The Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Belief in Trinidad is situated inside an oil refinery compound, this will likely sounds unusual at first, however as soon as you might be inside, it’s like stepping right into a quiet, inexperienced world with timber, birds, and water. You nearly overlook the economic web site is correct subsequent door. (NB: as of 2018 the refinery was shutdown)
The Wildfowl Belief was began in 1966. Its objective contains, to guard native wildlife, particularly birds, and to show folks concerning the surroundings. Through the years, it has turn out to be an essential place for conservation in Trinidad and Tobago in addition to an everyday spot for birdwatching. Just a few hen species have been bred on the Belief and launched into the wild. The Blue and Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), seen within the function picture of this publish is one such species which have been efficiently bred in captivity and launched into the wild.
Throughout my go to, the principle pond close to the Guests Centre was alive with waterfowl and different birds. Though I restricted my quick go to to this pond and the rapid Guests Centre space, there was nonetheless lots to see and {photograph}. The birds could not have been uncommon, however the sheer numbers, particularly the numerous juveniles, clearly confirmed how effectively this space helps breeding populations.
On this month’s publish I’ll share with you a number of the birds seen on the Belief in addition to a number of tit-bits concerning the Belief itself.
The Black Stomach Whistling Geese (Dendrocygna autumnalis), have been in all probability the biggest group of wildfowl on the Belief, and through my go to, they appeared to be in all places. This species was a part of the captive-breeding and launch program on the Belief.
The Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus), is one other common on the Belief, simply acknowledged by these nearly cartoonishly huge yellow ft that permit it tiptoe throughout lily pads prefer it’s strolling on water.
Just a few Frequent Gallinule (Gallinula galeata), swam across the pond feeding. The Frequent Gallinule and the Purple Gallinule could share related wetland habitats, however they give the impression of being and behave fairly otherwise. The Frequent Gallinule has a darkish grey physique with a crimson invoice and white aspect stripes, and it’s usually seen swimming in open water. In distinction, the Purple Gallinule is strikingly colourful with a vivid purple-blue physique, greenish wings, a red-and-yellow invoice, and lengthy yellow legs. Its outsized toes let it stroll throughout lily pads with ease, making it extra of a plant-walker than a swimmer.
Wattled Jacanas (Jacana jacana) adults and children alike, strutted confidently throughout the floating lilies as in the event that they owned the place, pausing every now and then to forage alongside the pond’s edges.
Moskovy Geese (Cairina moschata) swam round on the far finish of the pond. Moskovy Geese are a big duck species native to Central and South America however now discovered in lots of components of the world, together with Trinidad. They’re simply recognised by their crimson facial pores and skin and quiet, hissing sounds (they don’t quack like most geese).
Neotropic Cormorants (Nannopterum brasilianum) handled the pond as each dwelling and buffet, diving after fish after which perching close by to dry their wings.
The Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), or typically known as the Snake Hen, was a welcome sight, each within the water and perched, drying itself off.
The Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi), the biggest heron species in South America are recurrently seen round Trinidad’s wetlands, mangroves, and coastal areas. Whereas they’re extra widespread on the mainland, in Trinidad they’re current year-round, although not essentially in giant numbers.
The Striated Heron (Butorides striata). This small heron is among the few hen species recognized to use instruments. They’ve been noticed dropping bugs, feathers, and even bits of bread on the water’s floor to lure fish inside hanging distance. As soon as the fish comes as much as examine, the heron rapidly snatches it.
Juvenile Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea). In contrast to the adults, that are a hanging slate-blue, the younger birds are pure white and infrequently combine in with Snowy Egrets for security earlier than steadily molting into their grownup plumage. On this go to, I solely got here throughout the juveniles, no adults in sight.
A brief distance from the pond, a Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) had taken up a perch, surveying all the things beneath with its typical commanding stare.
Yellow-hooded Blackbirds (Chrysomus icterocephalus), are widespread in Trinidad, and the Belief had its fair proportion of them across the ponds and reed beds. Right here now we have a male doing a show to draw a mate.
The Yellow Oriole (Icterus nigrogularis) is among the brightest and most cheerful songbirds you’ll meet in Trinidad, virtually a flying burst of sunshine.
The Ochre-lored Flatbill (Tolmomyias flaviventris) isn’t the flashiest hen on the Belief, however its loud, insistent name usually offers it away lengthy earlier than you glimpse its yellow stomach within the leaves.
The Masked Cardinal (Paroaria nigrogenis) is one among Trinidad’s most hanging little songbirds, and one which all the time catches the attention on the Wildfowl Belief.
Scarlet Ibises (Eudocimus ruber) crammed one of many enclosures, with adults and juveniles mingling as some cared for nests. They’re a part of the Belief’s breeding and launch program
The Peacock (Pavo cristatus) isn’t native to Trinidad, however on the Belief their spectacular plumage and courtship shows stay a favorite attraction for guests.
The Belief is greater than only a place to look at birds, it’s an energetic conservation centre. Right here, birds are bred and launched, and faculties are welcomed for environmental education schemes. For most of the kids who go to, it could be the very first time they’ve seen these birds up shut.
Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), as soon as nearly misplaced, they have been efficiently bred in captivity and reintroduced to the Nariva Swamp, thanks largely to the Wildfowl Belief’s efforts.
The birds could have stolen the highlight, however the turtles refused to be upstaged, forming what may solely be described as a conga line, if conga traces moved on the velocity of drying paint and had completely no sense of rhythm. These slow-motion performers have been Pink-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), a freshwater turtle species that doesn’t even belong in Trinidad. Initially launched via the pet commerce, they’ve since made themselves fairly at dwelling in ponds and wetlands, together with these on the Wildfowl Belief, the place, apparently, they’ve determined to take up synchronized marching as a aspect gig
By the tip of my go to, I left the Belief feeling impressed. This isn’t only a place for birdwatching or a household outing, it’s a conservation landmark, shaping how folks, particularly kids, see the pure world. With its sixtieth anniversary on the horizon in 2026, the Belief’s endurance is proof that its mission is as sturdy as ever.
