See The Birds Of Jamaica
Jamaica, with its mountains and wild areas, is a wonderful place for birdwatchers. The island is home to 200 species of birds, more than 20 of which are found only in Jamaica, as well as the many varieties that have made Jamaica part of their migratory routine.
For up close and personal bird experiences, Rockland’s Bird Sanctuary is hard to beat. Also known as Rockland’s Feeding Station, it is located just a few miles outside of Montego Bay, close to a town called Anchovy. The main attraction is the feeding of the birds, which allows for an up close view of lovely hummingbirds and other varieties. There is an $8 entrance fee, and a guided tour through the grounds, where numerous birds can be seen, costs a bit extra. The hours are from 2pm to 5pm daily, which is when the birds are fed.
Three of the four varieties of hummingbird in Jamaica reside at Rockland’s Bird Santuary. These tiny birds will come right up to visitors when offered a bottle of sugar water. Some will even sit on a finger as they eat. Black-faced Grassquits, Yellow-faced Grassquits and Orangequits will eat seed from the hands of visitors.
Near the outside birdfeeders, there are benches available for people to sit and watch as various species come to feed. Among these are Jamaican Orioles, Common Ground-doves, Caribbean Doves, Banaquits, and Greater Antillean Bullfinch. The guided tour wanders through a nearby forest, which is home to such birds as the Jamaican Woodpecker, White-chinned Thrush, Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Euphonia, Jamaican Vireo, Jamaican Becard, Vervain Hummingbird, Loggerhead Kingbird and Sad Flycatcher. This area is also a migratory visiting spot to several types of birds. These include the Black-throated Blue Warbler, American Redstart and Northern Parula.
For those who prefer to see their birds in a more natural setting, there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching in the many national parks and nature reserves of Jamaica. Early morning is the prime viewing time for most species.
The numerous hiking tours available in the area of the Blue Mountains and the John Crow Mountains, as well as those available to explore parts of Cockpit Country, will allow the birdwatcher to see a wide variety of birds in their natural settings. For those interested in less strenuous bird watching, the many parks and gardens attract birds throughout the island. Hope Gardens and Castleton are a good place to catch sight of some of the larger, more colorful varieties. Exploring the shores of the Black River and in the area of Saint Elizabeth’s Parrottee Bay will often allow the bird watcher to encounter native water bird species.
The birds of Jamaica are many and varied, and for this reason, the wilderness areas of Jamaica have attracted bird watchers from all over the world. In addition to species of birds that are found only in Jamaica, there is a fascinating array of birds that pass through on their annual migratory flights. The bird sanctuary offers an uncommon degree of interaction, and is the perfect preparation for bird watching in the wild. Relaxing or adventurous, Jamaica has the perfect bird watching setting for you.