Alabama Audubon - Belize Birding

PRELIMINARY ITINERARY

ARRIVALS IN BELIZE

Independent Arrivals at Belize International Airport. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 1:30 PM.

2:30 PM: Group departure by motorcoach to the forests of northwestern Belize. We’re in the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, a vast and ecologically diverse landscape. The forests are home to a wide array of flora and fauna, including bird species such as the Orange-breasted Falcon and Keel-billed Toucan, as well as other wildlife such as jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys.

RIO BRAVO CONSERVATION AREA

Our lodge at La Milpa is in the heart of what was once a highly populated region for the ancient Maya, and the La Milpa Archaeology site is one of the largest in Belize. The Rio Bravo Conservation Area not only protects the Mayan ruins but also is home to many different species of birds and mammals.

Today we’ll see lots of Ocellated Turkeys, Honeycreepers, Tanagers, and Warblers around the lodge, on trails, and at feeding stations. We expect to spot eighty or more species of birds.

Tonight, we’ll go out in search of nocturnal birds and mammals.

CAYO

Today we travel by road to Belize's Western Cayo District.

Our route from Tres Leguas to San Ignacio passes through diverse landscapes of tropical forest and agricultural areas. Road conditions permitting, we'll take the scenic route through forested areas, crossing several creeks before passing through well-maintained Mennonite farmlands.

This drive offers excellent opportunities to spot Toucans, Parrots, and Hawks while experiencing the transition from pristine forest to cultivated countryside in the Cayo region.

CAYO

Today is an easy day but a great one for birding opportunities. We don't have to travel beyond Pine Ridge Lodge and the surrounding area.

Our lodge offers exceptional birding opportunities, with Tanagers, Toucanets, Parrots, Motmots, and Kingfishers commonly seen.

At night, we'll search for owl species that make their home here.

CARACOL

Rise early for morning birding followed by breakfast.

Depart for a full day of exploration through the Mountain Pine Ridge to the spectacular Mayan ruins of Caracol, located deep in the rainforest beyond the mountains. This was a huge Mayan city and was a major rival of Tikal. The Caana Sky Palace in Caracol is still the largest manmade structure in Belize. Here, we examine the Maya carvings that illustrate Caracol's rivalry in battle and sport with Tikal.

Trogon, Motmot, and Oropendola species are commonly seen. More rarely seen is King Vulture and an occasional Scarlet Macaw.

CROOKED TREE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Today we're headed to the top neotropical birding site in Belize, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. En route, we may spot Wood Storks and Tiger Heron.

After arrival, we discover the diverse flora and fauna right on the property and take a guided bird walk along the shore or under the nearby tree canopy.

Look along the shore for resident Southern Lapwing, the only one in Belize. Or walk the nearby trails in search of Yellow-lored Parrots or Yucatan Jays.

LAMANAI

After an early morning bird walk, have breakfast, then drive to Orange Walk Town and the New River landing to embark on a boat for a cruise down the New River (a principal transportation route in Mayan times) past the Mennonite farms to Lamanai.

Watch for Wood Storks nesting high in a bare tree or Northern Jacanas walking on the lily pads; Snail Kites, Morelet's Crocodile, and Iguanas.

We'll have a guided tour of Lamanai, one of Belize's largest Maya sites, situated on the bank of the 30-mile-long New River Lagoon. It features monumental architecture of temples and palaces dating from the Classic and Pre-Classic Periods. A major attraction of Lamanai is the well-preserved mask of a Maya ruler emerging from a crocodile headdress. Set in tropical forest and providing amazing views from several of its large temples, Lamanai provides both a unique glimpse into the culture of the Maya and of the biological diversity of the tropical rainforest. Climb to the top for a spectacular view.

We are likely to see Toucans and other birds in the high canopy.

Return to our lodge and walk the nearby trails in search of birdlife.

DEPARTURES

Our day begins with an early morning Birding-by-Boat Cruise along the shores and tributaries of Spanish Lagoon. Typically, we should see Jabiru Stork, Sungrebe, Bitterns, and 25 or more species of shorebirds and waders feeding and flying.

Return to the lodge for breakfast.

Transfer to the airport for independent departures.

Please schedule your flight to depart after 12:45 p.m.

Or, begin optional extension to 1) South Water Caye or 2) Southern Belize.