Montserrat Bird Watching Tour: Spot Orioles with Bird Whisperer

Call in the Montserrat Oriole, three hummingbirds, and a dozen forest species on an early morning walk

This bird watching tour in Montserrat's forests is led by James 'Scriber' Daley, the island's Bird Whisperer, who uses expert bird-calling to bring species within sight. You'll spot the endemic Montserrat Oriole, found nowhere else on earth, alongside the purple-throated and green-throated caribs, three hummingbird species, forest thrush, and other forest birds on a gentle walk in a small group. The tour runs approximately 3 hours with an early morning start, includes pickup and an air-conditioned vehicle, and welcomes children from age 5.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning bird watching tour in Montserrat

• Meet guide James 'Scriber' Daley
• Walk through Montserrat's lush forests
• Watch Scriber call birds and hear responses
• Spot Montserrat Oriole and other birds
• Observe hummingbirds and forest thrush
• Enjoy small group personalized attention

The experience

The tour centers on James 'Scriber' Daley's signature technique: calling birds in and listening to them answer back. With over 40 years of experience and an MBE for his work, Daley knows the forest's resident species intimately: the Montserrat Oriole's distinctive black and burnt orange plumage, the iridescent throat patches of the purple-throated and green-throated caribs, the Antillean crested hummingbird, and a roster of thrushes, thrashers, and quail-doves that inhabit the island's lush canopy. You walk at a gentle pace through the forest, stopping to listen and watch as birds respond to his calls.

The group stays small enough for personalized attention, with pickup included from your accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Natural wood walking sticks are provided for assistance on the forest floor. An early morning start means you're in the forest during peak bird activity, when species are most vocal and visible. Bring a camera to capture the birds and the forest itself. The walk covers ground but is designed for moderate fitness rather than strenuous hiking.

What’s included

• Pickup from your accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• expert guidance from James 'Scriber' Daley, MBE, with over 40 years of experience.
• natural wood walking sticks for assistance on the forest floor.
• small group setting with personalized attention.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Scriber's Adventures Tour

Is this one for you?At 3 hours total, the tour fits into a morning, leaving the afternoon free for other island activities. The early start and gentle pace suit birders of moderate fitness and families with children from age 5, though the forest walk is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds will I actually see on this tour?

The Montserrat Oriole, the island's national bird and found nowhere else on earth, is the signature sighting. You'll also see the purple-throated and green-throated caribs (hummingbirds with iridescent throat feathers), the Antillean crested hummingbird, forest thrush, pearly-eyed and scaly-breasted thrashers, brown trembler, and bridled quail-dove, depending on the morning's activity and season.

How does the Bird Whisperer actually get the birds to show up?

James 'Scriber' Daley uses expert bird-calling: mimicking the calls of resident species to bring them in close enough to see and photograph. The birds answer back, and his decades of experience reading the forest tell him where to listen and what to expect on any given morning.

What's included in the tour price?

Pickup from your accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle, the guided walk with James 'Scriber' Daley, and natural wood walking sticks for forest walking are all included. Bring your own camera and water for the early morning forest time.

How early does the tour start, and how long does it take?

The tour starts early in the morning, peak time for bird activity, and runs approximately 3 hours total, including the vehicle pickup and the forest walk itself.