Monday 29 September 2008

Saut d'Eau

Saut d'Eau, French for "Waterfall", is a small island in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located just off the north coast of main island of Trinidad (less than 1km) in the Caribbean Sea. It is one of thirteen government protected wildlife sanctuaries, one of two breeding grounds for Pelicans in the country [1]. These pictures are from my friend Jeanine Storey who visited the spot over the weekend. With all the rain that we have been having, the North Coast is very calm and now is a perfect time to "pull a line" up on the coast. This bay is also known for its unusual statue on the beach. I am not sure if it is St. Christopher or St. Joseph. Neither do I know the history of the statue. But the thought of this bone white statue standing seaward is a very stirring, almost comforting one.
This is the waterfall that develops when it rains heavily. The sea at this time of year is brackish and sweet with the Orinoco spill. Perfect for swimming under a waterfall.
I was also not aware that Saut d'Eau is a protected site. The following is taken from Wikepedia.

The island was proclaimed a wildlife sanctuary in 1935 by the Trinidad and Tobago Government, granting it full legal protection by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Division. Its notable wildlife is the Pelecanus occidentalis (Brown Pelican) which breed on the island, the only breeding place for the species in the country. Other important species on the island include the Chestnut-collared Swift and Rufous-necked Wood-rail, both of which are rare in the country. There are estimated to be at least 27 species of birds on the island. Poaching is not a major threat to the island because of its inaccessibility, due to its jagged cliffs, rough seas and distance from populated areas. However patrols by game wardens are also infrequent for the same reasons [2].