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You will enjoy the advantage of all the attention you get in a small group, for the same price or perhaps even less, than you will pay if you travel with the large tour groups from other countries.
Boosting the local economy by hiring a local guide through Birdingpaltours also promotes the importance of protecting birds and
their habitat in many countries around the world.
Remember, the next time you travel you do not have to miss the birdwatching, if your partner or travel companions are non birders; a local guide is flexible, and will easily accommodate other needs too.
Birdwatching in Jamaica
Jamaica has 28 wonderful endemic birds. That is more than any other island in the Caribbean. It offers excellent birding in a wide range of mountain or lowland forest and wetland habitats. In all, we have around 300 species including a large number of winter visitors, transients and vagrants that can be observed depending on the season.
"Red-billed Streamertail (Jamaica’s national bird)
In winter, through migration, we nearly double the number of species in Jamaica. These migrants can arrive in August and remain here until May. For birders from North America, it is a good opportunity to see species that do not occur in their home territory. Whilst for guests from Europe, the winter season is an ideal time to visit and to catch the mainly North American influx of warblers, wetland and shorebirds. Many of the species that come at this time add to our own resident populations. In early spring (March/April), we have a few species that migrate to Jamaica to breed here. (Black Whiskered Vireo, Caribbean Martin, Antillean Night Hawk).
"Birding Cockpit Country"
Electronic map of Jamaica
Tour I - 8 DAYS EASTERN & WESTERN JAMAICA
8 enjoyable days of well paced bird watching and sightseeing by air conditioned bus or 4WD. After
an initial two day visit to the outstandingly beautiful Portland parish in eastern Jamaica, the tour will be based out of a charming but small seaside hotel on Jamaica’s scenic south coast.
ITINERARY
Day 1.
8.00am. Met by guides in Montego Bay. Travel to Port Antonio. Afternoon birding at internationally renowned Ecclesdown, John Crow Mountains IBA, Black-billed Streamertail (only found in Eastern Jamaica), Jamaican Blackbird, Crested Quail Dove, and many more.
Overnight in Port Antonio.
Lunch, dinner and overnight included.
Day 2.
Birding for more endemics in John Crow Mountain IBA. Visit to Hectors River (January to March, for White-tailed Tropic Birds). Relax and bird watch at spectacular
Reach Falls.
Overnight in Port Antonio.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight included.
"Jamaican Tody"
Day 3.
Scenic journey over central mountains to the south coast via Montego Bay and Rocklands Hummingbird Sanctuary at Anchovy. Red-billed Streamertail, Mango Hummingbird
and forest birds.
Transfer to your seaside hotel base on the beautiful South Coast.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight included.
"Caribbean and American Coots"
Day 4.
After breakfast start. Wetlands and shore birds with visit to Black River, Parottee Great Morass and then on to look for the threatened, Caribbean Coot on freshwater ponds. Spectacular coastal drive and views.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight included.
"West Indian Whistling Duck"
Day 5.
Early start for visit to Cave and Bluefields Mountains. Of the 28 Jamaican endemic species we have observed 21 in this varied habitat IBA, plus a further 13 endemic sub-species. Among the regular favourites on our tours are the : Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Stripe-headed Tanager, Orangequit, Jamaican Euphonia, Jamaican Elaenia, Jamaican Pewee, Olive-throated Parakeet, Northern Potoo ( often seen at day time roost), Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Jamaican Woodpecker, Arrowhead Warbler. Afternoon visit to Negril, Royal Palm Reserve. 19 of Jamaica’s 36 Endemic Bird Area (EBA) birds including the vulnerable, West Indian Whistling Duck, Limpkins and near
threatened White-crowned Pigeon.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight included.
Day 6.
Early start to southern part of Catadupa IBA. Excellent range of endemics including, Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo, Jamaican Pewee, Jamaican Oriole, White-eyed Thrush,
Greater Antillean Elaenia. Afternoon birding in forested area of Cockpit Country Conservation Area near Ipswich. Late afternoon visit to Jamaican Owl day time
roost (depending on season).
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight included.
Day 7.
Early start to spectacularly rugged Cockpit Country which supports 33 of Jamaica’s 36 EBA range restricted species including Black-billed and Yellow-billed Parrots, Blue Mountain Vireo, Crested Quail Dove, Jamaican Blackbird, Jamaican Crow, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo.
Early evening at privately owned Content Property on the plains of St. Elizabeth: Stolid Flycatcher, hummingbirds at feeders.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight included.
"Yellow-billed Parrot"
Day 8.
Morning boat tour on highly scenic Black River, mountain views, morass, crocodiles, birds (depends on flight departure time). Transfer to Montego Bay Airport.
Breakfast included.
Included:
Guides, all ground transportation within Jamaica (from Day 1 to Day 8), all entrance fees to sites, specified accommodation, daily meal plan as indicated with two course dinner.
On early start days breakfast will be a pre-prepared snack and beverage, Day 7 will be a sandwich lunch. Some lunches will be taken at local restaurants. When food is not specified, it is not included in the trip price
Excluded:
Overnight accommodation prior to commencement of day 1 of your tour unless included in your personalised itinerary. Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature, airport departure tax, or international airfare, government general consumption tax, bank electronic transfers.
8 DAYS TOUR PRICE IS: 2 pax US$1,950 per person. 4 pax US$1,880 per person.
Single room supplement, add US$300
After November 2010 add 5% to prices.
Due to currency fluctuations and fuel cost we reserve the right to adjust any pricing prior to departure.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
Tour II - 6 DAYS IN WESTERN JAMAICA
ITINERARY
Day 1.
Met by guides on arrival at Montego Bay. Scenic journey over central mountains to the south coast via Montego Bay and Rocklands Hummingbird Sanctuary at Anchovy. Red-billed Streamertail, Mango Hummingbird and forest birds.
Transfer to your seaside hotel base on the beautiful South Coast.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight included.
Day 2.
After breakfast start. Wetlands and shore birds with visit to Black River, Parottee Great Morass and then on to look for the threatened, Caribbean Coot on freshwater ponds. Spectacular coastal drive and views.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight included.
"Jamaican Owl"
Day 3.
Early start for visit to Cave and Bluefields Mountains. Of the 28 Jamaican endemic species we have observed 21 in this varied habitat IBA, plus a further 13 endemic sub-species. Among the regular favourites on our tours are the : Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Stripe-headed Tanager, Orangequit, Jamaican Euphonia, Jamaican Elaenia, Jamaican Pewee, Olive-throated Parakeet, Northern Potoo ( often seen at day time roost), Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Jamaican Woodpecker, Arrowhead Warbler. Afternoon visit to Negril, Royal Palm Reserve. 19 of Jamaica’s 36 Endemic Bird Area (EBA) birds including the vulnerable, West Indian Whistling Duck, Limpkins and near
threatened White-crowned Pigeon.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight included.
"Jamaican Oriole"
Day 4.
Early start to southern part of Catadupa IBA. Excellent range of endemics including, Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo, Jamaican Pewee, Jamaican Oriole, White-eyed Thrush,
Greater Antillean Elaenia. Afternoon birding in forested area of Cockpit Country Conservation Area near Ipswich. Late afternoon visit to Jamaican Owl day time
roost (depending on season).
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight included
"Ring-tailed Pigeon"
Day 5.
Testimonials.
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Early start to spectacularly rugged Cockpit Country which supports 33 of Jamaica’s 36 EBA range restricted species including Black-billed and Yellow-billed Parrots, Blue Mountain Vireo, Crested Quail Dove, Jamaican Blackbird, Jamaican Crow, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo.
Early evening at privately owned Content Property on the plains of St. Elizabeth: Stolid Flycatcher, hummingbirds at feeders.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight included.
Day 6.
Morning boat tour on highly scenic Black River, mountain views, morass, crocodiles, birds (depends on flight departure time). Transfer to Montego Bay Airport.
Breakfast included.
Included:
Guides, all ground transportation within Jamaica (from Day 1 to Day 6), all entrance fees to sites, specified hotel accommodation, daily meal plan as indicated, two course dinner. On early start days breakfast will be a pre-prepared snack and beverage, Day 5 will be a sandwich lunch. Some lunches will be taken at local
restaurants. When food is not specified, it is not included in the trip price.
Excluded:
Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature, airport departure tax, or international airfare, government general consumption tax, bank electronic transfers.
6 DAYS TOUR PRICE IS: 2 pax US$1,340 per person. 4 pax US$1,290 per person.
Single room supplement, add US$250
After November 2010 add 5% to prices.
Due to currency fluctuations and fuel cost we reserve the right to adjust any pricing prior to departure.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
Notes:
The above itinerary is designed to provide the greatest opportunity to see the majority of Jamaica’s endemics in the shortest time. Tour routes may be varied according to weather conditions. Arrival and departure date are included in the itinerary. Trips take place throughout the year. Private and customised tours available on request.
Fitness:
Our routes are relatively easy walking over short distances. Slightly more challenging trails can be walked with fitter groups. If you have any concerns regarding levels of fitness required, please ask for more details.
Equipment:
Clothing - Dress for hot and humid tropical weather and be prepare for rain. Light clothing is recommended: cotton shirts and t-shirts (earth colors preferable), long and short pants, closed shoes or trainers (not sandals), hat, insect repellent and sun block.
Equipment - Binoculars, scope and camera.
Travel insurance: strongly recommended
If you have a non birder in your group:
For those not wishing to spend every day birding, then additional sightseeing tours can be arranged or substituted. Within easy reach of our base, are top Jamaican attractions such as Appelton Rum Tour, Black River Crocodile Safari, the cool mountain town of Mandeville. Also, a cultural and historic bus tour of Bluefields Mountains and its environs is a must! Please ask for more information.
Should you only need a guide for a day or two please contact us for details.
Wolde your local Birdingpal guide
Wolde is highly entertaining and great fun to be with and totally in love with Jamaica. He has an excellent knowledge of endemic birds in Jamaica and can where they can be found. He is dedicated to protecting and promoting the marine and terrestrial environment with particular emphasis at Bluefields on the South Coast. Here he has actively encouraged a wide range of other groups and organisations to become involved in conservation projects in local coastal and wetlands areas. He has also worked closely with the Government and local fishermen to establish a Fish Sanctuary in Bluefields Bay.
In April 2009 Wolde won the prestigious Jamaica Tourist Board, “Tourism Service Excellence Award” for the South Coast Resort Area. He also received a national award for his company for Training Excellence.
In addition to his birding skills, he has a keen interest in local archaeology and history and has participated in a number of digs for Taino artifacts. If you are really lucky, he may give you a demonstration of his African drumming skills!
Deceita your local Birdingpal guide
Deceita loves to share her corner of Jamaica and its superb birding with our visitors and loves meeting people. She has a great love of all aspects of natural history with a special fondness for birds. She knows just where to find them on her extensive patch of the island. She studied farming at Knockalva Agricultural School and will just as readily enjoy talking with you about folklore and Jamaican history or point out fascinating plants in the forests. She is well versed in
herbal remedies for a wide range of common ailments and will demonstrate how to collect and prepare herbal teas. Deceita is a very active Secretary to Bluefields Bay Fishermens Friendly Society and is one of the main drivers in their successful fish conservation programme.
Veda your local Birdingpal guide
Veda lives, eats, sleeps and dreams birds. Day and night she is on the case – even in church she is watching to see if one will fly into the building. She is fun to be with and will spot the birds with ease and give their common and local names and recollect many stories about them. Without doubt, her favorite bird is the Northern Potoo which with its superb camouflage seems to play hide-and- seek at its day time roost with even the most observant visitor. She will enjoy teasing you to see the large elusive bird right in front of you. You will be amazed. Whether at Bluefields, Catadupa, or in the remote wilderness of the Cockpit Country she will be the first to get you ‘on the bird’! Veda is a key leader of the Bluefields Peoples’ Community Association anti-litter eco initiative to educate and keep Bluefields and its environs in pristine condition.
Vaughan your local Birdingpal guide
Vaughan is a keen naturalist and ornithologist. He enjoys making sure that visitors get to the hottest birding spots to ensure they have the best possible birding holiday on the island. Over the years, he has helped put western Jamaica back on the map as a one of Jamaica’s “must visit” birding areas for international visitors wanting to find our endemics. He has an extensive knowledge and records of species that can be observed in the region. He is an Executive Member of Bird Life Jamaica with more than 30 years experience in Jamaican ornithology. He is editor of, “The Broadsheet’, the long established and highly respected, Bird Journal for Jamaica. He also has contributed a wealth of information and drafted the sections on Bluefields and Black River IBA’s for the 2008 publication, “Important Bird Areas in The Caribbean,” the BirdLife International book on Caribbean IBA’s. He provided data for Ann Sutton’s “Birds of Jamaica”, 2009 and BirdLife International’s publication “Water Birds Conservation for the Americas.” He is a keen photographer with a particular is interest in photographing butterflies and has images of several species not previously photographed. He has planned and led walking expeditions in a number of locations including the Arctic of Northern Norway, Canada, Malaysia, as well as the mountains of Scotland and throughout Europe.
In February 2010 we spent seven wonderful days in the company of Wolde, Vaughan, Deceita and Veda. In that time we saw all 28 of Jamaica’s endemic birds as well as several Greater Antillean endemics. They were always so punctual and so accommodating to our needs. Their birding skills were on a par with anything that we have seen in operation anywhere in the world. Not only were they experts in finding birds by call but their knowledge of the history and culture of Jamaica seemed almost limitless. The whole experience of being on their tour was truly outstanding.
Bob & Kathleen, Bedford, UK
I have just returned from a very successful trip to Jamaica where I was very lucky to see all 28/28 endemics. Whilst I realise that I was lucky with the weather and
the birds the rest was purely down to the unstinting effort and knowledge of Vaughan and the team. It was birding with a smile on your face! In this day and age is there anything you want more!
Birdingpal Paul Gaffan, Suffolk, UK
Maria and I were both happy with the trip and the outstanding service. Wolde, Veda and Deceita were entertaining and fun to be with but at the same time business like, making sure everything was taken care of and everything we asked for was achieved. I know they really enjoy birding, but they put in some extra long days when they didn't have to. They know the birds and where to find them and what they sound like.
Laurie K
I know Carol communicated to you our appreciation for all you did for us in Jamaica. But more than that we appreciate what you are doing for birdlife and conservation in that country---and the key we observe around the world is training and helping local people to see amidst their difficult and oft poverty struck lives--value in preserving local habitats both economically short term and spiritually long term.
Duncan H
I have been on several other professionally-led birding tours, including Dominican Republic and Peru, with established international birding tour companies. I particularly liked that it was local people leading the tour, not people who had traveled in from somewhere else.
Owen B
Some facts about Jamaica.
The island - discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494 - was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain, and in 1958 it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies. Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew from the Federation in 1962.
Industry: tourism, bauxite/alumina, agro processing, light manufactures, rum, cement.
Agriculture: coffee, bananas, sugarcane, yam, ackee.
Capital: Kingston.
Population: 2,825,928 (July 2009 est.).
Area: 10,991 sq km.
Language: English.
Religion: Protestant 62.5%, Roman Catholic 2.6%, other or unspecified 14.2%, none 20.9%, (2001 census).
Currency: Jamaican Dollar.
Life Expectancy: 73.53.
GDP per Capita: U.S. $7,700
Literacy Percent: 87.9.
Climate: Tropical maritime.
Weather: Max day temperature range 29-33. Rainy months: May and October.
More facts about Jamaica.
Guide books and CD’s recommended:
Birds of Jamaica Haynes -Sutton, Downer, Sutton.
Important Bird Areas in The Caribbean –David Wege & Veronica Anadon-Irizarry.
Birds of North America –David Sibley.
Bird Songs in Jamaica – George B. Reynard and Robert L. Sutton
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Note: To ascertain tour availability and best pricing, select a week for departure date. e.g. Sep 01 - 07
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