The Brac Parrot Reserve

The Cayman Brac parrot is a subspecies found only on this island, a green amazon with a red cheek patch, and by the 1990s the population was down to a few hundred birds, hit by habitat clearance and by hurricanes that stripped the trees they nest and feed in. The reserve on the bluff protects around two hundred and eighty acres of dry forest for them, with a trail running through it. The ground is jagged karst limestone, the forest is low and thorny, and the parrots are heard far more often than seen, usually in pairs flying over calling. Early morning and late afternoon are the only realistic times.

What you actually see

• The Brac parrot - the endemic subspecies, found nowhere else.
• The dry forest - low thorny woodland on jagged karst.
• The trail - a rough route through the reserve on the bluff.
• The bluff - the limestone ridge running the length of the island.

When to go

November to May is the driest. Dawn and the last hour before dark are when the parrots move and call; the middle of the day is silent. The reserve is quiet at any time and you will usually have it to yourself.

Honest expectations

The karst underfoot is razor sharp and destroys footwear; proper boots are essential and even then it is awkward walking. Parrots are heard rather than seen most of the time. There is no shade worth the name and no water. Hurricane Paloma in 2008 hit the population hard and recovery has been slow.

Nearby

The Brac bluff trails run along the ridge; Stake Bay is on the north shore.