Trou Caiman

Trou Caiman lies a few kilometres northwest of Lake Azuei on the same plain, smaller, shallower and fresher, ringed by reed and grazing land. That combination makes it the better bird lake of the two: flamingos, herons, egrets, jacanas, ducks and waders use it in numbers, and it holds West Indian whistling duck among the species that matter to birders. It has no formal protection and the surrounding land is farmed and grazed right to the water.

The landscape

• The waterbird concentrations - flamingos, herons, jacanas and ducks on the shallows.
• The reed margins - dense fringe where much of the birdlife sits.
• The plain setting - flat grazing country with the Chaine des Matheux behind.
• The boats - flat pirogues poled out by local fishermen, the only way onto the water.

When to go

November to March holds the largest numbers and the most comfortable weather. Early morning is when the birds are active and the light works. Water level and bird numbers swing a lot with the rains.

What to expect

There is nothing built for visitors: no hide, no path, no facilities. Access is over private grazing land and arrangements are made with whoever is there. Binoculars are essential, since the birds sit well out on the flats.

Nearby

Lake Azuei is a short drive southeast on the same plain.

Key facts