Arikok National Park
Birding in the Hill Country

 

Description: The best spot to feel the real natural beauty of the island is in Arikok National Park, which lies in the hilly northeast section of the island. The park consists of rolling hills covered with thorn-scrub vegetation. Unfortunately, goats were introduced to the island centuries ago, and they have devastated much of the vegetation. Some areas within the park have been fenced off from the goats, allowing the native plantlife to make a comeback. The hill country of Arikok offers breathtaking views of the island, from the urban areas and resorts to the luscious green Caribbean.

Getting There: Although most maps bear the location, “Arikok National Park,” on them, you may find it difficult to find the park entrance or to get a sense of its boundaries from these. In recent years park staff have developed some nice signage and trails through the park, but you’ve got to get there first! The best way to get there is to drive to Santa Cruz and follow signs for Miralamar Pass. If you pass a pink building on the left called the Urataka Center, which is a sort-of bar/restaurant/ice cream stand (and a great place to stop for refreshments), then you’re on the right road. The road will turn to dirt, and eventually you’ll see signs that indicate that you’re in Arikok National Park.

If you see this place, you are on the right road to Arikok!

Photo Allison Wells

The road in the park may be badly potholed and gouged by torrents caused by heavy rains, so you may be more comfortable in a four-wheel drive (although we’ve seen people drive just about everything up and down these roads). Once in the park, take the left leading up a relatively steep hill to a small parking lot, perhaps 100 meters or so up. From here you can choose to hike on various trails for various distances. The trail to the West, toward Cunucu Arikok takes you to a walled-in area where the goats have been kept out and native vegetation has somewhat flourished. The trail through Cunucu Arikok is very pleasant, with lots of places to stop and sit in the shade.

Anywhere in Arikok is best visited in the early part of the day, since it gets intensely hot here from late morning on. Not only is the park pleasantly cool in the very early morning but the birdlife is also most interesting then, since bird activity has a very short post-dawn peak here. Remember to bring plenty of water. Also watch for snakes; although now unfortunately very rare, the Aruban Rattlesnake does occur here. Sadly, boas have been introduced here, further upsetting the natural ecosystem balance, although they are harmless to humans.

Birds to Look For: In Arikok, Troupials are plentiful—listen for their loud, piping songs. Yellow Orioles, Burrowing Owls, Crested Caracaras, Bare-eyed Pigeons, Eared Doves, Common Ground-Doves, White-tipped Doves, Rufous-collared Sparrows, Crested Bobwhites, Caribbean Parakeets, both hummingbird species, Brown-crested Flycatchers, Scrub Flycatcher are among the many species you’re likely to see and here inside the park. One of our favorites is the Rufous-collared Sparrow, whose beautifully clear whistle echoes through the hills and over the valleys. Be on the look-out for White-tailed Hawk; although we have not found any anywhere during the many visits we’ve made to the island, they’ve occurred here in the past.

The Arikok hills, though normally dry, can suddenly

turn lush green after periods with significant rain

as in January 1999 when this photo was taken.

Photo Allison Wells.