Above: Great Egret by Steve Huggins

​Doctor Birds and Mountain Witches: Endemic chasing on Jamaica

December 4 to 10, 2021

This trip is now full. Continue with the registration process to place your name on the waiting list. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time. Please register for wait-listed trips separately from any other registrations or transactions to ensure your registration is processed successfully.

Leaders: Adam Betuel (Georgia Audubon Director of Conservation) and Dwayne Swaby (local Jamaican guide)
Group Size: Limited to 10 participants
Georgia Audubon Member Price: $2,700*
Non-member Price: $2,750* (includes a one-year Georgia Audubon membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $520   

​*Based on double occupancy. See more details below if traveling solo. Additional room details below.

Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price. 
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With so much to offer from world-renowned beaches to reggae and an eclectic cuisine, it is understandable if the thought of Jamaica does not immediate conjure an image of diverse birdlife. However, any bird lover would be making a mistake if they overlooked the avian riches of this Caribbean island, the third largest. With at least 27 species endemic to the island (most for the Caribbean) in addition to numerous Caribbean specialties and temperate migrants, Jamaica is poised to provide you with life birds and unforgettable experiences. During this seven-day tour, we will visit a variety of habitats from the John Crow and Blue Mountains to stunning beaches and protected regions like the Cockpit Country. Almost the entire trip will be based from the luscious Green Castle Estate, providing breathtaking birdwatching from just outside your door and reducing the number of times you’ll need to pack your things. Streamertails (locally known as Doctor Birds) and Crested Quail-Doves (the Mountain Witch) are just a few of the Jamaican specialties that will make early morning mountain walks and jerk meals even more delicious. Join conservation director Adam Betuel on this bird-filled yet still relaxing week in paradise.

Number of bird species expected: 95 to 115, 25+ endemic species (possibly all 27)
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Please contact Adam Betuel by email with any questions.

Trip Overview

​Day 1: Arrive in Montego Bay and transfer
After a midday arrival at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, the group will meet up with the local guide and our driver for the week. After settling in on our Coaster bus, we will head eastward to our accommodations for the next five nights, Green Castle Estate House (2.5 hr. drive). After settling in, we will have a relaxing dinner and maybe a few birds around the lodge. 
​Day 2: Green Castle Estate
​Today we will explore a portion of Green Castle’s 1600-acre property. Almost all of the Jamaican endemics have been found at Green Castle, so our early morning efforts will likely yield a diversity of birdlife, including Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Woodpecker, Sad Flycatcher, and more. Migrant species familiar to birders from the United States such as Black-throated Blue Warbler and American Redstart should be common. The breathtaking national bird of Jamaica, the Streamertail, should be conspicuous. We will play the afternoon by ear but may end up visiting the local lagoon, with chances to spot waterfowl and wading birds like Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, and Little Blue Heron, in addition to rarer species like the West Indian Whistling-Duck. After dinner, we will likely head out for some nighttime birding, specifically focusing our efforts on the Northern Potoo and the endemic Jamaican Owl.
​Day 3: Ecclesdown Road and vicinity
An early morning start will have us moving east to one of the most bird rich spots on the island, Ecclesdown Rd. Here we will target endemics not spotted the day before on Green Castle. Target species will likely include both Yellow and Black-billed Parrots, the tricky Crested Quail-Dove, and the odd sounding Jamaican Crow. In this region, we will also hope to find the black-billed race of the Streamertail hummingbird. Currently this is considered the same species as the more widespread red-billed population, but one day they may be split. After a delicious local lunch, we will make a few stops to pad our trip list before heading back to Green Castle.
​Day 4: Blue Mountains and Hardwar Gap
The Blue Mountains of Jamaica are known for the coffee (which we will sample!), but the birds and lush environments aren’t too shabby. Being in the highlands will increase our chances for a few of the endemics that we likely won’t have at this point. Specifically, Jamaican Blackbird, Blue Mountain Vireo, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo, and Jamaican Elaenia are possible. Black-and-white and Prairie Warblers will be spotted alongside Jamaica’s own Arrowhead Warbler. The haunting flute-like song of the Rufous-throated Solitaire will add to the ambiance. After lunch, we will continue to descend from the cool higher elevation spots, filling in any gaps in our list of endemics and spending more time with striking yet common species like Jamaican Mango, Black-faced Grassquit, and the Greater Antillean Bullfinch. The day will conclude with another delicious and relaxing dinner back at Green Castle.
​Day 5: Tropicbirds and Green Castle
This morning we will start by gazing out at the Caribbean Sea in search of White-tailed Tropicbirds. These elegant seabirds with striking streamer tails will flyby as we sit atop an overlook. Cave Swallows and Magnificent Frigatebirds will likely be joining the tropicbirds overhead. Other coastal spots will be made where we will find a mix of the familiar and the exotic, Northern Mockingbirds next to Bananaquits and Jamaican Vireos. The rest of the day will be spent casually birding the grounds of Green Castle or taking a much needed rest next to the pool with a rum beverage. This evening will also serve as a backup should we miss Jamaican Owl earlier in the trip. 
​Day 6: Cockpit Country and Rockland Bird Sanctuary
Our final full day on the island will have us leaving the comforts of Green Castle with plans on exploring new habitats. Most of our day will be spent in the Cockpit Country in the center of the island. Conical hills and ridges from karst topography define the area. This will be our last chance to find any missing Jamaican specialties and will provide better chances to see some of the notoriously difficult species like Black-billed Parrot and Plain Pigeon. After traveling further west, we will make a stop at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. Here we will get fantastic looks at Caribbean Dove, Orangequit, and Jamaican Oriole. You will even have the chance to have Streamertails eat out of your hand, literally! Time permitting we will visit the sewage ponds because what birding trip would be complete without a visit to a wastewater plant?! Black-necked Stilts, Glossy Ibis, Least Grebe, and the familiar Palm Warbler will likely make an appearance. Our final night will be spent at the Polkerris Bed and Breakfast.
Day 7: Departure​
After having breakfast at the hotel, we will all say goodbye to Jamaica. Depending on flight times, walks on the beach or birding at a nearby park may be possible. 
Jamaican Mango and Jamaican Tody, by Steve Huggins. Magnificent Frigatebird, by Adam Betuel.  

Trip Details

Price Includes:
  • One local expert birding tour leader and a co-leader from Georgia Audubon (Conservation Director Adam Betuel).
  • Accommodations in all destinations (double room). A non-shared room is available for an additional fee.
    • ***Depending on group construction, single travelers may need to pay a single supplement. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.***
  • All ground transportation during the trip including pick-up and drop-off at the airport.
  • All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7. Additionally, a cooler with water will be available on the bus at all times. Snacks will be available at Green Castle Estate during the entirety of our stay.
  • All entrance fees
  • Taxes

Price does not include
  • Costs of obtaining passports
  • Airfare and any accompanying baggage fees
  • Alcohol or specialty beverages
  • Snacks (away from Green Castle), room service, or sightseeing not specified in itinerary
  • Souvenirs 
  • Laundry
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Medical costs 
  • Gratuities
  • Personal communications
  • Any other incidentals that participants may wish to purchase
 
Payment Plan:
1.  $500/person deposit due to reserve spot on trip.
2.  Half of cost (less the $500 deposit) due by May 15, 2021.
3.  Full payment must be made by September 15, 2021. The final payment would include your single supplement payment if applicable.

Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by May 14, 2021, a refund of all payments (less a $50 cancellation fee) made will be given. If notice of cancellation is received between May 15 and September 15, 2021, a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given. Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled. In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator.  
 
Questions? Please email Adam Betuel or call 678-973-2437.
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