simmojunior
Well-known member
Hi all,
I'm in Montego Bay airport waiting for my flight back to London after a successful last minute solo trip to Jamaica.
I found myself with a week's leave to take before the end of the year. Unwilling to waste it, I booked a last minute trip to Jamaica.
I hired a car and found all the endemics without too much trouble. The whole trip was pretty relaxing and low stress. Driving nothing like Colombia even if the roads are terrible. Jamaican Elaenia gave me the run around but got it today. A total of 51 lifers as also found most regional specialities including Plain Pigeon, Greater Antillean Elaenia, Northern Potoo and Bahama Mockingbird.
Two main pieces of advice:
Here is my ebird report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/177169
Attached are some photos: Mangrove Cuckoo, Loggerhead Kingbird, Bahama Mockingbird, Sad Flycatcher, American Redstart
I'm in Montego Bay airport waiting for my flight back to London after a successful last minute solo trip to Jamaica.
I found myself with a week's leave to take before the end of the year. Unwilling to waste it, I booked a last minute trip to Jamaica.
I hired a car and found all the endemics without too much trouble. The whole trip was pretty relaxing and low stress. Driving nothing like Colombia even if the roads are terrible. Jamaican Elaenia gave me the run around but got it today. A total of 51 lifers as also found most regional specialities including Plain Pigeon, Greater Antillean Elaenia, Northern Potoo and Bahama Mockingbird.
Two main pieces of advice:
- Jamaica is crazy expensive so be prepared for that. A tomato in the shops will set you back more than £1.50, while a fish lunch generally cost over £20.
- Contrary to advice I received and most trip reports, I'd advocate basing yourself in the Port Antonio/ San San area with good access to Ecclesdown Road and San San reserve. Hardwar Gap is at least an hour of potholed windy road from any accommodation option and you should get most endemics at Ecclesdown. Admittedly, it's a long drive to Hellshire Hills for the dry specialities. Maybe 4 nights Port Antonio and 2 Kingston / Hardwar Gap is best option.
Here is my ebird report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/177169
Attached are some photos: Mangrove Cuckoo, Loggerhead Kingbird, Bahama Mockingbird, Sad Flycatcher, American Redstart