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If you are a bird lover, looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, a marine biology student, then you must add Moore’s Island to your travel diary. The Island is roughly 9 miles long and 2 -3 miles wide and home to numerous species of birds and marine life.
Near the waterways, nature lovers can feast their eyes on Cranes, Ducks, and falcons. However, other birds like Gawlins, Flamingoes, and Owls are present on the island too. Around the docking areas of the island, large falcons perch themselves on boats and the docking post. The Cummell which is found on Easteen which is a Cay off of the main land, is a bird that is family to the duck but are fierce underwater drivers. In October of this year about 15 to 20 pink Flamingoes were spotted near a pond on the Western end of the island. Lilly Bank is 3 or 4 miles off of the main land of Moore’s Island and is also a nesting ground for birds. The birds here are so plentiful that when they fly up they hide the sky. With a pair of binoculars and a camera you will be armed for the best bird watching time off your life!
In addition to the main island of Moore’s island, there are other smaller neighbouring cays. Top Cay, Crab Cay, Soarin Cay and Comomell point are four cays generally known by residents. So you will need your own boat or hire the services of Mr. Sherman Stuart who has taken my colleagues and I out on numerous occasions and is an excellent proprietor of the sea. These cays are uninhabited and offer peace and tranquility to anyone needing to just get away. On Top Cay in particular, the Thatch Palm and Pine trees are the natural fauna of the land. Along the beaches are Australian Cedar which line sandy virgin beaches. So lay back, as the Cedar pines lull you to sleep. The water is cool and refreshing and is generally pleasant all throughout the year. Top Cay and Soarin Cay are excellent for reef snorkeling so bring your snorkel gear. Crab Cay is also home to a lot of white land crabs so your lunch menu is wide open. Treat yourself to a seafood buffet. How about frying up a few big red snappers? I’m sure you would have no trouble spearing one as they are plentiful. Or if it is your preference, boil up a pot of crabs you caught. Either way Moore’s Island is a seafood lover’s paradise. If you enjoy sport fishing, then this Island is definitely your one stop vacation spot. From Hard Bargain through the Creek and into Soarin Cay, the Bone Fish is even more plentiful than in Sandy Point.
The Mangroves in Moore’s Island is not only a breeding ground but a shelter for many small fish. It is here crawfish lay their eggs and when they have hatched, move out to sea. Besides serving as a safety net for many sea creatures, the mangroves protect the land from serious Hurricanes, minimizing the erosion of the shoreline. So university students, if you are looking to study marine life, Moore’ Island is the ideal place!
If you plan to spend a few days studying the natural ecosystem here on the island, remember you will need Bahamas Air’s six thirty flight into Marsh Habour. Then get a 8:30 charter flight from Marsh Habour on either Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays into Moore’s Island. Tom’s Bone Fishing Lodge is available for daily rental. Don’t worry once you arrive, it will all be worth it! Remember to pack light and I hope to see you soon! If you happen to be in New Providence check https://ardastra.com/ Ardastra Gardens, you won’t be disappointed!
Here are some of the local habitat you can expect to see.
Macaws (birds)
Rabbits
Bahamian Boa and Bahamian Pygmy Boa (snakes)
Green iguanas
Hedgehog
Dwarf Caiman
Guinea pigs