Wild Tobago

Faraaz Abdool looks into the seabird family that might most easily be seen on Little Tobago. All photos by Faraaz Abdool   The pool of bird names reveals all manner of information and inspiration. By themselves, birds are incredible creatures, emblematic of freedom and presence. Examining their names is an exploration of their lives in a unique and novel way – as we see them and allows us to refresh our perspective on our feathered friends.   Some bird names describe a physical characteristic. The Shoebill lurking in sub-Saharan swamps is a bird with a massive bill that recalls a Dutch clog. Others speak to a behavioral trait, if you see a bird pecking at wood, it’s likely a woodpecker. Names are sometimes onomatopoeic, such as “kiskadee” or “chachalaca” – as we know them, “cocrico”. Other times, they stir the imagination, for example “sungrebe” or “starthroat”. A few names pay homage to other languages; the desert cardinal of arid Northern Mexico is...

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...