Brushing away a mosquito, you focus your binoculars on a Bahamian parrot. You can't believe your luck, but then again, this is Inagua, a bird-watcher's paradise.

In addition to the rare parrots, the island is home to herons, egrets, cormorants, owls, flamingos and hundreds of other birds. They can be seen all over, although the national reserve provides the best flamingo watching opportunities.

The Bahamas National Trust reserve covers more than 287 square miles and takes up most of the western half of the island. More than 60,000 flamingos live here, and guided tours are available.