Wild Tobago

Faraaz Abdool, birder and photographer, tells us about the elusive bird that hides in Trinidad, but is seen everywhere in Tobago.  He shares some of the Trinidad Motmot's fearless but quirky habits. (All photos by Faraaz Abdool)  Four years ago, the iconic Blue-crowned Motmot of the neotropics ceased to exist (taxonomically speaking). Prior to 2016, there was a significant problem with Blue-crowned Motmots found throughout Central America, much of South America as well as Trinidad and Tobago. Keen observers began noticing that all Blue-crowned Motmots weren’t created equal. What may have been subtle differences when the species was first described eventually became defining characteristics of six separate species of motmots. In Tobago and Trinidad, we have been blessed with a very special gift due to the split in the Blue-crowned Motmot complex: our very own motmot is found nowhere else on the planet. Momotus bahamensis , the Trinidad Motmot became t...

Rain might be the main attraction of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. But the well-watered rainforest also supports a multitude of Tobago’s birds. Travel with Faraaz Abdool to see a few of these birds. Dawn was just breaking at Roxborough as we turned away from the pounding surf and into a lush, verdant landscape. We had been driving for close to an hour in the darkness of the early twilight. In retrospect, the twilight did seem a little too dark – low-lying and rain-bearing clouds shrouded the hills and blotted out the first quivering rays of light, but not enough for us to realize that we would be in for a soaking as we entered the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.  The road that snakes through this magical forest connects two radically different coastlines. We ascended into misty, clouded rainforest where any bend might lead to Papa Bois himself; the gloomy weather brought clouds that were thicker and lower. Rufous-vented Chachalacas shrieked at each other with typical ‘co-cri-...

Faraaz Abdool, environmentalist and adventure birder, continues his exploration of the birds of Tobago. All photos by Faraaz Abdool  (This was first published in the Tobago Newsday, Thursday February 21, 2018) Red-billed Tropicbird makes its way out to sea after attending to its chick on Little Tobago Little Tobago is visible from the coast as one begins to near Speyside, driving from the south. With powerful binoculars, one may just be able to discern avian shapes that are not found anywhere else within Tobago or Trinidad. As the island is approached by boat, the distinctive, raking calls of Red-billed Tropicbirds fill the air, especially during the first half of the year when these graceful, angelic seabirds raise their young on lazily constructed nests on the ground. A short hike to the top of the island and you arrive at convenient and comfortable viewing platforms. At times, no optical aids are necess...