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They are sometimes chased by superstitious resident humans, believing them to be harbingers of doom or even the souls of the departed. It is one of the more commonly seen owls, based on it having a relatively high tolerance for human activity as well as its partially diurnal habits. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. I couldn’t believe it.
There were three profound questions my birding group discussed while we birded Trinidad and Tobago, back in December 2012: (1) How many Bananaquits could fit on a banana? (2) 3) What was the best guide to the birds of Trinidad and Tobago? 2) Which hummingbird was more beautiful—Tufted Coquette or Ruby-topaz Hummingbird? (3)
In southern Trinidad, however, there is much more at play than what is immediately discernible. Due to the plethora of bird species around, invariably we were to experience something breathtaking. Commonly domesticated, wild versions of the Muscovy Duck historically inhabited wetlands across Trinidad.
Having been marooned on Trinidad for the last two years, my body was aching for a change. There are trails I’ve been taking, the comfort of being able to walk for a few miles through forest without seeing a single other human being is something I never thought I’d appreciate this much.
Far less experience the two in a single morning. Fortunately, I live in Trinidad and Tobago – a twin-island nation that boasts the second highest density of bird species in the world. Those experiences also served to illustrate a point that was enforced several times during our birding session within the forest that morning.
Back in Trinidad, both Spectacled Thrush and Cocoa Thrush would nest in our backyard. This gave us several chances to experience them at various stages of growth. A pair of Spectacled Thrushes at the very commencement of their noisy life. This Cocoa Thrush seemed to be contemplating whether leaving the nest was a good idea after all.
I say unceremoniously – but I am using the human metric by which we decide what makes noise and what doesn’t. Animals obviously see death and experience it as we do, so the question is not one of if, but of how. Without so much as a splash, it slipped into the water. A moment of silence for the departed.
Those who are familiar with my ethos know quite well that I am very much for the experience as opposed to the payoff. Whether on Trinidad or Tobago, there are few places one can visit where the presence of the sea isn’t felt. Some call it a preference for the journey rather than the destination.
Steve Howell has spent decades of experience in the field studying the birds of Belize, Costa Rica, and especially Mexico. Conclusion Birds of Belize and Birds of Costa Rica are both impressive, informative, well-organized field guides, distinguished by the expertise, experience, and talents of their authors. 4 (July 2013), pp.
One of the interesting aspects of Trinidad’s nature is that both southern corners of the roughly boot-shaped island are dotted with wetlands. Some weeks ago, I elaborated on some of my experiences on the eastern and southeastern ends. As such, the area is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of a Red-bellied Macaw or two.
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