Where the birds are, in north Tobago
Faraaz Abdool tells us about Flagstaff Hill, just above Charlotteville, and makes the case for protecting bird habitats in north Tobago. Flagstaff Hill, located on Tobago’s rugged northeastern corner has been a vantage point for hundreds of years. From soldiers belonging to the French and British armies signaling to their comrades at sea centuries ago, to the present-day tourist taking a self-stitching panoramic photograph of the wild coastlines, quaint houses and lush greenery against a background of endless ocean; Flagstaff Hill has not only a rich and timeless history but a vibrant feel that is unique. Twilight is always a magical time at the top of Flagstaff Hill. Photo by Joanne Husain. Sure enough, the bleating of the Rufous-vented Chachalacas (Cocricos) is a quintessentially Tobagonian sound – but on the top of Flagstaff, this sound is carried by steady, strong winds that barrel up the steep cliffs after having blown unbothered for many miles over the Atlanti...