Pirates Point Resort offers special birders package, including lectures and walks with leading bird researcher
New York, NY, USA (September 28, 2006) – Boasting hundreds of species of rare and colourful birds, the Cayman Islands is a prime destination for birdwatching, one of the biggest and fastest-growing outdoor activities in the world. The recent extraordinary popularity growth of birdwatching as a hobby, along with the wave of interest in exploring, protecting and learning about the environment, is steering birdwatchers to this natural paradise – known to many only for its pristine beaches, incredible diving and unique culture and history.
The trio of islands – Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac – is home to more than 200 species of birds, including 50 resident species and many breeding migrants. Five seabird colonies of the native brown booby, red-footed booby, least tern and white-tailed tropicbird inhabit the area, while the beauty and stature of the West Indian woodpecker and stripe-headed tanager leave birders awestruck and continually coming back for more.
Grand Cayman boasts seven protected bird sanctuaries for birders to enjoy, including the QE II Botanic Park, Collier’s Pond, Salina Reserve and the Majestic Reserve.
Further contributing to this birdwatcher's and environmentalist's haven, the National Trust for the Cayman Islands manages a 180-acre parrot reserve in Cayman Brac, on the Brac’s distinctive Bluff, for the indigenous Cayman Brac parrot. The National Trust also operates single-species conservation programs for both the Brac parrot and the native Grand Cayman parrot – both sub-species of the Cuban parrot.
The striking brown and red-footed boobies are protected in Little Cayman’s most important wildlife habitat, the Booby Pond Reserve. Owned primarily by the National Trust, the reserve ensures the area will not be disturbed or threatened by commercial development as the island grows. Comprised of a saltwater pond and surrounding mangrove habitat, this 204-acre site is home to the largest breeding colonies of red-footed boobies in the Western Hemisphere (an estimated 5000 nesting pairs), a massive frigatebird colony and a large heronry.
The greatest number of migratory birds can be found on the islands in November. From November 4-18, 2006, leading bird researcher and behaviourist Dr Reid Goforth will travel to Little Cayman, and guests staying at Pirates Point Resort and Dive Center can join him for lectures and walks focusing on migratory and native birdlife. Pirates Point, located on Little Cayman, is offering a special package specifically for this exciting event, including accommodations supplemented with gourmet meals, airport transfers, complimentary use of bicycles, beach towels and robes, and participation in Dr Goforth’s walks and talks. For reservations call (345) 948-1010. For resort information see their listing under Cayman Islands accommodation at www.caribbean.com.
For both the casual vacationing birdwatcher and the elite birder in search of the magnificent frigatebird, the unique avian species and spectacular natural beauty of the Cayman Islands combine to make a memorable birdwatching experience for all interest levels.
Located 480 miles south of Miami in the quiet western Caribbean, this trio of tiny islands is a premier destination for discriminating travellers, honeymooners and families. World renowned for its beaches and diving spots, and ranked as the world’s fifth largest financial centre, the Cayman Islands offer exciting recreational opportunities along with friendly, high-quality, modern service.
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