Exploring West Side National Park was nothing short of an expedition into the heart of vast wilderness. I coined the nickname Bush Babies at the onset of this internship to convey our connection to nature and tenacity to endure bugs, branches, and sweltering sun. The moment we set foot on the island, however, Elijah warned us that Andros’ great outdoors would put our Bush Baby reputations to the test. So the three of us came well prepared to embrace the untamed beauty of this untouched landscape.

The journey began with a thrilling boat ride through the mangroves led by Steve Smith and Lehron Rolle, BNT Park wardens and our captains and guides for the day. Zooming at high speed, I felt a rush of exhilaration and admiration, soaking in the crystal waters stretched endlessly on either side reflecting the boundless sky above. We navigated for over an hour through the narrow waterways towards the area where flamingos are known to congregate. With every passing moment, the excitement among us grew palpable, each silently hoping for that first glimpse of a vibrant silhouette against the serene backdrop of the mangrove wetland forest.

As I marvelled at the ecological diversity teeming with life in the tidal creeks and flats, a flash of pink caught our attention. I hurried to fetch my binoculars, perched eagerly on the bow of the boat, relishing the thrill of discovery like a seasoned explorer.

There, before us, a group of flamingos waded gracefully in the shallows.

Elijah, our knowledgeable guide and avid wildlife photographer, swiftly shifted into expert mode. He whispered instructions on where to park the boat and how to approach quietly without disturbing the delicate birds. Navigating through the tangled mangroves, we braved swarms of insects and treacherous mud patches, determined to capture these elegant creatures in their natural habitat. Elijah and Quintez, driven by a shared passion for birds, worked tirelessly, contorting themselves into precarious positions and even braving laying down in the muck to secure the perfect shot. Their dedication paid off and they captured stunning images of the flamingos, an experience they would later cherish with great pride. Their love for wildlife photography was infectious, and I delighted in documenting their process alongside the other stunning avian residents of Andros that I could capture with my shorter range lens.

Reflecting on my experience at West Side National Park, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness such remarkable biodiversity up close. More than just a scenic adventure, this trip was a profound educational journey into the wonders of wilderness and the ins and outs of wildlife photography. From flamingos feeding to rock iguanas basking in the sun, every moment was a testament to the resilience of these species and the importance of Bahamian conservation efforts. We truly embraced our Bush Baby spirits by venturing into the wilderness Andros has to offer, and we eagerly await more opportunities to convene with our environment.

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Lauren Ritchie is a 2024 Conservation Storytelling and Media Intern at The Bahamas National Trust.