Trinidad-Tobago: White-chested Emerald

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Trinidad-Tobago, an island(s) state just off the coast of Venezuela. On Trinidad we stayed at the magical Asa Wright preserve, a coffee plantation converted to a nature preserve, formerly know as Springhill. Our group of 10 spent many hours on the veranda, mesmerized by a constant stream of hummingbirds, tanagers, honeycreepers and even the occasional Motmot or Jacamar. Asa Wright ranks among the best bird-watching spots anywhere.

We were lucky to see most of the 17 hummingbird species found in Trinidad-Tobago, often at close range and in good numbers. A few of these species are quite rare in T-T, and only about 6 of them are found on Tobago. One of my favorites is the small White-chested Emerald, who delights viewers with sudden bursts of color with the merest turn of his or her head (the sexes appear alike). I had trouble choosing my favorite shot, so I included a bunch. And you may want to check out the video (link below), which can looks best at "full screen". Stay tuned for more. These were taken July 13, 2013.