Belize City spot attracts bird watchers
Even if you’re a city dweller, you’d know a toucan if you saw one, wouldn’t you? Well the Belize Audubon Society is betting that with a little help you could recognize over fifty birds of Belize. To prove it, Rudi Burgos and other members of the B.A.S. staff are giving an introduction to bird watching tonight at the Belize City Marine Terminal. Students, teachers, and tour guides are particularly invited to the presentation tonight which begins at 7:30. And once you’re hooked on birds, you don’t even have to leave town to find one of the best bird watching spots in Belize. Seasoned birdwatchers tell News Five there’s an area in Belize City that has been attracting a number of different species for over thirty years and is rapidly becoming a popular spot with tourists and Belizean nature lovers alike. Hyacinth Latchman reports.
Near the Port Authority is a spot that is home to over a hundred different species of birds. But because the area is being filled the birds and fish are now at risk.
Lascelle Tillett, Director, S & L Travel and Tours
“We are concerned about the area being filled up. We could see right here where we are standing has been reclaimed and the natural flow that goes off into the water and then into the swamps is being blocked. We are already seeing evidence of algae being formed which will eventually kill the fish and the bird life in this pond.
When we are doing a Belize City tour this is one of our favorite spots. I would say at least fifty people coming out here.”
Tillett says that all he is asking authorities is when they continue with their plans to please keep the species in mind as they are one of the biggest attractions here in Belize City.
Lascelle Tillett
“We appeal if we could leave everything natural and if this has to be developed, develop it with ecology in our minds and with proper drainage out to the Caribbean. So that along with development we could enjoy our birding habitats and natural habitats.”
Tillett says that besides tourists, the Audubon Society has been birding in the site since 1969. Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.
