With hectic, busy schedules and all the distractions provided by video games, mobile phones, and the internet, modern families are increasingly finding it hard to find ways to spend time together. That's why one of the biggest trends is families going on vacation together and participating in activities that offer something of interest to every member of the family.
In a recent article published by the Telegram newspaper of Worcester, Massachusetts, the "sport" of bird watching was listed as a top activity that families can enjoy together on their vacation.
In many modern cities, it can be difficult to spot more than half a dozen birds. But in a country like Belize where lush rainforests and verdant jungles cover 90% of the mainland, it's easy for even first-time bird watchers to spot 100 different avian species in a single morning.
Ranging from tiny, iridescent hummingbirds to enormous Jabiru storks that hunt for shellfish along the banks of pristine jungle rivers, Belize is a natural paradise. Over 600 bird species have been recorded in Belize, and Audobon Society has declared six different regions of the country to be an Important Birding Area (IBA).
Belize is an English-speaking nation, and experienced natural guides are available to help even first-time birders spot and identify birds. Using spotting scopes or binoculars, bird watching is a fun activity that every member of the family can enjoy. Even jaded, cynical teens will marvel at seeing flocks of brightly colored parrots perched on the branches of a mahogany tree or the magnificent sight of seeing an enormous harpy eagle patrol the skies above.
Whether it's in the jungle, on the edge of a lake, or hidden behind a screen of trees in a national forest, there are many great places in Belize to find birds. And after a fun-filled day of logging dozens of amazing bird species, there's plenty of other things to do in Belize, including swimming in the pool at the base of a waterfall, horseback riding, and floating down a river on an inflatable inner tube.
If you're interested in doing some bird watching in Belize, you should definitely consider staying at Caves Branch Jungle Lodge. Located in the heart of the Belizean jungle where hundreds of bird species thrive, Caves Branch Jungle Lodge is a family-friendly lodge that offers lots of exciting adventure trips in the region, including bird watching, hiking, and visiting the Belize Zoo.