Birding in the garden can be very rewarding

Belize is a prime bird watching destination and the Mountain Pine Ridge, Chiquibul and Caracol area is very rich in bird life. The varying habitat is home to a broad range of birds, many of which are unique to the area. Early morning birding walks and tours can be arranged with local guides.

Even the un-initiated will marvel at the colourful array of tropical birds. Darting hummingbirds, Green Jay, Blue-Crowned Mot-Mot, Golden Hooded Tanager, Hepatic Tanager, Montezumas Oropendula, Keel-Billed Toucan and Crested Guan are just a few of the flamboyant species you may encounter in the area.

An on-site birding guide is available for early morning or late afternoon bird walks and birders will benefit from his extensive knowledge of local birds, their habits and calls.

One resident bird is the Acorn Woodpecker

Please let us know prior to your arrival if you will be requiring his services so that we can try to ensure that he is available.

Highlights for birders from all over the world include Orange Breasted Falcon, King Vulture, Stygian Owl, Laughing Falcon, Grace's Warbler, Lovely Cotinga, Tody Motmot and many more. Below is a Belize bird checklist on which all of the birds found in the area have been marked.

The jungle around the Mayan Site of Caracol provides regular views of the exquisite Keel Billed Motmot.

The cliffs around the Hidden Valley Inn's property are one of the very few nesting sites for the endangered Orange Breasted Falcon.

Orange Breasted Falcons   © Angel Muela

In 2003 the Peregrine Fund took a female falcon chick back to Panama where they have started a breeding program in an effort to save the species from extinction.

In 2004,some eggs were taken from Belize to Panama and incubated. One female and two males were brought back to Belize. Hidden Valley Inn co-sponsored the release of these males, the first ever, Orange breasted Falcons born in captivity. See the full photo story.

The Peregrine Fund has also released four Harpy Eagles in the Chiquibul Forest near Caracol, some of which have been relocated to Rio Bravo. One Harpy Eagle was also donated to the Belize Zoo as it could not be released.

These birds were released in Belize

Another extremely rare bird found on the property is the Stygian Owl. These uncommon owls are mostly restricted to Pine and Pine Oak woodlands. Rick Romero, Hidden Valley Inn's resident bird guide has been monitoring the 9 daytime roosts on the property and hopes to learn more about the owl's habits. Throughout the 2004/2005 birding season, every birding group that visited the resort saw this elusive nocturnal owl.

Many days could be spent birding on the roads and trails of the private reserve surrounding the Inn. The best time of day for observing activity is daybreak and dusk. For the serious birder, and those who may need a little help, local guides can be arranged for on and off property trips. Their knowledge and experience is invaluable in finding those special birds to add to your life list.

The Stygian Owl is another rare bird found at Hidden Valley Inn

Other sites for great birding in the area include:

• Caracol in the Chiquibul National Park
• Aguacate Lagoon near Spanish Lookout
• Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary which can be added on to a transfer to or from Belize City.

Click here to view the birding photo Gallery

Please click here to view a Belize Birding Checklist

(Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view this pdf file. To download bird list file, simply right click on link and choose "download to disk". To download Adobe Acrobat Reader, click on image below.)