Barbados is not known as a birdwatching destination, and avid birdwatchers might find the island a bit tame in relation to the avian world. However, in just half an hour this morning as I walked within 1/4 mile of my home on the street where I live, I spotted a variety of birds.
The blackbirds (grackles) are always around in abundance, followed closely by the sparrows (bullfinches) and various doves. But I also saw ramier pigeons, egrets flying overhead on their way to somewhere, king birds (rain birds) with their very melodic call, and parrots.
Parrots are in their element now as there are so many choices for them to feed on - trees and shrubs are covered in seed pods that appeal to the parrot’s palette.
As I walked today, I did not see any bananaquits (maybe I missed them as there are a lot around generally), hummingbirds, herons, gauhlins, canaries (very hard to find nowadays), nor did I see the flock of homing pigeons that are let out to stretch their wings first thing every morning.
But I don’t think I did too badly for just 30 minutes within a quarter mile of my home, without looking and without any special equipment.
If you’d like to read more about Barbados, please visit my other blog, Things Barbados.
