4. The Caroni Bird Sanctuary

The Bird Sanctuary Tour

The Caroni Bird Sanctuary is still on my list of things to do in Trinidad. Truth be told, I can remember three distinct instances where I had the opportunity to go but made simple excuses why I shouldn't. Remember that show with Ice Cube and Jenifer Lopez “Anaconda”, yeah that’s what I think about when I look at pictures online and hear people speaking about their experience. How am I guaranteed that this boat sorry pirogue would protect me from a caiman or an anaconda? That no species of anything would attempt to attack us on the tour?

Ok, enough of my paranoia! Before the end of 2016, I will visit the Caroni Bird Sanctuary and post pictures.

Facts about the Bird Sanctuary

1.      Located in the west coast of Trinidad where the Caroni River meets the Gulf of Paria.

2.      It is the second largest mangrove wetland (5,611 hectares of herbaceous marsh and mangrove forest) in Trinidad and Tobago.

 

3.      The major roosting place of the Scarlet Ibis, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Birds.

Scarlet Ibis Returning Home

Scarlet Ibis Roosting

4.      The home of over one hundred (100) avian species.

                

5.      It provides a habitat for flora and fauna.

6.      The swamp is ecologically diverse with approximately twenty (20) endangered species.

Tree Boa

7.      It is a nursery for marine and freshwater species.

Four Eyed Fish

The pictures of the swamp are scary, but seeing the scarlet ibis returning to its roosting place, and the various species of birds, flowers and plants make this trip worth it. If you haven’t visited the Bird Sanctuary as yet, make the arrangements tick this off your list of things to do in Trinidad and Tobago. If you have, share your experience with us and hopefully it would motivate us to do it sooner than later. Were you afraid to go on the boat? Were you afraid of the hanging tree boas? Share your experiences.