Cat Island is another long, thin island with the ocean to the east and the bank or shallow side on the west side. One road runs the length of the island. Two airports service Cat Island, Arthur’s Town in the north and New Bight further south.

The main tourist attraction is the Hermitage near New Bight, which stands on the highest point of the Bahamas, approximately 61m above sea level. Dirt roads run to the ocean side. Both sides of the island, in places, are good for shorebirds and there are ponds mainly in the north and south ends. As with so many of the islands in the Bahamas, just explore all the likely habitats as you go. Cat Island offers good undisturbed habitat.

Near the north end of the island, check out Orange Creek near Arthur’s Town at low tide. Key West Quail Doves have been located in this vicinity.

To view Gambier Lake in the south, there is a viewing point near Port Howe but you will need a scope. Port Howe is an old plantation house, now in ruin, and the surrounding area can offer some good birding.

Endemics: Bahama Woodstar and Bahama Yellowthroat.

Bahamian specialties: Bahama Mockingbird, Key West Quail Dove, Burrowing Owl, Zenaida Dove, West Indian Whistling Duck, Cuban Pewee, Red-legged Thrush, Thick-billed Vireo, Bananaquit, Western Spindalis, Black-faced Grassquit, Pearly-eyed Thrasher, and Greater Antillean Bullfinch.