CROOKED TREE SANCTUARY
BELIZE
LOCALE
| # Species: | 288 |
| # Excl Vagrants: | 288 |
| # Endemics: | 0 |
| # Near Endemics: | 1 |
| Habitat: Lagoons, rivers, dry forest | |
ABOUT THE BIRDING
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary consists primarily of several lagoons and connecting rivers whose water levels fluctuate throughout the year. During the wet season, water levels are raised and many water birds such as Jabirus that depend on shallow water leave the area. Late in the dry season, water levels may become too low for boats to navigate through the channels. The largest section of the sanctuary consists of 6 inter-connected lagoons which are accessible by boat, and boat tours onto the lagoon and connecting waterways are the best way to see the birds in the sanctuary. Much of the lagoons are covered by floating vegetation, home to a myriad of aquatic birds and hawks.
In addition to the lagoon, a number of trails wend through secondary forest around the village of Crooked Tree. These trails offer opportunities for seeing a variety of land birds that inhabit the area.
LOCATION OF SITE
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 30 minutes north of the Belize International Airport not far off the Northern Highway in the Orange Walk District. The small village of Crooked Tree is located on an island surrounded by several lagoons and rivers that comprise the sanctuary.