Naturalist Notes: Denise Etienne

 I have been pondering on what topic to write about next, suddenly it dawned on me why not write about myself - not intending to sound vain or anything, ;-)

I have been a naturalist for as long as I can remember, the great outdoors always brings me a sense of serenity. In 1995 I began my career as a Guide at the Asa Wright Nature Center, where I was able to share my love for the environment with others, educating foreigners and locals, adults and children of the importance of preservation. Enlightening everyone I possibly could to the simple fact that we all have a part to play in protecting our planet, despite how small our role maybe, it is just as significant as our existence.

Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Rufous-shafted Woodstar hummingbird

The Rufous-shafted Woodstar hummingbird is one of the smallest birds in Trinidad. It measures just 2.75 inches in length, similar in size to the Tufted Coquette.

This species is extremely rare. In the past I have only seen them the in dry season at Asa Wright Nature Center, during the months of March through May. They hardly ever visit the hummingbird feeders, spending most of their time in the forest feeding on flowers. It is indeed one of the shyest species of hummingbirds and very little is known about them. Like the Tufted Coquette it is often times confused with a large Bee!

© Denise Etienne 

Staff day...

Las Cuevas beach 

Yesterday the staff of Asa Wright Nature Center went to Las Cuevas beach for our staff day. It was just a perfect day, good food, good weather and great camaraderie!   

Be good,

D

Oilbirds

Oilbird feather

I have not blogged for quite sometime, I guess I’ve been preoccupied … but I’m back now! My Naturalist career started at the Asa Wright Nature Center (AWNC), Trinidad in 1995. I have always had a deep love for the environment, and was honored to be a part of this hidden paradise.

Today my colleague Caleb and I went on an adventure, because I share my time between Guiding and Outreach Teaching, I have not been on this trip in quite a while. As we got to the core of our destination, it brought back so many memories… that of friends past and present: Mr. Lambie, Sheldon, James and others as well. The task ahead of us? Counting Oilbirds, these are the only nocturnal birds in the world that has a diet of strictly fruits! There are other known colonies in the northern parts of our island and South America.

Gushing waters, slippery paths, musky odor, scenic views and screeching Oilbirds sums up our expedition.