It’s Easy! Go Birding to Help
Conservation in Guatemala! by Darlene Smyth
Fun? You bet! I just returned from Guatemala, a country that has
decided to be an important part of the birding world. How can it
get more exciting? Guatemala boasts world-class attractions from
black-sand beaches to active volcanoes, to Mayan ruins and an
abundance of birds.
The majestic Mayan ruins at Tikal are not only fascinating
archeological finds, but they’re nestled into a forest that has been
reserved for wildlife. Not only do howler monkeys nibble leaves
while they recline on sturdy branches, and squirrel monkeys
gracefully fly through the trees, but, wonder of wonders to birders,
perched on a Mayan temple is an Orange-breasted Falcon. No,
wait! Here is another sitting in the close tree. They are flying—in
mid-air the male passes the female a gift of prey. They settle into
the same tree. Birders gaze at them with delight, then are
distracted by a flock of flying parrots. Ocellated Turkeys are
patrolling the grounds. Plumbeous Kites nest in the shadow of a
pyramid. Crested Guan slips through the trees guiding a chick.
There is so much to see in this one area that several days would
not be too many, but you simply cannot miss also climbing the
Pacaya Volcano and viewing the red-hot molten lava fields while
the calls of the Bushy-crested Jays echo in the background, and a
Rufous-collared Robin perches above you.
How about birding in a coffee plantation? In Guatemala 98% of
the coffee is shade-grown, and the trees that are planted to make
the shade are favorites of wildlife, especially birds. Gray Silky-
Flycatchers, many species of hummingbirds, tanagers, warblers,
woodpeckers, and vireos all search the vegetation for food. This is
the kind of coffee experience that will perk anyone up!
People in many countries are working very hard to set aside
reserves for the benefit of wildlife and are investing quite a lot of
money in these projects. These reserves usually benefit from the
involvement of local people as well. Thus starts the circle: A
farsighted land owner reserves the land for wildlife, local people
are employed in maintaining the reserve, birders come from
faraway lands to enjoy the wildlife, governments see an increase in
tourism and the dollars this brings to the country, then the
government sees the value in continued and expanded protection
of reserves. As a birder, your part in this circle is the one that is the
most fun, and vitally important.
Comfortable to luxurious hotels and lodges are available in
Guatemala and locally-run tourism companies stand ready to help
you with your custom trip (www.guatemalanature.com or
www.operadorlatino.com); or you can join a pre-planned tour
with North American-based birding-tour companies. Both of
these Guatemalan tour companies are willing to create an exciting
birding experience for all, even those with physical limitations.
Arrangements can even be made so major portions of the Tikal
Mayan ruins and grounds are accessible to those in a wheelchair.
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