Discover Bird Watching in the Virgin Islands

Join our Park Ranger for a tour of Francis Bay Trail and the nearby salt pond. While there you will enjoy to opportunity to view the many resident and migratory birds that call Francis Bay home.

Details

Duration

90 Minutes

Meet at the trail head for Francis Bay Trail near the ruins. The guided tour takes about 90 minutes. 

Activity

Guided Tours

Join our Park Ranger for a tour of Francis Bay Trail and salt pond. While there you will enjoy to opportunity to view the many resident and migratory birds that call Francis Bay home.

Age(s)

0-90

All ages

Pets Allowed

No

Service Animals (An animal specifically trained to aid a person with a disability).

• Service animals are welcome.
• Service animals must be on a leash and under control at all times.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Francis Bay Trail

This program leaves from the ruins on the road to Francis Bay.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Fridays 7:30 a.m to 9:00 a.m.

Accessibility Information

There is a wooden boardwalk near the Francis Bay Beach parking area which provides wheelchair and stroller access to the bird viewing platform. 

Throughout the year approximately 144 species of birds can be seen in the park. Of that number about 35 birds are permanent residents and can be seen year round. The other birds are either Neotropical migrants or summer resident seabirds. The Neotropical migrants, like the shore birds and warblers are here from November to April. The summer resident seabirds are here in the summer! See the Parks bird checklist for more specific information.

The most productive place to bird watch is the Francis Bay Salt Pond Trail. As you walk along the dry forest trail you can see hummingbirds, flycatchers, doves, pigeons, cuckoos, thrashers and anis. The trail borders a salt pond and in the pond there are ducks, stilts, morhens, and migratory shorebirds. You will also have a chance to walk along a beach where you can spot pelicans, boobies, and frigates. During the walk you can usually see at least twelve species of birds.