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.
Dating back to the Mayans era Macaw has been a native of this region. In a quaint Maya village named Red Bank located in south Belize is one of the best locations to see this bird. To view these bright scarlet birds in action, which means eating on the fruits of the native annatto tree, a trip ought to be planned in between the months of January and March. Also trekking through the rainforest which covers the Maya Mountains could turn out to be a satisfying bird watching experience because these are the location of kites, owls, swallows and also the colorful painted bunting.
Named by the Mayans as Motmot of 'toh', it is a typical cenote bird which is multicolored with a turquoise crown, brown feathers and prominent black circumferences surrounding the eyes. Considering the fact that they are typical cenote birds, cave dwelling species and given their deep attachment to caves, they might have co-existed with the Mayans. Amidst the Mayan ruins in Belize, Lamanai is the area where such birds can be spotted. While in the area, it's also possible to spot other Central American variations of kingfishers, jacanas and woodpeckers. Considering that Belize features mini habitats and microclimates, it is an ideal haven for certain extraordinary species as well like cotinga and ocellated turkey which is identified by the Mayans as 'kutz'. These birds are reside on treetops and are vibrantly colored with indigo, blue, green, yellow and white plumage; they can be spotted during bird watching through careful search or scrutiny.
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.
Dating back to the Mayans era Macaw has been a native of this region. In a quaint Maya village named Red Bank located in south Belize is one of the best locations to see this bird. To view these bright scarlet birds in action, which means eating on the fruits of the native annatto tree, a trip ought to be planned in between the months of January and March. Also trekking through the rainforest which covers the Maya Mountains could turn out to be a satisfying bird watching experience because these are the location of kites, owls, swallows and also the colorful painted bunting.
Named by the Mayans as Motmot of 'toh', it is a typical cenote bird which is multicolored with a turquoise crown, brown feathers and prominent black circumferences surrounding the eyes. Considering the fact that they are typical cenote birds, cave dwelling species and given their deep attachment to caves, they might have co-existed with the Mayans. Amidst the Mayan ruins in Belize, Lamanai is the area where such birds can be spotted. While in the area, it's also possible to spot other Central American variations of kingfishers, jacanas and woodpeckers. Considering that Belize features mini habitats and microclimates, it is an ideal haven for certain extraordinary species as well like cotinga and ocellated turkey which is identified by the Mayans as 'kutz'. These birds are reside on treetops and are vibrantly colored with indigo, blue, green, yellow and white plumage; they can be spotted during bird watching through careful search or scrutiny.
About the Author:
Bird watching in the Yucatan Peninsula is a great experience. Onejungle.com has lots of cozumel bird watching.
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