A day filled with Living Water at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary

Story and photos by Analisa Ramsahai

It was a day filled with Living Water. A small group gathered at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary on Republic Day to reflect and celebrate the Season of Creation, under this year’s theme, Living Water, inspired by Ezekiel 47:9 and 12.

From the moment we stepped aboard the boat with Nanan’s Boat Tours and entered the Caroni Swamp, we were immersed in the beauty of nature. The group quickly came alive when we had our first wildlife encounter, a nocturnal snake, the Cascabel Dormillon (Corallus ruschenbergerii), resting on a branch above the boat.

The journey was also an educational experience. Our tour guide shared the history of the Caroni Swamp, its drainage system and home to a rich biodiversity. We learnt about the different mangrove species found there, including red, white, and black mangroves.

As we travelled deeper into the swamp, we spotted our national bird, the beautiful Scarlet Ibis. We also saw Tricolored Herons. We were fortunate to have a rare encounter with a silky anteater, one of the smallest anteaters in the world.

Another memorable moment came when our tour guide found a Scarlet Ibis feather floating on the water. He explained that there are strict fines for the possession of Scarlet Ibis feathers. After allowing us to see the feather up close, he gently returned it to the water.

Then the rain came down and we quickly sheltered beneath a plastic covering. Even the rain seemed fitting for a Season of Creation celebration centred on Living Water.

As we reached the Scarlet Ibis roosting site, our journey moved from observation into prayer. Surrounded by the waters of the swamp and the beauty of creation, we gathered as a community for Evening Prayer. The spiritual experience came alive as we sang the Canticle of the Sun hymn and prayed the Evening Divine Office together.

Because of the high tide and weather conditions, we did not get to see the flamingos or the iconic Caroni sunset. However, there was no disappointment in seeing flocks of brilliant red Scarlet Ibises returning against the lush green backdrop of their roosting island. It was a sight that reminded us of the extraordinary beauty of creation right here in Trinidad and Tobago.

One of the most touching moments for me came as I sat next to Sr Claire Joseph SJC, who is 92 years old. As she quietly took in the beauty around her, she shared that she wanted to remember each moment so that she could later paint it during her time of reflection.

Perhaps that is what the Season of Creation invites each of us to do—to stop, observe, reflect and allow creation to draw us closer to God.

This encounter renewed many of the participants and reminded us of our deep connection with God, one another, ourselves and all of creation.

May experiences such as these continue to restore our hope and inspire us to care for the beautiful gift of creation entrusted to us.

It was truly a Republic Day and Season of Creation experience to remember, a day filled with Living Water.