Total
flying time from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Kingston, Jamaica was 3 hours
40 minutes with a 3 hours 'stop-over' in Miami, Florida, USA on the
way. If there is one single boon in aviation history loved above all
other, it has to be ability to 'check in' on-line and in so doing,
continue never having to consign your luggage to the 'aircraft hold'.
That lesson was learnt very early in my traveling life, in fact when the
British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) were still flying Comets -
bless em! The huge advertising hording in Central London showed the
afore mentioned Comet cutting through a clear blue sky, above which were
the words 'Fly BOAC, Breakfast in London' (and below) 'Dinner in New
York', under which some wag had written in equally bold letters 'BAGGAGE
IN SYDNEY'.
Regular
readers will likely remember we spent just 2 days in Montego Bay back
on 4th and 5th January this year, aboard the MV Voyager as part of an
extensive Caribbean Cruise.During that time, along with fellow 'birder'
Peter Davis, we managed to record 50% of the Island's 'endemic' birds,
if of course you consider the Petrel and Poorwill to be extinct? This
stay will be a little longer, during which time it is hoped a few more
will join the World List.
On
most Visa Application Forms there is a question asking 'address while
in the country', with my stock answer being (the name of the city?)
Hotel. Whatever you put doesn't necessarily mean that is where you are
going to reside, so have considered the question irrelevant. However, I
got my comeuppance today as I was marched to the Tourist Information to
book accommodation before they would allow me to enter the country! No
good arguing, always remember "they have the POWER", so that done I
hired Vincent to taxi me to the above address - so at least I can claim
to have been at SANDHURST (in England the home of Training for Army
Officers) now!
with first on scene GREAT ANTILLEAN GRACKLE
BOTANICAL GARDEN
surveying the surroundings en route.
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
was well represented (as ever) but this
BROMELIAD seemed rather unusual as I had
never seen a spherical one before.
Then something far more interesting
a Psittacine of sorts hiding in the depths of a dense bush.
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET
The walk was a good deal longer than anticipated, having to
zig-zag my way through the urbanisation onto
OLD HOPE ROAD
and then it was still further than the eye could see!
ZENAIDA DOVE
No doubting the next contenders as 'endemic'
the close cousin (Black-billed) will doubtless prove more difficult?
of a Water Treatment Plant Compound
WHITE-CROWNED PIGEONwhich quickly disappeared at ground level at my approach.
circa Banksy, I did ask a homeless man at the gate if I could enter
(who seemed to have no problem) so
"it is easier to get forgiveness than permission"
kicked in!
RED-BILLED STREAMERTAIL
(the National Bird of Jamaica)
but all were either juveniles or had for some reason lost their tails.
to be wandering around Kingston after dark?
