Originally Posted by
sabu
The birding is great in Jamaica - and Negril. Royal Palm Reserve is a great place, even though it is officially closed. But there are birds everywhere -- yellow crowned night herons are often wandering the beach at night, parrots streaking by in small groups, many different types of warblers ("Christmas Birds" because they migrate back down to Jamaica for the winter), four different types of hummingbirds including the black streamertail with its famous silhouette, the Jamaican Woodpecker -- are, and many more, all commonly seen in and around Negril. The best bird guide is A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Jamaica by Sutter, Downer & Sutter - which also has a section on the varied geography and bird habitats across the island (note - the newer paperback version which includes Ann Haynes- Sutton is the best one). I love how the Jamaicans have there own names for many of the birds (no surprise with the love of words and language): Turkey Vulture is John Crow, Hummingbirds are Doctor Birds, Flycatcher is Tom Fool, the small colorful Jamaican Tody is a Robin Redbreast - and the list goes on. Just keep your eyes and binos open and you'll be constantly entertained, and let the locals tell you the birds Jamaican names.
I also think the beach is the best place for jogging -- perfect way to start the day with an early morning jog as the beach comes to life.
The reef off the beach is the best snorkeling spot, although not as good as some other classic spots.
I love swimming in Negril - calm clear warm water, sandy bottom, no big predators to woory about, a wafts of music and color along the way. I recommend that you bring your goggles just to check it out.
Plenty to do, and plenty of not doing!
