Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Reserve
A cool breeze complimented by the warmth of the sun made for a perfect morning at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Birders and hikers were first to strike out onto the trails. Those heading to Ben’s Bluff and the waterfalls were serenaded from the canopy by black howler monkeys. Others looked at tapir tracks in the streamside mud, wondering where the original was hiding nearby. Meanwhile, those on the look out for birds were treated to various calls, colors and winged creatures. An owl moth (twice the size of a hummingbird) perched on a vine along the trail (see photo above).
Originating in the Mayan Mountains, the Sittee River passes through the reserve providing an opportunity for some of us to float down the river on inner tubes through the forest. Epiphytes and lianas draped the trees and brightly colored flowers peeked through openings in the foliage as we floated past.
In the afternoon we sailed for Coco Plum Cay. Rain squalls throughout the afternoon did not deter our activities on shore; some us ventured over to Man O’ War Caye by Zodiac to visit the Magnificent frigate bird colony which calls the island home, and watched as males with gular pouches inflated attempted to attract females to their chosen nesting sites.
A cool breeze complimented by the warmth of the sun made for a perfect morning at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Birders and hikers were first to strike out onto the trails. Those heading to Ben’s Bluff and the waterfalls were serenaded from the canopy by black howler monkeys. Others looked at tapir tracks in the streamside mud, wondering where the original was hiding nearby. Meanwhile, those on the look out for birds were treated to various calls, colors and winged creatures. An owl moth (twice the size of a hummingbird) perched on a vine along the trail (see photo above).
Originating in the Mayan Mountains, the Sittee River passes through the reserve providing an opportunity for some of us to float down the river on inner tubes through the forest. Epiphytes and lianas draped the trees and brightly colored flowers peeked through openings in the foliage as we floated past.
In the afternoon we sailed for Coco Plum Cay. Rain squalls throughout the afternoon did not deter our activities on shore; some us ventured over to Man O’ War Caye by Zodiac to visit the Magnificent frigate bird colony which calls the island home, and watched as males with gular pouches inflated attempted to attract females to their chosen nesting sites.
