Bird Watching at Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary
Bird Watching Belize — Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are looking for the best bird watching in Belize, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the answer. The Audubon Society manages it and covers a huge pristine area. Furthermore, Cockscomb is renowned for its bird population with hundreds of species.
The 126,000-acre Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary has great trails for bird watching in Belize. Additionally, it is home to 330 species of birds that inhabit or visit this jungle paradise. Originally established as a jaguar sanctuary, most visitors come for the refreshing experience of getting back to nature.
We will be looking for the scarlet macaw, the great curassow, and the keel-billed toucan. Moreover, you will spot tinamou, the king vulture, and several hawk species. Additionally, flycatchers and tanagers are commonly seen. Not only will you be looking, but you will also be listening for bird songs to identify them. One unusual species is the white-collared manakin. You may not see it, but its wing snap sounds like two stones being banged together.
In addition to jaguars, Cockscomb is home to four other wildcats — jaguarundi, puma, ocelot, and margay.
While this tour focuses on bird watching in Belize, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary also has the world’s highest concentration of jaguars. Additionally, it is home to jaguarondis, pumas, ocelots, and margays. There is also plenty of “cat food” including pacas, armadillos, agouties, and red-brocket deer. Furthermore, other wildlife sightings include coatis, anteaters, kinkajous, tapirs, otters, peccaries, and troops of howler monkeys.
The tour leaves Placencia as early as 05:00 am. However, departure can be as late as 08:00 if desired. Bird sightings tend to be better early in the morning.
Wear sturdy shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. Additionally, bring a camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Moreover, birders should bring binoculars as the jungle is quite dense. A change of clothing is also recommended as you are likely to work up a good sweat.
Fitness Level Required: Low to strenuous, depending upon the specific trail to be followed.
Photo Credits: Christian Bech
COCKSCOMB WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND JAGUAR PRESERVE BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
The Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve is the world’s largest Jaguar Reserve, established in 1986. Dr. Alan Rabinowitz came to Belize to study jaguars in the early 1980s. After an overview study, he settled into a lumber camp in the Cockscomb basin. As a result of his studies, he convinced the Government of Belize to establish the preserve. Furthermore, they removed the logging camp and the Maya Indians relocated to Maya Center. The Belize Audubon Society now manages the preserve, and most of the rangers and workers are Mayas.
With time, the Jaguar Preserve expanded to cover about 130,000 acres. Moreover, it now connects through the Maya Mountains to the Bladen Nature Reserve. As a result, the total protected area covers about 250,000 acres. Jaguar monitoring continues to this day. Additionally, much of the data is gathered using motion detector cameras — you may get your picture taken if you trigger one!
Trails and Mountains at Cockscomb
Cockscomb has a very extensive trail network. Furthermore, it offers enough variation in terrain and length to suit a wide range of hikers and naturalists. Victoria Peak is the second highest point in Belize and the most popular mountain to climb. Additionally, Outlier offers a challenging climb with great panoramas. However, both mountains can only be climbed during the dry season.
