World Migratory Bird Day: Why Belize's Maya Forest Matters to Birds on the Move
Twice a year, on the second Saturday of May and October, the world celebrates World Migratory Bird Day, honoring the birds that travel thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. At Chan Chich Lodge, set deep in the Belize Maya Forest, it's a day that feels personal. For many of these travelers, the rainforest around our lodge is a place to rest, feed, and spend the winter.
A Rainforest That Welcomes Travelers
The Belize Maya Forest is home to more than 400 species of bird, over 100 of them migratory. Our own bird checklist records more than 370 species across 35 families, and our 30,000-acre private reserve sits alongside roughly 236,000 additional acres of protected land. That kind of unbroken habitat is exactly what birds on a long journey need.
Why Protected Habitat Matters
A migration is a series of stops. Each bird depends on food, shelter, and safe places to rest along the way, and every lost patch of habitat makes the journey harder. Large, connected stretches of protected rainforest give migrants reliable places to refuel and, for many, a safe place to spend the season.
Birding at Chan Chich
Our guides know these trails, and they know where the birds are. Walk the groomed trails at first light, explore the different habitat around Laguna Seca, or take in the view from the upper escarpment, where raptors and vultures ride the thermals and Black-and-White Hawk-Eagles and White Hawks are common to the area.
Planning a trip? Our full bird checklist now has a real-time search tool, so you can filter by name, species, status, or likelihood of sighting before you arrive. And when you want a little inspiration, browse our gallery of more than 100 bird photos, taken over the years at the lodge by our resident nature enthusiast and photographer, Emil Flota.
How You Can Help Migratory Birds, Wherever You Are
Keep cats indoors, especially during migration seasons.
Make windows visible to birds with decals or screens to prevent collisions.
Turn off unnecessary lights at night when birds are migrating.
Plant native species that offer food and shelter.
Record your sightings on eBird or Merlin to support citizen science.
Support conservation efforts that protect habitat, including the Belize Maya Forest Trust.
Come Birding With Us
Whether you're a lifelong birder or just beginning to notice the birds outside your window, World Migratory Bird Day is a good reminder that these travelers connect us all. When you're ready to meet some of them in person, we'd love to welcome you to Chan Chich.
Explore our bird checklist
See the photo gallery and plan a birding stay
