Just Humming Along

Asa Wright Tour: 21 May 2024

Views back over Trinidad's northern ranges

We were also keen to join Jesse’s tour to the peaceful Asa Wright Bird Sanctuary.  The assigned date suited us.  Well, not for all actually; the Cap’n had a major date with his other woman and the travel lift. 

Mr Lozza and the Crew set off early with a bus full of avid bird lovers and hikers.  Were we in the wrong bus then?  Never!  Jesse entertained (that means quizzed!) us again with much interesting general knowledge gained along the way.  He rewarded us with a brief breakfast stop at a saheena stall.  It’s a pancake snack of callaloo (similar to cooked spinach) with a scant chickpea batter, and deep fried.  Rather delicious! 

Not long after, Jesse turned off the motorway and headed into tropical hills.  The road was narrow and the hillsides steep, winding our way higher into rainforest, all sprinkled throughout with fruits or vegetables seemingly randomly planted.  The WJ3 crew easily won the trivia contest naming various fruit & vege varieties growing along the way thanks to our exposure to such tropical delights at home!    

And a wonderful balcony to admire the views and hummingbirds

The Asa Wright Centre has been recently re-furbished with a great deal of care.  Once a coffee and cocoa plantation deep in the rain-forested northern range, it now offers 198 acres of nature reserve.  Mostly centred on serious bird-watching, it offers other pleasant diversions such as hiking trails and cooling rock pools to splash in and enjoy. Very reminiscent of the style of Malaysian highland guest houses. 

We started our day tour on the magnificent balcony sipping tropical punch whilst hummingbirds flitted nearby to take nectar.  Our guide, Caleb, then took us down a gentle trail to spot various birds.  Which we did, but next time we’ll buy the bird guide book before we go.  Even with GS’s best lens, it was difficult to spot and photograph some of these spectacular birds.  

After our hike in the humid forest, it was time to relax in the airconditioned dining room before tucking into a sumptuous lunch. (Oh, what the poor Cap’n was missing out on!).  Afterwards, Mr L & GS rested on the balcony (waiting for afternoon tea!) while the others went hiking and swimming.  With us, a couple of serious twitchers staying at the lodge, had camera equipment appropriate for the occasion.  GS was seriously envious!  Meanwhile, we had fun in this spectacular setting trying to capture stills of the rapidly moving wings of multi-coloured hummingbirds. 

A tropical treat for the eye in the gardens

We all had a relaxing day doing as we pleased; a chance to be out of the heat, explore the tropical rainforest and see some colourful bird life.  Next time we might just stay for a few days; only if the Budget Committee allows. 

(Photos of hummingbirds coming...the vids are rather too large!)