BIRDING TOUR OF THE LOWER JOHN CROW MOUNTAINS
Northeastern Jamaica hosts many spectacular birding habitats. Some of these bird habitats are even unknown to most top birding tour organizers. For this reason, unfortunately, some of these habitats are not published. One of these areas is located in the lower John Crow Mountains. This lush and green region of the Blue and John Crow National Park, host several canopy-like areas in the moist forests that form various clusters of peaceful, jungle-style settings which seems endless as you walk along. These areas attract numerous species of birds.
Although this second to none birding paradise was shaken up by deforestation caused by storms over the past few years, and persons clearing land for farming on the edge of the National Park every now and then, all of Jamaica's twenty nine (29) bird species, sub-species, resident species, vagrant species and winter migrant species can still be found in various areas of these evergreen, forests. During your holidays in Jamaica, we will be happy to have you joining one of our single day birding tours to the lower John Crow Mountains.
If you are holidaying outside of northeastern Jamaica, we recommend that you spend even one (1) night in northeastern Jamaica; in order to have less driving time to this spectacular bird-haven. Our main aim on this tour, is to help bird watchers to enjoy their morning while birding with us. This untouched natural forest has all that naturalist desires such as marvelous birding, lots of unusual plants plus various eatable fruits which are fresh from their trees, growing wild.
Main Birds and Habitats
Provides easy access to all of Jamaica's rare birds. Enjoy comfortable birding on paved roads with your car, driver and birding guide just steps away!
Birding in the moist forest of the lower John Crow Mountains is great. .
This part of the Lower John Crow Mountains is one of the greatest places to bird in Jamaica. Its lush forests gives a constant cool temperature even on a hot day. These forests are flocked with great birds, endless greenery and flouring plants .
This bird is also present in other parts of Jamaica. It is a charm in these forests and liked by all birders. It seems to follow you around for a few minutes after being spotted. This bird can be seen on any of our single day birding excursion or multi day birding vacations.
If you are a keen birder, you can see over forty (40) bird species to include Jamaica's twenty nine (29) endemic species in these forests on a good day.
This photograph illustrates a brilliant overhead view of a Jamaican Black-bird which is relatively shy from the attention of its viewers. This sparks its alertness; as it gets ready for take off. More of these can be seen in these forests.
This area is known as Parrot by most of the local guides that takes individuals or groups to this area. It is nice to watch the three species of endemic parrots flying across this valley, parading in the area or perched for relaxation. There is also another area similar to this one in the northern Cockpit Country. Our guides will happy to take you there.
This group of six (6) birders, enjoyed their birding time in the lower John Crow Mountains. Incorporate a single day birding tour in holidays to Jamaica, or visit these forests during any one of our four birding vacations.
Another spectacular bird to see on this tour. However, it is rare; but sometimes shows up in some unusual places. We know where to find them.
Another adoring bird to see when spotted. However, it is not hard to identify by hearing, as it makes a static noise similar to a car not getting enough ignition to start. This bird is another must on your endemic list.
Another star of these forests is the Ring-tailed Pigeon. Mostly heard from a far, this bird can also be seen at close up views. Utilize your chance of getting great views and pictures of this beautiful bird.
This bird is a beauty to see. However, it can only be found in northeastern Jamaica! Its other look alike, the Red-billed Streamer-tail Hummingbird, is Jamaica's National bird. This one you will see in over to thirds of the island; but not in northeastern Jamaica! To see this bird,,,
This bird is only heard at nights. However, it can be seen both at night and in the daytime. During your birding tour of the lower John Crow Mountains, this bird can be found. Our experts will show you how.
This bird is present in mainly the mountainous regions that sits over 3000/914.4m, in elevation. These areas are the upper John Crow Mountains, Central and upper northern Blue Mountains and the Central Cockpit Country. Surprisingly, they are sometimes present in the lower John Crow Mountains! You may be able to see one here.
Usually the main bird to see on all single and multi day birding tours, this bird is mainly seen on the ground being that it feeds on the ground. This makes it a prone target for the Mongoose and sometimes domestic cats. Recorded as seen on all of our birding tours, join us for your adventure.
ITINERARY
Based on the driving time from your place of accommodation in the Port Antonio area to the moist forests of the lower John Crow Mountains, the departure time is 5:00 am from your accommodation venue on your requested tour date. This will allow you to arrive in the main area of these forests at or about 6:am. On arrival, we will start bird watching at 6:00 am and bird to about 8:30 am. At this time we will pause for breakfast somewhere in the forest.
After breakfast, we will bird for another three (3) hours before concluding our morning's birding in these lush and bird infested forests. We will then depart wherever we are in these forests for the northern coastline. You will be driven back towards your place of accommodation, stopping somewhere along the coastline for a snack or full meal. You will also be able to views of some species of water birds.
After this experience, you will head back to your place of accommodation, making several stops at different location looking more birds to add to your day's count. This will increase your chances of seeing your desired birds. This also can advance the opportunity of comparing morning and afternoon picture qualities, based on lighting contrast during the different times of the day.
TARGET BIRDS
Our target birds in this area are Arrow-headed Warblers, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoos, Jamaican Lizard Cuckoos, Jamaican Black-bird, Jamaican Crows, Jamaican Woodpeckers, Jamaican Orioles, Jamaican Becards, Jamaican Spindalises, Jamaican vireos, Jamaican Todys, Jamaican Elaenias, Jamaican Pewees, Sad Fly-catchers, Rufus-tailed Fly-catchers, Black Billed Parrots, Yellow Billed Parrots, Orange-quits, White Chinned Thrushes, White-eyed Thrushes, Crested Quail-dove, Orange-quits, Yellow-shouldered Grass-quits, Ring-tailed Pigeons, Black-billed Streamer-tailed Humming-bird, Jamaican Mango Humming-bird, are just a few of the endemics to be found in this area.
During our endemic search we will be viewing other species of birds which may also be lifers for you . In doing this promotion we are sure that your choice to bird with us is a decision worth making. We also want to make sure that your birding in this region of Jamaica, will also spur your bird watching spirits which will encourage you to think of doing more birding in other nearby forests and habitats in other birding areas of Jamaica.
During your vacation or short visit to northeastern Jamaica, our two single day birding tours of the John Crow Mountains will worth your while doing. If you are planning on visiting other areas of Jamaica, please see our birding excursion to the Blue Mountains and birding excursions to the Cockpit country.
AMENITIES
Cost for this tour includes:-
- All transportation in regards to this tour.
- One (1) packed breakfast per person on tour.
- Birding guide fee.
- Twelve page Jamaica birds checklist
For more information regarding availability, booking and other inquiries, please contact us using the information provided. You can also book and confirm this tour online.
PAYMENT OPTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS
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SINGLE PERSON COST
If you are travelling as a single person who want to tour privately, and do not mind going alone with your guide, the cost is US$250.00. Please view your two payment options below:
TWO OR MORE PERSONS
If you are travelling as a couple, or as a member or part of a group numbering two (2) or more persons, the cost is US$150.00 per person. Please view your two payment options below:
