Trinidad & Tobago Birding Ventures Itinerary

DAY ONE Upon your arrival at Piarco International Airport you will be transferred to the Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge.

DAYS TWO, THREE and FOUR Awaken this morning to the raucous sound of the Crested Oropendola and a host of other exotic sounds. Have morning coffee on the veranda where you could see 20-30 life birds before breakfast, including such delights as Tufted Coquette, Barred Antshrike, and Bay-headed Tanager. During the next three days you will take part in the following activities. They cannot be pre-scheduled as the visits to Dunstan Cave are regulated to avoid over-visitation. One morning you will take a guided tour of several of the Centre's trails, learning about the rainforest ecosystem, its plants, birds, and insects. Along the trail you will have your first encounter with birds such as Blue Dacnis, Violaceous Trogon and Chestnut Woodpecker; you will delight in your visit to the lek of the White-bearded Manakin; and you will search for the elusive Bearded Bellbird.

Another morning you will visit Dunstan Cave, a beautiful riparian grotto located on the sanctuary, to view the breeding colony of the fascinating nocturnal Oilbird. On the way to the Cave you could see some of the secretive birds of the deep forest such as Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, Black-faced Antthrush, White-bellied Antbird, and Gray-throated Leafscraper.

One of the days you will make a late afternoon visit to the famous Caroni Marsh. Some of the Marsh's specialties include Large-billed Tern, Red-capped Cardinal, Bicolored Conebill, and Greater Ani. But the highlight will be the spectacular flight of Scarlet Ibis returning to their mangrove roosts at dusk, truly one of the world's most dramatic natural moments.

Your afternoons will be free to explore the Centre's trails, relax on the famous Asa Wright veranda, or arrange optional tours. Nights at Asa Wright Nature Centre.

BLUE WATERS INN ITINERARY

DAY FIVE Today you will fly to Trinidad's sister island, Tobago, an island which epitomizes the Caribbean of your dreams. As you make your way to the lovely Blue Waters Inn, you will pass through charming little towns nestled on seaside cliffs. Blue Waters Inn is at beautiful Batteaux Bay, with waters that go from deep blue to aquamarine, and sits right on a golden sand beach. Your afternoon will be at leisure for swimming and snorkeling. Night at Blue Waters Inn.

DAYS SIX and SEVEN On one of the mornings you will depart by boat for Little Tobago Island, one of the nation's most important wildlife sanctuaries. As you cross over to the island on a glass-bottom boat, you will enjoy spectacular views of one of the Caribbean's most beautiful and pristine coral formations. Upon landing, you will explore the island for its specialties such as Chivi Vireo and numerous Blue-crowned Motmot. But the highlight will be the nesting colonies of Red-billed Tropicbird, Brown Boobies, and Sooty and Noddy Terns (depending on the time of year of your visit). The rest of your stay will be at leisure to allow you to enjoy this peaceful beachside hotel, to explore its trails, and perhaps to venture out to see other parts of Tobago. Nights at Blue Waters Inn.

DAY EIGHT Today you will depart Tobago for your flight home.