Join Canadian Ecologist Derek Morningstar and Belizean birder Eduardo Ruano for an immersive wildlife adventure in Belize, exploring the fascinating worlds of birds and bats. On this trip, we will combine scientific data collection with advanced wildlife experiences. This expertly guided tour takes you to some of the country’s most celebrated natural areas, including Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for migratory and resident birds; La Milpa, where lush rainforest surrounds one of Belize’s largest Maya sites; Black Rock Lodge in the Macal River valley of the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, renowned for its biodiversity and as a refuge for jaguars. Along the way, gain unique insights into local ecosystems and conservation efforts while enjoying comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and seamless ground transportation. Whether you’re an avid birder, a bat enthusiast, or simply a lover of nature, this journey offers an unforgettable blend of education, exploration, and relaxation in one of Central America’s most captivating destinations. Belize awaits—come see, learn, and be inspired.

Note: This tour requires a moderate to high level of physical activity, including navigation through rough natural terrain and long days. Therefore, it is not recommended for individuals with limited mobility.

Arrive in Belize City and embark on a two-hour drive to La Milpa. Once in La Malpa, arrive and transfer to your hotel, where you will have a sumptuous dinner.

2 Nights at La Milpa, including accommodation and meals.

o   Lunch depends on arrival time at Airport, but if not needed, bird all the way to La Milpa and the grounds until dinner time trying to get some of the large game birds and common birds like Ocellated Turkey, Great Curassow, Crested Guan, Keel-billed Toucans, Slaty-tailed Trogons and any other individual that comes to the pond and to the feeder which can be quite productive.

o   Early walk on the grounds before breakfast and head thereafter to La Milpa Maya Site in the pursuit of some deep forest species of birds like Red-capped Manakin, Scaly-throated Leaftosser, Collared Trogon, Royal Flycatcher, or any other wildlife in the area. The 5 cats are possible here, along with Coatis, Agoutis, Tapirs and other smaller Mammals. Back at the lodge for lunch.

o   Bird the access road, looking for raptors and any other wildlife.

o   Night 2 - Bat netting (assuming permit approval) and Night Walk looking for jungle night critters, owls and nightjars. Hopefully, catch bats of many species and fix transmitters to some of them.

o   Demonstration with acoustic bat detector, thermal camera, UV light 

o   Leave La Milpa after breakfast for Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary with a stop at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. Lunch at Indian Church Village.

o   Drive from Lamanai to Bird’s Eye View Lodge after lunch, settle, and look upon arrival for Yellow-headed Parrots, Yucatan Jays, and other birds in the area, like Fork-tailed Flycatchers and Vermillion Flycatchers. Back for dinner at the lodge.

o   Morning boat ride targeting Jabiru Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Yellow-breasted Crake, Ruddy Crake, Black-collared Hawks, Northern Jacanas, Boat-billed Herons, Agami Herons, Sungrebes, and many other goodies in the area. Back to the lodge for lunch.

o   Leave Bird’s Eye to Black Rock Lodge after lunch.

o    Dinner before heading to the camp.

o    Night 1 - Bat netting (assuming permit approval) and Night Walk looking for jungle night critters, owls and nightjars. Hopefully, catch bats of many species and fix transmitters to some of them.

o    Demonstration with acoustic bat detector, thermal camera, UV light 

o    Bird the grounds before and after breakfast in search of some good targets that would include Tinamous, Great Antshrikes, Uniform Crakes, Scarlet-rumped Tanager, Golden-hooded Tanager, and other deep forest birds of the area.

o    Start heading out before lunch to bird the access road in search of Chestnut-headed Oropendolas, Cinnamon Becards, Tinamous and other specialties of the area.

o    Lunch in Maya Center with afternoon visit to Placencia for some beach time to relax and swim and enjoy a couple of cocktails.

Early Breakfast and leave the Reserve depending on the Flight Departure Time. Drop off at the Airport for check-in 2 hrs before the flight.