BELIZE
Feb. 4-13, 2012
Mar. 17-26, 2012
10 Days / 9 Nights
$2700
Our 2010 trip finished with 289 species seen. Click HERE to see a trip report. Click HERE for photos from the 2010 trip.
Click the file icon below to upload a daily and cumulative trip list:
| belize_checklist_march_19_28_2010.pdf |
ITINERARY
An excellent introduction to tropical birding with Glenn Crawford, Belize's best guide!Note: Some minor changes to the itinerary are possible for 2012.
Day 1: Arrival at Belize City International Airport (BZE) and drive to Crooked Tree Sanctuary / Crooked Tree Lodge
After going through customs we will load our van and begin our adventure driving north to Crooked Tree. Approximate driving time without stops is one hour. NOTE: Though many birds we pass will be new to everyone, we will stop only for birds that are less common so as to spend as little time travelling and more quality time birding! If participants have not had lunch, we will stop at an excellent local restaurant for a bite to eat (self pay).
Overnight Crooked Tree Lodge (D)
Day 2: Crooked Tree Sanctuary / Crooked Tree Lodge
The Crooked Tree Sanctuary is part of the village of Crooked Tree. This village, named for an old Bullet Tree that is no longer standing, is on an island in the fresh-water Crooked Tree Lagoon. This inland waterway is the drainage for the surrounding savanna area of northern Belize, and is a “magnet” for birds of many species throughout the year.
The variety of habitats in the Crooked Tree area provides food and homes for a diversity of fauna. Within the logwood swamps roost the nocturnal Boat-billed Herons as well as Agami Herons and Bare-throated Tiger-Herons. Two species of ducks, the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and the Muscovy, nest in trees along the swamps. Sungrebes are but one of the species we might see as we bird by boat in the Lagoon. Over the open water you will find many birds feeding on the abundant food resources the lagoons provide. Snail kites, feeding exclusively on apple snails, the beautiful Snowy and Great Egrets fishing along the shoreline, all five species of Kingfishers, as well as Ospreys and Black-collared Hawks diving toward the water's surface for a catch, are only a few of the birds that can be seen. Black Creek, with its large trees, provides a home for Black Howler Monkeys, Morelet's Crocodiles, Coatimundi and several species of turtles and iguanas. Jabiru Storks, the largest flying birds in the New World with a wing span of 10-12 feet, also find a home at the sanctuary. Belize has the largest nesting population of these great birds in all of Central America.
Rise early for pre-breakfast birding. After breakfast we will board our boat to explore the Crooked Tree Lagoon and Spanish Creek in search of crocodiles, howler monkeys and, of course, many birds! The lagoons, streams and surrounding marsh all drain into Black Creek, and eventually into the Belize River. The vegetation along the creek is relatively low, affording some excellent views of the wildlife.
After lunch back at Crooked Tree, we will take a short rest before we explore the upper end of the island of Crooked Tree, a pine/oak savanna home to many hard-to-find species such as Yellow-lored Parrot and Yucatan Jay.
After dinner we will have a group discussion and list updating, and of course, time to relax and enjoy the moonrise over Crooked Tree Lagoon.
Overnight Crooked Tree Lodge (BLD)
Day 3: Crooked Tree Sanctuary / Lamanai / Crooked Tree Lodge
Rise very early for breakfast, then drive to the Maya ruins of Lamanai. We will see many bird species along the way, including some grassland species as we drive through the farmlands of the Mennonite communities. The forest trails surrounding Lamanai are often spectacular. The ruins of Lamanai are some of the best examples of the Mayan civilization. It was the last stronghold of this ancient civilization about which we know relatively little.
We will enjoy a box lunch at Lamanai and explore more of the forest and visit the museum before we return to our bus to head back to Crooked Tree.
Overnight Crooked Tree Lodge (BLD)
Day 4: Drive to Cockscomb Basin Area / Pelican Beach Resort
Before breakfast we will take one last look around the lodge grounds, leaving Crooked Tree after breakfast. We have several birding stops planned along the way, including Monkey Bay Sanctuary (optional swim in the Sibun River may be possible) and Blue Hole National Park. Lunch will be at Cheers, a local restaurant with a lovely garden area where you may enjoy watching birds while you enjoy a delicious authentic Belizean meal. We will arrive at Pelican Beach Resort, located along the Caribbean Sea, in time for dinner and the evening checklist. The resort, our home for the next three nights, is within driving distance of many great birding hotspots including Mayflower-Bocawina National Park and the world-famous Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve.
Overnight Pelican Beach Resort or similar (BLD)
Day 5: Cockscomb Basin
The 103,000 acre protected Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, surrounded by the Maya Mountains, is bordered to the west by additional government-owned, undeveloped land. The Preserve was formed in the late 1980’s after research by the New York Zoological Society (now the Wildlife Conservation Society) concluded that the area had one of the highest concentrations of Jaguars in all of Latin America. This lush “moist rain forest” receives nearly 200 inches of rain each year and is home to over 300 species of birds.
We will rise early to depart for the Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve to enjoy some of the many trails in the sanctuary. We will have lunch at the preserve so that we can continue to explore this incredible location. After dinner at our lodge, we will have a brief discussion and update our checklists.
Overnight Pelican Beach Resort or similar (BLD)
Day 6: Cockscomb Basin
Today we will spend the day birding in the Mayflower-Bocawina National Park. The Mayflower Bocawina National Park boasts five of the largest Waterfalls in the country, all amidst a magically preserved tropical forest. This is one of the best places to see the Keel-billed Motmot, one of the rarest birds in Central America. Other species that are common in the area include Olive-throated Parakeet, Brown-hooded, Red-lored, White-crowned, and Mealy Parrots; Black-headed, Violaceous, and Slaty-tailed Trogons; Ivory-billed Woodcreeper; Thrush-like Schiffornis; Red-capped and White-collared Manakins; and a host of tanagers, hummingbirds, antbirds, and other tropical species that will delight you.
Overnight Pelican Beach Resort or similar (BLD)
Day 7: Drive to Mountain Pine Ridge / Five Sisters Lodge
After breakfast we will load our van and begin our adventure driving west toward the mountains. Approximate driving time without stops is 3.5 hours. We will stop at several good birding locations along the way. We will enjoy lunch at a local spot, dinner at Five Sisters Lodge.
The Mountain Pine Ridge area of Belize is a very unique ecosystem: ancient tree-ferns grow within a Caribbean pine forest which is bordered by broad-leaf rainforest. Many limestone caves can be found below the granite lined outcroppings, and the numerous cool mountain streams are very inviting on a warm day. This diverse area is known for its cool evenings and breeze filled days, as well as the many incredible species of birds which inhabit it. This is the largest protected area in Belize, boasting an immense Rain Forest and natural Wildlife Sanctuary. The Five Sisters Lodge & Tours obtained its name from the five perfectly gushing waterfalls and the numerous crystal pools that form part of this natural wonder. These waterfalls empty into the famous Privassion River, which meanders through the heart of the Forest Reserve. Here we will search for species that inhabit higher elevation Pine-oak forest and broad-leaf rainforest, such as Stygian Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Green Jay, Yellow-backed Oriole, Azure-crowned Hummingbird, King Vulture and the rare Orange-breasted Falcon.
Overnight Five Sisters Lodge(BLD)March 18: Mountain Pine Ridge / Caracol National Park / Five Sisters Lodge
Day 8: Caracol Mayan Ruins
If conditions permit, we will rise before dawn and drive to the Mayan ruins of Caracol, the largest of the known cities in the Mayan world. We will pack both breakfast and lunch for our journey.
Caracol is surrounded by incredible birding opportunities, including species such as Lovely Cotinga and many raptors from atop the massive ruins. In 2010 we enjoyed eye-level views of a pair of nesting Bat Falcons as the male delivered a hummingbird to the female. Army ant swarms can bring birds that are often difficult to see out in the open for easy viewing, such as Worm-eating, Kentucky, and Hooded Warblers, plus many species of antbirds and woodcreepers. Tall trees near the picnic area host a myriad of migrating warblers, vireos, and orioles.
The road into Caracol is not well maintained, and rain can create major obstacles in our path. (If reports prove that the road is beyond standard travel capabilities due to rain or other factors, we will enjoy alternate birding activities in or around the Pine Ridge area.) We will have lunch at a picnic area before returning to our lodge for some relaxation before dinner.
Overnight Five Sisters Lodge(BLD)
Day 9: Mountain Pine Ridge / Five Sisters Lodge
Pre-breakfast birdwalk. After breakfast we will explore the Hidden Valley Falls area in search of the Orange-breasted Falcons who nest here every year. We will return to the lodge for lunch and a short break when you may opt for a swim in one of the pools at the base of the waterfalls. In the afternoon we will explore the property around the lodge.
NOTE: March 18 & 19 itineraries may be flip-flopped according to weather conditions.
Overnight Five Sisters Lodge (BLD)
Day 10: Return to USA
Pre-breakfast birdwalk. After breakfast we will depart for Belize City and the airport with birding along the way as time allows. (B)
Crooked Tree Lodge is a new establishment that stands in the former location of Paradise Inn. It is set on the southwest shore of Crooked Tree Lagoon. The comfortable rooms offer fans (at additional charge A/C) to help with the continuous breeze from the lagoon. Delicious Creole style meals are served family style. From the lodge we have easy access to boating on the lagoon and hiking through the village and savanna in search of Yucatan endemics.
Pelican Beach Resort is a charming, colonial-style beachfront hotel near the seaside town of Dangriga. This will be our base as we visit Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve, Mayflower-Bocawina National Park, and other birding hotspots near the coast.
Five Sisters Lodge is a beautiful lodge that has all the comforts of home. The spacious cabanas sit high over Provision Creek and the dining room overlooks the namesake Five Sister’s Falls... one of the most beautiful views in Belize. Electricity comes from a small, environmentally friendly hydro system built by the lodge.
Electricity at all of these lodges is the same as in the USA—110V AC.
The power at Five Sister’s Lodge is fine for charging batteries, but not for using hair dryers.
Water is safest from a bottle, no matter where we are or how great the hotel appears. Bottled water will be provided at all times.
Food is safe and well prepared using purified water at all of our locations. Most dietary needs and restrictions can be accommodated.
Price includes:
- All lodging
- All entry fees to reserves in itinerary
- All meals
- Expert bird guide during the entire trip
- Private transportation during tour
- Transfers to and from airport
The price does NOT include:
- International airfare
- Departure tax
- Tips
- Items of a personal nature, such as extra drinks, snacks, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Deposit of $500 with registration (contact us for registration form). Balance is due 4 months prior to departure date. Checks should be made payable to Cheepers! Birding on a Budget and mailed with the registration form to
Cheepers! Birding on a Budget
Post Office Box 385
Spring Valley, OH 45370.
Cancellation policy:
Cancellation should be made in writing (email or snail mail)
More than 6 months prior to departure – full refund of deposit
Between final payment due date and 6 months prior to departure – 50% refund of deposit
After due date for final payment – No refund of deposit
If cancellation occurs afterfull payment is made, a refund will be given only if the vacant spot is filled.
Trip insurance is recommended.
You can compare prices offered by various trip insurance companies at this website:
http://www.quotewright.com/?sub_id=6056
Cheepers! Birding on a Budget LLC reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary if the need should arise due to unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, landslides, and other natural phenomena, as well as suggestions by local guides in order to take advantage of an unusual birding opportunity. Lodging is subject to change based on availability.
Contact us
email: cheepers@sbcglobal.net
Home phone: 937-862-4505
Cell phone: 937-974-0803
Snail mail: PO Box 385
Spring Valley, OH 45370
