Lighthouse Bay Resort in Barbuda is for the birds, Frigate Birds, to be more precise. When you’re a guest at this all-inclusive boutique on the tiny island of Barbuda, take advantage of an excursion to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, a gigantic nesting ground for the majestic birds that is one of the most important of its kind. in the world. Check the prices and Barbuda reviews on TripAdvisor.
Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary
From Lighthouse Bay you take a guided speedboat through Codrington Lagoon, slowing down as you crawl as you approach the sanctuary, the skies seemingly filling with these massive animals in a series of mangroves that make up “Man of War Island” , the nesting ground for birds that bear that nickname for their tendency to stalk and harass other waterfowl in a warlike manner to steal their fish.
You won’t be disturbed here, as you glide through the sprawling nests to see some of the most beautiful birds Mother Nature has to offer, the males with wingspans over seven feet (said to be the largest proportion of their body size) of any bird in the world) and throats of red feathers that swell to enormous size, serving two purposes: attracting females and defending postures.
It actually comes ashore quite close to the nesting area, putting it within 10 feet, so the photo opportunities are endless, taking photos of male birds puffing out their chests and flapping their wings or flying mothers. through the skies in search of food. A telephoto lens will put you close enough to get really outstanding photos, but even the smallest cameras do a commendable job of recording your adventure in the sanctuary.
The day we visited, it was unusually sad and it rained heavily, but that did not deter our enthusiasm for these remarkable animals, the males bloating, the females protecting their young, the white tufted heads of the young peeking out of their nests, some of which as large as nine by twelve feet. The lagoon is home to more than 5,000 frigates and more than 170 species of birds (five of them frigates), including pelicans, warblers, snipers, ibis, herons, kingfishers, and tropical mockingbirds. The sanctuary is one of the main tourist attractions in Barbuda and neighboring Antigua.
The longevity of these beautiful creatures is also surprising: Frigates are the oldest known bird species, dating back about 50 million years.
As tempting as it may be to linger on Lighthouse Bay beach (see rates and reviews on TripAdvisor), relax for part of the day to observe one of Barbuda’s most fantastic natural wonders.
Visiting essentials
The cost to see the sanctuary depends on which local Codrington vendor you get, as prices vary. Lighthouse Bay Resort has a contract with a local provider that offers guided tours for $ 100 per person. If you have your own boat in the lagoon, it is possible to visit it at no cost. The sanctuary is located in the northwest corner of Codrington Lagoon and is open for daily tours from sunrise to sunset.