 |
||
 |
||
|
10-day Belize Birding Tour plus 4-day Tikal Extension Guide: Glenn Crawford and/or Kevin Loughlin Belize is one of the most environmentally conscious countries in the Americas. Thanks in part to its small population, over 60% of its 23,000 sq km have been protected. This has allowed the birds and wildlife to continue to flourish. Over 600 bird species have been recorded within its borders and along its reef! Belize is the last Central American stronghold for the majestic Jabiru which nests in the savannas and wetlands of the north. Regional endemics such as Yucatan Jay, Yucatan Flycatcher and Yellow-lored Parrot may also be found in the savannas. The rare Orange-breasted Falcon and Stygian Owl can be found in the Maya Mountains alongside many of the northern migrants. The broad-leafed rainforest holds more target species including many forest raptors and the rare and local Keel-billed Motmot. The Mayan ruins of Tikal, on our optional extension, hold not only the magic of an ancient civilization, but also many species that are difficult to find elsewhere. Regional endemics like Gray-throated Chat and Rose-throated Tanager are sought in the low scrub forests near our lodge. Quiet patience can be rewarded by rare sightings of forest floor species like Thicket Tinamous and Pheasant Cuckoo. Evenings by the hidden ponds offer good views of many birds that come to bathe at their edges in the waning light.
Itinerary Day 1 - Arrive Belize, Crooked Tree Sanctuary Arrival in Belize, and depart for Crooked Tree and Paradise Inn (with 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 a 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.
. |
Itinerary: Duration: 10 days plus 4 day extension Limit: 6-12 Date: February 2010 & 2011 Start: Belize End: Belize Price:US$2700 per person sharing for 10-day trips or $3700 for 14-day trips including Tikal extension, single supplement US$500 Price_Includes: Meals Accommodation Guiding fees Transportation Price_Excludes: International flights Personal Insurance Alcoholic Beverages Gratuities Laundry Personal expenses such as gifts
|
|
© 2008-2010 Birding Ecotours · www.birdingecotours.co.za was updated March 2010 |
||