The day got off to a good early start with this large Barn Owl (Tyto alba) at about 4:00am in Barrackpore.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Barn Owls have a universal distribution and more than 20 different subspecies are known to exist throughout the world. The sub-species found in Trinidad & Tobago, Tyto alba hellmayri, is also found over much of northern South America. This owl can be found relatively easily at night in open country where exposed perches are available. (such as a signboard in this instance). Good locations for this species include playing fields and along the roadside in sugar-cane fields, rice fields and marshland (for example, the Trantrail Road in Valsayn and the S.S. Erin Road near Debe).

Two hours later and the entrance to Morne Bleu’s Radio Tropospheric Scatter Station finally appeared after a final sharp bend in the road. At the top of the hill a small group had already assembled. Unfortunately, much of the view that is usually enjoyed at the overlook was blocked by overgrown vegetation. Great Antshrikes, Golden-crowned Warblers and several Collared Trogons were observed and this lone Hepatic Tanager (Piranga rubra), a Morne Bleu “specialty” was seen feeding on moths.

Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava)

This highland Tanager is distinguished from other red tanagers by its overall brick red plumage, dark bill and legs. It is only likely to be confused with resident species like the Silver-beaked Tanager or Red-crowned Ant-Tanager and migrant species like the Summer Tanager or Scarlet Tanager (both of which are rather rare visitors)

Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava)

Other bird species present included Bay-headed Tanagers, Palm Tanagers, a Scaled Pigeon and a Gray-headed Kite but not much else of note was seen. There seemed to be an absence that morning of the many moths that are usually encountered at Morne Bleu and which many bird species have learned to exploit as a food source. This absence might account for the relatively low diversity of bird species there that morning.

We proceeded to Las Lapas, stopping along the way to conduct point counts. This added forest species such as Purple Honeycreeper, Golden-olive Woodpecker and Green Hermit to the growing list. At Las Lapas a female America Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) was found feeding along the roadside.

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)

This migrant Warbler is a common visitor to the mangroves and woodlands of Trinidad and Tobago during the northern winter.

High overhead a pair of Bat Falcons (Falco rufigularis) called to each other as they rode the strong winds in search of prey, occasionally returning to a dead tree to rest.

Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis)

This small attractive falcon gets its name from its principal diet of bats which are caught in flight. They will often eat the bats while still flying but may also return to a convenient perch to consume their catch. Besides bats, they will also feed on insects and small birds that they catch.

Heading down the Las Lapas trail we caught glimpses of Gray-throated Leaftossers as they left their nest burrows in the trail’s embankment. Euler’s Flycatcher, White-flanked Antwren and White-necked Thrushes were also seen along the way.

In case anyone grew tired of counting birds they could count butterflies – literally.

89 (Diaethria clymena)

Known locally as the “89” butterfly for the remarkable numerical pattern on the underside of its wings, Diaethria clymena is widely distributed in Trinidad and is commonly seen in proximity to Trema  micrantha trees on which their caterpillars feed.

Not commonly seen however, is this gorgeous male Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra).

Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)

Related to the aforementioned Hepatic Tanager, the male Summer Tanager has brilliant red plumage and a yellow bill. It is a migrant from North America on passage further south to the South American mainland.

As the time wore on we decided to call it a day. Back at the head of the trail, as we rested under the shade of an avocado tree, two Yellow-tufted Prepona (Prepona laertes) (referred to by Barcant as the Purple King Shoemaker) were observed feeding on the sap exuded from a cut in the tree’s bark. Also attempting to join the feast was a Red Cracker (Hamadryas amphinome) (referred to by Barcant as the King Cracker), another “sap sucking” species.

Yellow-tufted Prepona/Purple King Shoemaker (Prepona laertes)

Red Cracker (Hamadryas amphinome)

The presence of these insects may have caught the eye of this gorgeous male Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris) which perched briefly in the tree before flying up to pluck some unseen food morsel from the branches and then flying off.

Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris)

It was also time for us to leave as we ended a productive and enjoyable morning. Hopefully the new year will bring many more rewarding experiences for all of us as we continue to explore the natural environment of Trinidad & Tobago.

Red-breasted Blackbird (Local Name: Soldier Bird):

Red-breasted Blackbird (Sturnella militaris)

This stunning member of the blackbird family is common in wet pastures and grassy fields. Male birds sport a brilliant red breast while females are streaked with brown and cream. Not found in Tobago. Males can sometimes be seen displaying, during which the bird flies up into the air and glides back to the ground while singing.

Blue-black Grassquit (Local Names: Grassie or Johnny-jump-up):

Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina)

The grassquit is a very common inhabitant of grasslands and open habitats where they feed on seeds. Male birds are very dark blue in colour while females are brown with heavy chest streaking. Males are often seen displaying from an exposed perch during which the grassquit “leaps” into the air while calling. Despite their similar appearance, diet and choice of habitat, Grassquits are not members of the finch family.

Striped Cuckoo:

Striped Cuckoo (Tapera naevia)

The call of the Striped Cuckoo is a familiar sound in open areas and is usually the first clue that this species is nearby. It is heavily streaked with brown and cream and has a shaggy brown crest which it raises when it calls. This is the only local cuckoo species that practices nest-parasitism for which the cuckoo family is infamous. It usually targets the nests of Spinetails.

Gray Kingbird:

Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis)

This relative of the more commonly seen Tropical Kingbird can be identified by its larger bill and overall body size. It is gray in colour with darker upperparts.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher:

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) Photograph © Fayard Mohammed

This graceful flycatcher is a common visitor to Trinidad and Tobago during the latter months of the year. The males are best known for their long tail feathers which can extend several inches from the body. Large flocks of these birds can be seen flying to their roosting sites in the late evening, often in mangrove swamps or isolated trees. They are very aggressive and will chase other bird species that happen to fly by.

Green-rumped Parrotlet (Local Name: Parakeet):

Green-rumped Parrotlet (Forpus passerinus)

This small member of the parrot family is common in many habitats in Trinidad and Tobago. Apparently unknown in Trinidad before 1916 which could indicate it was a recent arrival. Birds were then introduced to Tobago. Despite being commonly trapped for the pet trade, the local population does not appear to be in any danger as yet. Males and females are not easily distinguished from each other, both being generally green with blue feathers on the wing. A pair can sometimes be seen around a house searching for nesting sites, usually in pipe scaffolding or similar cavities.

Savanna Hawk:

Savannah Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)

The Savanna Hawk is a beautiful member of the raptor family that can often be seen in open cattle pastures and coconut estates, especially in areas such as Mayaro, Manzanilla, Icacos, Wallerfield and Piarco. Unlike most other hawks, the Savanna Hawk spends a lot of time on the ground in search of its prey which includes lizards and snakes. It is chestnut-brown with dark wings and can otherwise be identified by its upright posture and its long legs, which facilitates movement through the short grass. These hawks frequently perch on posts or tree stumps.

White winged Swallow:

White-winged Swallow (Tachycineta albiventer)

This small swallow is often seen flying swiftly low over savannas or waterways while hunting for their insect prey. It is white with an iridescent blue-green cap and upper back. Its name is derived from a patch of white feathers on its otherwise dark wings, visible when the bird is in flight. It nests in cavities and will take advantage of man-made structures such as pipe scaffolding in pavilions.

Yellow-headed Caracara:

Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima)

While similar in appearance to hawks, Caracaras are actually members of the Falconidae, which includes kites and falcons. Unlike the other members of this family, caracaras have specialized in feeding on carrion. For this reason the yellow-headed caracara is able to inhabit a diverse range of habitats and can often be seen along roadways looking for road kill. They are often found in small groups and have a very loud screeching call. Adults have a creamy yellow-brown head and under-parts with dark brown wings that are crossed by a single pale bar. Immature birds are heavily streaked.

Ruddy-breasted Seedeater (Local Name: Robin):

Ruddy-breasted Seedeater (Sporophila minuta)

The Ruddy-breasted Seedeater was formerly an extremely common resident of grasslands in Trinidad and Tobago. Unfortunately the “Robin” is valued as a cage-bird because of its singing ability. Constant pressure by bird-catchers has almost driven this bird to extinction in Trinidad & Tobago and only a few scattered populations remain. Despite being illegal, many bird owners still keep “Robins”.

Other local finches, including the Gray Seedeater (Picoplat) and Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch (Bullfinch), have not been so lucky and all local populations of these species have been wiped out. Occasionally birds are seen in the wild but these are usually escaped cage-birds or birds that have been rescued from bird-smugglers and released by the Forestry Division. Unfortunately as these birds are likely to all be males, no breeding population can be established. While it is legal to keep both the “Bullfinch” and “Picoplat” in cages, large numbers of these birds are illegally smuggled into the country via the south-western peninsular and these birds account for almost all finches currently being kept in Trinidad and Tobago.

On 15 October a flock of 14 White-faced Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna viduata) was found in the South Oropouche Lagoon. It is not known whether these birds were genuine visitors from the mainland or releases from the Wildfowl Trust, however their nervous behavior could indicate that they were wild birds.

White-faced Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna viduata) Photograph © Cyril Coomansingh

Later that day, a playing field in Penal produced both a Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) and two Buff-breasted Sandpipers (Tryngites subruficollis). Both are migrant sandpipers, on passage through Trinidad and Tobago.

Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) and Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis)

In November, at least two Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea) were found feeding in the mangroves at Carli Bay by N. Lallsingh and D. Smith. At least one Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata) was also in attendance

Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) Photograph © Nigel Lallsingh

Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata)

At Orange Valley, a Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) was found by D.Smith and N. Lallsingh at the gull roost. This is the third reported sighting for Trinidad & Tobago.

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Photograph © Nigel Lallsingh

While not considered a rarity, several Yellow-billed Cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus) were reported from both islands. Yellow-billed Cuckoos are migrants from North America on passage through Trinidad and Tobago, on their way to South America.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Photograph © Fayard Mohammed

An adult Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis) was seen circling over the Rousillac Swamp on 16 November. This species was last reported in Trinidad & Tobago in 1998.

Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis)

Finally, a pair of Scaled Doves (Columbina squammata) was found at the Pitch Lake in La Brea by S. Parasram. Undoubtedly the most extraordinary sighting of the period, this species has not been reported on mainland Trinidad since 1926.

Scaled Doves (Columbina squammata) Photograph © Sanjiv Parasram

Driving through the drier agricultural areas of the SOL it is possible to find the Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild). The waxbill is native to the African continent but it is a popular cage-bird in the pet trade.

Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild)

This popularity eventually led to birds either escaping or being deliberately set free and feral populations are now established in Europe, Hawaii, Bermuda and Brazil. The bird was first detected in the Orange Grove area of Trinidad in 1990 (Hayes and White 2000) and has slowly made its way south. By 2008 it was detected in the SOL.

Also in these agricultural areas of the SOL it is possible to find the Tri-coloured Munia (Lonchura malacca). With their large ivory bills, these large attractive finches bear a superficial resemblance to the familiar ‘bullfinch’ or Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch.

Tri-coloured Munia (Lonchura malacca).

The munias are native to Sri Lanka and India but it is popular as a cage-bird and feral populations of escaped/released birds have become established in Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. They were found to be living in the SOL in 2008. Given their similarity to the ‘bullfinch’, my own suspicion is that munias were smuggled across from Venezuela with the expectation that they shared the latter’s ability to sing. The Tri-coloured Munia is however a dreadful songster and was probably liberated soon after this realization.

My intention that morning was to try to photograph a Gray-breasted Crake and for this I chose a dry grass-field that had been cleared by fire in the recent past. Crakes usually respond well to audio playback of their calls and after a few minutes a crake briefly popped its head out of the grass before disappearing again. I thought that it would reappear for sure and soon there came a rustling from the bushes nearby. It wasn’t a crake that emerged but yet another foreigner – the Indian Mongoose (Herpestes javanicus).

Indian Mongoose (Herpestes javanicus)

As most readers would probably know, the Indian Mongoose was brought across to the Caribbean from South Asia in an attempt to control the snakes and rats that inhabited the cane-fields. It would hard to say what effect they had on their intended prey but the mongoose did not limit themselves to cane-field pests. They ate small birds, eggs, nestlings, small mammals, small reptiles and amphibians alike. No doubt it was attracted to the sound of the crake and had intended to make a meal of it.

I figured that with a mongoose in the area I should try my luck elsewhere. As I approached another dry field I inadvertently flushed this Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) from the short grasses (unlike many sandpipers, the Upland Sandpiper favors dry ground).

Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda)

No escapee from a cage this time, the Upland Sandpiper is a long-distance migrant flying all the way from as far north as Alaska and migrating every year to South America, venturing as far south as Argentina. Besides the Upland Sandpiper, there are approximately 40 other migrant bird species that visit the SOL yearly.

And while a routine migration over such a distance is amazing, the SOL was also the destination of at least one even more amazing albeit accidental journey. As reported in a previous post, a Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) had been found feeding here in July 2008. The bird had a band on its leg that was eventually traced back to Donana National Park in Spain, nearly 6,000 km away. Such a journey is facilitated by the prevailing NE trade winds which can drive a bird straight to the Caribbean. It is of course a one way trip for these birds with no way of flying against the trade winds to get back home.

Returning home might be a tactic employed by another feathered traveler. That morning I came across this large flock of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) in the swamp consisting of at least 40 individuals.

Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

The population of these ducks has benefited from the breeding programme at the Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust.  It has been said that these ducks return ‘home’ to the Trust to raise their young. It had even been suggested that the birds did this to avoid hunters during the open season. It would be hard to say whether this is true. However these ducks had to have come from somewhere as they were not in the area a few months ago. Alternatively, they might have been breeding deep within the Godineau Swamp or even the nearby Rousillac Swamp. Another possibility is that the local population is supplemented by birds dispersing from the Venezuelan mainland.

If the latter is true then the ducks might recognize a fellow Venezuelan marsh dweller amongst the vegetation.

Scarthyla vigilans

The small frog Scarthyla vigilans was recorded in Trinidad only in July 2010 (Murphy 2011:pers. comm). This frog was first thought to be endemic to the Maracaibo Lake basin in Venezuela (Rojas-Runjaic et al 2008). Apparent range expansions resulted in several other populations being established in northern South America. It is however not likely to be a recent arrival in Trinidad but was probably overlooked previously or misidentified as another frog. I only recently learnt of its presence but its characteristic day-time vocalizations make it easy to identify. It seems to be established in suitable habitat over much of south Trinidad.

Other foreigners lurk in these waterways. The Three-spot Gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) was discovered in the SOL in 2009 (Mohammed et al 2010).

Three-spot Gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) - Photo - Mohammed R.S. et al 2011

The dead individual pictured above was removed from the stomach of a Guabine (Hoplias malbaricus) by researchers studying the Gourami population. It is native to the Mekong Basin in South East Asia but is very common in the international pet trade and is a popular aquarium fish in Trinidad & Tobago. Needless to say, some individuals either escaped or were released into the SOL or one of its tributaries.

Another aquatic invader is the Malaysian Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) which was documented in the SOL in 2005 (Rostant 2005; Mohammed et al 2011).

Last but not least, there is even a foreign plant species that has escaped into the SOL. Limnocharis flava is a freshwater plant native to Asia.

Limnocharis flava

This plant has also spread to parts of the United States and South America. It is edible and was possibly introduced to Trinidad as a food plant or as an ornamental for artificial ponds. Alternatively, seeds might have also been accidental transported in imported rice seeds or agricultural equipment.

In preparing this article I was myself surprised by the number of non-resident species present in the South Oropouche Lagoon. For better or worse many of these species will eventually be regarded as part of our flora and fauna. Despite their diverse origins I suppose our national anthem says it all – “Here every creed and race find an equal place”. It would seem that this applies to the wildlife as well.

References

Hayes, F.E. and White, G. 2000. First report of the Trinidad and Tobago Rare Bird Committee. Living World, Journal of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalist Club, 1999-2000: 39-45

Mohammed, R. S., Ramjohn, C., Lucas, F. and Rostant, W. G. 2010. Additional Observations on the Distribution of Some Freshwater Fish of Trinidad and the Record of an Exotic. Living World, Journal of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalist Club, 2010: 43-53

Mohammed, R. S., Ramjohn, C. and Bhukal, R. 2011. Malaysian Prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Trinidad’s Invasive Alien; Biological Indicator or Aquaculture Species? Living World, Journal of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalist Club, 2011: 66-69

Rostant, W.G. 2005. Freshwater Decapod Communities of Trinidad and Tobago. M. Phil Thesis. Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies. 180 p.

Rojas-Runjaic, F.J.M., Barrio-Amorós, C.L., Molina, C., Señaris, J.C. and Fedón, I.C. 2008. Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae, Scarthyla vigilans: Range extensions and new state records from Delta Amacuro and Miranda states, Venezuela. URL <www.checklist.org.br/getpdf?NGD109-08>

The Inniss-Trinity Field Reservoir

Unfortunately I cannot seem to find much literature about the Inniss-Trinity Field Reservoir. It is maintained by WASA, supposedly as a source of potable water but the agency’s website does not make mention of it.  The surrounding Inniss oilfield was identified as a valuable butterfly collecting area by Malcom Barcant, author of “The Butterflies of Trinidad and Tobago”. He made particular reference to the presence of Papillo torquatus in the area (a butterfly he feared no longer existed on the island) stating “In May 1960 suspicions of its occurrence in the Cat’s Hill Reserve came to light and in June 1961 a secluded area within the forest at Inniss Field, Cat’s Hill (north of the dam) was found to be very productive”. But all other references that I found were in reference to its value as an oil producing region. It seemed likely that the area would have a lot of value for birdwatching as well and I often imagined (dreamed?) that one day maybe a Sungrebe or Rufescent Tiger-Heron or some other rare bird might be found skulking about the forest edged reservoir.

Our first attempt to explore the newly ‘discovered’ road was hampered by heavy rains and while we were able to catch a glimpse of the reservoir, the rains made the muddy track that led to the water’s edge impassable.

Still, the visit showed us the great potential of the area for birdwatching. The road is bordered by dense forest interrupted by the occasional oilwell. During the brief breaks in the rainstorm several pairs of Channel-billed Toucans (Ramphastos vitellinus) were seen on exposed branches trying to dry their soaked feathers in the damp morning air.

Channel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus)

The forest canopy is not particularly high and the occasional patches of Bactris palms inside the forest might indicate that the area was once logged for timber. However I could not detect any recent signs of logging activity in the area.

Also seen trying to dry itself in the trees bordering an oilwell clearing was this large raptor, believed to be a Great Black-Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga).

Possibly a Great Black-Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga). Photograph © Dave Smith

This hawk can be distinguished from the very similar Common Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus) by the size of its beak, long legs, overall body size and by the extent of white on its tail. Later that day we were fortunate to find a Common Black Hawk in a similar soggy predicament, trying to dry itself in a pose that allowed for a comparison.

Great Black Hawk (LHS) and Common Black Hawk (RHS). Photographs © Dave Smith

Both of these birds of prey feed on small birds, reptiles and mammals that they encounter in the forest. Additionally, Common Black Hawks are fond of crabs and can also be seen along forest streams, mangrove swamps and along the coast.

Birds of prey are not the only dangers for small animals in this area. We came across two Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops atrox) mere meters apart from each other. Both snakes had been killed only hours before by oilfield workers as they crossed the road.

Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops atrox)

The Fer-de-Lance is one of four venomous snakes found in Trinidad. Its venom contains a potent hemotoxin which destroys red blood cells and causes general tissue damage. Death is quite possible unless the appropriate antivenin is administered.

Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops atrox)

The four venomous snakes of Trinidad are not protected by law if they are found on private land because of the potential threat they pose to human life. Venomous snakes are protected if they are found on state lands but it is unlikely any game warden or police officer would enforce this law given the aforementioned danger. Indeed, both snakes were killed a stone’s throw from a makeshift office used by oilfield workers.

Our second visit to the Inniss-Trinity Field, two weeks later, was even better. We wanted to head out to Cat’s Hill early that morning and managed to arrive at 5:00 am that morning. Our intention was to find the Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata) that had been previously seen in the area (see Noteworthy bird sightings: May 2011). Along the way several nightjars, most likely Paraques (Nyctidromus albicollis), were flushed along the road. Many nightjars have the habit of ‘sitting’ along the quieter country roads at night to hunt for flying insects. Unfortunately nightjars are often killed by vehicles because of this (See Road Mortality gallery).

We succeeded in attracting the Mottled Owl by using an audio recording of its call and by using a torch we were able to get a few decent views of it. Caution must always be taken when using audio playback to attract birds as excessive usage can become very stressful for them. For this reason we did not make any serious attempt at photography and left soon after (The picture below was taken when the bird was first seen in May).

Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata)

As dawn broke we ventured deeper into the Inniss-Trinity Field. From the depths of the forest, hopelessly out of our view, a Bearded Bellbird (Procnias averano) was heard calling. Better known as a forest bird of the mountainous Northern Range, bellbirds are resident in the Southern Range although they are hard to observe given the flatter terrain (Do they live in the Central Range as well?). Another forest resident which was up and about that morning was the attractive Black-tailed Tityra (Tityra cayana) which was feeding in a tree along the road. This offered me the best views that I have ever had of this handsome species. Unfortunately, in my excitement it did not occur to me to take a photograph. I didn’t make the same mistake when we came upon this Scaled Pigeon (Patagioenas speciosa) later that morning.

Scaled Pigeon (Patagioenas speciosa)

In my experience this fruit eating forest pigeon is always quite skittish and usually doesn’t hang around for photographs. When it flew off a few minutes later it might have been because it saw this bird approaching.

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)

The magnificent Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) is a regular visitor to forests in Trinidad but its regularity in no way detracts from its graceful beauty. The bird flew low overhead before plunging into the canopy of a nearby tree to snatch something. It must have missed as the kite emerged clutching only a few leaves.

Another photogenic raptor was the ubiquitous Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea).

Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea)

They are considered breeding visitors to the island but a few individuals stay year round and can be found in considerable numbers in the forests of South Trinidad. Large numbers of both kite species will occasionally flock together and ride the forest thermals in a swirling mass referred to as a ‘kettle’. Unlike Swallow-tailed Kites, the Plumbeous Kites are almost entirely insect eaters.

Eventually we arrived at the Inniss-Trinity Field Reservoir and proceeded on foot down the muddy track to the causeway that crosses the south-western end of the reservoir. Here, on the wet earth, various butterflies gathered to take in dissolved salts including a Many-banded Daggerwing (Marpesia chiron marius) and an unidentified hesperid (The Daggerwing is referred to by Barcant as the “Road Page”).

Many-banded Daggerwing (Marpesia chiron marius)

Unidentified Hesperid butterfly

At the waters edge we searched for birds out on the open water and on nearby trees. Disappointingly, only a few Wattled Jacanas and a Limpkin were seen – so much for skulking Sungrebes and Tiger-Herons.

The Inniss-Trinity Field Reservoir

As I mentioned before, I am not sure of the history of the Inniss-Trinity Field Reservoir but I assume it is man made. Several partially submerged tree trunks may also indicate that the water level has risen in recent times (unless the tree trunks have somehow remained intact since the dam was first formed)

Submerged tree in the Inniss Reservoir

The reservoir must have originally been used as a water source to facilitate oil extracting operations in the area. Currently, oil production in the area has been contracted out to Norway based FRAM Explorations. According to the company’s website “Fram plans to commence an aggressive development drilling program starting Fourth Quarter 2011. The wells are expected to produce 80-100 bopd from previously overlooked and/or under-evaluated horizons”. I only hope that aggressive exploration does not translate into extensive environmental damage in the area (more on FRAM Explorations here)

FRAM Exploration

We decided to call it a day at this point and headed back out. Along the way we heard and then saw this very co-operative Bright-rumped Attila (Attila spadiceus)

Bright-rumped Attila (Attila spadiceus)

This drab forest bird is more often heard than seen, but is easily recognized by its melodious vocalizations. Fortunately this one remained on an exposed branch for several minutes.

Quite contrary to the drab Attila was this flamboyant but rather unmusical Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucos). The Crimson-crested Woodpecker can be distinguished from the similar Lineated Woodpecker by several facial features but the white ‘spot’ under the eye of this bird was a definite indicator of a male Crimson-crested.

Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucos)

In the end it was a very rewarding trip with lovely views of some lovely birds. We still need to explore the other approaches to the Inniss-Trinity Dam and given that the area is such a great place to look for birds we will definitely be back. We just have to remember to look for those Fer-de-Lance too!

The road to Inniss-Trinity Field Reservoir

Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)

A wild Muscovy Duck can be distinguished with care from a domesticated bird by the lack of white on its chests and underside. A wild male also has a distinctive crest and several red growths about its face, but lacks the extensive red/pink wattles found on a domestic bird. The Pointe a Pierre Wildfowl Trust operates a breeding programme for this species but it is unclear whether or not these birds in Icacos were released from the Trust or are genuine wild birds, perhaps visitors from the nearby wetlands of Delta Amacuro in Venezuela (approximately 13 miles to the south west).

Elsewhere in south Trinidad, a Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata) was seen in Cat’s Hill late in May.

Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata)

This rarely seen nocturnal resident of Trinidad’s forest was located just before dawn by its vocalizations.

Masked Yellowthroat (Local Name: Manicou Bird)

Masked Yellowthroat (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)

The Masked Yellowthroat is a small active bird that frequents grass fields and marshlands. It is one of our three resident Wood Warblers. Both the male and female are yellowish-green in colour but male birds have a black mask. They spend most of their time skulking in the vegetation but males will occasionally appear on an exposed perch to sing. The song of the Masked Yellowthroat is a musical series of notes. It is not found on Tobago.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (Local names: Wi-chi-chi)

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are our commonest resident duck species and are found in marshes on both islands. They can be identified by their black bellies and brown upperparts and their bright red bills. Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are partially nocturnal and can often be he ard calling as they fly overhead at night. These ducks are frequently hunted but have been the subject of breeding and reintroduction programmes at the Pointe a Pierre Wildfowl Trust.

Blue-winged Teal

Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) - Photograph © Tarran Maharaj

The Blue-winged Teal is by far the commonest of Trinidad and Tobago’s migrant ducks. They breed in considerable numbers in North America but migrate south during the northern winter and are present between September and May. At this time, the drakes are in their drabber non-breeding plumage but they can be distinguished from the females by a faint white crescent between its eye and beak. They have light blue patches on their wings that are visible when in flight. Blue-winged Teal are found in mangrove swamps, marshes and even on the coast. They are commonly hunted during the open season.

Pinnated Bittern

Pinnated Bittern (Botaurus pinnatus)

The Pinnated Bittern is a large cryptically coloured bird that favours reed beds and wet pastures in Trinidad. It is not found on Tobago. It will often raise its neck with its bill pointed towards the sky when alarmed (as seen in the photograph above). This offers the bittern some protection from predators as this posture helps the bird to blend in with the reed and grass environment. As a result, the Pinnated Bittern is easily overlooked or mistaken for a stick or clump of dry leaves.

Limpkin (Local name: Craow)

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) - Photograph © Dave Smith

The Limpkin is a resident of freshwater marshes in Trinidad. It is generally dark brown with white markings on its neck. In shape, it resembles an Ibis but has a relatively straight bill which is used to crack open the snails on which it feeds. When feeding, a Limpkin will pick-up a snail and take it somewhere nearby where the ground is firm. Placing the snail on the ground, it will strike the snail’s shell repeatedly until it is able to extract the flesh inside. The loud mournful call of this bird is often heard at night and gives rise to its local name of Craow.

Cattle Egret

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

The Cattle Egret is Trinidad and Tobago’s commonest egret. They are usually seen in pastures and savannas but less often in water like other egrets. Cattle Egrets frequently follow cattle and other large animals in order to feed on the insects that are disturb by the animals. They will also follow ploughs and lawnmowers for the same reason. Cattle Egrets were originally found only in Africa and Asia but some managed to make the journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World and were first reported in Guiana and Suriname in 1877. By 1951 they had spread to Trinidad and by the 1960’s they had arrived in Tobago.

Snowy Egret

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)

The Snowy Egret is a beautiful resident of Trinidad and Tobago wetlands. They have prominent yellow toes that contrast prominently with their black legs. Similarly, they have a contrasting yellow patch of skin (lore) around their eyes and at the base of their black bill. While feeding, snowy egrets will shuffle one foot in the water in order to disturb the small fish and invertebrates that it feeds on.

Great Egret

Great Egret (Ardea alba)

The Great Egret is the largest of our white egrets. It frequents the same area as the smaller Snowy Egret and both will sometimes associate in mixed flocks when feeding. Great Egrets are easily distinguishable by their size. They have yellow bills and black legs.

Tricoloured Heron

Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)

The Tricoloured Heron is an attractive member of the Heron and Egret family. They are most commonly seen in brackish water wetlands but will feed in freshwater marshes as well. They are also commonly seen feeding along the coast. Birds are slate blue with a contrasting white underside. Tricoloured Herons are very active when feeding, frantically chasing prey in shallow water.

Little Blue Heron

Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) - Immature

The Little Blue Heron was already mentioned in our previous guide on wetland birds, but it should be noted that immature birds can be mistaken for one of the mentioned white egrets. Immature Little Blue Herons can be identified by their dark heavy bill which is tipped with black. Depending on the age of the bird there can be varying amounts of slate blue appearing in the immature bird’s plumage.