18kt Yellow Gold

One of the most graceful birds to embrace Bermuda's shores is the Bermuda Longtail.  Properly known as the "White-tailed Tropicbird", the Longtail is the Island's only common native seabird.  Its long central tail feathers give it a distinctive appearance and a unique elegance in flight.
 
Longtails fly out to sea during the winter and stay in deep Sargasso until summer time, when they return to Bermuda.   They rest during calm weather by floating on the water for long periods and soaring like hawks from great heights.   This the Longtail has traditionally been regarded as the unofficial harbinger of spring.    Longtails were officially noted on the Island in 1619, although they eventually fell victim to the millinery trade which reduced their numbers tremendously.    They came under protection of the law in 1881, and since then, admiration for them has grown dramatically: the Longtail is now regarded as Bermuda's national bird.
 
Unfortunately, the Longtail remains a threatened species.   Oceanic pollution and the invasion of nesting areas, have lead to the number of young birds being born falling far behind the adult maternity rate.  May are concerned that one day we may never see another Longtail in Bermuda. One of the leading crusaders in the fight to save the Longtail from extinction is Mr. David Wingate.   The historical information herein has drawn from his writings on the subject.  
 
Astwood Dickinson is proud to offer a choice of Golden Longtail pieces. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted and manufactured in our jewellery workshop, and captures the unique essence of this remarkable bird.