Birds of Ambergris Caye

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Birds can fly where they want, when they want,
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Birds of Ambergris Caye
by Elbert Greer

Birds of Ambergris Caye is a weekly column in The San Pedro Sun, a small weekly local newspaper published on Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America. The column contains information about the 260 species of birds that occur on that island and its collection of mangrove cayes.

Ambergris Caye is a unique island with all its bird species not yet fully recorded. The column's "Bird of the Week" format contains details of bird observations along with morphological classifications.

Mr. Greer sometimes provides some humour as he accounts the observations with the help and company of his Labrador companion, "Bubba." Bubba sometimes contributes mild metaphors about life on the island and certain birds.

Our Features
The Tiger Heron

Roseate Spoonbill

Bubba on Bird Emotions

The Yellow Crowned Night Heron

Keel-Billed Toucan

The Forked-Tail Flycatcher

The Whistling Duck

Barstool Bird Watching

Here are a few words from Mr. Greer:

Birds of Ambergris Caye is the title of the column I've been writing for the Sun. Ambergris is a unique island behind the barrier reef and is host for 260 or so different species during the year. This is a large number for a barrier reef island!

In the country of Belize 534 species have been counted. For those of you who are new to Birdwatching I should explain that the entire world has 8,600 different species spread thinly over the varied habitats this planet has between its poles. 534 is a spectacular variety for a country the size of Belize. This number is largely due to the diversity of habitat within its borders.

I've decided to expand my writing to include all the birds of Belize and journey off the island to the mainland. Next week I plan to visit a unique conjuncture of savanna habitat and jungle habitat up the Northern River past Bomba, to its end near the village of Maskall. I've been hearing rumors about fresh water springs there that attract avafauna in the dry season.

Bubba will be staying at home to cover island events. He has never come to terms with creatures like crocodiles and jungle cats that I'm sure to encounter. I'm packing my big boots.

Mr. Greer writes from a remote end of the island with no phone, electricity or street address. He may be reached by post (which he prefers) and his address is Elbert Greer, General Delivery, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America. However, he can also be reached by e-mail through the newspaper at [email protected]

Guided birdwatching tours by boat around the island, through its many channels and lagoons or visits to its neighboring mangrove islands can be arranged by contacting:
Ramon's Dive Shop,
Telephone 011-501-26-2071;
Fax 011-501-26-2214.
For more birding information,
Susan LaLa at Caribbean Villas
click here.

This page, and all contents, are Copyright © 1996 Elbert Greer

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