Asa Wright Nature Center proves Trinidad is the Land of the Hummingbird

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Trinidad & Tobago is the Land of the hummingbird

Trinidad & Tobago is a world renowned bird paradise. A big cog in the birding machine in the twin island Republic is the plethora of hummingbirds. Seventeen different species of hummingbirds call Trinidad & Tobago home at some point during the year. This is quite an impressive array of species for two small islands in the Caribbean. On a tour of the Asa Wright Nature Center the hummingbird buzz was on full display.

Asa Wright Nature Center a great place to view the hummingbird

The Asa Wright Nature Center is located in central Trinidad and is about an hour plus drive from Port of Spain through twisty sharp mountain roads. To get there, a car will either need to be rented in the capital or a guide will need to be procured. One recommended tour is through Jesse James. He takes visitors to Asa Wright and combines it with Caroni Swamp for a day of birding at around $80.00 per person. Lunch, entrance fees, and transportation is included in the price, and he will even pick you up in Port of Spain. If you go to Asa Wright on your own, the entrance fee is $10.00 and lunch is over $20.00, so the guided fee is worth it.

One of the highlights of the Asa Wright Nature Center is the ease with which one can view the birds. A veranda overlooks the jungle and the rim of the overhang is lined with hummingbird feeders. Below the veranda are more feeders and other bird feeders as well. One could sit here all day and watch the feeding birds. Iguanas and agoutis also joined the feeding frenzy.

“Land of the hummingbird” is believed to be the Native American name for Trinidad. Hummingbirds are also featured prominently on the coat of arms for Trinidad & Tobago when the country achieved independence from England in 1962. Two flying hummingbirds face each other on a shield.

It is not difficult to see hummingbirds at Asa Wright. You can enjoy watching them all day long at the veranda or you can see them all over the various trails buzzing around flowers. Wear a bright colored shirt and you may even be buzzed yourself.

The hummingbird is an entertaining bird to watch. The nature center also has overnight accomodation for those who want to explore more than a day and really enjoy the jungle, trails, and the wildlife. Come to Asa Wright and to Trinidad and discover for yourself why the island has been referred to as the land of the hummingbird.

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