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Birds And AnimalsWith (at least) 500 species of indigenous Birds, Belize is a Birdwatchers' Dream. There are gaudy Scarlet Maccaws, Amazon Parrots, Aztec Parakeets, beautiful and comical Toucans, as well as a spectacular congregation of lesser known species: Aricari, Blue-crowned Mot Mot, Resplendant Quetzal, Crimson Flycatcher, and Montezumas' Oropendula, just to name a few. Your eyes will be dazzled by the hundreds of bird species which illuminate our skies.And then there are the "Mega Birds." Giants of the skies like the incredible Jabiru Stork, the RARE and beautiful Emperor Vulture, or the "King" of the rainforest canopy... the Harpy Eagle. The unique geography of Spiritwind Reef Resort, situated as it is, both at the coast and in the river valley, creates a very diverse mix of convergent species. On any given day you may observe; Toucan, Aztec Parakeet, any of the 7 species of Parrots, Yucatan Jays, Oropendula, sunshine-bright Kiskadee, a variety of Hummingbirds, various species of Warblers PLUS Kingfishers, Hawks, Eagles, Owls,various Wading Birds, acrobatic ocean-going Frigate Birds, and maybe even a Brown Pelican or two. Not to mention the HERDS of Green Iguanas who graze like cattle throughout our gardens. And all this without ever leaving the comfort of your own veranda! Other animals which you may observe from your front porch include: Coatimundi, Raccoon, Four-eyed Possum, Tropical Porcupine, Central American Grey Squirrel, Aguti, Tayra, and Black Howler Monkey. If you are very lucky you may even see a shy and elusive River Otter, or the true "King of the Jungle" the American Crocodile. By all means... bring your binoculars and "life list". You will need them! |
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Wildlife AdventureBut if you are SERIOUS about Bird-watching and Exploring the vast Bio-diversity of our Emerald Rainforests, our experienced guides and teachers will be happy to lead you deep into the Cockscomb Mountains... home of the worlds' first Jaguar Preserve. Here you may even come face to face with the rare and endangered Black Jaguar…..the mythical "Black Panther" of many nightmare visions!Let Prehensile-tailed Anteaters, beautiful Red-eyed Treefrogs and spectacular Blue Morpho Butterflies share your world. Let the Rainforest engulf you in its' intoxicating mystique. If the "Life Aquatic" is more to your liking, you may wish to seek out fearsome Crocodiles and gentle Manatees along our coastal lagoons. No matter what your interest, Spiritwind Reef Resort can provide the wildlife adventure of a lifetime, just for you. Click Here for schedules and prices. | ||
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Our "Life List"... |
 
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Spectacular Bird Watching!The number of Bird Species frequenting the area of our Spirit Wind Resort is nothing short of incredible. As you can see from our "Life List", at least 175 species of Birds have been identified here... many which would not normally be seen in our coastal area. Our "Riverine Habitat", combined with abundant groves, farms and other feeding opportunities "upstream" has led many unexpected visitors to stray from their normal Rainforest and Mountain homes.Spirit Wind Resort, in Dangriga Belize is Serious about Birding. Besides the Daily Opportunities to observe and photograph the many Parrots, Raptors, Wading Birds, Hummingbirds, Warblers, Flycatchers, Trogons and More, who visit our Gardens, Old-Growth Mango Trees, Grasslands and Riverside; our Daily Expeditions into the nearby Rainforest and Mountain Valleys, will provide you unlimited possibilities to add to your own personal "Life List." Mondays, we travel to Blue Hole National Park. St Herman's Cave and the approximately 1 mile Jungle Trek will reveal many of the 200+ Rainforest Bird Species recorded here. Most notably the frequently sighted Laughing Falcons, as well as Montezuma Oropendula, and Blue-Crowned Mot Mots, which are abundant in the park. Tuesdays, our expedition leads us to Boccawina/Mayflower National Park; a wonderful Birding Site. More than 200 species have been recorded here, just since its inception 5 years ago. The unique topography, with lush jungle growth, Waterfalls, and nearby fruit groves; combines to form a strong attraction to many species of Birds and other wildlife. Wednesdays, we travel to Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, the first Sanctuary in the world for these rare and endangered cats. The Birding here is incredible... especially for Hummingbirds. This is genuine Rainforest, with Lush Plant Growth. The 6 mile drive through the forest is lined with abundant flowering Heliconia, Bromeliads, Orchids and a flowering bush known by the local Maya Indians as "Hot Lips." This abundance of flowers attracts many rare and beautiful Hummingbirds, as well as a spectacular array of Butterflies. But stay alert, for there really are Jaguars here. One of these beautiful cats could appear at any moment... so have your camera ready! Thursdays, we visit both the famous Belize Zoo and the nearby Jaguar Paw Archaeological Preserve. The Belize Zoo is a showcase for many of the Rare and Endangered Birds and Wildlife. For a small donation, you can even leave your own personal "Autograph" on the "Wall of Fame." Jaguar Paw Preserve is another of Belize’s fine Birding sites, with many possibilities to site Rainforest Birds. For a cool and thrilling diversion, we highly recommend that you try "Cave Tubing." Floating underground on the Caves Branch River is an exciting experience which you will never forget. Friday is "Paddle Day." You may Kayak down the Dangriga River to spot the many Raptors, Parrots and Wading Birds along it's shores. Alternately, you may Paddle the Mangrove Islands of beautiful Gra Gra Lagoon, with opportunities to site Mangrove Specific Bird species, as well as Crocodiles, Manatees and other rarely seen wildlife. No other Eco-Adventure Resort offers you so many opportunities to visit different habitats... from The Rainforest To The Sea, in the space of a single Adventure Vacation! Conservation:The Riverside Grounds of Spirit Wind Resort are a Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, with many Bird, Mammal and Reptile Species in residence. We vigorously defend our animals from unwanted Human molestation... especially the Abundant Green Iguanas which find safe shelter within our gardens. These peaceful vegetarian lizards are considered a "delicacy" among Carib people, and it requires an ever watchful eye to protect them from being killed.Our "Island" on the opposite side of the river, is maintained as a Crocodile Sanctuary and Observatory. Here the endangered Morlet's Crocodiles as well as awesome American Crocodiles find relative safety and protection from Human Predation. And our efforts seem to be working, as proved by the MANY Baby "Crocs" produced in our sanctuary this past year. Our Private 10 Acre Coral and Mangrove Island on the Barrier Reef is also a Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary. We are determined to maintain the Island in its "Pristine" State, as a refuge for the many American Crocodiles, Manatees Seabirds and other wildlife which call these Marine Nurseries Home. | |
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