Where is the ideal Place to Go Birding in Belize?
The tiny Central American nation known as Belize sits between Mexico and Guatemala covering the north and southern frontiers respectively and well known as a paradise for tourists. This country shares numerous common points in terms of history and geography with its neighboring countries and being a part of the Mesoamerican, the previous being an ancestral heritage of the Maya and the second having beautiful beaches and verdant flora and fauna. So, for a traveler who wishes to experience a little more than the vibrant Belize City and a range of interesting aquatic activities, you can find a different way to experience again the Mayan era and it is through bird watching.
To casual observers, the Mayans have high regard for the winged creatures which is also a fact ever since the beginning of the study of the ancient Mayan civilization. Pelicans, owls, vultures, eagles, macaws, quetzals to mention a few are some of the varieties of exotic bird species that are present and can be seen today which made Central America as their home since time immemorial. Given the hieroglyphic script which the Mayans had improved, each one of these birds was shown by a glyph and acquired a higher status with the tribe leaders.
The Mayan civilization during its peak made liberal use of glyphs which depicts birds by transcribing them on ceramics, vases, and murals and even on cave walls and temple walls. Tribe leaders used to sport gloriously vibrant and complex head-dresses created from these winged creature's feathers whilst designs that are bird-like on clothes shown the unquestionable authority of the wearer. Belize was ever since among the Maya settlements and would take a visit to the excavation and ceremonial sites in order to realize the importance of the birds for the Mayans.
It goes without saying, a required part of the travel kit while visiting Belize will be a strong mosquito repellent and its application is not only just on the bird watching trips but as well to swamps and wooded areas. An experienced bird guide, boots and binoculars are recommended by experienced ornithologists to be used. Much of the skin portion must be kept covered and this can be achieved by wearing a full sleeved shirt and lightweight trousers. While optional, a scarf to cover the bottom portion of your neck and face leaving just your eyes visible would additionally be a good protection.
Macaw has existed dating back the time of the Mayans and this bird is best seen in a quaint Maya village located in south Belize known as the Red Bank. To observe these bright scarlet birds in action or eating on the fruits of the native annatto tree, a trip needs to be planned within the months of January and March. Furthermore hiking through the rainforest which covers the Maya Mountains would be an enjoyable bird watching experience since these are the home of a number of avian species such as swallows, kites, owls as well as the colorful painted bunting.
Motmot of 'toh' as the Mayans call it is a multicolored bird having prominent black circumferences surrounding the eyes and wearing a turquoise crown and brown feathers. They might have co-existed with the Mayans given their deep attachment to caves and having been known as cave dwelling species. Lamanai is the area in Belize where these birds can be spotted amidst the Mayan ruins. When in the area, you may also look out for particular Central American variations of woodpeckers, kingfishers and jacanas. Since Belize has mini habitats and microclimates, it's a haven to particular extraordinary species as well like cotinga and ocellated turkey which is recognized by the Mayans as 'kutz'. Such bird species reside on treetops and can be spotted during bird watching only after careful scrutiny and are vibrantly colored having violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow and white plumage.
To casual observers, the Mayans have high regard for the winged creatures which is also a fact ever since the beginning of the study of the ancient Mayan civilization. Pelicans, owls, vultures, eagles, macaws, quetzals to mention a few are some of the varieties of exotic bird species that are present and can be seen today which made Central America as their home since time immemorial. Given the hieroglyphic script which the Mayans had improved, each one of these birds was shown by a glyph and acquired a higher status with the tribe leaders.
The Mayan civilization during its peak made liberal use of glyphs which depicts birds by transcribing them on ceramics, vases, and murals and even on cave walls and temple walls. Tribe leaders used to sport gloriously vibrant and complex head-dresses created from these winged creature's feathers whilst designs that are bird-like on clothes shown the unquestionable authority of the wearer. Belize was ever since among the Maya settlements and would take a visit to the excavation and ceremonial sites in order to realize the importance of the birds for the Mayans.
It goes without saying, a required part of the travel kit while visiting Belize will be a strong mosquito repellent and its application is not only just on the bird watching trips but as well to swamps and wooded areas. An experienced bird guide, boots and binoculars are recommended by experienced ornithologists to be used. Much of the skin portion must be kept covered and this can be achieved by wearing a full sleeved shirt and lightweight trousers. While optional, a scarf to cover the bottom portion of your neck and face leaving just your eyes visible would additionally be a good protection.
Macaw has existed dating back the time of the Mayans and this bird is best seen in a quaint Maya village located in south Belize known as the Red Bank. To observe these bright scarlet birds in action or eating on the fruits of the native annatto tree, a trip needs to be planned within the months of January and March. Furthermore hiking through the rainforest which covers the Maya Mountains would be an enjoyable bird watching experience since these are the home of a number of avian species such as swallows, kites, owls as well as the colorful painted bunting.
Motmot of 'toh' as the Mayans call it is a multicolored bird having prominent black circumferences surrounding the eyes and wearing a turquoise crown and brown feathers. They might have co-existed with the Mayans given their deep attachment to caves and having been known as cave dwelling species. Lamanai is the area in Belize where these birds can be spotted amidst the Mayan ruins. When in the area, you may also look out for particular Central American variations of woodpeckers, kingfishers and jacanas. Since Belize has mini habitats and microclimates, it's a haven to particular extraordinary species as well like cotinga and ocellated turkey which is recognized by the Mayans as 'kutz'. Such bird species reside on treetops and can be spotted during bird watching only after careful scrutiny and are vibrantly colored having violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow and white plumage.
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