Bird-watching is spectacular throughout Belize, drawing novice and experienced bird-watchers from all over the world. Many Belizean guides possess a truly amazing wealth of knowledge to supplement the bird-spotting skills they learned growing up in these hills. Most lodges offer casual bird-watching in their backyards, and some areas really cater to the pro bird-watcher.

Bird-watchers with a serious agenda often sign up with bird-watching-based tour operators who handle the logistics of a country-wide tour so you can keep your eyes glued to those binocs (check with individual resorts in the areas listed below, or look into specific operators like www.birdinginbelize.com).

Bring binoculars and wear boots, lightweight long-sleeved shirts, and trousers if you plan to go bird-watching in jungle areas. Don’t forget your bird guide, although several good ones can be purchased in Belize, as can local and national bird lists.

The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) is active in managing many of Belize’s reserves, and has a number of bird lists and field guides available in the central office in Belize City, as well as at the various visitors centers they operate throughout the country. Hidden Valley Inn, whose 7,200 acres encompass several bird habitats, maintains a downloadable and updated bird list on their website, www.hiddenvalleyinn.com. Of course, seeing the most number of birds means visiting the most number of habitats—from marsh to forest to riverine to jungle.

DAY 1
Arrive at Philip Goldson International Airport and transfer to one of three accommodations in Crooked Tree Village, a quick drive north.

DAY 2
Spend the day on a guided boat tour of the wetlands (much of which dry up in April and May), with a spectacular variety of water fowl and migratory birds.

DAY 3
Transfer to the Lamanai Archaeological Zone and on-site lodge in Orange Walk District, considered a cornerstone of any Belizean bird-watching tour.

DAY 4
Plan on early morning guided hikes, exploration of the nearby ruins, and some wonderful meals as your checklist grows longer by the day. Spend another night and get ready for the trip west tomorrow.

DAYS 5 and 6
Make your way up to the Mountain Pine Ridge—a rented 4WD will come in handy here. Any of the fine resorts along these highlands offer hundreds of bird species, but only the grounds of the Hidden Valley Inn are home to the rare orange breasted falcon, king vulture, and stygie owl. Spend at least two days hiking or biking the many miles of trails and private swimming holes. Pook’s Hill is another of the many area lodges specializing in bird tours.

DAY 7
Head down to the Southern Coast: Spend the entire day park-hopping down the length of the Hummingbird Highway, ending up at Sittee River, where a private cabin and a night paddle up Boom Creek await.

DAY 8
Tour the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll undoubtedly see more birds than cats.

DAY 9
Celebrate the week with a final two nights on the beach—treat yourself to a bungalow on the Placencia Peninsula and be content with pelicans and frigates, seen from your hammock.

DAY 10
Fly or drive back to Philip Goldson International Airport for your flight home, triumphant and tanned.