Last week 3 keen birders from Canada, Simon Gawn, Paul & Ian Jones visited Lime Tree Farm for an intensive 3 days of Birding, on the first day we visited Cinchona where 17 of Jamaica's endemic bird species were sighted along with a a few other rare birds to Jamaica such as a LIncoln Sparrow & a Rufus Throated Solitair, a Multi Island Endemic whose haunting whistle is considered the sound of the Blue Mountains. Our guests were very keen to see the elusive Jamaican Blackbird & Crested Quail Dove otherwise called the Mountain Witch, both birds are endemic to Jamaica hard to find & live in the mid to higher level forests of the Blue Mountains. The Jamaican Blackbird feeds on insects living in Bromiliads which grow on tree branches in the forest. Departing from Lime Tree Farm at 430AM we drove high up to the trail head of Blue Mountain itself from there we walked into the clouds seaching the trail for the doves which are known to feed on the forest floor amongst the fallen leaves – no Mountain Witches yet but soon a Blackbird called, not one but two! Feeding amongst the bromilads at head height right in front of us pictures galore for in Ian & Paul & even a couple of bad ones for my point & shoot digital. Moving on to the Ranger Station at Portland Gap – still no sign of the Doves so we continued towards Blue Mountain Peak searching the path ahead for them, the rain came down & still we searched unbelievably another Jamaican Blackbird displayed itself for us. Ryan Love our guide was considering turning back as we were reaching elevations not considered favourable for the Crested Quail Doves suddenly he saw them, not one but two , in a tree of all places. The vibe was good amongst us as we turned back down the trail, miaculously we saw another pair & a single Jamaican Blackbird on our way down. Just to let you know how rare this is – try & find a photo of one – very difficult – Ian & Paul have plenty & promised to send me some so look for it posted on my blog, in the meantime you'll have to make do with my poor picture!

Blog By Charlie