The Bahama Parrot (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis) was formerly found throughout the Bahamas Presently it remains on only two islands, Great Abaco and Great Inagua Island. The Abaco population is unique because it is the only ground nesting parrot in the West Hemisphere . The Abaco population is also the only fire adapted parrot in the world. The Abaco population breeds in a small 5 kilometer radius area on the south end of Abaco Island in the Abaco National Park.
The park occupies a large section of the southern tip of Great Abaco , A rough track road leads back into the forest for 15 miles. At the end of the road stands the Hole in the Wall Lighthouse which has warned sailors away from the dangerous reefs that lie offshore to the north. since 1836. We really wanted to see the lighthouse and spot the elusive Parrots of Abaco, but that wasn’t to be. No rental car is allowed to traverse the rugged track road leading to the lighthouse. To us though, the first part of the road didn’t look too bad, so we sneaked down the road about a mile and then armed with binoculars, we walked further into the preserve. Well, we spotted a LaSagra’s Flycatcher, but, alas , we saw no signs of the elusive parrot! Disappointed, we headed back to the car.
Perhaps on our next visit, we’ll spring for a guided tour!
No comments:
Post a Comment