HIDDEN VALLEY RESERVE
BELIZE
LOCALE
| Area (ha): | 2,900 |
| # Species: | 310 |
| # Excl Vagrants: | 310 |
| # Endemics: | 1 |
| # Near Endemics: | 1 |
| Species/100 ha: | 10.7 |
| Habitat: Mountain pine forest, broad-leaf forest | |
ABOUT THE BIRDING
The private reserve owned by Hidden Valley Inn encompasses about 7200 acres of forested ridges and valleys, along with several waterfalls including King Vulture Falls. The 1000-ft. high Hidden Valley Falls is situated outside the boundary of this private reserve.
The forests in the private reserve have to some extent been decimated by insect infestations. Nevertheless, significant tracts of pine forest and montane wet forest exist on the property. Some 90 miles of trails as well as several private roads provide access to various portions of the reserve. These offer excellent opportunities for seeing the specialty birds living in the area. Most notable among these is the Orange-breasted Falcon, perhaps faster than even a Peregrine, which nests on the property. King Vulture Falls within the reserve is the best place in Belize to see these falcons. A number of other notable birds are reliably found on the property, especially the mysterious Stygian Owl and the very localized Rufous-capped Warbler and Rusty Sparrow.
LOCATION OF SITE
Hidden Valley is a private bird sanctuary located about 2½ hours west of Belize International Airport and about 5 miles south of the Western Highway in the Cayo District of Belize. It is situated adjacent to Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve at a middle elevation on the northwestern flank of the Maya Mountains.