The Asa Wright Nature Reserve (AWNR) is situated in one of the valleys on the northern side of the north mountain range and now spreads over 1300 acres in the Aripo and Arima Valleys.
It had previously been a cacao estate and became the home of Newcombe and Asa Wright after their return from India. Here they hosted many scientists, naturalists and ornithologists in the 50’s and 60’s. Detailed studies were made of the complex courtship dances of the white-bearded and golden-headed manakin birds.
On the death of her husband, in 1967, Asa was persuaded remain in her home and it was acquired by a non-profit making trust; becoming the first centre for conservation in the Caribbean.
Approximately 400 different species of birds including many hummingbirds can be seen on the estate. Species lists for this island are impressive, including 97 native mammals, 400 birds, 55 reptiles, 25 amphibians, and 617 butterflies, as well as over 2,200 species of flowering plants. No other area in the West Indies, and few areas of comparable size in tropical America, can match this spectacular species diversity.
It had previously been a cacao estate and became the home of Newcombe and Asa Wright after their return from India. Here they hosted many scientists, naturalists and ornithologists in the 50’s and 60’s. Detailed studies were made of the complex courtship dances of the white-bearded and golden-headed manakin birds.
On the death of her husband, in 1967, Asa was persuaded remain in her home and it was acquired by a non-profit making trust; becoming the first centre for conservation in the Caribbean.
Approximately 400 different species of birds including many hummingbirds can be seen on the estate. Species lists for this island are impressive, including 97 native mammals, 400 birds, 55 reptiles, 25 amphibians, and 617 butterflies, as well as over 2,200 species of flowering plants. No other area in the West Indies, and few areas of comparable size in tropical America, can match this spectacular species diversity.
Jesse picked us up at about 9.00 and as usual we stopped for doubles for breakfast on the way and after driving through some wonder countryside – the urban area of Port of Spain giving way to lush mountainous terrain – we arrived about 10.30. The AWNR organize tours round part of the estate and along with a group of college people who were studying conservation etc, we joined one led by a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic young man. We certainly saw many birds and creatures that we would not have seen otherwise including the white-bearded manakin! We could hear a sonorous sound all around us and our guide was able to point out where it came from – a bell-bird who patiently sat on his branch while we took photos! | Leaf Cutter Ants |
| |
Left: VERY territorial hummingbird Right:Yellow-Tails flying from the rain.
We could see the dark clouds rolling in and the wind was just picking up a bit and most of the birds were taking off and flying back to their homes in the trees – except for my hummingbird still guarding his feeder!!
Off again back towards the west coast and to the last area of mangrove swamp left in northern Trinidad.
Here we boarded a small but powerful motor launch and were taken through the swamp towards the islands where the Scarlet Ibis roost; the national bird of Trinidad. These birds were becoming scarce but a concerted program has seen them increase in numbers so there are now thousands – a real success story.
Here we boarded a small but powerful motor launch and were taken through the swamp towards the islands where the Scarlet Ibis roost; the national bird of Trinidad. These birds were becoming scarce but a concerted program has seen them increase in numbers so there are now thousands – a real success story.
he Caroni Swamp includes fifteen thousand acres of marshland, tidal lagoons, and mangrove trees. Several thousand Scarlet Ibises nest and roost in the sanctuary and are often seen in large numbers during the last two hours of daylight. These birds feed mainly on crabs which they seek out on the mud flats exposed at low tide and on the stilt roots of the red mangrove. hese are what give the adult birds their colour.
On our way to the islands our guide pointed out two snakes curled up in the trees and a small caiman quietly watching us as we passed by!
On our way to the islands our guide pointed out two snakes curled up in the trees and a small caiman quietly watching us as we passed by!
We travelled on to an area where the swamp opened up into a huge lake and tied up to a stake near the edge. The Scarlet Ibis is still protected and even official guides must stay a distance away to ensure they are not disturbed. It was getting dimpsey by now (towards dusk in Devon-ish!) and sure enough a few Ibis started to fly in. It was quite amazing as you could actually see them red in the sky. Soon they were arriving in flocks and the trees on the island looked like a Christmas tree – green and covered in red – it was amazing!
I'm afraid my camera was not really up to the task but hopefully these give a little idea!!
We stayed there for quite a while enjoying the sight and eating Jesse’s ‘pineapple chow’. This was a delightful dish of pineapple mixed with garlic, hot pepper, shadow bennie or chadon beni (a herb very similar in taste to coriander) and salt – absolutely delicious – although the first taste really did take you by surprise.
Eventually we had to leave before it got too dark and back through the swamp we went. From there the drive home took about an hour and so we arrived by about 7.00.
What another remarkable day.
Eventually we had to leave before it got too dark and back through the swamp we went. From there the drive home took about an hour and so we arrived by about 7.00.
What another remarkable day.