Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge (please only name one species)?
The Red-bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca manilatus) is special, as we are fortunate to see them almost daily at Hacienda Jacana. They either roost on the property or in the adjacent forest, and they’ve also successfully nested multiple times in a palm tree along our main driveway. Here is one of the most accessible places in Trinidad to observe them up close.
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
Hacienda Jacana first opened its doors to guests in 2010 with the first cottage. Today we have 4 cottages and a larger house for guests. It is part of a 22-acre family property nestled against the forest edge in the centrally located rural village of Talparo, Trinidad.
Grey-cowled Wood-Rail
How best to travel to your lodge?
It’s best to arrange your transfers directly with us at the time of booking for the smoothest possible experience. Our lodge is not located in any of the standard areas serviced by airport taxis, despite being only a 30–40-minute drive away. Since we are off-route, this can translate into higher taxi fares. We offer fixed-rate transfers via a few trusted drivers who know the property very well. Some guests may opt to rent a car and drive, and we share detailed directions upon confirmation of their booking.
Tufted Coquette
What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?
As a small operation, we work with several local birding guides who facilitate guided property walks as well as external day trips. The accommodations all have private upper verandahs that put you 4-6m in the trees, and some have lower verandahs directly overlooking our main pond. Essentially, your room is a large and well-appointed hide. Our gardens also focus on the flowers, shrubs, and trees that naturally attract birds.
What makes your lodge special?
The mixed habitat allows you to observe a variety of forest species as well as waterbirds – we’ve recorded a total of 177 species thus far. It’s very easy birding!
What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?
- Red-bellied Macaw
- Grey-cowled Wood-Rail
- Ruby-topaz Hummingbird
- Tufted Coquette
- Little Hermit
- Turquoise Tanager
- Channel-billed Toucan
- Rufous-tailed Jacamar
- Guianan Trogon
- Purple Gallinule
- Crested Oropendola
- Lilac-tailed Parrotlet
- Silver-beaked Tanager
- American Pygmy Kingfisher
- Black-tailed Tityra
- Violaceous Euphonia
- Cocoa Thrush
- Crimson-crested Woodpecker
- Sooty Grassquit
- Grey-lined Hawk
Channel-billed Toucan
What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?
January to May, as birds are courting and nesting, the flowers are bursting into bloom, and the weather is typically pleasant. The rainy season starts in June.
Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts? If yes, please describe them.
The property was once a citrus estate. The large trees on the estate today are a result of intentional land rehabilitation for over 40 years. Water conservation is also very important to us, and as such, we harvest and treat our own water on the property.
Lilac-tailed Parrotlet
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
Pack the usual things for birding in a tropical climate. Ask as many questions as you need to when booking because we want you to feel comfortable and safe. And don’t forget your binoculars!
Do you have activities for non-birders? If so, please describe.
We have a soak pool, and guests can take the canoe on the pond. Our cook is also sometimes able to facilitate local cooking classes.
Rufous-tailed Jacamar
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
Email: info@haciendajacana.com
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
Despite not having masses of ecotourists, many of our guests are return visitors. Stay once, and you’ll understand why!
Bird photos by Faraaz Abdool
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