Birding
With over 500 species of birds in vast tracks
of wild land Belize is a birder’s paradise! From the
coast to the savanna to the riverbanks to the mountainous
rainforest, Hamanasi’s unique mainland location makes
these diverse habitats easily accessible to serious and novice
birders alike!
Wake up to the call of Plain Chachalacas, nature’s alarm
clock. On an early morning stroll down the beach you can see
several different coastal birds like Pelicans flying in formation,
Sandpipers running on the beach, Laughing Gulls and Magnificent
Frigate birds riding the wind. On a short bike ride through
the savanna towards Sittee River you may encounter a Great
Egret, Blue Heron, Collared Aracari Toucan, Limpkin and Wood
Stork. A kayak trip down the river offers the ideal opportunity
for spotting Amazon King Fisher, Keel-billed Toucan, Emerald
Toucanet and a variety of Flycatchers.
Further inland we visit the rainforest with
its array of colorful birds. Olive Throated Parakeets, Slaty
Tailed Trogans, Royal Flycatchers and Montezuma Oropendolas
are regularly spotted. When we visit Red Bank in the hills
of the Maya Mountains and during the months of December through
February, we have the unique opportunity to see flocks of endangered
Scarlet Macaws, which migrate to the Red Bank Hills.
The lush tropical coastal forest around
Hamanasi grounds is home to several different Orioles, House
Wrens, Warblers, Lineated Woodpeckers, Yellow Winged, Blue Gray
and Summer Tanagers and Black-headed Trogans. A variety of
hummingbirds can be seen feeding on the flowers around the
resort. It is a delight to watch these tiny little birds with
wing beats of more than 50 per second, darting about. We also
have several birds of prey, including Roadside Hawks, Aplomado
Falcons, Vultures and more.
About 30 minutes offshore lies Man-O-War
Caye, commonly known as Bird Island, which we usually visit
on a snorkeling trip. This caye is one of the seven crowned
bird sanctuaries in Belize. Covered with tall Red Mangroves
the interior is very wet and a dry coral sand beach exists
on the southwest shore. This magnificent caye supports one
of the ten largest colonies of frigate birds in the Caribbean.
There are approximately 325 to 350 nesting birds. Seabirds
patrolling the Southern Barrier Reef gather here and the resulting
raucous is an incredible sight to see – and hear!
Belize birding is so varied and diverse and offers something
for everyone – from the uninitiated to the experienced
birder looking for another “lifer” to add to the
list. With Hamanasi’s experienced birding guides you’ll
see our birds of paradise!
Pictures are taken by
guests and staff. For additional Birding pictures, please
see Photo Gallery
Back To Top |
