Belize Birding
Tikal optional extension
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Belize is one of the most environmentally conscious countries in the Americas. Belizeans are proud of their wildlife and forests, and with a population of only 270,000, they have been able to create and maintain many “greenways” or wildlife corridors, allowing for freedom of wildlife movement between habitats. These wildlife corridors are necessary for sustaining animal populations through genetic diversity as well as for habitat protection. Belize is quickly becoming a popular eco-tourism destination due to the abundance of birds and other wildlife as well as its beautiful scenery and diversity of habitat.

Diverse also describes the people of Belize. Although the official language of Belize is English, having been a British Colony, Belize Kreol is the language of choice for most citizens. Spanish is also spoken in some areas of Belize, and Old German in localized Mennonite communities. Three dialects of Mayan (Yucatec, Mopan and Ketchi) are also used in different rural villages.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Belize
Crooked Tree Sanctuary
Arrival in Belize, board our custom birding bus and depart for Crooked Tree and Paradise Inn (birding along the way), arriving for dinner. A brief orientation to Belize after dinner.

Day 2 - Crooked Tree Sanctuary
We will explore the Crooked Tree Lagoon and Spanish Creek by boat in search of the many species of birds which inhabit this beautiful sanctuary. With low canopy logwood, turtlebone, provision tree and mangrove, good views of Yellow-tailed Oriole, Mangrove Vireo and Rufous-browed Peppershrike are very possible. The endangered Black Howler Monkey and Morelets Crocodile are also found here. After lunch back at Paradise Inn, we will explore the upper end of the island, a pine-oak savanna. Yellow-lored (Yucatan) Parrot, Yucatan Woodpecker and Yucatan Jay can be found in this open habitat.

Day 3 - Crooked Tree Sanctuary
Today we will boat up the New River to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai. We will see many bird species along the water’s edge (Jabiru, Norther Jacana, Black-collared hawk) as well as along the trails of the gallery forest surrounding Lamanai. The ruins of Lamanai are some of the best examples of the Mayan civilization. It was the last stronghold of this ancient civilization of which we know relatively little about. Here we have found Slaty-tailed and Collared Trogons, Double-toothed Kite, and Brown-hooded Parrot.

Day 4 - On the road south to Cockscomb Basin
After breakfast we will depart for southern Belize, and Mama Noot’s Backabush Lodge, with many birding stops along the way, including the Monkey Bay Sanctuary (a private preserve) and Blue Hole National Park.

Day 5 - Cockscomb Basin
Morning birding around the lodge and entrance road. Hummingbirds, honeycreepers, woodpeckers and orioles abound here. In the afternoon we will explore some of the surrounding areas such as Five Blues Lake National Park. After dinner we will go spotlighting along the entrance road for Common Paraque, Black-and-white Owl, Mottled Owl and Crested Guans as well as mammals like Kinkajou and Ocelot.

Day 6 - Cockscomb Basin
This morning we’ll explore some of the many trails through the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. We’ll bring a box lunch so we can remain in the preserve all day. This preserve is rich in fauna, including Jaguar and many species of birds.

Day 7 - On the road to the Mountain Pine Ridge
The Mountain Pine Ridge is an unexpected tropical ecosystem of pine trees and granite-lined streams, surrounded by moist, broad-leaf rainforest. With many birding stops along the way, we will arrive at Five Sisters Lodge in time for dinner.

Day 8 - Mountain Pine Ridge
Rise before the sun so we can quickly get on the road to the Mayan Ruins of Caracol. This is the largest known city in the Mayan world, and is surrounded by incredible birding and wildlife opportunities. This is the best area in Central America to find the Keel-billed Motmot, and is also the location of an Wildside Tours Harpy Eagle sighting! Breakfast and lunch at Caracol. Return to the lodge in time for some relaxation before dinner.

Day 9 - Mountain Pine Ridge
Today we will explore the trails and roads around the Rio Frio Cave and the Rio On as well as the Hidden Valley Falls, where a pair of Orange-breasted Falcons nest each year. This is also a good area for Emerald Toucanet, King Vultures and so much more. An afternoon swim in the cool waters of the Rio On—sliding down the smooth granite waterfalls is a blast!

Day 10 Departure to USA or Departure to Tikal extension
Load the vans after breakfast for departure to the airport and flights back to the USA.
Or continue on to the optional extension to Tikal.

Tikal Extension (optional)

Day 10 - On the road to Tikal, Guatemala / Tikal Inn
Load the vans for departure to Guatemala after breakfast. Arrive in Tikal for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we will explore the areas surrounding Tikal National Park.

Day 11 Guatemala / Tikal Inn
After breakfast we will enter the park and explore the ruins finding new birds along the many trails in the park. The ruins are an amazing site to see, and the birding is phenomenal!

Day 12 Guatemala / Tikal Inn
After breakfast we will enter the park to explore more of the trails around the ruins.

Day 13 Back to Belize Crooked Tree/Paradise Inn
Depart after breakfast, arriving at Clarissa Falls Lodge in time for lunch. We will have some leisurely birding and an opportunity to swim in the Maya Mopan River before dinner.

Day 14 Departure to USA
Pre-breakfast birdwalk. Load the vans for departure after breakfast to the airport for flights to the USA.

Birding Areas and Accommodations

Mama Noot’s Backabush Resort
Located on the edge of the Cockscomb Basin, the broad-leaf rainforest surrounding the lodge offers many colorful species including: Crimson-collared and Passerini’s Tanagers, Green and Red-legged Honeycreepers and White-necked Jacobin. Tinamous and Curassows can be seen along the darker trails near the resort as well as in the nearby Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve. The lodge itself is made up of comfortable cabanas with private bath and hot showers. From this location we will visit the Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, Blue Hole National Park and the Red Bank Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary - Crooked Tree Lodge
The brand new Crooked Tree Lodge was built on the beautiful site of the former Paradise Inn and is set along the Crooked Tree Lagoon on the edge of the Creole settlement of Crooked Tree Village. This town of about 900 people offers incredible wildlife viewing as well as a very friendly atmosphere. Smiling faces will greet us everywhere in the village. The rustin Paradise Inn has been replaced with this beautiful, up-scale lodge, however, the down-home treatement, including delicious Creole style meals and desserts still remain!.

Mountain Pine Ridge - Hidden Valley Inn
The Hidden Valley Inn is in a beautiful pine-forest setting on a private reserve. Pine forest and moist broad-leaf forest collide here to offer a grand mix of bird species. The lodge offers all the amenities, from luxurious rooms (most with fireplaces) and excellent fine dining, to a pool and hot tub! From here we will visit many wonderful sites, including the ruins of Caracol and Hidden Valley Falls. The lodge's many trails offer specialties such as Orange-breasted Falcon, Lovely Cotinga and Stygian Owl!

Tikal, Guatemala / Tikal Inn
The Mayan ruins of Tikal are probably the best known of all the ancient cities of the Americas. Its tall structures, used in the movie Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, stand mysteriously amid the amazing rainforest, inviting our exploration. We will have a local Guatemalan guide with us as we explore the ruins for the first time. Howler Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys and Coatimundi are everywhere, as are many other species of mammals and, of course, birds! The lodge is very comfortable, with a quiet luxury (and a pool). Breakfast and dinner will be at the lodge, while lunch will be at the park’s restaurant. All facilities are in easy walking distance from the Park entrance.

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2009
February 1 - 10 ext. to 2/14
February 15 - 24 ext. to 2/28

2009 Cost
$2695 from Belize City
  $995 Tikal Extension
Prices per person, double occupancy.

Limit 10 participants. Easy walks, and boat trips. Warm to hot tropical days and nights.