f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
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Oilbird<br />
Asa Wright Nature Centre<br />
The Asa Wright Nature Centre <strong>and</strong> Lodge was established on October 20, 1967, in honour <strong>of</strong> the<br />
estate’s last private owner, Mrs. Asa Wright. The Centre thus became the first facility to be developed<br />
for conservation in the Caribbean. This registered charity is located in the foothills <strong>of</strong> the Arima Valley,<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong>. Nestled within a pristine montane rainforest habitat, the Centre has a high diversity <strong>of</strong> birds,<br />
mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects <strong>and</strong> countless native plants. The approximate 1500-acre property<br />
(made up <strong>of</strong> several estates) is ideal for hikes <strong>and</strong> nature tours.<br />
The Asa Wright Nature Centre has twenty-seven st<strong>and</strong>ard rooms <strong>and</strong> two self-contained units for small<br />
groups. Guests are accommodated in comfortable rooms each with private bathroom, hot/cold shower<br />
<strong>and</strong> ceiling fan. Most rooms have a private balcony with open views through the Arima Valley, some rooms<br />
also include air conditioning <strong>and</strong> all have phones. Two rooms are located in the Centre’s century-old Tapia<br />
main house (catering for guests with mobility needs) is positioned at the centre <strong>of</strong> property. The main<br />
house contains the reception desk, the dining room <strong>and</strong> the world-famous ver<strong>and</strong>ah, with views <strong>of</strong> nearby<br />
feeding wildlife <strong>and</strong> all <strong>of</strong> the Arima Valley.<br />
A prime destination for birdwatchers <strong>and</strong> other nature enthusiasts, with the typical day starting as early<br />
as 6:00 a.m. when freshly brewed home-grown c<strong>of</strong>fee is served on the ver<strong>and</strong>ah, while the feeding tables<br />
filled with fruit attract a multitude <strong>of</strong> birds. Hummingbird feeders are filled with sugar solution to start the<br />
daily avian parade. It is normal for birdwatchers to see an average <strong>of</strong> twenty-five species on a morning just<br />
from the ver<strong>and</strong>ah, all this before buffet breakfast at 7:30 a.m. The delicious meals are all-inclusive for<br />
guests <strong>and</strong> are buffet-style.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the main assets <strong>of</strong> the Asa Wright Nature Centre is its cadre <strong>of</strong> knowledgeable <strong>and</strong> courteous<br />
naturalist guides who conduct tours both on <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>f the Nature Centre’s premises. A cadre <strong>of</strong> expert field<br />
guides with “maxi-taxis” (small hired buses) is also on staff to lead tours to nature sites, especially to find<br />
birds. Among the most unique <strong>and</strong> peculiar <strong>of</strong> Asa Wright’s birds is the oilbird; it is the only nocturnal<br />
fruit-eating bird in the world. Its name was derived when the fatty young chicks were caught, specifically<br />
for the extraction <strong>of</strong> oil from their fat. This nightjar-like bird lives in colonies in remote caves located<br />
in northern parts <strong>of</strong> South America <strong>and</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong>. The most accessible <strong>of</strong> these is the Dunston’s Cave<br />
colony, located on Asa Wright’s Spring Hill Estate. Trips to see these nocturnal birds are limited to twice<br />
a week for guests staying three or more nights. This restriction comes as a result <strong>of</strong> the bird’s high<br />
sensitivity to disturbance, which has for many centuries been forced on them.<br />
Although the oilbird colony is special to Asa Wright, the property boasts <strong>of</strong> having over 140 species<br />
<strong>of</strong> birds in the country known to be the most densely populated for birds in the world. The Centre is<br />
open daily to the visiting public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guided tours are available twice daily.<br />
Swimming can be done at any <strong>of</strong> the Centre’s freshwater pools <strong>and</strong> waterfalls. Buffet dining, picnic,<br />
events <strong>and</strong> conference facilities are all available.<br />
TO CONTACT THE ASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTRE:<br />
Tel: 667-4655/ 667-5162, Fax: 667-4540<br />
E-mail: asaright@tstt.net.tt<br />
Web site: www.asawright.org<br />
Blue-chinned Sapphire<br />
Tufted Coquette<br />
Violaceous Trogon<br />
Copper-rumped Hummingbird<br />
Photos: Harold Diaz<br />
The <strong>Ins</strong> & <strong>Outs</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong><br />
73<br />
Silver-beaked Tanager