Wednesday 16 January 2019

Jamaica Thursday to Saturday

Thursday 10th January
Green Castle Estate

Keith and I were up early and after a coffee on the porch watching the sun come up we headed to Waterfall Trail where I was anxious to see Worm-eating Warbler and avoid any marital harmony. We missed the bloody Warbler but had an enjoyable morning birding before returning for breakfast minus said warbler.

After breakfast Joy and I were joined by Darleen as we walked down the access track towards the sea in an attempt to bird a different habitat, we walked for about 90 minutes and got as far as the Lookout Tower before there was a little clear ground. We saw a few good birds on the walk including Northern Mockingbird, another Mangrove Cuckoo and a few American warblers.

The afternoon was spend reading and swimming in the pool, before at 4.00pm Keith and I went for another session birding where we saw Antillean Palm Swift but not a lot else.

After dark we were joined once again by Dwain for a night walk were we saw Jamaican Owl and had great views of Northern Potoo perched on a stump and striking a pose.

American Kestrel

American Wigeon

The beach

The pool and view

Jamaican Mango

Keith and I

Joy and I

Friday 11th January
Green Castle Estate

Another early morning session with Keith saw us find an American Warbler which we got poor views of and remained unidentified! On the way back a Ruddy Quail-dove flew past us!

We decided to go to the beach travelling in the back of a flat bed truck on a mattress which was strangely enjoyable. The afternoon was spent reading and swimming. Keith, Joy and I revisited the Reservoir where we added a few species and best of all Keith found a Worm-eating Warbler which I saw!

Saturday 12th January
Green Castle Estate to Montego Bay

We awoke early and partook in our habit of drinking coffee on the porch watching the world go by which included 13 Olive-breasted Parakeets. Too soon our transport arrived, so we said our goodbyes to the staff and headed to the airport to drop off the Ann and Darleen who had earlier flights, which then left us with a few hours spare, we visited Montego Sewage Ponds which added a few species to the holiday list, with a few waders on view before we ourselves had to head to the airport catch our flight home.

In reflection it was a great trip, we saw all the endemics plus a view other species, plus more importantly it was at an easy pace with plenty of time to relax. Green Castle Estate is the place to stay, it is the best of both worlds and the holiday will live long in the memory.

Least Grebe
Green Castle Estate staff
Red-billed Streamertail
The sunset




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