Governor Gore Bird Sanctuary: A Hidden Gem for Birdwatching
Nestled in Spotts-Newlands is the Governor Gore Bird Sanctuary, a National Trust protected area named after Cayman’s former Governor, Michael J. Gore, who served from 1992-1995. This freshwater marsh provides a roosting, feeding, and breeding habitat for several freshwater bird species that depend on this small and rich habitat.
Whether you are a professional or amateur birder, this is a fantastic place for birdwatching —bring your camera to capture stunning wildlife in their natural habitat. Over 60 species – a quarter of all the bird species native to the Cayman Islands – have been observed here at one time or another. Some of the types of birds that can often be seen are moorhens, herons, egrets, grebes, ducks, rails, plovers, sandpipers, terns, pigeons, doves, kingfishers, woodpeckers, kingbirds, flycatchers, vireos, warblers and grassquits. It is also quite possible to see a few of the rarer species, like the diminutive Least Bittern, or the beautiful Purple Gallinule. But it is not just birds that abound; butterflies congregate in this area, and the native freshwater turtle, the Hickaee, has often been spotted among the reeds. The endemic freshwater fish, the Cayman mosquitofish (Gambusia xanthosoma), is also found beneath the pond’s surface. The pond is surrounded by mangroves and buttonwood, which tuck away this special place in nature from the bustle of traffic.
A Walk Down the Boardwalk
Governor Gore Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible. Visitors to this tranquil bird sanctuary can take a stroll down the boardwalk and sit in the gazebo to watch ducks swim across the pond and observe other birds that flock to this nature reserve. Clear, easy-to-read signage helps visitors identify the most common birds that call this area home. Neighbourhoods in close proximity have the privilege of an incredibly biodiverse habitat that provides both physical and mental health benefits for one’s overall well-being.
Be a Part of Protecting Cayman’s Wildlife and Natural Areas
Your donation to the Land Reserve Fund goes directly towards the protection of ecologically critical habitats, maintaining biodiversity, and preserving local fauna and flora. These special places in nature are protected in perpetuity for the benefit of all. Access to green spaces is more important than ever, providing a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
Join the National Trust for the Cayman Islands
Join our legacy of conservation by becoming a member of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. Becoming a member of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands is a beautiful legacy of safeguarding our national treasures. Your membership directly supports our work of protecting special natural areas across all three islands for everyone, forever.
The National Trust is part of the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO), a global network of heritage protection organisations. As a member, you will have access to National Trust sites around the world as part of the INTO reciprocal programme. The INTO family spans over 80 nations and territories worldwide. Click this link to learn more.
