Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Sittee River
Biologist E.O. Wilson has said that “rainforests are the most exuberant expression of nature the world has ever known.” Today we were able to explore the incredible richness and variety of life that lives in the tropical forests of the Cockscomb Basin and along the Sittee River in Belize.
From a variety of hiking trails we observed the lush vegetation draped with epiphytes and lianas as well as colorful flowers. Beautiful clear rivers and waterfalls were our destinations as we hiked into the forest in search of birds and other animal life. Sightings of coatimundis, colorful birds and a beautiful boa constrictor (see photo above) all added to our enjoyment of the rainforest environment. Our bird list for the day numbered over 50 species, pleasing the most avid birder.
In the afternoon we moved our location to the Sittee River. We cruised up the mangrove lined channels for several miles. Green iguanas in full breeding colors positioned themselves at conspicuous locations to advertise their readiness to find a mate. We even spotted a manatee in the river as we headed upstream looking at orchids and other unusual riverside vegetation. We added several more species to our bird list before heading back to the ship for our evening recap and dinner.
Biologist E.O. Wilson has said that “rainforests are the most exuberant expression of nature the world has ever known.” Today we were able to explore the incredible richness and variety of life that lives in the tropical forests of the Cockscomb Basin and along the Sittee River in Belize.
From a variety of hiking trails we observed the lush vegetation draped with epiphytes and lianas as well as colorful flowers. Beautiful clear rivers and waterfalls were our destinations as we hiked into the forest in search of birds and other animal life. Sightings of coatimundis, colorful birds and a beautiful boa constrictor (see photo above) all added to our enjoyment of the rainforest environment. Our bird list for the day numbered over 50 species, pleasing the most avid birder.
In the afternoon we moved our location to the Sittee River. We cruised up the mangrove lined channels for several miles. Green iguanas in full breeding colors positioned themselves at conspicuous locations to advertise their readiness to find a mate. We even spotted a manatee in the river as we headed upstream looking at orchids and other unusual riverside vegetation. We added several more species to our bird list before heading back to the ship for our evening recap and dinner.
