Birdwatching trip report - Trinidad and Tobago
Period: 28.1.2007-4.2.2007
Author(s): Jim Holmes
Key sites visited: Asa Wright, Caroni Swamp, Trincity Ponds, Gran Riviere, Little Tobago, GilpinTrace, Southern Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago Trip Report (Gran Riviere, Asa Wright, Caroni Swamp, Gilpin Trace, Little Tobago, and southern Tobago)
My wife and I spent from January 28-February 4, 2007 in Trinidad and Tobago. The trip was a combined relaxing vacation with several excursions to try and find the specialties of these two islands. We targeted the islands’ specialties and birds that we had not previously seen. This trip reports is designed for those wishing to travel on their own (not on a guided tour) with detailed logistical information for such a trip.
Trinidad and Tobago are two small islands off the coast of South America (Venezuela). They have representatives of most tropical species, but not too many species in a particular family (i.e. there are only 5 woodcreepers, 3 antshrikes, 1 antvireo, 2 antwrens and 2 antbirds). Thus Trinidad and Tobago is a great introduction to tropical birdlife as one is not overwhelmed. The country is relatively safe (we had heard rumors of crime problems in Port of Spain, but we completely avoided this city). The traveling logistics are relatively easy and the people are pleasant and helpful. English is the primary language.
Primary Locations:
Trinidad: Gran Riviere, Asa Wright, Caroni Swamp, and Trincity Ponds
Tobago: Gilpin Trace, Little Tobago, and Southern Tobago (Hilton Ponds, Bucco Marsh, Bon Accord Ponds, and Grafton Estate)
Itinerary
January 27 – attempt to leave from the USA but our flight out of Sacramento cancelled due to a mechanical problem and we missed our connection. Because of this, we lost a day and had to cut out some areas on Trinidad (Nariva swamp).
January 28 – arrive Trinidad and drive (2 hours) to Gran Riviere (northeast corner of the island)
January 29 – morning birding in Gran Riviere, afternoon flight to Tobago. Bird Hilton Ponds
January 30 – Gilpin Trace and Little Tobago. Hilton Ponds in afternoon.
January 31 – Southern Tobago (Grafton estate, Hilton Ponds, Bucco Marsh, Bon Accord Marsh)
February 1 – Grafton estate and Hilton Ponds, depart Tobago and drive to Asa Wright
February 2 – Asa Wright and roads.
February 3 – radio tower (Blanchisseuse Road) & Oilbird cave. Afternoon at Caroni Marsh and Trincity ponds
February 4 – depart for the USA
Birds and Reference material: Trinidad and Tobago has 1 endemic species – the Trinidad Piping Guan (locally referred to as Pawi). There is some controversy if this a true species or a race of the Blue-throated Piping Guan, but most currently consider it a separate species. In addition, there are several specialties that are relatively easy on the islands (and difficult in other places) that birders target (White-tailed Sabrewing, Tufted Coquette, Oilbird, and Bearded Bellbird to name a few).
We used “A Guide to the Birds of Venezuela” as our field guide. There is a specific field guide for Trinidad and Tobago (A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago by French) but I believe the plates are not well done, so we did not purchase it. The Venezuela field guide is adequate, but you definitely need a list of birds for the island (to know what to choose from). There is also a book with the locations of places to bird in Trinidad and Tobago (Murphy´s A Birdwatchers´ Guide to Trinidad & Tobago). We did not have this and did not find it necessary.
We also brought our MP3 player and small speaker with targeted species previously downloaded from xeno-canto (http://www.xeno-canto.org/index.php). I avoided playing tape in areas that were heavily birded (Asa Wright), but used it in areas that are less birded (Gran Riviere).
Guides: We were self guided for the entire trip except for three locations: Asa Wright (guides included in the price at Asa Wright), Gran Riviere (I did not have any specific information for the Guan and thus had to hire a guide to show me the spot) and the trip to Little Tobago (mandatory to get there). Several tour companies offer guided bird tours (VENT, Field Guides and Caligo). Caligo (http://www.caligo.com/index.html) offers both a guided tour as well as a self-guided tour. Depending upon your level of confidence and birding capability, a guide is not necessary. We found Trinidad and Tobago perhaps the easiest place to bird on our own (a non-guided trip).
Timing of the trip: The “high” season for birding is January - March. This coincides with Tropicbird nesting at Little Tobago and is the “dry” season for the islands.
Driving:
Driving is on the left side of the road and most of the vehicles have the steering wheel on the right side of the car. We rented cars and drove on both islands. Driving seemed much safer on Trinidad and Tobago than other Caribbean islands (Jamaica). Some of the roads, however, are quite narrow and caution should be observed.
We rented cars from Thrifty (Trinidad) and Budget (Tobago). We paid US $55/day – $70/day. At Port of Spain airport, the car rental counter is to the left as you exit customs. There are several local rental companies as well. At the time we went, it appeared that you did not need prior reservations as several companies had cars available. At Tobago airport, the Budget counter is about one block west of the terminal (you must walk).
Both rental companies gave me maps that were adequate. Gas is cheap ($2.70 TT/liter which is about US $1.68/gallon). Some gas stations only take cash whereas others take both cash and credit. You have to tell them how much you want before they pump it for you.
Money: We never exchanged any money but used the ATM to obtain TT dollars. US dollars are accepted in most places with change provided in TT dollars. The conversion rate is usually better if you use your ATM to get TT dollars and then use the TT dollars.
At the Trinidad airport, there are ATM machines near the check in counters for departing flights. If you are arriving from an international location in Trinidad and need the ATM, you will need to go right after exiting customs. After exiting customs, there will be people waiting to offer you a taxi, etc, you would go left to the rental car counters or right to the ATM machines. The ATM machines are a several minute walk past the food court and just before the check in counters for departing flights.
If you are arriving in Tobago, the ATM machine is almost directly in front (across the road) of you as you exit from picking up your luggage. After exiting from picking up you luggage, cross the street, and the ATM is associated with the bank among the airport shops (basically on the left/west side of the fast food place at the airport).
Air Transport: We flew Tobago Express between the two islands. Trips were regular (at least every hour) and cost US $25 each way. At the time we went, we had to pay in cash, because the credit card machine was out of order. The flights can be full at times so you should make reservations. Telephone is 868-627-5160.
Tobago Express website: http://sutra111.airkiosk.com/cgi-bin/tabx/181002i
Hotels:
Gran Riviere: We stayed at Mt. Plaisir Hotel (http://www.mtplaisir.com/ 868-670-8381). It was on the beach with good food. It is very rustic with open air windows (it does not look like the pictures on the internet). The hotel primary caters to those looking for turtles (which nest on the beach). Turtle season is March – June. The hotel was also able to provide me with a guide for the Guan. The hotel was pretty empty the night we stayed (there only appeared to be one other guest).
Asa Wright Nature Center (http://www.asawright.org/) An excellent lodge in the rain forest at elevation. Food is good and guides for the property are provided. Our room was simple. This place is, however, expensive (rates from Dec. 16 – March 31 are quoted at US $180.00/person/night including food. These rates drop to US $125.00/person/night from May 1 to Oct. 31). They have guides on site and guided on-site tours are included in the price. They require a 3 night stay for Oilbird trips. However, off-site tours are additional charges. For example, Blanchisseuse road is an additional US $50.00/person, Caroni Swamp at US $60.00/person (minimum of 3 people), Nariva Swamp at US $60.00/person. Their phone number is 868-667-4655.
Tobago: We stayed at the Hilton (http://www.hiltoncaribbean.com/tobago/ 868-660-8500). This resort is located south of Scarborough. It is nice and has a good location. All rooms have an ocean view. We had a very, very good rate for this hotel and thus the choice to stay. This location allows easy access to the sites on the south end of the island.
Directions to birding locations:
TRINIDAD
From the above map: site 13 is Asa Wright and site 17 is Caroni Swamp
Gran Riviere: The small beach town is located on the northeast coast of the island. We actually drove there in the dark since we arrived at the Port of Spain airport at 20:30. From the airport, it is a 2 – 2.5 hour drive and nearly 100 Km. As you exit the airport (you will be heading west), go into the roundabout and exit right (north) towards the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. At the 2nd stop light, go right onto the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. Take the Churchill Roosevelt Highway east until you are forced to merge into the Eastern Main Road (this can be tricky, pay close attention to your map). Take the Eastern Main Road (east) into Valencia. In Valencia, there is an important turn that can easily be missed. As you enter Valencia, watch for the stoplight where the road forks. The Eastern Main road forks to the right and the Valencia Road goes to the left. You will take the left fork (this road goes to Matura, Salybia, Toco and eventually Gran Riviere). This stoplight and fork is just past the Valenica Police Post. The Valencia road then essentially heads along coast and you will ultimately get to Gran Riviere. Mt. Plaisir Hotel directions (see Map below): As you enter Gran Riviere (just after crossing the silver bridge), you will begin seeing small buildings on either side of the road. Shortly (<0.5km after crossing the bridge) you will see a sign (left side of the road for Mt. Plaisir Hotel). At the sign turn right and go to the end of the road (ends at the beach) and the hotel is on the left.
Figure 1 Gran Riviere
Guan (Pawi) spot at Gran Riviere (see Map-Figure 1): The spot to see the Guans is about 1 Km out of the town of Gran Riviere. Follow the directions for the Mt. Plaisir Hotel, but ~25meters before the sign for the hotel, a road goes south (inland, towards the rainforest). This road is named Mount Video Road (and it is signed, but the sign is difficult to see). There is a bench on the main road at the Mount Video Road (a bus stop???). Mount Video road is paved for the first half and dirt/rock/mud for the second half. You will follow it until it becomes dirt and go up two inclines (you might need 4 wheel drive especially in the rainy season to get up the second incline, but we made it without having to use the 4 wheel drive). After the second incline, the forest opens up and there are two orange houses (one on the left and one on the right side of the road). The one on the west side is two-story. Park here. The trees for the Guan are on either side of the road. The Guan feeds on nutmeg trees. This area allows visibility of the nutmeg trees as well as the valley (the guans are often seen flying up and down the valley). Reportedly, the Guans are visible early in the morning (daylight – I saw them at 6:30am) and late afternoon (4:00pm).
Asa Wright: The following directions are taken from the Asa Wright website with my additions/edits to make it easier. As you exit the airport (you will be heading west – see Figure 2 below for airport map), go into the roundabout and exit right (north) towards the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. At the 2nd stop light, go right onto the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. Take the Churchill Roosevelt Highway for 10.5 Km to Demerra Road. Demerrara Road is in the Wallerfield area and there is a road sign. Just before the Demerrara Road is Santa Rosa Heights – a housing development (which is also signed – so be on the lookout). Once you see the Santa Rosa Heights housing development watch closely for Demerrara road. Once you turn left (north) on Demerrara Road, you will go 2.9 Km to the Eastern Main Road. Stop and then cross the Eastern Main Road and you will then go 13.6 Km to Asa Wright. Once you cross Eastern Main Road, the road is now named ByPass Road and then ultimately becomes Blanchisseuse Road as it heads up the mountain. The Asa Wright centre is located on the left hand side of the road (13.6 Km from the intersection of Demerrara Road and Eastern Main Road). As you approach Asa Wright, you will see a sign marked "Asa Wright Nature Centre" turn left, and you drive straight in until you reach the car park area. Asa Wright has a gate that is locked at night.
Blanchisseuse Road/Radio Tower: The radio tower is a short 10 minute drive up from Asa Wright. Drive down the Asa Wright entrance road to the gate. Now turn left (north) on Blanchisseuse Road and drive uphill to the radio tower. There are several areas to park on the side of the road as you get to the radio tower.
Trincity Ponds (Map-Figure 2 below): The Trincity ponds are a group of sewage ponds just to the west of the airport along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. As you exit the airport (you will be heading west), go into the roundabout and exit right (north) towards the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. At the 2nd stop light, go left onto the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. Take the Churchill Roosevelt Highway west for 1.3 Km from this stoplight. The ponds will be on the left (south) side of the highway. You will see a row of trees and a Gate house with a gate and fence around the ponds.
Figure 2-Trincity Ponds and Airport
Caroni Swamp: Go east on Churchill Roosevelt Highway (past the Trincity Ponds) and then exit south on Uriah Butler Highway (this exit is not signed, but there is a big intersection and stoplight). As you start to go south on Uriah Butler Highway, there will be a big shopping area almost immediately on the left (with a Shoe Source and Ruby Tuesday’s Restaurant). Keep in the left lane on Uriah Butler Highway and you will see signs for the Caroni Swamp bird Sanctuary. Exit left at the sign and then you will quickly go over the overpass towards the swamp parking area. We went on the boat with Nanan’s Bird Sanctuary Tours (website is apparently www.nananecotours.com but I can not find it on the internet). Telephone is 868-645-1305. His email is nantour@tstt.net.tt They run boats everyday at 16:00. The price was US $10.00/person. We did not have reservations and they got us on without problems. Most of the people on these boats are NOT birdwatchers so you should definitely tell your guide that you are interested in birds and that he should stop for the birds. Otherwise, you may not stop for species like Potoo, Woodcreeper, Conebills, etc. We were fortunate in that the Caligo tour from Asa Wright was going with Nanan’s Bird tours and the Nanan guides saw us with our binoculars and long lens camera and put us on the Caligo tour boat. It worked out well for both the Caligo boat (I found several of the species for the trip) and for us. Realize that these boats do not have roofs so if it rains you definitely need rain gear.
TOBAGO
Little Tobago: This island is off the coast of Speyside. You need to take a boat from Speyside to get to Little Tobago. I took Frank’s Glass Bottom Boat Tours which leaves at 10:30 and 14:00 (brochure states 10:00 and 14:00, but the morning trip definitely was 10:30 on the day I went). telephone: 868/660-5438. Frank’s Boat Tours is located at the Blue Waters Inn. Blue Waters Inn is at the north end of Speyside and there is a sign for the hotel from the main road. Frank’s will take you to the island in a glass bottom boat. You will then hike up to the crest of the island and down the other slope. It can be steep and slippery. You spend about 1 hour on the island which is enough time to see the main species (although you may want more time for photography). They then take you through a coral reef (Very, very large Brain coral). Finally, they stop to allow some snorkeling. It cost US $20/person.
Gilpin Trace (see map – Figure 3 below): This area is in Northeast part of Tobago. It can be accessed from the Blood Bay – Roxborough Road. I accessed it from Roxborough. As you enter Roxborough, look for the Sports Complex, Fire Station. The Roxborough – Blood Bay road is opposite the Roxborough Fire Station, Sports Complex, Health Center. Turn inland and go up the road. At the 30 Km marker is a sign for the rain forest reserve. Continue and the location to park for the Gilpin Traces is just west of the 33.5 Km marker. There are spots to park at the Gilpin Trace and there is a big sign stating “Gilpin Trace”. There is also a large picnic area. You will go ~9 KM from the turn at Roxborough to Gilpin Trace. I had read that guides were “compulsory” but I went down the trail without a guide and without any difficulty. It was a 1 hour drive along the coast from Hilton Hotel to Gilpin Trace.
Figure 3-Gilpin Trace
Bucco Marsh (see Map Figure 4 below): This is difficult to find. Go north on Shirvan Road from the intersection of Milford Road and Shirvan Road. Go north for 1.3 Km from the intersection of Shirvan Road and Milford Road and there is a gate on the left and this gate leads to Bucco Marsh. This gate is on a curve and the trail to the marsh is very overgrown. Sites to look for to know you are in the correct area include a sign for a recording studio (south of the gate) and Rue-B-Lou’s Restaurant (north of the gate).
Figure 4-Bucco Marsh
Grafton Estate: Grafton Estate is located between Grafton and Plymouth off the main road. It is near the Le Grand Courlan Resort and Spa. If you continue north from Bucco marsh area (see map Figure 4), you will drive past the Bucco golf course and through Mt. Irvine Bay (which is a good place to stop for beach access). Just before you get to the Le Grand Courlan Resort and Spa (on the beach side of the road), there is a small road that turns to the right (east, inland) with a sign for Grafton Estate. Take this road to the Grafton Estate area. There are trails here that go back as well as a building where birds are fed at 8am and 4pm (or 4:30pm). The feeding is a treat and allows great photo opportunities for Motmots and Barred Antshrike. It should not be missed. The area around the parking spot was good for Fuscous Flycatcher.
Bon Accord marsh (see Map above and Figure 5 – below) The marsh is the best site for White-cheeked Pintail. It is somewhat difficult to access. Basically as you exit the airport to go to Milford Road, quickly look for Alfred Crescent Road and turn right on Alfred Crescent Road into the subdivision. There are several nice houses around here. Simply go to the back/right side of this subdivision to find the fenced ponds. The entire area is good. Several roads lead back to the Bon Accord Lagoon and can be good for mangrove species. Pigeon Point road is on the west side and is the best area for gulls and terns.
Figure 5-Bon Accord Marsh
Hilton Ponds: Go east on Milford Road from the intersection of Milford Road and Shirvan Road (like you are going to Scarborough). Before you enter Scarborough, the entrance to Tobago Plantations and Hilton is on the right (south side of the road). There is a large sign. Turn into the property and you will see the best pond. Continue on the road and to the guard gate. Go through the guard gate and to the T-intersection. At the T-intersection, go right and shortly you will see a large building on the right and the fenced ponds. The 3 ponds inside the fence are very good. Park at the building and walk into the pond area. Also just north of the building is a very large pond (but it did not have much).
Figure 6-Hilton Ponds
Weather & Clothing:
We had a few episodes of rain during the trip. Brief showers on Tobago did not hamper birding at all. At Asa Wright, we had about 2 hours of rain that kept us on the veranda. Rain significantly hampered our experience at Caroni marsh. The boat had no roof. I birded in shorts at all times (which was not very smart at some locations with chiggers – Asa Wright).
Biting animals:
Mosquitoes were a minor problem and we brought DEET and used it. We had no problems with ticks, but chiggers were a MAJOR issue at Asa Wright. Make sure that you protect yourself from chiggers at Asa Wright (pants inside socks and spray your shoes). We saw plenty of hymenoptera but had no problems. We did not see a live snake but Asa Wright regularly sees Fer-de-lance.
Advise: If you are planning a trip purely for birds you will want to spend at least 7 nights. It would be best if you can arrive on one island and depart from the other (Delta Airlines will be flying to both islands starting in April 2007).
Trinidad – minimum of 3 nights at Asa Wright (so you can go for the Oilbird) and then 2-3 more nights either at Asa Wright or another location. The Guan is best seen at Gran Riviere (per my experience and information) but is also seen on occasion near the radio tower on Blanchisseuse Road (close to Asa Wright). I do not know how easy or the exact location at the radio tower (I did not see it from the radio tower area on the day I was up there). The Asa Wright guides certainly know more and they took a group up to the radio tower and saw the Guans while I was there. I would suggest planning to look for it at the radio tower during the stay at Asa Wright but have a back-up plan to go to Gran Riviere if necessary.
Tobago – 3 nights (but you can get all the birds with a 2 night trip). If your time is limited on Tobago and you are staying on the south side of the island, I would suggest starting very early and going to Gilpin Trace for the Sabrewing and Manakin, then taking the afternoon boat trip to Little Tobago. This way you need to make only one trip to the north end of the island.
Trip List:
176 species: As I mentioned previously, we did not target species that we had previously seen. Plus, losing a day (due to our flight problems) cost us a trip to Nariva Swamp and adjacent lowland areas (and many species seen in this area). Had we had the additional day and the trip to Nariva Swamp and adjacent areas, we probably would have seen over 200 species. Furthermore, on our trip to Caroni swamp, we had planned to leave Asa Wright earlier and also go to Waterloo (gulls, terns and shorebirds). We, unfortunately, got delayed and had to skip Waterloo.
Little Tinamou: heard regularly at Asa Wright
Least Grebe: common at the Hilton Ponds
Pied-billed Grebe: one on the Hilton Ponds and one at Bon Accord Ponds
Audubon´s Shearwater: in burrow at Little Tobago
Red-billed Tropicbird: common at Little Tobago including chick in nest and adults sitting on nest
Brown Pelican: common on coastline
Red-footed Booby: nesting on Little Tobago
Brown Booby: nesting on Little Tobago also off Gran Riviere coast
Neotropic Cormorant: on at Bon Accord Ponds
Anhinga: common at ponds
Magnificent Frigatebird: common offshore
Great Egret: common
Tricolored Heron: Caroni Swamp and ponds on Tobago
Little Blue Heron: Caroni Swamp and ponds on Tobago
Snowy Egret: Caroni Swamp and ponds on Tobago
Cattle Egret: common
Striated Heron: Trincity ponds
Green Heron: Hilton Ponds
Black-crowned Night-Heron: Bucco Marsh
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron: Bon Accord and Hilton Ponds
Scarlet Ibis: over 2,000 on Caroni Swamp tour
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck: common at ponds
White-cheeked Pintail: only at Bon Accord Ponds (total of 24)
Blue-winged Teal: Hilton Ponds
Black Vulture: common on Trinidad
Turkey Vulture: much less common than Black Vulture
Osprey: Hilton Ponds and Trincity ponds
Gray-headed Kite: one at Asa Wright
White Hawk: one at Asa Wright
Common Black-Hawk: Asa Wright
Great Black-Hawk: on near Gilpin Trace
Yellow-headed Caracara: one near Gran Riviere and one seen regularly on Hilton property on Trinidad
Merlin: one at Asa Wright
Peregrine Falcon: one hunting the Hilton ponds
Rufous-vented Chachalaca: common on Tobago, especially at Grafton Estate
Trinidad Piping-Guan: 2 at Gran Riviere (see directions above). There was a researcher at the site the day I visited and she said they are regular in the morning and afternoon at the site. I watched the male display to the apparent female. Note that this species is occasionally seen from the radio tower area near Asa Wright.
Purple Gallinule: Hilton ponds and Trincity ponds
Common Moorhen: common
Wattled Jacana: Hilton ponds, Bucco Marsh, and Trincity ponds
Southern Lapwing: common at Hilton ponds, seen at multiple locations (especially open grassy areas in the lowlands)
Semipalmated Plover: coastal on Tobago
Greater Yellowlegs: one at Hilton ponds
Spotted Sandpiper: common on coast and in Caroni Swamp
Ruddy Turnstone: Only seen at Blue Waters Inn
Laughing Gull: common along Pigeon Point Road
Sandwich Tern: 3 on boat anchored off pigeon Point Road
Royal Tern: common along coast
Sterna sp (Roseate vs. Common): 1 off Pigeon Point Road, needed a scope for definitive identification but I believe it to be Roseate. I believe Common is regular in migration and Roseate is regular in the summer.
Rock Pigeon: common
Scaled Pigeon: only one at Asa Wright
Pale-vented Pigeon: common, especially at Grafton Estate
Eared Dove: common in lowlands
Common Ground-Dove: 1 on Trinidad
Ruddy Ground-Dove: common
White-tipped Dove: both islands
Gray-fronted Dove: Asa Wright feeders
Green-rumped Parrotlet: only seen once from road to Gilpin Trace
Blue-headed Parrot: both from Asa Wright and at radio tower
Orange-winged Parrot: most common parrot
Smooth-billed Ani: common at lowlands
Tropical Screech-Owl: one seen late at night on wire near Gran Riviere
Spectacled Owl: heard only at Asa Wright
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl: heard several times at Asa Wright
Oilbird: cave at Asa Wright
Common Potoo: perched on broken tree on Caroni Swamp tour
Band-rumped Swift: Asa Wright, radio tower
Gray-rumped Swift: common at Asa Wright
Short-tailed Swift: lowlands of both islands
Rufous-breasted Hermit: common
Green Hermit: Asa Wright
Little Hermit: front entrance of Asa Wright
White-tailed Sabrewing: two at Gilpin Trace trail
White-necked Jacobin: frequent at Asa Wright feeders
Green-throated Mango: one in Caroni Swamp
Black-throated Mango: frequent at Asa Wright feeders also on Tobago
Ruby-topaz Hummingbird: Asa Wright feeders
Tufted Coquette: male, female and immature male at Asa Wright feeders
Blue-chinned Sapphire: Asa Wright feeders, radio tower
White-chested Emerald: Asa Wright feeders
Copper-rumped Hummingbird: common everywhere
White-tailed Trogon: 2 at Asa Wright (next to cabin 24 as we walked out one morning)
Collared Trogon: Gilpin Trace
Belted Kingfisher: ponds on Tobago
Ringed Kingfisher: 1 at Trincity ponds
Green Kingfisher: stream along Gilpin Trace
American Pygmy Kingfisher: one on boat on Caroni Swamp
Blue-crowned Motmot: more common on Tobago (especially Grafton Estate) and Asa Wright
Channel-billed Toucan: early each morning down the valley from Asa Wright veranda
Red-crowned Woodpecker: common on Tobago
Red-rumped Woodpecker: one along entrance road to Asa Wright
Golden-olive Woodpecker: from Asa Wright veranda and Gilpin Trace
Chestnut Woodpecker: one near Manakin Lek at Asa Wright
Lineated Woodpecker: Asa Wright and Gran Riviere
Pale-breasted Spinetail: near radio tower
Stripe-breasted Spinetail: Gilpin Trace (quite common but can be difficult to see)
Yellow-chinned Spinetail: 5 at Trincity ponds
Gray-throated Leaftosser: nests on Bellbird Trail and entrance road to Asa Wright
Cocoa Woodcreeper: Asa Wright and Gilpin Trail
Straight-billed Woodcreeper: 2 on Caroni Swamp tour
Great Antshrike: feeders at Asa Wright
Black-crested Antshrike: male and female on Caroni Swamp tour
Barred Antshrike: common at Tobago (especially Grafton Estate) also at Asa Wright
Plain Antvireo: 2 on Gilpin Trace
White-flanked Antwren: Asa Wright
White-fringed Antwren: Tobago - Bucco Marsh and across road from Turtle Bay Resort
Silvered Antbird: responded to tape near Gran Riviere
Black-faced Antthrush: singing near radio tower
Bearded Bellbird: ~4 heard daily at Asa Wright, several seen
White-bearded Manakin: Lek at Asa Wright, easy to see
Blue-backed Manakin: 2 at Gilpin Trace and Grafton Estate
Golden-headed Manakin: Asa Wright, both entrance road and near Herb Garden
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet: radio tower
Forest Elaenia: one Asa Wright
Yellow-bellied Elaenia: Gilpin Trace area and Grafton Estate
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher: Gilpin Trace area and Asa Wright, common
Slaty-capped Flycatcher: Asa Wright, near Herb garden
Yellow-olive Flycatcher: near radio tower
Yellow-breasted Flycatcher: Tobago, Grafton Estate
Fuscous Flycatcher: Grafton Estate, around parking lot, seen both visits
Euler´s Flycatcher: Asa Wright
Tropical Pewee: radio tower
Pied Water-Tyrant: Five at Trincity Ponds
White-headed Marsh-Tyrant: one at Trincity ponds
Bright-rumped Attila: 1 at Asa Wright
Dusky-capped Flycatcher: road to Asa Wright
Venezuelan Flycatcher: lower road to Gilpin Trace
Brown-crested Flycatcher: several sites on Tobago
Great Kiskadee: common
Boat-billed Flycatcher: less common than Kiskadee, Asa Wright
Streaked Flycatcher: one at Asa Wright
Tropical Kingbird: common
Gray Kingbird: common
Caribbean Martin: only at ponds on Tobago
Gray-breasted Martin: multiple sites on Trinidad
White-winged Swallow: Trincity ponds, Gran Riviere
Southern Rough-winged Swallow: along road to Asa Wright
Rufous-breasted Wren: heard often, seen both at Gilpin Trace area and Turtle Bay resort
House Wren: common
Tropical Mockingbird: common
Yellow-legged Thrush: Gilpin trace - 2
Cocoa Thrush: common at Asa Wright, including a recent fledgling
Bare-eyed Thrush: common
White-necked Thrush: Asa Wright and Gilpin Trace
Red-eyed Vireo: Gilpin Trace road
Scrub Greenlet: Tobago only, several sites
Golden-fronted Greenlet: Asa Wright
Rufous-browed Peppershrike: at least 2 different birds at Asa Wright
Yellow Warbler: mangroves at Hilton Property
American Redstart: radio tower and Asa Wright
Northern Waterthrush: common both islands
Golden-crowned Warbler: radio Tower
Bananaquit: very common both islands
Bicolored Conebill: Caroni Swamp
White-lined Tanager: common at Asa Wright but also on Tobago
Red-crowned Ant-Tanager: Asa Wright
Silver-beaked Tanager: common at Asa Wright
Blue-gray Tanager: common, both islands
Palm Tanager: common, both islands
Trinidad Euphonia: radio tower
Violaceous Euphonia: Asa Wright, nesting near veranda
Turquoise Tanager: Asa Wright and on road to radio tower (never came to feeders)
Speckled Tanager: one in flock near radio tower
Bay-headed Tanager: radio tower and Asa Wright (never came to feeders)
Blue Dacnis: one Asa Wright
Green Honeycreeper: common Asa Wright
Purple Honeycreeper: common Asa Wright
Red-legged Honeycreeper: only 1 at Asa Wright
Blue-black Grassquit: along roadside, both islands
Black-faced Grassquit: common but only on Tobago
Yellow-hooded Blackbird: one at Trincity ponds
Carib Grackle: common, lowlands
Shiny Cowbird: common at Asa Wright feeders
Giant Cowbird: only one on drive to Asa Wright
Yellow Oriole: Asa Wright and 1 in Caroni swamp
Yellow-rumped Cacique: Gran Riviere
Crested Oropendola: common at Asa Wright
Jim Holmes
Sacramento, CA
jfholmes@ucdavis.edu
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