Belize is a tiny Central American nation and without a doubt a tourist's paradise located between Mexico and Guatemala covering the north and south frontiers respectively. As Belize is a part of Mesoamerican belt this means that such country possesses many different common points with its neighbors in terms of geography and history such as being ancestral heritage like the Maya and having gorgeous beaches and verdant flora and fauna. Therefore for a traveler who wants to experience a little more than Belize's vibrant city and a number of exciting aquatic activities, there's one other way to revive and experience the long lost Mayan era specifically bird watching.
The Maya held winged creatures in high regard; this is one fact is apparent even to casual observers ever since the commencement of the study of the ancient Mayan civilization. Central America has become a haven of exotic species of birds ever since time immemorial and pelicans, owls, eagles, vultures, quetzals and macaws to mention a few are some of the few varieties which are present today. With the hieroglyphic script which the Mayans had developed, each one of these birds was represented by a glyph and had 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.
Needless to say, an important part of the travel kit while visiting Belize will be an excellent mosquito repellent and its utilization isn't just restricted to bird watching trips but to wooded and swamp areas as well. Experienced ornithologists recommend the use of boots, binoculars plus an experienced guide pertaining to birds. Moreover it is important to keep much portion of the skin covered by opting for full sleeved shirt, lightweight trousers. Even though optional, a scarf to cover the bottom portion of your neck and face leaving just your eyes visible may also come to 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.
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.
The Maya held winged creatures in high regard; this is one fact is apparent even to casual observers ever since the commencement of the study of the ancient Mayan civilization. Central America has become a haven of exotic species of birds ever since time immemorial and pelicans, owls, eagles, vultures, quetzals and macaws to mention a few are some of the few varieties which are present today. With the hieroglyphic script which the Mayans had developed, each one of these birds was represented by a glyph and had 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.
Needless to say, an important part of the travel kit while visiting Belize will be an excellent mosquito repellent and its utilization isn't just restricted to bird watching trips but to wooded and swamp areas as well. Experienced ornithologists recommend the use of boots, binoculars plus an experienced guide pertaining to birds. Moreover it is important to keep much portion of the skin covered by opting for full sleeved shirt, lightweight trousers. Even though optional, a scarf to cover the bottom portion of your neck and face leaving just your eyes visible may also come to 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.
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.
About the Author:
Linda Patterson is a birding enthusiast from the USA. The Mexican Yucatan Peninsula offers amazing bird watching tour opportunities. Check these birding tours for more information on this great destination.
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