birding at Hickatee

Your verandah provides a great place for the armchair birdwatcher to view the many different species of birds in the area - from kingfishers at our small creek to toucans feeding in the trumpet trees, or the delightful hummingbirds darting around the hibiscus flowers. Many pleasant early-mornings have been spent on the deck of Charlie's Bar with a cup of coffee identifying the several different birds in the garden. Sightings include:

George Alford is arguably the best birding guide in the Toledo District. During a former life as a TIDE ranger in Paynes Creek National Park he began practising bird calls, and now has dozens in his repertoire. He will single out bird calls from the general background jungle cacophony, and literally whistle the birds towards you!

Birds and breakfast
1.5 hour guided birding walk on the Hickatee trails, followed by breakfast at Charlie's Bar. BZ$40 for up to 4 guests

Birds and boots
3 hour guided birding walk on the Hickatee trails and Ex-Servicemen Road. BZ$60 for up to 4 guests.

Birds and bikes
Full-day guided birding tour, cycling the 5 miles to Boom Creek village at your leisure. Enjoy your boxed lunch at the Moho River - a great spot for cooling off - before your return journey to Hickatee. BZ$120 for up to 4 guests, plus BZ$15 lunch per person.

"Birders will love the location, from the trails that start at the door step to the roadsides nearby. Try to book a birding trip with a local birder named George, even if you are not a birder, but especially if you are.. the guy is amazing."
Cliff, USA

For the more serious birdwatcher, a journey along Boom Creek Road (as Ex-Servicemen Road is commonly known) reveals yet more species - include the rare Ornate hawk-eagle. Click on the link to access the "Birds of Boom Creek Road" list (in Microsoft Excel format), kindly compiled for us by Lee Jones, author of "Birds of Belize". Many thanks Lee!

"A mile of jungle trails and excellent birding along Ex-Servicemen Road."
Carolyn, Belize

For even more birding, consider taking a trip to the Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary: a natural wonder, it is ranked among the top of all the protected Areas in Belize for the value of its biodiversity, and the diversity of its native and migratory bird species makes it one of the premier birding destinations in the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. It is home to over 150 species of birds, including the jabiru stork and the roseate spoonbill.

For more information on "Lu ha" - the Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary - visit the ToucanTrail website and Jan Meerman's Biodiversity in Belize website