Arrowhead Birding Tours

Testimonials

Ricardo — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 03:14:34 +0000

We strive to give our guests the best experience possible but don’t just take our word for it. The comments below are what our guests think about their Arrowhead Experience. If you were a guest you are invited to share your experience by adding a comment.

Birding in Jamaica: What to expect

Ricardo — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 09:30:55 +0000

Jamaica has a warm tropical climate which can get rather humid, especially in the forests. Although it is noticeably cooler in the winter months and high elevations, the only seasons we experience are a wet and dry season. The main dry season runs from December to April while the wet season shows on average peak rainfall in October with a secondary spike in May.

The southern coast of the island is dominated by plains and large rivers which spread out into vast wetlands. The eastern section is mountainous reaching 2,256 m (7,402 ft) at Blue Mountain Peak while smaller mountains form an east to west spine across the island. The central region is dominated by the impressive and almost impenetrable Cockpit Country – a wet limestone forest comprised of hundreds of little hillocks resembling an inverted egg carton.

The road network is mostly paved roads but as birding takes us off the beaten paths you can expect to encounter pothole riddled roads and areas where the paved roads give way to dirt tracks.

Jamaica is the birding gem of the Caribbean, boasting 67 resident landbird species including 30 endemic species, 18 endemic subspecies and over 300 species recorded on the island. Unfortunately 2 of these (the Jamaican Petrel and Jamaican Pauraque) have not been recorded since shortly after the introduction of the mongoose in 1872. There is fading hope that these species still persist. The remaining 28 endemics can be reliably seen on a one week birding trip. It is important to note that the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU) only recognizes 27 endemics as the Red-billed and the Black-billed varieties of the Streamertail Hummingbird have not been split into separate species. When all the wetland species, migrants, transients and vagrants are considered the species list for Jamaica reaches over 300 birds. A reasonable birding trip during the winter migrant months can expect to see about 120 species.

Arrowhead Birding Tours offers birding in various habitats right across the island but short birding trips will be mainly focused on the eastern section of the island, particularly the Blue Mountains and the parish of Portland.

The Arrowhead Experience

Ricardo — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:17:41 +0000

From the moment you meet your guide to the moment you say farewell we intend to give you an experience like no other. The guide will share his in-depth knowledge of the Jamaican avifaunal landscape, but his Knowledge goes much deeper. Prepare to be enlightened about Jamaica’s rich cultural, social and political history as it is reflected in our people, our music, our sports and our cuisine. You will be taken to places most Jamaicans have never visited as we go in search of our feathered friends.

Let us make it clear though, the birds come first…and you, a close second. Our guides are always mindful of the impact we have on the birds and their habitats every time we venture into their environment. On each tour we take special care to minimize this impact and ensure that guides and guests practice good birding ethics as outlined by the American Birding Association.
We intend to deliver you the highest quality birding experience on the island and leave with you a small slice of Jamaica forever etched in your memories. At the end of the day we hope to have you feeling like you just birded with a friend. This is the Arrowhead experience.

Portland Audubon Participants say thanks

Ricardo — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:27:15 +0000

From January 19-29, 2012 thirteen members of Portland Audubon along with tour leader Steve Robertson toured Jamaica in search of all the feathery friends the island had to offer. Co-leader and local guide, Ricardo Miller helped them to many new lifers and a trip total of 105 species. Here is what the participants had to say about their experience birding with Ricardo:

“Thanks for the best birding experience I have had. You have a truly beautiful country and you made it even better. Thanks.”

Doug Ferro – Participant

“Thanks for an awesome experience, my first time in Jamaica. Wonderful birds, beautiful scenery and the best rum ever.”

Sue Dietderich (Susie Q) – Participant

“Ricardo, thank you for being such a great birder dude. More importantly, a great person!”

Don & Sharon Coggswell – Participant

“Ricardo, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge of birding and Jamaican culture. You really made our trip special and we’ll miss your kindness and your big smile!”

Irene Higgins – Participant

“We loved our trip. Thank you so much for showing us your beautiful birds. Jamaica is so lucky to have a good ecologist like you taking care of it.”

Susan Aldrich-Markham – Participant

“Thank you Ricardo for showing us your beautiful country. We enjoyed your companionship as well as your superb bird guiding skills and knowledge of Jamaica. We’re looking forward to seeing your website.”

Craig Markham – Participant

“It has been such a pleasure to meet you and you are a great trip leader; very knowledgeable and able to communicate that knowledge to us. Many thanks”

Chris Carlson – Participant

“Thank you, thank you!!”

Susanna Sandvig (Short Sue) – Participant

“Ricardo, It was a distinct pleasure to meet you. You are an amazing birder – like a magician. Thanks for your help birding and answering cheerfully so many questions. Best wishes.”

Diane Stone – Participant

“Ricardo, what a joy to get to know you! You have charmed all of us with your great smile, knowledge and willingness to help us see and enjoy both the birds and your beautiful country. We’ll miss you until you come to Portland to let us show you our beautiful city and state.”

Phyllis Wolfe – Participant

“It’s been wonderful to see your birds, learn from your great field wisdom and get to know you personally. Thank you for your patience with those of us who just can’t see those birds and with all of my questions about how things work here. We mean it when we say ‘come visit’ and if you would like my sister and brother-in-law help with Arizona birds – let me know. Best wishes for a very happy life.”

Linda Craig – Participant