In response to:

Tweets:
My wife and I are also trying to set up a birding trip to T & T over
Christmas and New Year, so I am appreciating the current thread. I'd
like to chip in some additional questions.
1. Are there any budget ways of flying from Vancouver?
2. Presuming one needs a car or 4x4, are any particular agencies
recommended?
3. Can one just day-visit Asa Wright without having to stay there? 4.
Are there any campsites; govt, private, or just good places to pitch?
5. Any other good tips? Any horror stories?

Replies just to me may be appropriate, though I suspect that there may
be other tweeters interested in the replies too. Thanks, Derek

.....................................................................
Derek Sutton
Chemistry Department
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C.
Canada V5A 1S6 Ph:(604) 291-4885 FAX:(604) 291-3765
sutton at bohr.chem.sfu.ca
..............................

Derek:

I went to TT several years ago, on a package put together by Caligo
Ventures (they handle Asa Wright). I think Asa Wright charges a
nominal fee (~ $ 20) to use their trails for the day if you don't stay
there, but I'm not positive. The people at Caligo are pretty friendly
and can give you details that you may need, and they have a toll-free
number (they advertise in Audobon magazine, and I don't own stock) I
really recommend staying at Asa Wright at least one night.
Unfortunately, when we did it, they required a minimum of 4 nights.
The experience of waking up and having coffee on their veranda as the
sun comes up over the rain forest canopy is amazing! I really felt
sorry for the folks who had to leave in the evening. Also, the food
at the place is great!

I have no horror stories...we had a great time...its a wonderful
introduction to tropical birdwatching. There's a guide who works at
Asa Wright...I think his name is Yogi (??) ...who can locate just
about any bird you need. If you can talk to him, he's really great.

I can give you lots more details...Including a list of birds we saw,
etc.

Rick Romea Eve. Tel: 206 523-5831
romea at stiopt.com