TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Birdwatching and Tropical Nature

• ITINERARY

Trinidad and Tobago provide a delightful introduction to tropical ecology and birdwatching. Ten miles from Venezuela, Trinidad has an essentially South American fauna and flora; all the classic South American bird families and plant families are represented on the island, but the bird diversity, at 400 species, is not overwhelming. This is especially true because for five leisurely days we are at one idyllic site, the famous Asa Wright Nature Center. The Center, located at 1200 feet in Trinidad’s Northern Range and surrounded by forest and plantations, has been the site of many important discoveries in tropical ecology. The center combines comfortable accommodations within the forest with some of the easiest tropical birdwatching anywhere. Tanagers, honeycreepers and hummingbirds, among others, are attracted to feeding stations on the veranda and to plants in the gardens. Many gaudy species will become familiar faces as we search the grounds and forest trails during our extended stay. We can expect to find such tropical dandies as toucans, manakins, motmots, jacamars, cotingas, antbirds, ovenbirds, bellbird, and Oilbird. From the Center we will take minibus excursions out to a variety of habitats, including Caroni Swamp with its incredible roost of hundreds of Scarlet Ibises and other waterbirds. During our birding forays we’ll also watch for elusive rainforest mammals, lizards and butterflies and discuss ecological topics like seed dispersal, army ants, climbing vines and epiphytes.

Just 15 minutes flight from Trinidad lies Tobago, an island ringed by beach and Cocoa Palms. Tobago offers fine snorkeling and, physically as well as biologically, is more like the other West Indian islands than is the larger Trinidad. Tobago is drier and has been isolated from the South American mainland longer. Many birds not found in Trinidad occur in the forests, and one of the premier attractions are the seabird colonies on small offshore islands that we will visit by launch. Red-footed and Brown Boobys, and Red-billed Tropicbirds all nest on these islands.

Join me on this relaxed introduction to the Neotropics!

Leadership

Mark Smith, the trip leader, has led numerous Nature Conservancy, Audubon and Oregon Museum trips over the years. Since his studies at Oregon State University he has worked as a researcher and educator for a variety of organizations, including the National Science Foundation, Portland Public Schools and the National Marine Fisheries Service. For 20 years he has operated Mark Smith Nature Tours and has led over fifty tours to Latin America, as well as tours to Australia, Eurasia and Africa. He has guided five tours to Trinidad and Tobago and four to neighboring Venezuela.

Experienced regional naturalists will co-lead in Trinidad and Tobago.

Accommodations and Transport

We stay five nights at the famous Asa Wright Nature Center where all rooms have hot water and private bathroom--the traditional meals are sumptuous. In Tobago we stay at a beautiful beach resort with seabird colonies and fine snorkeling just off shore.

All overnight accommodations and all meals are included. Formal dress is not necessary. Transportation will be by van or small bus, with an experienced local driver.

Activities, Lodgings and Expectations

The Asa Wright Nature Center on Trinidad where we stay five nights is one of the most comfortable of all rainforest lodges. There are fine birds to be seen from the veranda, where we will spend considerable time. Delicious family-style meals feature local specialties. From our two lodgings we will have several day trips by van to visit the various habitats of the islands. Walks will not be over two miles long and there are no long, steep sections. If there is rain there will be mud, and hiking boots, rubber boots, or wettable tennis shoes will be necessary. (The lodge has boots for us to use.) The lodgings are beautiful, and it is very pleasant to take time out from our busy schedule and just enjoy the grounds. In various habitats there will be some mosquitoes, but never hoards. On some lowland outings temperatures will be in the 80's, but our vehicles do have air conditioning.

Preparation

By December 2008 participants will be sent maps, an equipment list, health suggestions, visa requirements (simple), bird lists, selected articles and a list of suggested readings

Cost and Reservations

A deposit of $500 is required to reserve one of the 14 available spaces.

Pam Davis of Willamette International Travel is the tour air-ticket agent; Mark has worked with Pam for over 15 years. Participants are encouraged to make bookings through Pam, which helps to coordinate our flights and keep leaders informed.

Pam Davis of Willamette International Travel
1314 NW Irving St. #101
Portland, OR 97209-2721
Email: pamd@wittravel.com
Phone: 503-224-0180 or 1-800-821-0401

Questions, Deposit and final payment can be addressed to:

Mark Smith
PO Box 3831
Portland, OR 97208-3831

phone: 360-566-0458
email, in care of: pamd@wittravel.com

Cancellations

Any cancellation for which a suitable replacement is found receives refund in full. Other cancellations are subject to the following: forfeit of $600 if cancellation is received between 60 to 30 days prior to departure; and forfeit of 60% of ground costs for cancellations received within 29 days of departure. Participants are encouraged to buy trip cancellation insurance, available from Willamette International Travel.

ITINERARY