| |
|
|
|
Three Quick Tips
 |
Visit during December to June. These months are ideal for birdwatching in Jamaica. These are the cooler months and mature birds are visible, showcasing their plumage to attract other birds and bird-songs are evident in the air
|
 |
Research before venturing out. According to the National Environment & Planning Agency, Jamaica is known to have 65 species of birds which live and nest on the island. Of this number, 28 species and 21 subspecies of birds are found nowhere else on earth. It has been noted that “more endemic bird species occur in Jamaica than on any other Caribbean island or most other oceanic islands around the world”
|
 |
Hire an experienced tour guide. There are several birdwatching hot spots across the island. Some areas are under deep forest cover. Jamaica’s birds and their eggs are protected under the WildLife Protection Act which prohibits “hunting, harassment, capture and possession of the 'whole or any part' of a protected bird".
|
|
|
|
|
Ackee:
The first ackee tree in Jamaica was planted from a seed brought to the island by the captain of a slave ship in 1778. The fruit is not widely eaten but in Ghana the flowers are used to make a perfume and the seeds are used as a narcotic to catch fish. The seedling was taken to England by Captain Bligh and there the plant was given the botanical name, Blighia sapida. Its original name was ‘akye’ from Twi language of West Africa.
|
| |
|