birding...

Grenada Dove Leptotila wellsi ©Anthony Jeremiah tonydove200@yahoo.com

Grenada is a Tri-island Caribbean island nation of tropical lush green vegetation. Its Eco-tourism opportunity is great, Bird Watching being no exception, always rewarding to the visitor who goes the extra mile to their visit. Grenada is located to the most Southern point in the Caribbean archipelago. Trinidad and Tobago to the South and St.Vincent and the Grenadines to the North as closest neighbors; its exact geographic location is 12 North and 21.45 West. Grenada as the main island with sister isles Carriacou and Petite Martinique having a total landmass of 133 square miles, inhabited by approximately 9,500,000 people of predominantly Afro-Caribbean heritage. It has a tropical climate of two seasons wet and dry with temperatures ranging between 24„a C and 30„a C on average. The island is volcanic in geological formation and it rich soils provide fertility for diverse vegetation thus creating a blend of natural and enhanced foliage to the benefit of a striving human and animal population. Many visitors to our shore are amazed at the greenery of the vegetation and the natural beauty of the landscape in general. Our wildlife opportunity is not as diverse as some other Caribbean islands, but we can provide you with a great and rewarding opportunity to see some unique plant and animal species. Bird Watching in particular is one such opportunity for both recreation and scientific purposes.

Bird Life in Grenada Grenada has recorded total of approximately 150 species of birds including numerous migratory species. The bird population comprises of terrestrial, wetland /shore and sea birds species. Some of the unique species to be found are specifically, the Grenada Dove Liptotilla wellsi and Hook billed kite Condroherux uncinatus mirus as endemics. Other Regional endemics are the Grenada flycatcher, Lesser Antillean Tanager, lesser Antillean Bullfinch and Yellow-bellied Elenia. In addition to these you can find many of the other birds as found on other Caribbean Islands. Also Because of our location being close to the South American main land we have the occasional migrants from the south such as Humming birds, hawks and many others in transit during migration. Some of the natural habitats for bird life include wetlands; lakes, grasslands/savannahs, Rain forest and numerous beaches and coastlines. The Grenadines islands to the North is a heaven for Sea Birds.

Birding in Grenada Birds can be seen almost everywhere on the island. You can start birding from the time you arrive at the airport, so be prepared to have your binoculars and field guide ready. Any place you choose to stay or traveling in a vehicle you can see birds. The island had a very diverse road network and getting around is generally easy. Road maps and guides to the island are always available at hotels and at the airport, if not help is available from the next person you meet. Wherever you choose to stay, you can travel around the island in a day and have a wonderful bird watching trip although (2) two to (3) three days will give the best experience. Most people on the island are not very enthusiastic about birds and the average person will provide only basic information on just the commonly seen species. Local bird guides are very few and generally not professional.

Bird watching is not yet seen as a viable eco-economic opportunity for many locals. However, Grenada is signatory to many international conventions in relation to natural resource management such as CITIED. UNCCD etc. and equally supported by local government agency with policy and legislation to this effect. But, the opportunity is now explored by knowledgeable persons like me tonydove200@yahoo.com One very rewarding experience for the avid bird watcher can be a visit to Mt.Hartman National Park.

The early bird catches the worm so be prepared to be up early in the morning to start a day bird watching. I trust you will want to visit us some day, if so feel free like a bird to contact a guide at your convenience. A warm and hospitable atmosphere is awaiting your arrival. Grenada, Isle of Spice of the Caribbean