The Bahamas is one of three archipelagos in the West Indies, located in the North Atlantic Ocean just outside the mouth of the Florida Straits. This archipelago consists of more than 3,000 islands and reefs. The Bahamas is home to 32 national parks, each with its own character and beauty. Home to more than 300 species of native and migratory birds, the Bahamas is one of the best places to observe bird activity in the region, especially in the "Bahamas Top Bird watching national park".
The Retreat Garden
Located on 11 acres in the heart of Nassau, the Ashram Gardens are one of the most famous botanical gardens in the Bahamas, an internationally renowned palm garden and rare tropical botanical garden showcasing rare and exotic palm trees, cycads, native hardwoods and flowering trees. Some of these palm trees come from places like Madagascar, Indonesia and Mexico. A unique mix of native and exotic flowering plants, as well as artificially constructed water features, make the ashram garden a haven for migratory and resident birds. It is known as the best place for migratory warblers on the island and is popular with birdwatchers. There are 132 species of birds observed in the park. Formerly a private residence, the estate was the first national park in New Providence.
Lucayan National Park
Lucaya National Park protects one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world, with well-preserved remains of the Lukaya Indians and the best combination of natural surroundings including pine forests, mangrove streams, coral reefs and the world-famous Golden Rock Beach. This park showcases all the Bahamian botanical areas. This national park is the second most visited national park in the Bahamas and is an important part of the Greater Bahamas' economy, supporting the livelihoods of many Bahamians. There are 126 species of birds observed in Lucaya National Park. Lukaya National Park protects a large amount of biodiversity. All Bahamas terrestrial flora is within the park. These two caves protect ancient ruins and are also home to many unique cave dwellers. The park's mangrove tidal creek is the last intact creek on the south bank of the Grand Bahamas. It supports a prolific mangrove ecosystem, with saltwater fish, wading birds and waterfowl in stilt-like roots observed from boardwalks.
Rand Nature Centre
Acquired by the Bahamas National Trust in 1992, the Rand Nature Center boasts 100 acres of natural beauty near downtown Grand Bahamas Freeport. The walking trail at the Rand Nature Center winds through pine wastelands, native and exotic dwarf forests to freshwater wildlife ponds and native botanical gardens. The centre also houses exhibition rooms and an art gallery and is now home to the Administrative Office of the National Trust of the Bahamas. The park is a well-known bird watching hotspot, especially between October and May, when the resident bird population is complemented by wintering northern songbirds. At the center of the park is an artificial freshwater pond planted with native and exotic vegetation. Once home to a small group of flamingos, flamingos no longer exist but are now home to other native wild birds.
Abaco National Park Abaco National Park
Abaco National Park was established in 1994 to protect the northern breeding grounds of the Bahamian parrot. This group of parrots nest in underground burrows in pine forests and are unique among parrots. The 20,500-acre park protects large stretches of Caribbean pine and dwarf forest and is home to a variety of native and endemic wildlife. Here you can find 4 endemic birds, the Bahamian Yellow-throated Bird, the Bahamian Warbler, the Bahamian Swallow and the Bahamian Jupiter. Abaco specialty birds, such as the West Indian woodpecker, can also often be found here. 113 species of birds have been recorded.
Inagua National Park
Inagua National Park is located on The Great Inagua Island, the southernmost point of the Bahamas. Founded in 1965, Inagua National Park offers 287 square miles of pristine tropical island views. The park is the world's largest breeding site for West Indian flamingos. This national bird of the Bahamas, after a journey of four decades from the brink of extinction, now has about 70,000 in numbers on The Inagua. While The Environment of Inagua may be detrimental to human habitation, it is ideal for birds and other wildlife. Many people travel to Inagua to see flamingos, but are also amazed and delighted to see many other birds and wildlife. Local Bahamian parrots, the endemic Inagua Woodstar hummingbird and many other unique birds roam the island. However, birds are not the only treasure on the island and in the park. Wild donkeys trot through mangroves, freshwater turtles inhabit ponds, and bonsai forests add to their depths.
Harrold & Wilson Ponds Natural Park
Founded in 2002, it preserves 250 acres of important wetland habitat for birds in New Providence. These freshwater wetlands are internationally recognized as important bird areas. The concentration and variety of birds in the area is particularly noteworthy. Herons, egrets, ibises and cormorants, to name a few, established the largest colony for these species in New Providence.
Bonefish Pond National Park
As the only remaining tidal mangrove ecosystem on the southern coast of New Providence, Bonefish Pond protects 1,235 acres of important coastal wetlands. This national park is home to a wide variety of birds and is home to many marine species important to the country. With a boardwalk that stretches into the mangroves, this park is a great place for recreation and education, and is the most visited national park on the island. The 600-foot boardwalk takes visitors into dense mangrove wetlands and is built on sensitive, muddy baseboards. It allows you to easily see many birds, fish and other creatures. If you're lucky, on calm days you can observe small flocks of bone fish feeding, which is why the park got its name.