Syndicate Nature Trail

The Syndicate trail loops for about a kilometre and a half through mature rainforest on the western slopes of Morne Diablotin, and it exists because this is the core range of the sisserou, the imperial amazon, a parrot found only on this island and reduced to a very small population. Red-necked amazons are commoner and noisier. A viewpoint on the loop looks down the valley towards the sea. The walking is flat and easy by local standards.

What you actually see

• The sisserou - the imperial amazon, found only on this island, in its core range.
• The jaco parrots - the commoner red-necked amazons, heard constantly.
• The mature rainforest - tall canopy with buttressed trunks along the loop.
• The valley viewpoint - the outlook down towards the western sea.

When to go

December to June is the drier half and parrots are most active in the breeding months. Dawn and late afternoon are the times to see them. Rain is frequent at any season.

Honest expectations

Sisserou sightings are far from guaranteed and most visitors hear rather than see them. Binoculars and patience are essential. The trail is short and the birds are the entire point.

Nearby

Morne Diablotin is above, and Portsmouth is north.