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Birding

Birding Destination

THE IDEAL DESTINATION FOR DISCRIMINATING BIRDERS

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Birding in Belize

At Black Rock Lodge, we are passionate and literate about the flora and fauna that surrounds us, but we have a particular love for birds. Our commitment to birdwatching, bird conservation, and bird research make Black Rock the premier destination for birding in Belize. The lodge is surrounded by some of Belize’s most bird-rich habitats, including a 13,000-acre national park made up of luxurious rainforest that is the perfect habitat for hundreds of bird species to thrive. This scene provides a breathtaking viewscape from Black Rock Lodge’s famed open-air restaurant, complete with scopes, binoculars, and guides to help translate what you’re seeing.

#1 Belize Hot Spot

FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Don’t just take our word for it: eBird agrees! eBird is the world’s leading expert when it comes to bird data. The largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed each year by birders around the world, eBird is a collaborative enterprise with hundreds of partner organizations, thousands of regional experts, and hundreds of thousands of users. eBird is managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Yes, when it comes to birds, Black Rock Lodge has it all.

Black Rock Lodge’s 242-acre location features over 1100 feet of elevation change from the Macal River to various mountain peaks and canyon ridges, the perfect environment for nearly 390 species of spectacular resident and migratory birds. The diversity of the lodge’s geological and ecological surroundings affords guests—be they veteran birders or first timers—the ability to easily see a vast variety of common and extremely rare species. When you combine our privileged forest location and our phenomenal expert guides in these local bird species, a magical birding experience awaits every single person who visits Black Rock Lodge.

Belize Birding - Emerald Toucanet

Located on the banks of the beautiful Macal River and surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest, Black Rock Lodge is the ideal destination for discriminating birders. I recently had the pleasure of staying there and, as always, was quite impressed with its exceptional bird diversity and the unsurpassed expertise and congeniality of its bird guides—not to mention its exquisite cuisine and luxurious accommodations. If you are a birder, there is no better place to exercise your binoculars than at Black Rock Lodge!

H. Lee Jones,
Author of The Birds of Belize, Research Biologist and Environmental Consultant
Birding

Species We See

On the towering cliffs behind the lodge, a resident pair of Orange-breasted Falcons have made Black Rock their home for as long as we have records. Keel-billed Toucans, Collared Aracaris, and even the rare Northern Emerald-Toucanet are a common daily sight in the trees around the lodge. Parrots of several species announce their presence each morning and evening as they pass over the river on their way to and from their favorite fruiting trees and nesting sites. The elusive but incomparably beautiful Scarlet Macaws have even been visiting lately. Scaly-throated Leaftossers, Pheasant Cuckoo, Tody Motmot, and so many other forest species make residence throughout Black Rock’s extensive trail system.

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Black Rock Lodge Welcomes Birding Groups

For the past few years, we’ve proudly hosted the Mass Audubon Group and most recently, in 2018, VENT (Victor Emmanuel Nature Tours) joined us for a spectacular birding retreat.

BOOK YOUR NEXT BIRDING ADVENTURE

Belize bird watching
Birding FAQ

Why is Black Rock Lodge ideal for my next birding trip?
We pride ourselves in the expertise of our guides, who can not only sight-identify our birds but hear them, call them, and even spot them from a mile away. We have combed our marvelous grounds and know where to find species of particular interest. Eight of Black Rock’s eleven naturalist guides are among Belize’s top birding guides, with unbelievable experience and knowledge about all of the birdlife of Belize.
What if I am not an advanced birder?
No expertise is needed to take advantage of the incredible bird life at Black Rock Lodge. Stunning birds, from the tiniest hummingbirds to the most elegant raptors dominate the view during breakfast, as you tube down river, or even while relaxing in the hammock at your room. Our naturalist guides are always available to point out the exotic birds to guests around the property. By the end of your stay, you’ll be a bird-loving birdwatcher!

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We warmly invite you to explore and enjoy Black Rock for yourself - Birding is one of our top pride and joys. It would be pleasure and privilege to hosting your next Birding trip in Belize.

Meet our birding guides

Fully-licensed tour operators, Black Rock Expeditions offers every adventurous tour available in Belize on a daily basis. Each guide delivers superior guest services, skillful knowledge, and the rare ability to connect for an amazing experience with each guest.
Fredy Pineda: The Bird Whisperer
Carlos Corrales: Over a Decade in Birding
Diego Cruz: Scientist Guide, Expert Bander
Roque Garcia: The Rookie
Isaias Moratoya: One of the Top Birders in Belize
Fernando Obando: Raptor Expert
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