ASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTRE

The 'Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge' consists of a nature resort and scientific research station located 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 consist of 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 as well. Newcombe and Asa Wright hosted many visiting scientists in this period, including noted ornithologist David Snow who made detailed studies of the oilbirds and the fascinating and very complex courtship dances of the White-bearded Manakin and the Golden-headed Manakin.
The Wright's home became internationally renowned for its easy access to wildlife (especially the oilbird (''Steatornis caripensis'') colonies in the nearby 'Dunston Cave', and large numbers of humming birds). After the death of Newcombe Wright, the Spring Hill Estate was acquired by a non-profit Trust. Asa Wright continued to live at the Centre until her death in 1971.
The Centre recently acquired the 'Rapsey Estate' in the Aripo Valley, just west of the Arima Valley.

Contents

Gallery

References

External links

Gallery

References

★ A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago, , Richard, ffrench, Comstock Publishing, 1991,

★ 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.

External links

★ Official Web Site

★ William Beebe Tropical Research Station

★ Article on the Centre from Nalis