Sights to See: Caroni Swamp & Bird Sanctuary, Trinidad

BIRDWATCHING
Trinidad’s lush landscape provide the perfect conditions for the more than 450 species of birds that call the island home.  Key birding spots on island include:

Caroni Swamp & Bird Sanctuary  Off the Solomon Hochoy Hwy., 8 miles south of Port of Spain.  US$10 for 2 1/2-hr. cruise.  This 12,000-acre, mangrove-filled wetland is the top nesting site for the Trinidad national bird--the Scarlet Ibis (pronounced eye-bus).  Best viewing is in morning and evening.  Approximately 15,000 of these big red birds gather here at dusk each evening to roost in trees.  Among the more than 100 additional tropical birds seen here are snowy egrets, blue herons, green kingfishers, and bicolored conebills.  You might also see caimans amid the mangrove roots and boa constrictors entwined on branches.
boa constrictor in tree at Caroni Swamp & Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad
Scarlet Ibis roosting in trees at Caroni Swamp & Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad
single Scarlet Ibis heading to roosting trees at Caroni Swamp & Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad
flock of Scarlet Ibis heading to roosting trees at Caroni Swamp & Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad

Boat tours are available on site, though some tour companies arrange in advance.
     ● Nanan’s Bird Sanctuary Tours   38 Bamboo Grove Sett, No. 1, Uriah Butler Highway, Valsaya P.O., (868) 645-1305.  Depart at 4pm, return by 6:30pm.  In business for 60 years, this tour concession uses wood boats equipped with life vests.

Nanan's Bird Sanctuary Tours boats at Caroni Swamp & Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad

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images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers