Entries Tagged 'Trip Reports' ↓

The high/hilly nature of the area (I would hesitate to refer to it as mountainous) and its northerly position means it tends to receive relatively more rainfall than the southern lowlands and whilst the lowland forests (e.g Rio Claro – Guayaguayare) have dried out, the Northern range remains relatively moist. Relatively. For even here the undergrowth was dry, and looking out over the hills there were isolated patches of brown vegetation.   

Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris)

This beautiful bird is never found in south Trinidad or in the Central range for that matter. They are found in Tobago however and their choice of habitat on both islands (the Main Ridge/Northern Range) implies a distinct preference for higher altitude forests.   

At one point a female trogon flew up to grab a large caterpillar from a nearby leaf. She wiped it back and forth several times   

on the branch before swallowing it, perhaps to rid the caterpillar of harmful spines or to soften it up. The month of March falls within the breeding season of these birds and during this time they seek out natural tree holes, dig shallow nesting tunnels in termite colonies or may use old or abandoned woodpecker nestholes.   

It probably isn’t coincidence then that Golden-olive Woodpeckers (Piculus rubiginosus) also nest at this time of the year.  

Golden-olive Woodpecker (Piculus rubiginosus)

We found this individual busily excavating a hole in the trunk of a Bois Canot (Cecropia sp) a few feet off the trail. It is possible that the trogons would take over such a nesthole for their own use by driving off the resident woodpecker.   

We also picked up two Slaty-capped Flycatchers (Leptopogon superciliaris), a Euler’s Flycatcher (Lathrotriccus euleri), several White-necked Thrushes (Turdus albicollis),  3 American Redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla) and had good views of the usually shy Stripe-throated Spinetail (Synallaxis cinnamomea). Through gaps in the canopy, we saw White Hawks (Leucopternis albicollis) and Common Black-Hawks (Buteogallus urubitinga) circling in the cloudless sky above.   

By mid-morning, thanks to my lack of exercise and the weight of my gear, I decided to stop and rest a bit while the rest of our small group went ahead slowly. I had picked up several interesting orchids from fallen braches along the way (including a young Butterfly orchid (Oncidium papilio) and I took the opportunity to examine them closer. It also gave me a chance to photograph these two interesting Hesperid butterflies.   

Onophas columbaria columbaria

Vettius phyllus phyllus

The Hesperiidae (or skippers) are a large family of small robust day flying butterflies that, despite accounting for about 280 of our 700 (approximate figures) species of butterflies, are not well known in Trinidad and Tobago.   

Part of this problem comes from the fact that most are rather plain in colour and as such they tend to not generate much interest. Another problem is that many species are so similar in appearance that separating them sometimes requires close examination of their genitalia with a magnifying lens. Needless to say, this is not something that the average weekend naturalist is willing to do and their popularity among butterfly watchers unfortunately suffers as a result.   

I am not sure of the identity of these two hesperid butterflies as yet (Note: They have since been identified), however I instantly knew the identity of this one.   

The Queen or Starry Cracker (Hamadryas laodamia)

 The Queen Cracker (Hymadryas laodamia) is a beautiful forest dwelling butterfly. I had only seen pictures of it before so I was delighted to see this one resting quietly on a tree trunk. This butterfly and the other three Hymadryas species in Trnidad, get their local name from the curious cracking noise made by their wings when they fly. The head down resting position seen in the picture is also typical of the others in its family.  

At this point we decided to turn back and return to the car for we were all quite tired, but after walking for a while I realised that I had left my little collection of orchids on the ground some way aback. This necessitated a brisk jog to retrieve them and it was fortunate that I did, for I came across a Gray-throated Leaftosser working the exposed bank along the trail.   

It was mid day by the time we got back to the car and the overhead sun roasted us with all its might, a reminder of what the rest of the country was experiencing. At the time of writing, the country has gone 31 days without rain. We could have seen it coming following the rather dry “wet” season we had at the end of 2009 and with no relief in sight I only hope we will get through the next three months, in this the driest of “dry” seasons, with minimal damage to the natural environment.   

Vegetation razed by fire, a scene repeated throughout Trinidad and Tobago

Highlights: Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Muscovy Duck

Change can be a good thing. Out of habit, you can get so used to doing things the same way that you miss out on valuable experiences that could be gained by mixing things up a bit. And this applies to aspiring students of natural history as well. 

It is becoming something of an end of year tradition for my sister and brother-in-law to join my dad and myself on a birding trip to Icacos. My routine for a trip to Icacos involves leaving home by 4:30 a.m. and consequently being surrounded by darkness until we reach Icacos by 6:00 a.m. My dear sister and her significant other are..well…less inclined to pre-dawn travel. This of course suits them as their interest is more in the diurnal raptors (hawks, eagle, falcons etc).   

I should explain why the time matters so much when it comes to birdwatching in the tropics. Bird activity here is closely related to the time of day. Many birds are active before dawn but quickly disappear by 10:00 a.m. only to reappear around 4:00pm. This is of course directly related to the movement of the sun and the associated temperature changes so that by 12:00 p.m. it is too hot for many birds to go about their regular activities. But not so with raptors. They can be rather difficult to detect when perched in the canopy of trees but they delight in soaring on the hot air thermals that spring up around 10:00am at which point they become rather easy to spot. 

So with that, plus the relatively lengthy car ride required, in mind, we agreed to set out from home at 5:30 a.m. That morning it rained. This had me worried but it stopped by the time we left. Rain is however a good thing sometimes, as it can keep the temperature low well into the day and greatly extends the time birds can stay out. 

Our first noteworthy find was a thoroughly soaked adult Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) in the Cedros forest reserve (around 7:00 a.m.). 

Adult Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)

This was the first adult any of us had ever seen, our previous experience having been with immature birds. Not surprisingly, it was perched on the overhead electricity line which seems to be a favourite perch for Broad-winged Hawks. In fact I can clearly recall several years ago my father taking me to Icacos one day and we came across a heavily streaked hawk on the electricity line no less than 20 meters from where the adult Broad-winged Hawk was currently drip drying itself. Perhaps that was a Broad-winged Hawk too? It was tempting to make a connection but that could wait until later. Time was passing. So on we went. 

The northern end of the Los Blanquizales Swamp is bordered by the Southern Main Road and there are several watercourses that cross this road from the forest to the north. It was just 7:30 a.m. and we had paused at one of the bridges to stretch our legs when my sister spotted a bittern perched in a nearby tree. This, however, was no bittern and we quickly realized it was in fact an immature Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum). 

Immature Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)

This was the first time I had seen this species but a bird was seen here back in 2006 (the first record for south by F.O.), possibly at the same watercourse. It was a lovely orange brown colour and constantly flicked its tail nervously. As our initial excitement began to fade, I scanned the surrounding vegetation for additional birds when a dark shape in the distance attracted my attention. I’m sure there are moments in every birdwatcher’s life that he/she is dumfounded by their luck (several moments I hope). Well this was certainly one of mine because in the distance was a magnificent male Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) perched on a slanted tree trunk overhanging the water. 

Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)

I had previously read that they are quite fond of perching in trees as this one did. It stood preening for a while until, spooked by something unseen, it promptly took off and circled overhead, clearly showing the large white wing patches, before disappearing. Two Red-bellied Macaws came flying (and screeching!) over as well. Meanwhile the heron, unfazed by the commotion, continued to view us cautiously from its tree. I’m surprised it stayed put as we were not the stealthiest group that morning and we eventually had to leave it there to continue our journey. 

The Icacos Swamp yielded two Cocoi Herons (Ardea cocoi), two Ringed Kingfishers (Megaceryle torquata) and what looked like a Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris) fleeing into the mangrove edge. Down at Icacos Point we have always noted the extent of erosion at Constance Estate and over the years I have taken photographs of the point from a lightpole several meters up the road but now even my lightpole had been washed away by the encroaching sea. It was a grim sight. Still, several wild flowers bloomed happily here, unaware of their watery predicament. Only time will tell what will become of them.

Note: I must thank my sister for digiscoping the birds portrayed above

Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata)

We didn’t want to go trampling through the savanna (it is a scientific reserve after all) so we proceeded along the gravel/grass track. What catches your attention out here is the Moriche Palm (Mauritia flexuosa). Tall and elegant with large fan shaped leaves, these palms are found in a few areas in Trinidad (Aripo, Nariva, Los Blanquizales and Erin) and provide ample food for the ever present Red-bellied Macaws. Much of the remaining vegetation remains relatively short (a result of poor soil conditions?) and was abuzz with birdlife. Large numbers of Blue Dacnis, Purple and Green Honeycreepers caught our attention and prompted us to question what exactly could they be feeding on out here? One possibility could be the beautiful Savanna Flower (Mandevilla hirsuta).

Savanna Flower (Mandevilla hirsuta)

There was a lot of activity up ahead as several groups of Red-bellied Macaws flew about. As we drew closer we came upon a dead tree on which about 30 Macaws perched to relax and, as Dave put it, play “kissy face” with one another. A noisy bunch, it is fortunate that these macaws have never been sought after for the cage-bird trade. Several small butterflies flitted alongside the track. One in particular had a trick of alighting on the underside of leaves, safely hidden from our curious eyes. When I finally found one in the open feeding it really impressed me.

Blue Nymphidium (Nymphidium mantus)

The Blue Nymphidium (Nymphidium mantus) is rather small and you would never imagine it was that beautiful as it flies past. Other butterflies seen included the Postman and Red Doris. Another insect which caught our attention was this lovely beetle we chanced upon while sheltering from a light rain shower.

Unidentified Beetle

Unfortunately I have no idea of its identity.

High atop the Moriche Palms were the occasional Sulphury Flycatcher (Tyrannopsis sulphurea). They look rather like Tropical Kingbirds but, when in the field, their unusual call gives away their true identity. They are tied to these Moriche Palms for some reason which I find odd considering that they are insect eaters and need not depend on the palm for food. Much harder to find was the other Moriche specialist, the Moriche Oriole (Icterus chrysocephalus).

Moriche Oriole (Icterus chrysocephalus)

With a bit of luck we found two birds feeding on a fruiting tree. Although sometimes caged as pets thanks to their singing abilities all I heard were a couple of “clucks”. But again it begs the question of why would a species be bound to these palms. It wasn’t feeding on Moriche when we saw it and, according to Ffrench, it normally feeds on berries and insects. Perhaps the palms are needed as nest sites for both the Moriche Oriole and Sulphury Flycatcher? Needless to say, it is a strategy which might work against them in Trinidad as Moriche Palms are quite limited in their distribution.

 Several man-made drainage canals crisscross the savanna and it is across one of these that I saw an Epidendrum ibaguense in bloom. With a lovely red flower, this orchid rivals many of the hybrid Epidendrums cultivated by orchid enthusiasts. Intent on getting a decent picture, I resorted to jumping over the canal only to find myself in much taller grass than I expected. The land was in fact a bit lower on this side and I now found myself several feet short of the orchid. I did manage a blurry record shot (not fit for display here) and I was happy just to know that such orchids still survive in the wild.  Note: I have since obtained this photograph from my friend

After about 2 hours of walking we decided to turn back. The return trip produced a Bran-coloured Flycatcher (Myiophobus fasciatus), many more Red-bellied Macaws (it is amazing how Parrots and Macaws can just disappear into the vegetation when they want to) and two more Moriche Orioles. All in all, it was a really enjoyable trip and after visiting such a remarkable place, an ordinary forest seems so, well, ordinary. I guess I can’t blame the Sulphury Flycatchers and Moriche Orioles for wanting to stay here. I would too.

I headed out to the South Oropouche Lagoon on Saturday 7^th November. My brother decided to come along with me and we planned to walk down the riverbank at Sudama Steps (while not a dangerous area it is always preferable to have company). Driving through Rahamut Trace we came across the usual marsh birds but there is still not much water in the lagoons. With water levels so low grasses continue to grow in areas where  there would have usually been too much water for them to survive. The result is that there is not as much open water and this limits the variety of birdlife and/or makes it harder to see those birds which are in there, such as this Yellow-breasted Crake (Porzana flaviventer). Spiders on the other hand, like the one below, are making the best of the tall grasses.

Spider in Rahamut Tr.

Chances are the area will remain this way for the rest of the year.

Along the way I came across a dead Wilson’s Snipe. It had probably been hit by a car earlier that morning but remained in great condition.

Wilson's Snipe

This gave me a chance to take a look at the tail feathers which are important in differentiating it from the similar South American Snipe. Further along the road I heard the musical notes of a seedeater coming from some pigeon pea bushes along the roadside and after a short wait a male Lined Seedeater (Sporophila lineola) flew out. We are not seeing as many of these handsome migrant seedeaters now as we did last year but there is not nearly enough data on their year to year numbers to determine any population trend(s) as yet.

We wanted to walk the riverbank before the sun really came out as it becomes unbearably hot later in the day. The walk was cool enough as it was only 7:30 am by the time we made it. Bicoloured Conebills (Conirostrum bicolor) and Red-capped Cardinals (Paroaria gularis) frequent these mangroves along with a large number of migrant Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia). The area is perhaps most famous for the Spotted Tody-Tyrants (Todirostrum maculatum) that live here.

Spotted Tody-Flycatcher at Sudama Steps, Trinidad

This is the furthest north these birds are found in Trinidad and they are more accessible here than at the alternative locations (they can also be found at Icacos, Erin and Pt. Fortin). They are very easy to locate as they call loudly in the mangroves. We also came across 4 Yellow crowned Night-Herons and both light and dark phase Long-winged Harriers.  The highlight of the day however came near the abandoned picnic site where we found 3 Ruddy–breasted Seedeaters. I hadn’t seen any here for quite some time so it was good to see them (however I did not get any decent photos before they flew off). These birds were abundant as recently as the 1980’s but, like all our singing seedeaters, they have been wiped out by the cagebird trade. For the sake of balance I should mention that it has been suggested that sugarcane crop-dusting have affected them as well. I have doubts abouth this for two reasons. Firstly the other major grassland specie, the Blue-black Grassquit, has not seen a similar decline despite favouring a similar habitat. Secondly many of our seedbirds lived in secondary forest and woodlands, not in sugarcane fields (the major exception being Gray Seedeaters) Perhaps, as caging birds is not as popular now as it was then (and as sugarcane is no longer cultivated), these birds may continue to live and multiply out here in the lagoons.

Highlights: Blackpoll Warbler

With the official hunting season in Trinidad and Tobago currently in progress, the Cat’s Hill area is busier than usual with hunters. However we took the chance to go there today as it was Divali and I had hoped some hunters would spend the day at home. It did in fact turn out to be relatively quiet there but all the hunting camps showed signs of recent activity. Teak is being harvested despite the ground being soaked with the rains and the paths through the teak fields have been thoroughly chewed up by the  tractors. Surprisingly, these teak trees support several species of orchids. As has been said before on this website, teak plantations are usually dry and devoid of life but the thick patches of moss attest to the moisture levels present here and a quick search of the felled trees can yield specimens of Oncidium altissimum (the Brown Bee), Ornithocephalus gladiatus, Epidendrum nocturnum, Rodriguezia lanceolata (the Coralito), Polystachya concreta and the bizarre leafless orchid, Campylocentrum pachyrrhizum. I have seen occasional specimens of Epidendrum fragrans or Catasetum macrocarpum here as well.

At about 8:00 am, whilst searching among the branches for birds, Dave and I spotted a small drab green warbler. Like most warblers in non-breeding plumage it was rather nondescript but key markings, like streaking on its head and back, broken eye-ring, two white wing bars and flesh coloured legs, identified it as a Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata).

Blackpoll Warbler, Cat's Hill, Trinidad

We followed it for quite some time until it was joined by a second Blackpoll Warbler feeding on small caterpillars in the grass. These warblers are winter migrants from North America, avoiding the cold by migrating to South America. Other than three migrant warblers (Yellow warbler, Northern Waterthrush and the American Redstart) and our three native warblers (Tropical Parula, Masked Yellowthroat and Orange-crowned Warbler) warblers are really rare sightings in Trinidad and Tobago. After about 20 minutes they flew off, leaving us to continue on our way along the Cat’s Hill road.

As we exited the teak plantations and entered the forested area of Cat’s Hill we came across an immature raptor perched on a Hogplum tree (Spondias sp) but could not positively identify it before it flew off. Immature raptors can be tricky and the identity of this one will remain a mystery. Further along, we paused beside a small forest pond where several swifts skimmed the water surface, drinking on the wing. Dave pointed out the narrow band on their rump which identified them as Band-rumped Swifts (Chaetura spinicaudus). While Dave was busy with the swifts, I was checking out a nearby fallen branch which yielded several specimens of Campylocentrum micranthum (an orchid) and Tillandsia anceps (a bromeliad).

Campylocentrum micranthum

On the way back we had one final surprise as a large ocelot sprinted across the road providing a brief look at this rarely seen forest animal.

This particular morning I was trying to find Lined and/or Ruddy-breasted Seedeaters. The Lined Seedeaters (Sporophila lineola) are around, albeit in smaller numbers than last year. The Ruddy-breasted Seedeaters (Sporophila minuta) were last seen around March, but their spot has since been ploughed by farmers. I had hoped this area, a side road brimming with seeding grasses, would draw them. Two Tri-coloured Munias (Lonchura malacca) flew in and a group of Common Waxbills (Estrilda astrild) twittered somewhere in the grass. Both introduced species, they seem to like the area as much as I do. But still no luck with the seedeaters.
Moving on, the vegetation in the wetter areas was still much too thick to see the Yellow-breasted and Gray-breasted Crakes that were calling. Perhaps in the coming months I shall have more luck with these too.

But not all my targets were to disappoint today. Scanning a parcel of land, fenced off and filled with dirt, I picked out a camouflaged lump of feathers. A Nacunda Nighthawk (Podager nacunda).

Nacunda Nighthawk: South Oropouche Lagoon, Trinidad

Even though they like to roost on open ground they are hard to see. About eight birds visited the same area last year, almost to the day. Only two birds seem to have come back this year. Still, it is amazing the birds found their way back to the same area of marsh.

Nacunda Nighthawk in flight over South Oropouche Lagoon, Trinidad

Icacos Swamp: Icacos,Trinidad

Highlights: Northern Crested Caracara, Rufous Crab-Hawk.

I generally try to visit Icacos one a month. The swamp here is beautiful and easily accesible thanks to the main road that cuts through it. Additionally, the area’s proximity to Venezuela increases the chances of seeing unusual birds and my expectations before these visits are always high. We left home in the pouring rain at 5:00am and arrived in Icacos by 6:30am. My dad quickly spotted the “regular” Pinnated Bitterns (two birds) in the reed beds while Fork-tailed Palm Swifts flew overhead. Driving along, it was hard not to notice an adult Crested Caracara flying towards and over us. Doubling back in pursuit, we were surprised to find the adult had landed on the ground with an another (immature) bird.

Crested Caracara, Icacos, Trinidad

(Northern) Crested Caracara are seen occasionally in Icacos but it’s difficult to tell whether these birds breed here or simply visit.
The main lagoon was breathtaking as usual. Pygmy Kingfishers, a Little Cuckoo and Greater Ani flew by. From the depths of the swamp came the raucous calls of Gray necked-Wood Rails, and of course, the area specialty, Spotted Tody-Flycatchers (This was once the only place to find them in Trinidad and Tobago).
We headed down to Columbus Bay next and along the way I barely noticed a bird perched on a power pylon in the distance. I got some footage and, not convinced of its identification, dismissed the bird as an immature Common Black-Hawk in bright light.

Rufous Crab-Hawk: Icacos,Trinidad

However on review at home it turned out to be a Rufous Crab-Hawk (Buteogallus aequinoctialis).

Not a bad morning at all and even without the rarities Icacos Swamp is truly a joy to visit and hopefully this will encourage regular birdwatching in south Trinidad.

Highlights: Lesson’s Seedeaters

The rains are here at last and the teak trees of the Cat’s Hill fields have regrown their leaves, once again making it very difficult to see inside. However the diversity of birdlife found here very often amazes me (teak forests in Trinidad and Tobago are usually devoid of much wildlife) and today was no different.

I came across a total of 5 Lesson’s Seedeaters feeding along the road.

Lesson's Seedeater: Cat's Hill, Trinidad

Three males and two females/immatures. Sounding like a low pitched Tropical Parula, the singing males were easy to locate atop the teak trees. Other Trinidad forest birds typically seen in these plantations include all three honeycreepers, Bay-headed and Turquoise tanagers, White-bearded Manakins and Violaceous/White-tailed Trogons. Such a range of fruit-eating birds is unusual for such a forest as the trees themselves produce no edible fruit and fires regularly clear the undergrowth. And yet I have come across Gray-necked Wood Rails and regularly hear Little Tinamous too!

Highlights: Jabiru Stork, Crane Hawk, Spotted-Tody Flycatcher, Phyllomedusa trinitatis (frog)

On 18th July we went to see the two Jabiru Storks (Jabiru mycteria) that had been spotted in Nariva Swamp. After a short boat ride, we arrived in the viewing area at 7:30am and waited until 8:30am taking in the resident Red-bellied Macaws, before seeing a single Jabiru Stork flying into the marsh.

Jabiru Stork:Nariva Swamp, Trinidad

Undoubtedly the largest of Trinidad and Tobago’s birds, standing close to 5ft tall, it was well worth the wait. This is the 5th record of Jabiru Stork in Trinidad and Tobago. We also spotted two Blue and Yellow Macaws flying over the distant Bush-Bush Reserve.  Near the boat launch area, an immature seedeater was observed singing. I later found out that this might have been a Lesson’s Seedeater.  After this we went in search of the Crested Caracaras which of late seem to favor the Nariva/Manzanilla area and we eventually did locate two birds along the coconut lined Manzanilla stretch.

presumably feeding on insects attracted to the street lights. This species is know for its sluggish movement and I won’t be surprised if many of them get hit by vehicles while feeding on the road like this. Two Spectacled Owls were heard but not seen.

At Icacos we  saw two Muscovy Ducks but they quickly disappeared in the mangroves on our approach. A lone Crane Hawk put in a brief appearance before being driven off by a Tropical Kingbird. We then left for Erin beach to examine the groups of seabirds which were resting on the shore (comprised of Brown Pelicans, Common and Large-billed Terns, Black Skimmers and Laughing Gulls). Of note were two Spotted Tody-Flycatchers heard in the nearby mangroves

Highlights: Muscovy Duck, Red-bellied Macaw

A last minute decision to make a trip to Icacos netted some unexpected results today. We left home relatively late, arriving at Icacos Swamp, Icacos at 6:45am just in time to see a flock of nine Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata) making their way deeper into the mangrove waterways.

Muscovy Ducks: Icacos Swamp,Trinidad

The band of eight females/immatures was led by an adult male (red caruncles, crest/head shape and wing forewing, dark patch on bill noted). It is curious that I had previously seen 3 Muscovies here in Sept 08. Additionally, W. Murphy in his book “A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Trinidad and Tobago”, noted that Muscovy Ducks had been seen here as well. Perhaps the Icacos Swamp is a regular destination for these birds?

Another good sighting was of a flock of 8 Red-bellied macaws seen near the Los Blanquizales Swamp. I have on occasion seen wandering flocks of these small macaws as far south as Penal before, but this now becomes the furthest south I have seen them (and you can’t get much further south than Los Blanquizales). I assume this means that a population of macaws exists in the Los Blanquizales Swamp (where the Moriche Palm is present). Also of note were numerous breeding Black-necked Stilts, a yellow breasted crake and 4 White hawks.