"BIRDING" AN OVERVIEW OF A MIND SUTHING HOBBY
This beloved hobby is actually the observation of birds as a recreational activity. It can be done with the naked eye, through a visual enhancement device like binoculars and telescopes, or by listening for bird sounds. Bird watching often involves a significant auditory component, as many bird species are more easily detected and identified by hearing than by seeing. Most birdwatchers pursue this activity mainly for recreational or social reasons, unlike ornithologists, who engage in the study of birds using more formal scientific methods.
Several aspects of ornithology differ from related disciplines, due partly to the high visibility and the aesthetic appeal of birds. Ornithological science has a long history. This intense study on birds have helped develop several key concepts in ecology such as the definition of species, the process of speciation, instinct, learning, ecological niches, guilds, island biogeography, phylogeography and conservation. As for you, who ever you are, where ever you are, we at Attractions Link Tourism Services are here in Jamaica and are ready to serve you according to your birding desires.
If you are planning a birding trip, please, think of birding in Jamaica. Exploring Jamaica's birding options will give you a clear incite about where your birding tour activities are going to be, who you will be birding with and how effective your birding adventures will be. Enjoy birding with the perfect team of birding professionals who are ready and willing to make sure that your birding desires are materialized. Examining the slideshow below, will help you to have an incite of the tropical conditions, and what to expect. There are also additional information lower down on this page which offers great help.
MOST POSITIVE BIRDING HABITATS
THE JOHN CROW MOUNTAINS
This birdwatching hotspot hosts over ninety percent (90%) of Jamaica's rare birds. Actually, all of Jamaica's twenty nine (29) endemic birds are seen here, between the months of November through April each year. Make your 2025 through 2026 'Jamaica Birding Season' come alive by booking one of our birding tours to this well flocked habitat!
NORTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS
Although much cooler, this area is similat to the John Crow Mountains. It just one of over ten major birding hotspots which are located in this region of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. This area is one of the homes for various bird species to include Jamaica's 30 endemic species.
CANALS, PONDS AND SWAMPS
These large areas spans numerous hectares of ponds, rivers, swamps and canals, some of which are diked for easy walking and are parts of the Lower and Upper Black River Morass. These areas host large number of migrant, resident and vagrant species most of which are water birds. Common resident, and some endemic birds can also be found here.
THE BUFF RIVER VALLEY
This area forms a breast plate for the northern Blue Mountains if you are leaving from the northern shores. If you coming from the mountains, after a brilliant morning's birding, journey breaks along the road overlooking several gorges and creeks will be a good idea.
NORTHERN COCKPIT COUNTRY
These birding hotspots are some of the many habitats which are located in the hills of the northern Cockpit Country. On any given day, a large number of Jamaica's endemic bird species can be found here.
SOUTHERN JAMAICA
These three areas forms the main southern Jamaica's dry-forests which are known to host the Bahama Mockingbird outside of the Bahamian Islands. Other rare species that are prone to these parts are the Stolid Fly-catcher, Grasshopper Sparrow and the endemic Jamaican Mango Hummingbird.
JAMAICA'S BIRDING
Birding in tropical countries like Jamaica, there are several precautions that one needs to take. Some of these are weather conditions and patterns, habitats locations and elevations, water intake and blood-sugar control. Please, do not forget your binoculars. As for telescopes these are always ideal for spotting birds that are perched on branches far away. If persons have their specialized telescope or spotting scope, we recommend that they take it along. We also recommend that persons take along rain-coats.
When joining a single or multi-day birdwatching tour, there are several small things to bear in mind. Although there are several things, one need to focus on the main things such as his or her health, strength, walking and long-standing ability. By doing this, one will be able to decide the type of birding excursion or vacation, he or she can handle. On all birding tours; weather it is a day's birding excursion or a week's birdwatching vacation, a bus, car or van usually stays close by during birding activities. However, for total quietness, it is always good not to have your motor vehicle too close; as it can scare away shy species. If however, there is a sudden downpour, you may not be able to get to cover in time. On the other hand, older persons will want to sit and bird from their motor vehicle, in case they get tired.
In the Cockpit Country for instance, most habitats do not accommodate motor vehicle, if birders really want to penetrate the forests in order to elevate their chances of seeing rare species. In addition to this, Some persons may have the ability to go off on trails that sometimes will take them several hundred meters from the already rugged roads and will not be able to be picked up or make it back to their motor-vehicle if there is a sudden downpour of rainfall. Although most of our birding sites or habitats in other areas are mainly on paved surfaces, sometimes we do have huge puddles of water that can cover and soak through sandals and sneakers easily.
Therefore, proper shoes, rain coats, long sleeves and full trousers are ideal in these conditions. If the weather is brilliant, these can remain in the motor vehicle which is transporting you if you do not want to use them. If you are birding in late winter early spring, you can wear short pants and short sleeves. Your choices of insect repellant is also recommended to have on hand; as some areas may have mosquitoes. If you are allergic to repellants, some White Over-proof Jamaican Rum will do the trick! Learn More about Jamaica's birdwatching holidays and tours...
