Flood prone Woodland transforms into tourist attraction due to National Bird Scarlet Ibis

A flood prone community in Trinidad and Tobago, named Woodland, is gradually becoming a local tourist attraction because of the presence of a number of National Bird Scarlet Ibis who have made the area a feeding ground. The birds which are protected by law are seen sitting and flying on the site, making the view very peaceful for the visitors.

The site has not only become home to Scarlet Ibis but several other birds including Herons – the Great Egret and other species.

The glimpses of the Woodland were shared by a social activist Edward Moodie who took to Facebook and described the place as ‘Paradise’.

He also invited the villagers and other residents of Trinidad and Tobago to visit the area and explore its beauty.

Not only this, but the glimpses shared by Moodie also pushed the President of the South Oropouche Riverine Flood Action Group to call upon various Government ministers to visit the site and help develop it into a national treasure.

At the site, it is specifically mentioned that visitors should not make much noise and “No Music, No Waving, No Parking close to site.” The authorities have urged the visitors not to scare the birds and just enjoy the view in silence.

Moodie also noted that the birds come down over the Woodland and try feed because the water level in the marshland is going down right now.

In addition to this, Bobolink birds are rare passage migrants to Trinidad, usually seen during the months of October-December as they move from North to South, and occasionally in May as they return to their breeding grounds in North America. But, one of this species was located in Woodland, Trinidad in December 2023.

[caption id="attachment_68474" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Bobolink spotted in Woodland, Trinidad and Tobago in December 2023[/caption]

This shows that the site is becoming a favourite spot for birds and visitors can expect finding several of them during their visit to Woodland.

According to Edward Moodie, he is asking for support from the Ministry so that the site can be developed into a national treasure. He also added that because of the frequent floods which ravaged the community in the past years, several residents wanted to leave their homes, but, now this natural phenomenon could encourage them to stay.

He added that he is in talks with the officials to organise boat tours, fishing competitions and much more in Woodland. He also made it very clear that poaching will not be tolerated in the area and visitors will have to face consequences if they will try to poach the Scarlet Ibis, the country’s national bird.