Asa Wright Nature Centre

The Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge is a nature resort and scientific research station in the Arima Valley of the Northern Range in Trinidad and Tobago. The Centre is one of the top birdwatching spots in the Caribbean; a total of 159 species of birds have been recorded there. The Centre is owned by a non-profit trust.

The major properties are the Spring Hill Estate and the adjacent William Beebe Tropical Research Station (also known as Simla), which was established by William Beebe as a tropical research station for the New York Zoological Society. Both properties had previously been cacao estates but contained large stands of original rainforest. The owners of the Spring Hill Estate, Newcombe and Asa Wright, hosted many visiting scientists in the 1950s and '60s, including the noted ornithologists David Snow and Barbara Snow, who made detailed studies of the Oilbirds and the very complex courtship dances of the White-bearded Manakin and the Golden-headed Manakin.

The Wrights' home became internationally renowned for its easy access to wildlife (especially the Oilbird colonies in the nearby Dunston Cave, and large numbers of hummingbirds). After the death of Newcombe Wright in 1967, the Spring Hill Estate was acquired by a non-profit trust. Asa Wright continued to live at the Centre until her death in 1971. A little later, the New York Zoological Society donated Simla to the trust.

The Centre recently acquired the Rapsey Estate in the Aripo Valley, just west of the Arima Valley.


References

  • ffrench, Richard (1991). A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago (2nd edition ed.). Comstock Publishing. ISBN . 
  • Herklots, G. A. C. 1961. The Birds of Trinidad and Tobago. Collins, London. Reprint 1965.
  • Linblad, Jan. 1966. Journey to red birds. Trans. by Gwynne Vevers. Reprint: Collins, London. 1969.
  • Snow, D. W. 1956. "The dance of the Manakins." Animal Kingdom (59) 3: pp. 86-91.
  • Zahl, Paul A. 1954. Coro-Coro: The World of the Scarlet Ibis. Bobbs-Merrill, Indianapolis / New York.
  • Worth, C. Brooke. 1967. A Naturalist in Trinidad. J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia and New York.

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Ramona Boodoo
4 April 2014
Exquisite birds and nature but if your skin is sensitive as mines make sure u have vinegar! Be careful on the road as well! The bird bar is too awesome!
Soap Sanctuary
4 August 2013
Totally relaxing the beauty of the birds the pristine environment oh how wonderful the Center is a day well spent. The food is great also
Ramona Boodoo
11 April 2014
The bird bar was awesome ! However if u have sensitive skin like me be sure to have some vinegar stored in your handbag somewhere. The roads need repairing!
John-Paul K
1 February 2014
A great experience. Good reception, interesting trails and a relaxing clear water fall and pool
Mark Lynch
5 August 2013
It was truly a refreshing day .... We are blessed as a nation to have such an intriguing "backyards" to explore .....
Adam B
16 January 2016
I think u do have to make a reservation before coming tho
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