As dawn approaches, the stridulating orchestra of nocturnal insects gives way to a chorus of exotic bird songs and whistles, including the musical Cocoa Thrush and Rufous-breasted Wren. By 6am there is a frenzy of activity outside the verandah of the famous Asa Wright Nature Centre. Sipping early morning tea or coffee, a tantalising spectrum of exciting new birds jostles for our attention, making it hard to know what to look at first. Chirpy little Bananaquits are everywhere, a jerky Chestnut Woodpecker pops up and a Blue-crowned Motmot silently drops in. A gaze across the forest clad slopes of the Arima valley, dotted with trees blossoming bright yellow, reveals Olive-sided Flycatcher, the fabulous Channel-billed Toucan and the trapeze display of Crested Oropendolas, as a White Hawk soars by. That's almost 30 species before breakfast!

Full Report