Thursday, December 12, 2024

Birds in Tobago

Our tour continued today with one full day in Tobago. Although a rainstorm caused cancellation of a planned walk, we fortunately got very good looks at the birds that we most wanted to see in the morning. I’m only including a few photos here to illustrate my favorites.

While eating breakfast we saw several chachalacas. These unusual birds have decided that the hotel outdoor dining room has lots of good food to scavenge. Note the evergreen boughs under these birds’ feet — they are part of the hotel’s Christmas decor.

The Trinidad Motmot

A Trinidad Motmot in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which has been legally protected since 1776. This act of protection is considered a landmark as the first ever conservation law. (Full info here)

Just as we were entering the Forest Reserve, we spotted two very colorful Trinidad Motmots — a species found only on Tobago and Trinidad. The prominent spot on the head was especially noticeable here, as the birds were sitting out on the ground rather than perching.



Hand-Feeding Hummingbirds

A hummingbird’s tiny claws really felt funny when it perched on my hand to sip sugar water from this feeder.
I spent around an hour hand-feeding the willing little birds, and totally enjoyed it.

Another person feeding a hummer.

Cute Little Birds



The End of the Day


Photos © 2024 mae sander

19 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful birds and photos. I love the Motmot, what a pretty bird.
The drink looks tasty, yum! Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend.

R's Rue said...

Love the photos.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I really must get one of those hand feeders for hummingbirds. We will be off to Costa Rica in just over three weeks.

My name is Erika. said...

I don't know much about tropical birds, but these are so beautiful and colorful too. And that drink looks refreshing (and tasty) too. hugs-Erika

Iris Flavia said...

LOL. I never knew chachalacas are birds!!!
All the colors and handfeeding, wow. - and your drink, YUM. Despite it´s only 1C I crave (and have!) ice-cream...

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Mae
Beautiful photos of the birds. I love feeding the hummingbirds, what a treat. The drink looks delicious. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

What fabulous photos. I'm intrigued with the Trinidad Motmots- never saw them before.

Jackie McGuinness said...

Chachalacas are very common in Mexico, they make me smile.
Those motmots are gorgeous.

Shiju Sugunan said...

Wow, these are incredible bird sightings and photos!

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

Gorgeous birds, especially the Motmots. The hand feeding of the hummingbirds is amazing. I'm glad you are having such a good time.

Claudia said...

Worth the trip for the birds! And drink :)

Joy said...

The motmots are gorgeous!

shelleyrae @ book'd out said...

Seems like you are having a successful trip!

Jinjer-The Intrepid Angeleno said...

I don't know why I woke up so weepy today but first I teared up over Deb Nance reading to her g-granddaughter, now I'm tearing up over you handfeeding those sweet hummingbirds.

Vicki said...

WOW! What great shots, I love birds and there are some here that I don't remember ever seeing. Thanks for sharing them with us!

Vicki said...

Feeding the Hummingbirds must have been so exciting! I would have never thought to do that. I do have a bird feeder and a Hummingbird feeder though.

Becki said...

Beautiful! Looks like an amazing trip - I would love to have a hummingbird that close! And that drink looks like a refreshing and relaxing end to a wonderful day :)

Anne@HeadFullofBooks said...

What a dream trip. I'd love to go birding on a trip. So far we travel and are are just happy to see a few birds. I just read an article about how wondering bird watching in South Africa is. Now that would be a long trip for us but I want to go.

Olivia Beck said...

It looks like you are having an amazing time. What beautiful birds!