Disney Castaway Cay - 18 Apr 2024
Cloudy skies and calm seas greeted us as we approached the small island at 7 am. Forecasts called for low 70’s and a stiff breeze, but would turn mostly sunny with high humidity and light winds. The shallow waters next to the pier were calm and shimmered aqua-blue. I disembarked the ship at 8:30 am and walked the island to look for birds. The walkway was roped off so my intention of wandering into the bush was discouraged; the road adjacent was being used for tram traffic. No problem though, as Bananaquits were abundant, followed by Black-faced Grassquits that appeared in the vegetation on either side of the paths. Near the first family beach area the small community of out buildings included a number of market stalls, Cookies BBQ, and Gumbo Limbo Pavilion (a large dining pagoda). A walk behind the Tram Stop led to beach volleyball courts and sand soccer fields. Best of all, the area was surrounded by palms, mangroves and tropical vegetation. The first of many Zenaida Doves appeare
