Rocklands Bird Sanctuary

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Expanding my birding

Since giving birth to my son my husband and I really haven't had the opportunity to do much traveling lately but when a work trip lead to the need to travel to Jamaica (boo hoo, I know) we jumped at the chance for some kid free relaxation. And I specifically jumped at the chance to see some exotic birds. Jamaica is technically in the North American birding region and is known for some particularly unique birds including the Magnificent Frigatebird and the countries national bird the Red-billed streamertail (Trochilus Polytmus) known to locals as the Doctor Bird.

When we arrived at the resort my husbands employer was quick to ask if there was anything we were interested in doing while on the island. Imagine their surprise when I said their was a well known bird sanctuary a few miles away that I would be absolutely elated to visit. My husband is not normally a "bird guy" but when I mentioned the sanctuary's claim to fame was the ability to hand feed wild hummingbirds he was all in. The trip was arranged and off to Rockland Bird Preserve we went.

PLACES TO VISIT

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary

The Rocklands Bird Sanctuary was established in the 1950s by conversationalist and 'First Lady of Jamaican Ornithology' Lisa Salmon. The preserve was her passion project and with great patience she spent years training wild birds to eat from the hands of her and her guests. Salmon has since passed but her legacy lives on.

Arriving at the sanctuary you are greated by friendly staff that explain the process for feeding the birds. Holding little mini bar style bottles of sugar water in a hand for the hummingbirds to come sip and perch from. The birds were lively and eager and it was really thrilling. Once we had fed birds for a period of time the employees offered to show us the flora and fauna of the sanctuary. That was a real treat. So many beautiful plants. Our host could see how enamored I was with the birds and asked if I had heard of potoos. Had I heard of the adorable muppet frog mouthed birds I spend time on Google staring at with joy? Yes, rings a bell. He said that he had seen a Potoo in the trees earlier that morning sleeping and he would show it to me. Well, he came through and I got a first hand sighting of a wild potoo. It was amazing.

The Rocklands Bird Sanctuary was such a wonderful and rewarding experience. I checked 10 or so birds of my life list and got a first hand experience at animal preservation on the island. I cannot recommend a visit enough if you are happen to be in the Montego Bay area.

I bring this to you now because the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary has been closed due to damage from Hurricane Melissa. This thriving paradise sustained heavy damage and require funding to rebuild and restore. If you are able, consider donating to the cause. You can find more information here: