Birding with Newton Gearge April 2005

[Dave B]

We were lucky enough to go out with Newton George twice on our recent holiday. Firstly he took us to the rain forest and then on another occasion the wetlands. Now, I am a bit of a birder so feel that I am qualified to comment on the time spent with him. The others on the first trip weren't birders but their comments were very valid.

Lets start with the obvious. He is a very knowledgable man but can convey his enthusiasm like no one I've ever birded with anywhere. Very friendly and keen to show his island to all. He could literally call the birds from the trees. He made everyone in our group feel part of the trip. Incredibly you got the impression he was seeing the birds for the first time even though he must do it just about every day.

I won't go through what we saw as the names sound made up at times and mean nothing to non-birders. However, on the wetlands trip we did see Mangrove Cuckoo which caused Newton great excitement and then we got a Common Potoo which he'd not seen for four years. We really were privileged. We saw all the birds that he wanted us to see.

When you're birding with a man and other guides were coming through with tourists and they say to him 'What's about Professor?' you know you're with the right man. When he gets you into the Bon Accord lagoons and has a key for the Hilton maintenance ponds you realise there's no point birding without him.

I'm sure that most of the other guides are very good and know their stuff but, if you want the best day out, go with Newton.

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Dave

Thanks for that wonderful report. Yes, Newton is a very, very special guy. A real gentleman and 100% genuine. He has worked in the rainforest for 30 years plus, as one of only two senior forest rangers. This guys lives and breathes the rainforest. When he hasn't got visitors to take on tours, he goes into the forest on his own, simply because that's his whole life. He devotion and enthusiam is so obvious and apparent that it makes him a wonderful guide. That's what makes him such a good guide and companion - you can't fail to be knocked out by his very obvious love, enthusiam and pride in both the birds and Tobago. As you say, there are lots of good birding guides, but Newton is in a class of his own.

While walking around the Crown Point area the other month, taking photos for illustration on the site, I was approached by a young guy offering to take me birding (I guess the camera around my neck gave me away). His main boast was that he was trained by Newton George. He wasn't, but it's fascinating to see how far his reputation has spread with locals and how much the chancers want to cash in on his name.

[Stephen Bellamy]

We had some time with Newton George after Easter, and would recommend him to anyone who can get him. His enthusiasm is infectious , as is his obvious love for his country and its wildlife. He also has an encyclopaedic knowledge of birds, and an amazing ability to see creatures hidden from the gaze of normal human beings! He made our morning with him an unforgetable experience. From what I hear, there are many good guides on Tobago, but Newton would be very hard to beat.

[Martin Haynes]

Ok I'm convinced that Mr George is the man to meet. I will be in Tobago in a couple of weeks time. Can anyone advise me as to where or how I can contact him?

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Martin

Welcome aboard!

Check out our Bird Watching article, available through the Out & About/Activities menu at the top of the page. The articles provide full contact details for every 'proper' specialist bird watching guide on the island - of which Newton is the best.