Marshall’s Pen, Jamaica
The privately owned nature reserve Marshall’s Pen occupies a unique place in Jamaica’s cultural and ornithological heritage. The great house dates back to the 1700s, when its owner, the Earl of Balcarres, Governor of Jamaica, developed the property as a cattle ranch and coffee plantation. Since 1939, it has belonged to the Sutton family, including the prominent ornithologists Robert Sutton, who was killed there during a robbery, and his wife Ann Haynes-Sutton, who survived the attack and remains active in research and conservation. Marshall’s Pen still welcomes visiting birdwatchers by appointment and provides opportunities to see most of the island’s endemics, including cooperative Jamaican Owls.
Orientation
Directions
Marshall’s Pen is on the outskirts of Mandeville, Jamaica’s sixth-largest city, which is approximately two and a half hours (110 km) southeast of Montego Bay, or one and a half hours (90 km) west of Kingston.
From the West, via Lacovia. Take Route A2 towards Mandeville, climbing the high escarpment to its crest at Spur Tree. You will then pass through the outlying community of Hatfield and, 6.5 km past Spur Tree, reach a large roundabout west of downtown Mandeville. Continue straight (north) to remain on the A2 as it becomes the Winston Jones Highway.
After 1.4 km, turn left onto Bettell Road, following signs to Somerset Quarries and Mike Town Community Centre. In less than 100 m you will arrive at a T-junction. Turn right and after about 600 m the entrance to Marshall’s Pen will be on your right.
From the East, via May Pen. Take Route A2 towards Mandeville to the outlying community of Williamsfield. At the large oblong roundabout go straight to continue on the A2 as it becomes the Winston Jones Highway.
After about 5 km you will reach another large roundabout. Continue straight to remain on the Winston Jones Highway and after 2 km turn right onto Bettell Road (the only right turn available on this stretch of the highway) and proceed as described above.
Marshall’s Pen is among the few reliable sites for Jamaican Owl. © Matthew Grube
Birdfinding
Marshall’s Pen is a private residence and visits must be arranged in advance, usually limited to groups of at least six people. Upon arrival, visitors will receive orientation to the property and advice about how to find their target species.
There is a network of trails through the patchwork of pastures and woods on the property. Most of Jamaica’s endemics can be found, including several of the more localized or elusive species: Crested Quail-Dove, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo, Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo, Small Jamaican Elaenia, Jamaican Becard, White-eyed Thrush, and Yellow-shouldered Grassquit. A resident pair of Jamaican Owls traditionally nests near the main house.
Marshall’s Pen Great House. © Eric W. Greisen
Services
Accommodations
Marshall’s Pen has on-site accommodations for visiting birdwatchers in a cottage below the great house. Like all visits, overnight stays must be arranged in advance.
A nearby alternative is the Kariba Kariba Guest House (+1-876-962-8006), approximately 2 km east of Marshall’s Pen on the south side of the Winston Jones Highway.
Food
Marshall’s Pen is located on the outskirts of Mandeville, which is a city and has numerous restaurants and grocery stores.
Notes
Ticks and chiggers are often abundant in the grassy areas at Marshall’s Pen, so do not abstain from insect repellent.