10,000 Birds

APRIL 27, 2022

Today, Barn Owls can be found across both islands, hunting open fields at twilight or comfortably resting in abandoned relics of the sugar cane industry. Turns out that this species was another common species, and is reliably seen at several sites across Trinidad. I couldn’t believe it. He took a few pictures and moved on.

Trinidad 279

Trinidad Owls Barn Owls Abandonment 279

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 24, 2013

If you are a birder and you visit Trinidad and Tobago you must go to the Caroni Swamp. If you visit Trinidad and Tobago you must visit Caroni Swamp. Hunting of Scarlet Ibis for their feathers as well as drainage of portions of the swamp for rice harvesting was, at one time, putting what is now a major tourist destination in jeopardy.

Trinidad 238

Trinidad Spain Cooking Hunting 238

10,000 Birds

APRIL 5, 2023

In southern Trinidad, however, there is much more at play than what is immediately discernible. Last visit we enjoyed superb views of a trio of Masked Cardinals , interrupted by the arrival of a Green Kingfisher that was so intent on hunting, it hardly even cast an eye in our direction.

Trinidad 264

Trinidad Birds Ducks Fish 264

10,000 Birds

JUNE 5, 2024

Cameras were still tucked away, but the experience left us all without words. Cocoi Heron Pied Plover Black Skimmer Coming across a pair of Red-capped Cardinals was exciting – resembling the Masked Cardinal that we were accustomed to in Trinidad but a little stretched out, as if pulled gently by the tail and bill simultaneously.

Guyana 246

Guyana Otters Trinidad Bats 246

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 5, 2020

Especially as we were at the time about to experience a rapidly advancing tropical storm. Scores of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks circled overhead, these vocal ducks are often hunted illegally here so it was refreshing to see so many. Striated Heron in breeding plumage – extra plumes and blue lores.

Livestock 264

Livestock ALA Ducks illegal 264

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

Now that I have driven that to a state of relative completion and I am compelled to return to the forest, I learned that the government here has re-opened the hunting season. After experiencing the ebb and flow of energies over the years with the coming and going of the annual five month long hunting season, the strain is plain for me to see.

Trinidad 264

Trinidad Hunting Venezuela Woodpeckers 264