Rocklands Bird Sanctuary - thoughts?

[nutz4travel]

Mr. Nutz and I are fascinated by hummingbirds and have yet to see a Dr. Bird. We have a late flight (8pm) out next reach and we were thinking this would be a great way to spend a few hours on the way to MBJ. Looking for input from those who have been - is it as great as it looks?

Thanks

[Rum-polephoreskin]

Don't miss it!

[Rum-polephoreskin]

I've been there.
Avoid if there are Cruise ships anchored in Mo-bay (they usually dock on Mondays? -check on that).

There is a very good chance a Dr. Bird will light on your finger.
That will rock you.
The setting is exquisite, house plants grown to giant size because they're in their native setting.

The earlier you go, the better.
Hire a driver, the road is treacherous.

[Richie B]

The Road Is treacherous ? Could you explain further -- Rum?

I thought they feed the birds around 3 pm.? and was the best time to be there.

[Rum-polephoreskin]

Most of the road isn't treacherous, just the last leg.
Alfred (God bless him) drove us, and we couldn't imagine how he'd get his van up the road.
Never doubt Alfred's driving, still the last leg was a jeep path.

We got there early (as a general birder IMHO early is best).
Plus if you're first you'll have the place to yourself.
Besides the Dr. Birds (JA's national bird) there were JA doves, JA orioles, bananaquits etc.
There were copious birds, we even saw a large iguana.

The sanctuary is on a mountain top, surrounded by jungle foliage.
I remember begonias growing to giant proportions, I assumed this may be because this is their native habitat.

We had the place to ourselves for the best part of an hour then another couple came, but we didn't leave until a tour bus arrived.

The experience was unique in the true sense of the word.

Here is an extended version of my take on the Rockland's Bird sanctuary (go to page 15) scroll until you come to the hummingbird pictures:
http://negril.com/forum/showthread.php/2632-Rum-polephoreskin-s-Existential-Wanderings-in-and-Around-Negril-%282012%29/page15?highlight=Rum-polephoreskin

[rjonsun]

We are planning to go to Rockland again this Tuesday on the way to the airport. Another couple at our hotel were headed to the airport about the same time as us, so we pooled our money and are sharing a ride which will include about a hour at Rockland. It is a really neat place, but unless you are a serious birder an hour should be plenty.
Here is blast form the past.
http://www.negril.com/discus/messages/83412/78373.html

Regards,
Bob

[St. Anthony's Kitchen]

Mr. Nutz and I are fascinated by hummingbirds and have yet to see a Dr. Bird. We have a late flight (8pm) out next reach and we were thinking this would be a great way to spend a few hours on the way to MBJ. Looking for input from those who have been - is it as great as it looks?

Thanks

Hello fellow Ottawa boardies!

I went there about 3 years ago and it was for sure worth the $10US! I had a few birds (don't think it was a Dr. Bird though) land on my arm while I held a little 'cup' filled with sugar/water mix and they drank out of it! It was an amazing experience! Highly recommend it It's a cute small place with a nice little area to walk around and enjoy.

St. Anthony's Kitchen

[Toban]

It is definetly worth the stop We saw numerous Dr. birds (long tails). They were the more aggressive ones briefly fighting in mid air with each other. We have several pictures of them and videos feeding from our hands.

[chigirl]

I've done Rockland and IMHO it is the best excursion in Jamaica. Being a city girl the birds really tickled me, they walk all over you and land on your finger and drink sugar water. We had the place to ourselves for quite awhile. It is very peaceful (kind of makes you feel like a Disney movie ya know)

[Rasta Animal]

You'll love it...