I’ve been to Nassau many times on cruises, so on my stop there last week I decided to get away from the port area and go see some birds. That led me to The Retreat Garden on Village Road.
Part of the Bahamas National Trust, The Retreat Garden is an 11-acre oasis surrounded by homes and the private Queens College school. This heavily forested area is primarily known for its large collection of rare palms, but it’s also home to a number of native and migratory birds.
I took a $30 taxi ride from the port to The Retreat and was welcomed by staff members who were exceptionally friendly and helpful, offering tips on where I might see some birds.
My arrival came very late in the morning as the midday heat was rising – not the most ideal time for birding. While I was unsuccessful in seeing the “star” of the park, the Bahama Woodstar hummingbird, I did come across two new-to-me birds.
The first one I saw was a beautiful Red-legged Thrush. It’s a bluish-black bird with bright reddish-orange legs and eyes. Like most thrushes, I saw it walking around on the ground.
Then I came across a Caribbean Dove, a colorful bird that also hangs out on the ground but is very timid and hides quickly in the forest.
I also saw a pretty Bananaquit, a bird I have photographed several times before, as well as some mockingbirds. Unfortunately for me, they appeared to be Northern Mockingbirds and not the endemic Bahama Mockingbirds.
My time at The Retreat Garden was very limited, but I did enjoy the peace and quite, and of course, the birds. I would love to return when the migratory season is going on as I image it’s really wonderful then.
