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This formed the final leg of the West Indian trip (Dominican Republic and
Guadeloupe).
Excepting the Parot (of which only about forty birds survive in the wild), all of the islands endemics were seen with ease. Of the Parot, we
were unable even to find the caged, captive-bred birds of this species!
The trip was undertaken with Barry Reed and Mick Ilett.
Weather
Mostly hot and sunny (too hot to bird during the heat of the day). Heavy rain in the north-east (El Yunque). The last day was overcast with
light rain.
Places Visited
La Parguera
This resort was visited during the first afternoon (when too hot to bird proper) as it is the best site for Yellow-shouldered Blackbird.
Bosque Estatal de Guánica
This and the following site are the best places to view most of the endemics. The southern road (Route 333) running along the sea contains coastal
scrub and small lagoons. The northern road (Route 334) is much more densely vegetated with, for example, thorny acacias.
Bosque Estatal de Maricao
This is an area of high forest and is the best place for Elfin Wood warbler.
San Germán
The university campus contains a feral population of Canary-winged Parakeet.
Humacao Wildlife Reguge
This area of extensive wetland was visited on the drive to El Yunque.
Lagoons at Las Croabas
Whilst staying for one night at Las Croabas in order to visit El Yunque, we visited the nearby lagoons.
El Yunque
This mountainous rain forest is the only site in the world for Puerto Rican Parakeet which are apparently best seen at dawn from the area around
the tower. It is worth visiting the park for the scenery alone.
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