Dominica
If Columbus was to sail the Caribbean today, it is very likely that one of the few islands he would recognize would be Dominica. The reason for this is that the natural vegetation of the island is well-preserved and, with it, the island’s natural identity has changed very little since the European Arrival.
The independent country of Dominica is a real jewel on its own, not only for its beauty but also for the uniqueness of the biological treasures that inhabit its very heart. Morne Diablotin is a natural reserve in the highlands, and today we were fortunate to explore this tropical rain forest, a true Eden of the past. The name “Morne Diablotin” itself is an enigmatic and quite striking name for a mountainous region like this. According to legend, the name means “Devil’s Mountain” because the devil’s screams could be heard on these highlands. But in truth, it was not the devil that could be heard but the extremely rare seabirds, the black-capped petrels. Their call had a diabolical sound to the inhabitants of Dominica.
Morne Diablotin is a very special nature reserve. A forest loop trail has created access to a fantastic place of tropical biodiversity, from majestic trees and vines to the most unique birds. This morning we had the privilege of seeing tremblers, bananaquits, pearly-eyed thrashers, whistlers, Antillean bullfinches, and blue-throated, purple-throated and Antillean crested hummingbirds. The highlight of Dominica and its forest is the presence of two species of unique Amazon parrots: the sisserou (Amazona imperialis) and the Jacquot (Amazona arausiaca). Today we were fortunate to see small flocks of Jacquot and listen to one or two sisserous that were perched high in the rain forest canopy.
During the afternoon hours we had the opportunity of visiting Fort Shirley and listening to the interesting history of this fortification by our expert historian, Tom Heffernan. After visiting the fort, snorkeling from the Cabrits dock was an alternative for everyone to enjoy as well. Here we could admire the diversity of corals, sponges and colorful tropical fish. The pleasant water temperature allowed us to comfortably admire the huge variety of interesting life forms that inhabit the Caribbean’s clear waters. Some of the marine creatures seen today included blue tangs, numerous trumpet fish, hamlets, different corals, sea fans and colorful tube sponges.
