conebill) to the amazing Scarlet Ibis roost which, coupled with yet more cake and rum punch was nothing short of spectacular.

A very different experience was provided by the night drive at Waller Field. This excursion started (somewhat predictably!) with rum punch, followed by a fabulous picnic dinner and a pair of Moriche Orioles. Once darkness had fallen, we were ably led by our guides to great views of a Tropical Screech Owl, then drove around in search of nightjars. Both White-tailed Nightjar and Pauraque were seen in good numbers, the whole occasion seeming rather surreal as we cruised around in wide arcs on the vast concrete runway which is big enough to land enormous B52s on.

Despite the enjoyment of birding around the island, it must surely have been the delight of Asa Wright’s feeders that kept drawing us back to the verandah (or was it the endless supply of tea and coffee?!). Is there much that can compare with the experience of having a plethora of honeyeaters, Bananaquits and hummingbirds feeding within a foot of you? Surely not.

For me, an added bonus was the pleasure of spending time with such a great group of friends and I would like to thank you all for being such great company and for tolerating my dreadful jokes! I hope to see you all again soon.

Note: AWNC = Asa Wright Nature Centre.

One of those mystifying birds that has no physical form! Heard daily at AWNC, often before dark break with its wonderful haunting waiver.

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis
Plentiful offshore with good numbers seen distantly off Manzanilla Beach on 29th and close lazing birds off Waterloo Beach on 1st.

Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Very common around Caroni Swamp with some 200+ noted, mostly coming in to roost in the mangroves

Anhinga Anhinga anhinga
Just a single bird seen by some of the group from the bridge over the Nariva river on 29th.

Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens
Small numbers daily from 28th to 1st, with some individuals surprisingly far from the coast. Best views of birds over Manzanilla Beach on 29th.

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Singles at Nariva Swamp on 29th and Caroni Swamp on 1st.

Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Nice views of this scarce bird at Aripo Livestock Station on 29th.

Great Egret Ardea alba
A dozen or so birds seen in the wetlands around both Nariva and Caroni.

Plentiful around the Caroni area with a good scattering in their distinctive crouching hunting posture on intertidal mud. A nice flight of some 30 birds dropped into the Caroni roost later the same day.

Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Just a single adult seen at Nariva Swamp on 29th, but plentiful around Caroni Swamp and Waterloo area, involving both blue adults and white juveniles.

Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Some 30+ scattered around Caroni Swamp and Waterloo on 1st.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Many in suitable lowland habitats

Striated Heron Butorides striatus
Small numbers scattered around the wetlands at Nariva and Caroni and one on the little river between Arima and Aripo Livestock Station on 30th. These South American birds of the form striatus are somewhat intermediate in neck colour between the rich chestnut of the North American virescens and the plain grey of the African atricapillus.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea
A super bird, with some 30+ seen around Caroni Swamp on 1st.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Two adults seen at dusk in flight from the boat at Caroni Swamp on 1st.

Scarlet Ibis Eudocimus ruber
Outrageous! A startling bird which brightened up the mangroves around Caroni Swamp on 1st and were the climax of our boat trip as they drifted in to roost; indeed, they almost seemed to glow as the light faded.

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Fairly common with small numbers noted daily throughout. Especially apparent over the hills around AWNC and over Caroni rice fields. Birds in Trinidad are of the form ruficollis which has a distinctive pale creamy band across the back of the head.

Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Common to abundant and note daily throughout. Present in large numbers in the Aripo area where they are attracted to the livestock areas, especially the chicken farms.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus
A total of five birds in the Caroni area on 1st.

Pearl Kite Gampsonyx swainsonii
A fabulous little bird that is the New World equivalent of the Old World falconets. A distant bird at Manzanilla Beach on 29th, then one seen on territory in a roadside tree near Aripo Livestock Station on 30th and 31st and one in flight over Cumuto on 30th.

Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus
Just a single bird seen by a few of the group, soaring north over AWNC on 30th.

Plumbeous Kite Ictinea plumbea
Scattered singles with two roadside birds on 29th and singles on 30th and 2nd. Often rather distant but a nice soaring bird over AWNC on 2nd.

Two birds over Caroni rice fields on 1st, with an adult female showing for some time as she hunted low over the area.

Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens
A vagrant to Trinidad, although a couple of birds have apparently been around the island for perhaps two years or so. One found at Trincity Sewage Ponds on 1st.

White Hawk Leucopternis albicollis
A pair seen regularly in the AWNC area with other odd birds seen lower down around Verdant Vale and further north along the Blanchisseuse Road.

Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus
Up to six birds seen daily throughout the tour, with regular sightings of two pairs and a juvenile around AWNC and others in the lowlands, especially around wetland areas.

Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis
Some nice views of this attractive bird with small numbers in the lowland savanna areas around Aripo and Piarco.

Grey Hawk Asturina nitida
One to two on four dates with some nice views of this rather dumpy, large-headed bird, especially a close soaring bird at Verdant Vale.

Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus
Single birds along Blanchisseuse Road on 27th and over AWNC on 30th. A small Buteo with a distinctive dark hood, pale body and dark flight feathers giving it the look (but not the shape) of a Booted Eagle.

Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus
One seen by some of the group from AWNC on the afternoon of 30th and one over the chicken sheds near Aripo Heights on 31st.

Sadly elusive this trip, with Tim being the only person to find one over AWNC on 2nd.

Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway
Scarce on Trinidad, although when birds turn up, they tend to hang around for a while. One seen among the palms along the Manzanilla Beach road on 29th.

Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima
A total of eight birds around Manzanilla and Nariva on 29th and two at Waller Field on 30th. Finally, one seen by some of the group as we drove to the airport on 2nd.

Merlin Falco columbarius
One flashed along the road all too quickly near Aripo Livestock Station on 30th.

Peregrine Falco peregrinus
One drifted past us with a group of Black Vultures as we watched the Pearl Kite near Aripo Livestock Station on 30th. On 1st, we found one at Caroni rice fields, then had spectacular views of a youngster strafing the shorebird flocks at Waterloo Beach. Remember how those little peeps crouched in panic!

Rare on Trinidad due to serious over-hunting. We only managed to hear one calling near Aripo Livestock Station on 30th and missed one that Roodal spotted briefly in flight at Caroni rice fields.

A bit of a bonus with one sitting on a nest in the mangroves at Caroni Swamp on 1st.

Purple Gallinule Porphyrula martinicus
Some ten birds feeding along a patch of tall, swampy grass at Nariva Swamp on 29th and one at Trincity Sewage Ponds on 1st.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
At least six at Trincity Sewage Ponds on 1st with at least three chicks in tow.

Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana
Common in wetlands at Aripo Livestock Station, Trincity Sewage Ponds and Nariva Swamp, where often noisy and squabblesome.

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus
Two at Trincity Sewage Ponds on 1st.

A good scattering of birds in the lowlands on four dates. After four at Aripo Livestock Station on 29th, the peak count was of some 30 birds on the mud at Waterloo Beach on 1st.

At least 20 birds at Waterloo Beach on 1st.

Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
Common around Waterloo Beach on 1st with some 30 birds noted in the little rocky corner that we scanned.

Wilson’s Snipe Gallinago delicata
A singleton was well-spotted on a muddy channel beside a small house on Nariva Swamp on 29th. Now split from Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago of the Old World based on differences in display which are considered to be a barrier to reproduction.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Four at Waterloo Beach on 1st. New World birds differ from Old World birds primarily in the lack of a white rump and may be split as a separate species, Hudsonian Whimbrel.

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
A scattering of some 30 birds around Waterloo Beach and Caroni Swamp on 1st.

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
A singleton found by Roodal showed well at Waterloo Beach on 1st.

Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria
At least 10 birds on 29th around Aripo Livestock Station and Nariva Swamp, then singletons at various sites over the next three days.

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia
Singles on 29th and 31st then some 25 birds on 1st around Caroni Swamp/Waterloo Beach. Birds varied from full winter plumage to full summer plumage, the latter with shiny new spots on their tummies.

At least 15 seen around Waterloo Beach on 1st.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Plentiful on the rocky edges of the bay and around boat docks at Waterloo Beach on 1st.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla
With so much to look at, life can be too short to spend hours searching through the peeps, but we checked those close to us! In the event, we found at least five of these at Waterloo Beach on 1st. Winter-plumaged adults show heavier, more blotchy markings on the breast sides and most have shorter bills with thicker tips than the very similar Western Sandpipers.

Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri
At least eight were found at Waterloo Beach on 1st. Most were still fully winter-plumaged birds and perhaps were first-years which don’t gain full breeding plumage in their first summer. These birds showed a finely streaked breast, especially at the breast sides and showed classic long, slightly decurved bills with relatively fine tips. In addition, two birds were well into breeding plumage and showed rich rufous caps and upper scapulars.

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
Singles at Aripo Livestock Station and Nariva Swamp on 29th and one flushed from Waller Field airstrip after dark on 30th.

Laughing Gull Larus atricilla
A common feature (both visually and audibly) around Waterloo Beach on 1st with much pre-breeding courtship behaviour going on.

Tim found us a rather distant bird off Waterloo Beach on 1st.

Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex
Pretty good views of one with Black Skimmers at Waterloo Beach on 1st — what a bill!

Black Skimmer Rynchops niger
Some 200+ at Waterloo Beach on 1st.

Feral Rock Dove Columba livia
Hooray — such a delight! Quite plentiful in towns and villages in the lowlands.

Somewhat elusive. Three fly-overs along Blanchisseuse Road on 28th, then one to two around AWNC on three dates with at least two birds finally seen perched and fully appreciated.

Pale-vented Pigeon Columba cayennensis
Just a single bird seen in flight at Nariva Swamp on 29th.

Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
A latecomer to the list, with several finally seen around Caroni Swamp on 1st.

Plain-breasted Ground Dove Columbina minuta
A pair seen by Andy and Peter at Trincity Sewage Ponds on 1st sadly disappeared all too quickly.

Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti
Common and widespread and seen daily throughout.

White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
A scarce bird on Trinidad with just one seen by a few of us in the melon fields at Nariva Swamp on 29th.

Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla
Widespread in the hills and a regular visitor to the feeders daily at AWNC. Its hollow, single-note call is a frequent sound in the area.

Red-bellied Macaw Orthopsittaca manilata
A wonderful total of 44 birds came in to roost at the Royal Palms as we drank rum punch at Nariva Swamp on 29th. At least seven birds were seen in Moriche Palms at Waller Field on 30th.

Green-rumped Parrotlet Forpus passerinus
Four birds were twittering noisily in a big Eucalypt on the roadside near Aripo Livestock Station on 29th. Two flew off, but the other two moved to a large dead tree and proceeded to attend what looked like a potential nest hole.

At least ten birds along Blanchisseuse Road on 28th then two in flight over AWNC on 2nd.

Two birds were seen reasonably well with the macaw flock at Nariva Swamp on 29th.

Orange-winged Parrot Amazona amazonica
The commonest parrot species on the island and seen daily in small numbers. Small parties often seen before breakfast flying noisily over AWNC.

Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
One flashed across the road at Nariva Swamp on 29th and Tim and Dawn found one at AWNC on 31st.

Little Cuckoo Piaya minuta
One shot all too quickly past us at Waller Field on 30th — I think Andy was the only lucky witness!

Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
Quite common and widespread with birds seen in small parties on five dates.

Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia
Seemingly not a good time of year for this species, with just a single bird seen along Blanchisseuse Road on 28th. However, with it calling from an overhead wire it did give good views.

Barn Owl Tyto alba
A nice bonus of one hunting the roadside verge soon after we left Caroni Swamp on the evening of 1st.

These gave us the run-around at Waller Field on the night of 30th, but eventually, after one which ‘sillhoutetted’ backwards and forwards over our heads, we had great views of a perched bird. Jogie really DID know where it was sitting — "Experience, Boy"!!

[Mottled Owl Strix virgata
Heard only by the leader on the nights of 30th and 31st at AWNC.]

[Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata
Heard only by the leader on the night of 29th at AWNC.]

Heard daily at AWNC, usually at first light before breakfast. Finally, most of us had good views of the local bird courtesy of Greg who spotted it taking a Cocoa Thrush on the evening of 28th. Peter and Greg spotted one along the entrance road at AWNC on 2nd.

Oilbird Steatornis caripensis
At least 15 seen at Dunstan’s Cave, AWNC on 27th, including a well-grown chick.

Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus
A regular roosting bird was seen on his favourite stump at AWNC almost daily, with a second bird seen by some in the same tree on 27th. Also heard most mornings before first light at AWNC. One was seen by torch light at Waller Field after dark on 30th and a roosting bird in the mangroves at Caroni Swamp on 1st.

Short-tailed Nighthawk Lurocalis semitorquatus
A fortuitous find by the lads! Just a couple of the group managed to chance across one of these in front of the AWNC verandah on the evening of 27th.

Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis
At least six seen after dark on the runways at Waller Field on 30th.

White-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus cayennensis
At least six seen after dark on the runways at Waller Field on 30th. Smaller than Pauraque and noticeably paler below.

Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila
Breeds at AWNC in the Oilbird caves, so surprisingly scarce. Singletons seen by Andy on the Blanchisseuse Road on 28th and at AWNC by a couple more of us on 29th.

Band-rumped Swift Chaetura spinicauda
A few identified in the Arima Valley with two at AWNC on 27th and 28th, then five or so flying close to the road near Verdant Vale on 1st.

Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris
Common in the highlands with counts of up to 40 birds seen daily, especially from the AWNC verandah.

Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura
Replaces Grey-rumped Swift on the lowlands and small parties were seen regularly in savanna areas with a max of 30+ on 29th.

Fork-tailed Palm Swift Tachornis squamata
A scattering of birds around palms in the lowlands with 30+ along the highway east of Aripo Livestock Station on 29th and a further ten or so at Nariva Swamp later the same day. Also small numbers on the lowlands on 30th and 31st and best seen at Waller Field around the Moriche Palms.

Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsuta
The most frequently seen hermit with one to three on four dates at AWNC. Also one along Blanchisseuse Road at Las Lapas.

The most elusive hermit. One seen just outside reception at AWNC by Mike and Jane, then one discovered by Cathy at the Clearwater Pool which was later enjoyed by most of the group and found to be feeding young in a nest.

Little Hermit Phaethornis longuemareus
Occasional glimpses at AWNC of one on the entrance road and one near the herb garden at AWNC, both feeding around heliconias and Torch Ginger.

White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora
A real feature of the AWNC feeders with up to 10 seen daily, though only one female.

Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis
Small numbers seen daily with the vervain bushes at AWNC being a good site. Also one or two at sites along the Blanchisseuse Road, but usually perches very high when not feeding so easily missed.

Ruby-topaz Hummingbird Chrysolampis mosquitus
Up to six at Waller Field including a super male in the scope on 30th. Also singletons seen along Blanchisseuse Road on 27th and at Aripo Heights on 31st.

Tufted Coquette Lophornis ornata
What a star!! After a little searching, a male was eventually discovered regularly visiting the vervain bushes at AWNC and showed well. A female was also seen at the same location on a couple of mornings.

Blue-chinned Sapphire Chlorostilbon notatus
One to four on five dates around AWNC, especially around the vervain bushes and on the entrance road. Also seen along Blanchisseuse Road.

White-tailed Goldenthroat Polytmus guainumbi
Two seen feeding at roadside flowers in Nariva Swamp on 29th.

White-chested Emerald Agyrtria brevirostris
Up to four daily around AWNC, especially around the feeders where they often came into conflict with the larger jacobins.

Copper-rumped Hummingbird Saucerrotia tobaci
Up to three daily around AWNC, especially around the feeders.

Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris
One visited the Sanchezia bushes beside the verandah at AWNC irregularly and was noted by one or two of us on 27th, 29th and 31st.

White-tailed Trogon Trogon viridis
One at Las Lapas on 27th and two at the watercress beds at Aripo on 31st.

Small numbers seen almost daily around AWNC with a maximum of six on 27th. Occasional birds seen elsewhere along Blanchisseuse Road and at Waller Field.

Collared Trogon Trogon collaris
One to two on four dates with some great views, including a pair at Las Lapas on 27th and occasional obliging individuals around AWNC in denser forest along the trails.

Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
A chance discovery of one on a small stream west of Arima on 30th.

Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
One to two on four dates with best views on a small stream west of Arima on 30th and on the Caroni Swamp boat trip on 1st.

Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota
One to three seen daily around AWNC with the one coming to the feeders being particularly obliging.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda
One seen well along Blanchisseuse Road at the Christophene fields on 28th and another at Waller Field on 30th.

Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus
Often rather distant but seen daily at AWNC as they fed high in a fruiting Nutmeg below the verandah. Occasional birds were seen more closely in fruiting figs later in the week.

Red-rumped Woodpecker Veniliornis kirkii
Great views of a pair in bamboo at AWNC wit Molly after our Oilbird walk on 27th. One seen briefly at Verdant Vale on 29th.

Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus
One to two seen on four dates around AWNC, usually on the entrance road or at the start of the Discovery Trail.

Chestnut Woodpecker Celeus elegans
A super male visited the feeders regularly at AWNC — and was occasionally seen ‘in the wild’ too!

Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
Singles on five dates, mostly involving a male around AWNC but also a female there on 27th.

Heard only at Las Lapas on 28th and one at AWNC before breakfast on 29th at the start of the Discovery Trail.

A total of 20 birds seen around Aripo Livestock Station and Nariva Swamp on 29th and another two at Trincity Sewage Ponds on 1st.

Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans
A nice birthday present for Andy! One found (by Andy) along the AWNC entrance road on the morning of 2nd was watched feeding, almost nuthatch-like (but almost always head-up) in vines hanging from a large tree.

Grey-throated Leaftosser Sclerurus albigularis
Another one of Roodal’s roadside gems. Superb views of a singing male just downhill from AWNC on 30th. Also heard singing from the same location the following morning as we passed by.

Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa
Singles below the roadside near the Las Lapas track as we returned along Blanchisseuse Road on 28th and one on the AWNC entrance road on 30th.

Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans
By far the commonest woodcreeper and heard daily at AWNC, often before daybreak. Fine views of a couple of birds at AWNC during the week and a couple of glimpses at stops along the Blanchisseuse road.

Great Antshrike Taraba major
An obliging pair seen daily around the rooms and feeders at AWNC and another male near the Oilbird caves on 27th.

Two seen very well and others heard beside the Nariva River on 29th.

Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus
Great plumage, great haircut — especially in the rain! A pair occasionally around the feeders at AWNC and perhaps a different pair near the top car park. Also a nice pair at the Christophene corner on the Blanchisseuse Road.

Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis
Great views of a male (and some saw the ginger-capped female too) at Las Lapas on 28th.

White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris
A less than obliging male seen by some of the group a little beyond Morne la Croix on the Blanchisseuse Road on 28th. Much nicer was a fine roadside male just below AWNC on the morning of 30th.

White-bellied Antbird Myrmeciza longipes
An annoying skulker calling in dense cover at Waller Field on 30th was seen by only a couple of us. Later the same day, however, we had superb views of one right in the open at Arena Forest — and jolly nice it was!

Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis
What can I say? "A small cake walked across the road"…..!!! Heard most mornings whenever we ventured onto the Discovery Trail and heard occasionally along the road outside AWNC. Best of all was a fine bird that called in full view beside the road just below AWNC on 30th.

Bearded Bellbird Procnias averano
Not calling persistently but picking up towards the end of the week. Full views of males in the open on the Blanchisseuse Road on 28th and on the AWNC entrance road on 2nd. The sign-posted bird at AWNC was seen well by Jackey during the week, too.

A scattering of birds at various sites, especially in the highlands, but of course the real stars were the males at the AWNC lek. Many a morning was topped off with a quick visit to see these wonderful little birds leaping around, wing-snapping and generally fired up and ready to go.

Golden-headed Manakin Pipra erythrocephala
Noted daily at a number of sites in forested areas. Common at AWNC but no active lek found, although regular activity just at the start of the Discovery Trail suggested that they may well have been leking somewhere close by.

Just one seen, but showed fabulously at the Moriche Palms at Waller Field on 30th.

One seen by some of the group on 30th disappeared all too quick. Two along the Aripo Heights road on 31st were marginally more obliging, although got themselves muddled in with a couple of Yellow-breasted Flycatchers and caused a little confusion.

Singles on the AWNC entrance road on 27th and at the christophene corner on the Blanchisseuse Road on 28th. A leader only bird seen at Manzanilla Beach on 29th.

Singles on the AWNC entrance road on 27th and at the watercress beds at Aripo on 31st.

Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris
Singles at Las Lapas on 28th, at AWNC (Tim & Dawn) on 31st and just beyond the AWNC entrance beside the main road on 2nd.

Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens
A pair nest-building along the AWNC entrance road on 27th were not seen again, although their half-built nest remained over the road. Perhaps the business of the Easter weekend persuaded them to build elsewhere.

Three seen at Waller Field on 30th and two near Aripo Heights on 31st.

One of these ace skulkers near the roosting Potoo at AWNC on 28th was unfortunately a leader-only.]

Euler’s Flycatcher Lathrotriccus euleri
Not much to write home about, this rather drab, Empidonax-like flycatcher was magically conjured up by Roodal on the roadside just below AWNC on 30th.

One on the AWNC entrance road on 28th.

A regular individual seen most days at AWNC from the verandah, otherwise a scattering of birds on six dates with a maximum count of six around AWNC on 27th,

Some 15 birds scattered around Aripo Livestock Station and Nariva Swamp on 29th and a couple of singles during our wetlands grand tour on 1st.

White-headed Marsh Tyrant Arundinicola leucocephala
A total of eight birds around Aripo Livestock Station and Nariva Swamp on 29th. A smart little bird.

One seen at Las Lapas on 28th was the only one.

Noisy, boisterous and plentiful. Seen daily, both around AWNC and as a common roadside bird in the lowlands, even in towns.

One seen fairly regularly from the AWNC verandah, usually high up in palms or cecropias.

One to two seen on three dates at AWNC on 28th, 1st and 2nd.

A scattering of birds around Crested Oropendola nests, and usually first located by call. Seen well at AWNC, Verdant Vale and Cumuto among others. Builds no nest, but instead usurps rightful owners from their own nests once these are completed. The bird achieves this by incessant harassment through aggressive diving attacks, egg-tossing and sometimes nestling removal, to the point of complete abandonment by the rightful owners.

A speciality of Waller Field, where we found at least five among their favoured Moriche Palms on 30th.

Common and widespread, especially in the lowlands where this is a plentiful roadside species.

One at the start of the melon fields at Nariva Swamp on 29th and a leader-only bird at Waterloo Beach on 1st.

Super views of a close male at Waller Field on 30th.

Up to two regularly seen around AWNC (in the ‘Toucan Tree’ and along the entrance road) and nice views of one near Aripo on 31st.

Scattered sightings of roadside birds, usually around habitation, both in the hills and the lowlands. Best views of perched birds at Aripo Livestock Station on 29th. A real chunky swallow that can look like a small falcon.

A scattering of birds in the lowlands at wetland sites around Aripo Livestock Station, Nariva Swamp and Caroni Swamp. Far more surprising was the flock of some 50 birds atypically swooping around the eaves of the airport terminal at Piarco on our arrival on 26th; perhaps they were just trying to shelter from the rain. A really smart bird, especially the adults with silky white underparts.

Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Widespread in small numbers and seen regularly along roadsides in the lowlands and foothills.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
One at Nariva Swamp on 29th and two at Waterloo Beach on 1st.

A regular feature at AWNC, both visually and audibly. Often heard singing at first light and an occasional visitor to the bushes bordering the verandah. Elsewhere, often heard and occasionally seen in areas of thicker vegetation.

Widespread and common. Usually the first bird to start singing in the morning at AWNC — shortly after 5am!! Great views of pairs around the feeders and at the top car park; elsewhere an inveterate skulker. The Neotropic forms may be split as Southern House Wren T. musculus, based on plumage and song differences.

Common and widespread in the lowlands and occasional pairs higher up, including a regular pair at AWNC.

Common at the AWNC feeders with up to 10 noted daily. One or two seen in forested areas elsewhere, especially around fruiting figs.

Bare-eyed Thrush Turdus nudigenis
Again, a common species at the AWNC feeders with up to 10 noted daily. One or two seen in forested areas elsewhere, especially around fruiting figs.

White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis
Less common than the other two thrushes but still seen daily, although not seen at the feeders. Occasional birds at AWNC along the entrance road and at the start of the Discovery Trail. An understated yet attractive bird.

What a bizarre bill! Singles along Blanchisseuse Road and near La Lapas on 28th, at Waller Field on 30th and along the road just below AWNC on 1st.

Singles seen along Blanchisseuse Road on 28th and in the Arima Valley just below AWNC on 1st. Both birds appeared noticeably longer-billed than Red-eyed Vireos of North America and belong to a group of forms that may be split as a separate species, Chivi Vireo V. chivi.

Golden-fronted Greenlet Hylophilus aurantiifrons
One to two on six dates. Widespread in thicker vegetation and seen regularly around AWNC (especially the entrance road), along the Arima Valley and at places such as Waller Field.

Widespread but more often heard than seen, as it is a very vocal species with a distinctive call. Good views of two along the AWNC entrance road on 27th, then seen well along Blanchisseuse Road on several occasions and at Waller Field.

Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
One on the AWNC entrance road on 27th, two at Las Lapas on 28th, two in bamboo near Verdant Vale on 1st and two on the AWNC entrance road on 2nd.

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla
One at Las Lapas on 28th then singles on the road below AWNC and at Waller Field on 30th.

Northern Waterthrush Seiurus novebroacensis
Based on calls from dense vegetation in wetter areas, this is a widespread and common species. Occasionally seen well with one to two on four dates, including one the first morning running along the path beside the feeders at AWNC.

Rather skulky, but singles west of Aripo Livestock Station on 30th and on the road up to Aripo on 31st gave most of us a fighting chance of ticking the species off. The latter bird put on a fine display flight which even Jogie admitted to never having seen before.

Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus
One to two on four dates, often picked up by their Willow Warbler like song. Seen several times near the manakin lek at AWNC, where a pair were nest-building. also seen at Las Lapas on 28th.

Common and widespread throughout the island and recorded in good numbers daily. Boisterous and noisy!

Bicoloured Conebill Conirostrum bicolor
At least two birds seen on the boat trip at Caroni Swamp on 1st.

Rather elusive, but once we put in an order with Roodal, he soon produced one! A fine male along the Arima Valley road just below AWNC on 1st and a moulting juvenile male (half green, half black) just outside AWNC entrance on 2nd.

Widespread and common and a common feature at the AWC feeders, as well as in mixed flocks elsewhere.

Normally a difficult species as they tend to be ground feeders in dense vegetation. However, a pair were regular visitors to the AWNC feeders and views from above ensured we could see the red crown stripe. At least one other pair showed occasionally at the start of the Discovery Trail.

Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo
Widespread and quite common and recorded daily. A common feature of the AWNC feeders, that amazing white blob on the bill, coupled with the crushed velvet plumage was quite stunning.

Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus
Small numbers daily at AWNC and at scattered sites along the Arima Valley and Blanchisseuse Road, as well as around Aripo. Regular at the feeders, but elsewhere more often a canopy feeder and not so easy to see close up.

Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum
Trinidad’s House Sparrow!! Widespread and very common, especially around habitation, but also throughout hilly regions. Abundant at the feeders and a constant danger as they flew in and out of nests inside the AWNC verandah!

Trinidad Euphonia Euphonia trinitatis
Easily missed among the more common Violaceous Euphonias, but we managed to pick one out along the Blanchisseuse Road on 28th which showed its distinctive dark throat well.

Violaceous Euphonia Euphonia violacea
Widespread and common. Seen daily with particularly great views from the verandah at AWNC on a number of occasions. Like all euphonias, has a close association with mistletoe and birds were regularly seen chomping its berries.

Turquoise Tanager Tangara mexicana
Small parties seen on five dates, mostly in higher forest in the Northern Range. A canopy feeder so often difficult to see well, but a group of birds low down beside the road below the village of Aripo on 31st gave fabulous views and a regular party that visited the Yellow Poui tree at AWNC also often showed well.

Speckled Tanager Tangara guttata
An elusive canopy feeder, but two seen well at Las Lapas, Blanchisseuse Road on 28th.

Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola
Usually a canopy feeder so again often difficult to see well. However, birds at AWNC often came closer (especially along the entrance road and from the verandah) and often showed well. Also seen in forested areas along the Arima Valley/Blanchisseuse Road and around Aripo.