Flock to Jamaica
– A Bird Watchers & Nature Lovers Paradise –
All India, 28th August 2015: Jamaica is well known to the world as the land of rum, reggae and white sandy beaches, but there is a side to Jamaica lesser explored yet equally alluring. A walk through the islands interior opens you up to some of the most exotic bird species. The island is the birding gem of the Caribbean, boasting 28 endemic species of birds and numerous other Caribbean specialties. Jamaica is blessed with wide ranges of mountains that loom thousands of feet into clear blue skies, lowland forests and wetland habitats. The country is endowed with a number of off-the-beaten-track vantage points to witness captivating endemic birds in their natural habitat.
The Cockpit Country is regarded as a goldmine for birdwatchers. At least 79 of the islands bird species are found in Cockpit Country including the black-billed parrot, the yellow-billed parrot, the ring-tailed pigeon and the plain pigeon. The wet limestone forest is also home to Jamaica Kite (Blue Swallowtail) endemic to the island. The Papilio Homerus (Giant Swallowtail) is the second largest butterfly in the world is also an inhabitant of Cockpit Country.
Rocklands Bird Sanctuary in the parish of St. James offers a thrilling experience even for people who arent usually birders. Visitors are given the opportunity to see and feed birds, in particular hummingbirds, by having them perch right on their fingers. The guide will first equip you with seeds and bottles of nectar and in just a few minutes youll hear whirring noises as the birds approach. Some of the species found in the sanctuary are the Red Billed Streamer-tail Hummingbird (aka Doctor Bird), the Jamaican Mango, the Vervain Hummingbird, the Jamaican Woodpecker, the Jamaican Tody, the Jamaican Parakeet, etc.
A hike through the Bluefields Mountains on the South Coast affords sightseers spectacular views of Bluefields Bay as well as an opportunity to take in some of Jamaicas species of birds who call the island home, including 28 that are found only on Jamaica. The thickly forested Bluefields Mountains rise from the sea to nearly 2,600ft and are listed as one of Jamaicas important bird areas. A Bluefields birdwatching tour is a must to view many endemic species of beautiful Jamaican birds and butterflies.
Blue & John Crow Mountains National Park conserves about 78,000 hectares of tropical rain-forest in the north-east of Jamaica. The region has been noted for having around 200 species of resident and migrant birds and is one of the largest migratory bird habitats in the Caribbean.
The Great Morass in Negril is another large preserve for birds. The morass lies on the coastal flood plain of the Black River and attracts over 300 animal species including birds, butterflies and reptiles. The Great Morass is a sanctuary where wild crocodiles sun themselves while colorful tropical birds swoop and soar.
The Blue Mountains are one of the most popular regions for campers and outdoor enthusiasts and is home to Holywell Recreational Park, Jamaicas only terrestrial national park protecting a third of the islands natural forests. The wide varieties of birds in the park also include Jamaicas endemic species. It is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of life, especially for those interested in eco-friendly attractions.
Jamaica has one of the richest concentrations of endemic bird species in the Caribbean. One just needs to hire a knowledgeable tour guide and carry a pair of binoculars to explore the island. From the mountains to the sea, one will discover tremendous number of species of birds in Jamaica. Flock to Jamaica and click memorable snapshots of these feathered beauties!
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2013. Also in 2013, Jamaica earned the WTA’s vote for the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, Caribbean’s Leading Destination and Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination for the seventh consecutive year. Additionally, the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port was recognized as the World’s Leading Tourism Development Project while Ocho Rios was named the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port and Sangster International Airport was voted the Caribbean’s Leading Airport. In Canada, Jamaica was voted the Favourite Honeymoon Destination by Travel Agents.
JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Delhi and Tokyo.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitjamaica, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitjamaicanow, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/visitjamaica, on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/myjamaica, or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/myjamaicajtb. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
For Further Information, please contact:
Jamaica Tourist Board
c/o TRAC Representations (I) Pvt. Ltd.
Ms. Mariya Kapadia | 022 24981777 | Email: visitjamaica@gmail.com
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