156 Redford Road

Armonk, New York 10504,

The Asa Wright Nature Center and Lodge is located on Trinidad, the southernmost Caribbean Island, at 1,200 feet in the Northern Range, 7 miles N of Arima. Founded under a Trust and governed by an international Board of Management, the Centre was established to provide a protected area to preserve and study tropical wildlife. The Centre is the breeding colony of the fruit eating nocturnal Oilbird. The World Wildlife Fund assisted in the establishment of the Centre in order to help protect the colony.

The Centre is located in the Arima Valley, where traditional cocoa-coffee-citrus plantations and other plants are still maintained. Natural second growth has taken over and festooned the abandoned plantation vegetation with vines and a host of colorful epiphytes now surrounded by impressive rain forest where some original climax areas have an upper-story canopy of 100-150 feet. The Centre has long been a haven for both amateur and professional naturalists since the days of Mrs. Asa Wright’s ownership of what was then called the Spring Hill Estate.

Now preserved as a tropical wildlife sanctuary it is a place where you can see Squirrel Cuckoos, Toucans, and all manner of fascinating species fly within sight of the front veranda; a place to see White-necked Jacobin, Black-throated Mango and a half dozen other hummingbird species feeding on the Centre’s garden-like grounds. Botanists, entomologists and other naturalists, photographers and visitors can see the rich and exciting flora and fauna.

Accommodations: Guests stay in comfortable twin-bedded rooms, each with a private bath. Rooms are located in the Main Estate House (handicapped accessible), and in nearby cottages scattered throughout the grounds. Delicious meals, reflecting the diversity of the local cuisine, a mix of West Indies, Creole, Oriental, Indian, and European dishes are served family-style in an attractive dining area.

Awaken in the morning to the raucous sound of the Crested Oropendola and a host of other exotic sounds. Visitors often see 20-30 birds on their way to breakfast, including Violaceous, Trogon, Chestnut Woodpecker, Blue-crowned Motmot, Great Antshrike, Pygmy Owl, or a Rufous Browed Peppershrike.

While having coffee or tea on the veranda you may see Ruby-topaz Hummingbirds, Tufted Coquette, Barred Antshrike, or Green Honeycreeper, and Silver Beaked and Bay-headed Tanagers. Often the sighting of the Bearded Bellbird or Channel-billed Toucan pose in the branches.

Throughout the day explore the many trails of the Centre, examining the fascinating world of leaf-cutter and army ants. Enjoy the sight of tropical orchids and bromeliads, or delight in the magical dance of the White-bearded Manakin. Azure Gallinule, Red-bellied Macaws and Red Howler Monkeys possibly await you at the fresh-water Nariva Swamp. Savanna Hawk and Red-breasted Blackbirds are on the broad grasslands. Rufous-tailed Jacamar in the Arena Forest. Bat Falcon and White-tailed Trogon are in the upper branches of the Northern Range. One of the world’s most spectacular and dramatic natural moments, the arrival of the Scarlet Ibis at their roosting place in the mangroves of Caroni Swamp at dusk should not be missed.

On nearby Tobago, guides can take you to see White-tailed Sabrewing and Rufous-vented Chachalaca in the forest preserve. Nesting Red-billed Tropicbirds and Brown Boobies on Little Tobago Island are a colorful addition to your trip.

Caligo Ventures offers birding ventures. Packages includes 4 nights at the Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge, 3 nights at the Blue Waters Inn in Tobago, R/T air via BWIA from Miami or New York, transfers, all meals, tax, service, and escorted tours.

Rates: April 1-December 15 - $1,375 per person, additional days $80; December 16 – March 31- $1,750, additional days $150. Subject to availability. For additional days at the Blue Waters Inn add $88.50 (April 1-Dec.15) and $120 (Dec.16- Apr. 15)