Re: Tobago
Fburggraf (Fburggraf@aol.com)
Mon, 2 Mar 1998 20:44:48 EST
My wife and I went to Trinidad and Tobago several years ago and used the guide
by ffrench extensively, but its color plates leave a lot to be desired. Many
of the drawings are small and the field marks not well defined. Actually, it's
one of the poorest guides I've seen as far as the color plates are concerned.
We also carried with us A Guide to the Birds of Venezuela by de Schauensee and
Phelps (Princeton University Press --- about $35) and most of the other people
on the tour with us were eager to borrow it frequently. Its color renditions
are excellent and it made many identifications much easier. Do yourself a
favor: spend a little extra and get this book in addition to the ffrench. One
bonus---when you're ready for the Venezuela tour (and after this, you *will*
be ready), you'll already have the book.
By the way, my wife and I went to both Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago on
eco-tours arranged by Caligo Ventures, and they were superb. The
accomodations, the food, the birding and the naturalist guides were top-notch,
all at very reasonable prices. For those new to the neotropics, it's the best
way to go! (Caligo Ventures, 800-426-7781).
Fred Burggraf
Charlotte Hall, MD
fburggraf@aol.com