For easy birdwatching and a good introduction to many of the tropical birds of South America, WildWings are offering year-round departures of their tailor-made birding holiday to Trinidad and Tobago, which can be run as an exclusive departure for just two people (very romantic!) or as an ideal trip for a group of friends travelling together. 

The perfect combination is a full week’s ‘birding package’ at Trinidad’s Pax Guest House visiting the best birdwatching sites on the island, three nights at Asa Wright exploring the forest trails and to see the strange but stunning Oilbird, and four nights in a tropical paradise location on Tobago - for more birding or just relaxing in a hammock on a classic Caribbean beach.  Although any combination is possible as WildWings offer the most flexible arrangements available and the trip can be customised to suit specific dates and requirements. 

Bill Oddie and Sir David Attenborough are both past guests and huge fans of Trinidad’s Pax Guest House, situated in the idyllic gardens of a monastery forming its own tropical nature reserve.  Built as a guesthouse in 1916 (their 90^th anniversary celebrations are next year), the property accommodates up to 38 guests and has been run as a favourite birding destination by the two owners, Gerard and Oda, for the last 12 years.  In 2004 they were awarded the island’s highest customer satisfaction award by the Ministry of Tourism – putting even the luxury hotels to shame! 

On lazy afternoons, guests need go no further than the terrace, where they can enjoy a slice of Oda’s ‘top secret’ chocolate cake whilst watching over 10 species of the ultimate gem – the hummingbird – at the garden feeders. Two full days birding at the garden and estate are strongly recommended for exotic species such as trogons and, after an orientation with the guide to locate the bird-rich habitats, it’s easy to explore on one’s own if preferred.

The former colonial home, now the Asa Wright Nature Centre, perches high above one of Trinidad’s magnificent forested valleys – its famous veranda overlooking many bird feeders alive with tropical gems all day long.  A major attraction here is the small breeding colony of the nocturnal Oilbird located in Dunston Cave, a riparian grotto on the estate, and one of few known accessible colonies of this remarkable species.

Only 25 minutes flight away, Trinidad’s neighbouring paradise island of Tobago offers birdwatchers some superb bonus species such as the White-tailed Sabrewing and Blue-backed Manakins and is particularly good for tropical seabirds. 

Blue Waters Inn is WildWings recommendation for Tobago. This waterside property, set amidst forty-six acres of lush tropical grounds, is tucked well away from the island’s main tourist areas in its own private horseshoe shaped bay lined with majestic Seagrape trees.

A day trip to Little Tobago – just across the water from the Inn – provides opportunities to photograph breeding seabirds at close range (November to June).  Red-billed Tropicbirds, Brown and Red-footed Boobies, Magnificent Frigatebirds and the aptly named, Laughing Gull, are all easy species.

Wildlife and photographic opportunities on both islands are excellent: scarlet ibis flying in to roost over the swamp; noisy red-bellied macaws arriving noisily into the palm trees at sunset; the strange nocturnal Oilbird sitting out the day in its cave home; butterflies, headed by the spectacular blue morphos, floating through the forests, and over 2300 species of flowering plants.

The one-week complete ‘birding package’ at Pax Guest House is excellent value from only £1199 per person sharing a twin room including flights, accommodation and six days escorted birding visiting the best birdwatching sites in Trinidad.  There are set departure dates for the birding package almost every month throughout the year.  Special arrangements are available for group organisers.

Alternatively, WildWings will exclusively tailor-make a dream combination on both islands.  Departures are year-round.  Flights are daily and direct from London Heathrow to Trinidad with BWIA – the islands’ national airline. 

Typically, two-weeks birdwatching in Trinidad and Tobago would cost from £1649 per person (a saving of up to £1000pp on most tours available on the market) including flights, transfers, accommodation, guided birdwatching excursions and most meals.

Notes to editors:

·       Gerard, who runs Pax Guest House in Trinidad, will be available for interviews on the WildWings stand at the British Birdwatching Fair, Rutland Water – 19-21 August 2005.

For press enquiries please contact Debra Taylor at toucanmoon 01491 613424 debra@toucanmoon.com

WildWings
RESERVATIONS 0117 9658 333
wildinfo@wildwings.co.uk www.wildwings.co.uk

Prepared by toucanmoon /12 January 2005
St John’s Hall, Shirburn Street, Watlington OX49 5BT
(t) 01491 613424 (e) debra@toucanmoon.com