Matthew Sileo Photography | Birds, Wildlife, Ecology, Conservation | Matthew Sileo Photography
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Our first stop was Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, run by Belize Audubon. The sanctuary features a large freshwater reservoir, shown here. While she appears all alone, the horse shown in the photo was surrounded by wildlife.
We were thrilled to see dozens of waterfowl, shorebird and songbird species in and around the reservoir. This site is one of the best spots in the world for birding during migration. A Cattle Egret flew high enough to be illuminated by the sun that had already dropped below the trees behind me, resulting in this dramatic shot.
I saw my first ever Snail Kites at Crooked Tree! The limestone bedrock results in a very high calcium concentration in the reservoir- perfect habitat for aquatic snails... and therefore Snail Kites! The two I spotted were "Lifers" for me.
A group of Wood Storks flew over the reservoir.
Cattle Egrets
Northern Jacana
Our next stop was the Community Baboon Sanctuary in Bermudian Landing. The sanctuary is world-renowned for its successful Howler Monkey conservation program and is one of the most exciting places to visit for wildlife or conservation enthusiasts. This stoic-looking guy was the large dominant male of the troop of about ten individuals, whom we followed for half an hour through the tropical dry forest.
Some of the Howlers were more curious - this young male decided to try out Laura's sunglasses!
Here's a mother Howler with her 5-month-old baby clinging to her side.
There weren't just Howler Monkeys at the sanctuary; incredible birds like this Vermilion Flycatcher tended to distract the birders in our tour group. (Vermilion Flycatcher 1)
So lovely... (Vermilion Flycatcher 2)
I was thrilled to have the chance to share a few moments with this fellow. (Vermilion Flycatcher 3)
The Vermilion Flycatcher is just too beautiful - here's some more eye candy! (Vermilion Flycatcher 4)
Next stop, San Ignacio. I got up early to have "breakfast with the birds" ... I was awestruck when three Collared Aracari Toucans arrived and calmly fed on the fruits of the Trumpet Tree just a few meters from the balcony.
A happy couple; the male (left) and female (right) Collared Aracaris seemed to enjoy posing for me
The male was more talkative. Go figure!
A few Chachalacas showed up for a quick bite...
A Yellow Warbler forages for insects. A tennis court in the background provided this unique look.
A gorgeous White-vented Euphonia posed for me... that name certainly does the species no justice.
Ah, the lovely Blue-gray Tanagers... always a delight. A more subtle beauty than the Summer Tanagers.
This male Summer Tanager is just finishing his moult into his breeding plumage- some of his facial feathers are still sheathed
Here he is chomping on the fruit & seeds of the Trumpet Tree (Cecropia sp.). The fact that so many birds love to eat these seeds reflects the Trumpet Tree's place in ecological succession; it's an early-succession plant that thrives in recently disturbed habitats and spreads primarily by bird droppings.
Here he is chomping on the fruit & seeds of the Trumpet Tree (Cecropia sp.). The fact that so many birds love to eat these seeds reflects the Trumpet Tree's place in ecological succession; it's an early-succession plant that thrives in recently disturbed habitats and spreads primarily by bird droppings.
This is a different individual; this male is earlier in his moult and looks a bit ratty. Still so beautiful though!
One more shot...
Here's that Aracari toucan again- look at that tongue!!
I love how the toucans chew on their food a bit, then toss it back into their mouths.
This little fellow is an Olive-backed Euphonia, a first for me!
A happy Red-lored Parrot who made his home in the rafters of an open-air restaurant.
We finally made it to Possum Point Biological Station in Sittee River village. I love watching the sun rise from the dock.
Early morning at Possum Point
The sunsets over the other side of the peninsula are also gorgeous!
"For Catherine" -- On our first night: Orion greets us as we prepare to head out to the lagoon
We weren't disappointed- the lagoon was glowing bright that night!
Kelcie got into the water for a photo-op.
The next night I perfected my technique- here Clifford and Kelcie watch the glowing trails behind swimming fish in the water, and the boat's wake shines bright blue.
It's breeding season for the Green Iguanas- the females lay their eggs in communal nest sites like the one at the end of Possum Point
The lovely flora of Possum Point Biological Station
A Keel-billed Toucan at Flapdoodle Farm, the residence of the original (now retired) owners of Possum Point.
It's breeding season for the Red-Lored Parrots of Possum Point! I love watching them inspect tree cavities for potential nesting sites
It's breeding season for the Red-Lored Parrots of Possum Point! I love watching them inspect tree cavities for potential nesting sites
The villagers are tightly connected to their river, Sittee River. A fisherman showed us his catch of the day, a barracuda.
Close to the mouth of the river we see Caribbean Brown Pelicans like this adult male
We took a day out on the Belize Barrier Reef. Out in the middle of nowhere was a beautiful Osprey- the resident, non-migratory subspecies of the Caribbean Islands (Pandion haliaetus ridgwayi)
I find the Caribbean Islands Osprey quite handsome! The subspecies looks pale in comparison, with more white & fewer brown contour feathers, and a weak eye mask relative to the other subspecies.
One of the more exciting avian residents to spot on the grounds is a Slaty-tailed Trogon, shown here.
One of the important avian aquatic predators in the Sittee River ecosystem: the Bare-throated Tiger Heron
The Social Flycatchers were very busy building nests and making a ruckus!
The Social Flycatchers were very busy building nests and making a ruckus!
The Social Flycatchers were very busy building nests and making a ruckus!
Common Yellowthroats are one of the many "Neotropical Migrants" that pass through Possum Point between their wintering and breeding territories. What do you think the probability is that this is the same individual I photographed in Alexandria, Virginia?
One of the more exciting avian residents to spot on the grounds is a Slaty-tailed Trogon, shown here.
At the far end of the property (away from the Point) lies the large dorm with its own water supply. Dr. Kangas stays here.
The sun sets on another trip to Possum Point- I can't wait to go back!