On October 10, 2026, The Lodge at Chaa Creek joined birdwatchers worldwide for October Big Day, a global birdwatching event dedicated to documenting birdlife and celebrating biodiversity and conservation.
Our team of experienced naturalist guides began their adventure at 4:30 in the morning, setting out to explore the diverse landscapes of western Belize. From the banks of the Macal River to the dense tropical rainforest and open roadside habitats, every location presented an opportunity to encounter something different. By the end of the day, the team had recorded an impressive 155 bird species across seven eBird checklists, contributing their observations to a global citizen-science initiative and showcasing the remarkable diversity of birdlife found in Belize.
View this post on Instagram
What Is October Big Day?
October Big Day is an annual global birdwatching event organized through eBird, a citizen-science platform managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Bird enthusiasts, researchers, conservationists, and nature lovers are encouraged to spend time observing birds and submitting their sightings to a worldwide database.
The event takes place during the Northern Hemisphere fall migration season, making it an especially interesting time to observe both resident birds and migratory species traveling south.
Beyond the excitement of identifying birds, October Big Day has an important scientific purpose. The observations submitted by participants contribute to research on bird distribution, migration patterns, population trends, and habitat conservation.
Be it that someone identifies a single bird in their backyard or spends an entire day exploring different ecosystems, every observation contributes to a greater understanding of the natural world.
From the Macal River to the Rainforest: Exploring Belize’s Bird Habitats
One of the most fascinating aspects of birdwatching in Belize is the variety of habitats that can be explored within relatively short distances. For Chaa Creek’s naturalist guides, visiting different environments was an essential part of the day’s birding strategy.
Along the Macal River, the combination of flowing water, riverbanks, and surrounding vegetation creates favorable conditions for aquatic and forest-edge species. These river corridors provide feeding grounds, shelter, and important connections between habitats.
Within the tropical rainforest, birdwatching requires a different approach. Dense vegetation and towering trees provide shelter for species that often remain hidden within the forest canopy or understory. Here, bird calls, movement among the branches, and careful observation become essential tools for identification.
Along roadsides, clearings, and more open landscapes, the team encountered another side of Belize’s bird diversity. These environments attract species adapted to forest edges, grasslands, and human-modified landscapes, adding to the range of birds recorded throughout the day.
Together, these habitats helped the team document 155 different species, demonstrating how Belize’s varied landscapes support an extraordinary range of birdlife.
A Few Feathered Highlights from Our 155 Species
Among the 155 species recorded during October Big Day were some particularly fascinating birds, from powerful forest raptors to colorful tropical species and elusive rainforest dwellers.
The King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) was among the day’s notable observations. Recognized by its strikingly colorful head and predominantly white plumage, this large scavenger plays an important ecological role by helping remove animal remains from the environment.
Another exciting record was the Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus), a powerful bird of prey associated with tropical forests. With its distinctive crest and impressive hunting abilities, this forest raptor is an exciting find for birdwatchers exploring Belize.
The team also recorded the Slaty-tailed Trogon (Trogon massena), a beautiful tropical forest bird recognized by its vivid red belly and contrasting dark plumage. Trogons are among the many colorful species that make birdwatching in Belize especially rewarding.
Alongside these forest species, the day’s observations included the Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius), a distinctive waterbird recognized by its unusually broad bill, and the Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona), a species associated with rivers and other freshwater habitats.
Another fascinating addition was the Tropical Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus), a forest bird famous for its spectacular fan-shaped crest, which is typically kept folded and is not often seen fully displayed.
Other recorded species included the Collared Aracari, Lesson’s Motmot, Mayan Antthrush, White-collared Manakin, and several species of woodpeckers, parrots, and hummingbirds.
Together, these sightings provided a remarkable snapshot of the different bird communities found throughout western Belize.
October in Belize: A Season of Migration
October is a particularly exciting month for birdwatching in Belize because it coincides with the southward migration of many North American bird species. As temperatures begin to fall farther north, migratory birds travel toward warmer regions of Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
Belize’s forests, rivers, wetlands, and other natural habitats provide important places for these birds to rest, feed, and, in some cases, spend the nonbreeding season.
Among the migratory species documented by Chaa Creek’s team were the Kentucky Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Northern Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
The team also recorded the Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis), a graceful migratory bird of prey that travels between North and South America.
These observations highlight the ecological connection between Belize and the wider Americas. Birds that spend their breeding seasons thousands of miles away depend on suitable habitats along their migratory routes and in their wintering grounds.
For birdwatchers visiting Belize in October, this seasonal movement offers opportunities to observe North American migrants alongside the resident tropical birds that inhabit the region year-round.
When Is the Best Time for Birdwatching in Belize?
One of the advantages of birdwatching in Belize is that there is no single season for discovering its remarkable birdlife. The country’s tropical forests, rivers, wetlands, and protected areas support resident species throughout the year, while seasonal migration brings additional opportunities for visiting birders.
October and November are particularly interesting as migratory birds make their way south from North America. Warblers, tanagers, flycatchers, and birds of prey join Belize’s resident species, creating opportunities to observe a wide variety of birds across different habitats.
December through April is another popular period for birdwatching, with generally drier conditions making forest trails and outdoor excursions more accessible. Many North American migrants spend the nonbreeding season in Belize, while resident tropical species remain active throughout the landscape.
May through September offers a different experience, with lush rainforest vegetation and opportunities to observe resident birds. Although rainfall can influence birding conditions, the country’s forests and waterways remain rewarding places to explore.
For birders planning a trip, the best time to visit ultimately depends on the species they hope to encounter, the habitats they wish to explore, and their preferred travel conditions.
The Naturalist Guides Behind the Count
Recording 155 bird species in a single day requires more than a good pair of binoculars. It takes patience, teamwork, careful observation, and an intimate understanding of the natural environment.
At Chaa Creek, our naturalist guides spend their days exploring Belize’s forests, rivers, and wildlife habitats, developing the field knowledge needed to recognize birds by their appearance, behavior, calls, and preferred environments.
October Big Day provided an opportunity to bring that experience together for a shared purpose. From identifying elusive forest birds to observing raptors overhead and searching waterways for aquatic species, each sighting contributed to the team’s final count.
While reaching 155 species was certainly an achievement worth celebrating, the experience was equally about appreciating the natural world, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a greater understanding of Belize’s birdlife.
We are proud of our naturalist guides for their enthusiasm, dedication, and continued commitment to environmental education.
Why Every Bird Counts: Birdwatching and Citizen Science
The significance of October Big Day extends far beyond the number of species recorded. Each checklist submitted to eBird becomes part of an international database that helps researchers and conservation organizations better understand bird populations.
These observations provide valuable information about where species occur, how their distributions change throughout the year, and the habitats they depend upon. For Belize, a country celebrated for its natural heritage and biodiversity, this information reinforces the importance of protecting the ecosystems that support both resident and migratory wildlife.
At The Lodge at Chaa Creek, conservation has been central to our philosophy since our beginnings. Located within a 500-acre private nature reserve along the Macal River, the lodge has long embraced environmental education, responsible tourism, and the appreciation of Belize’s natural environment.
Participating in October Big Day is another opportunity to connect our local conservation efforts with a worldwide community of people dedicated to observing, understanding, and protecting birds.
Beyond the Bird Count: Exploring Western Belize with Chaa Creek
For birdwatchers hoping to explore Belize beyond a single trail or habitat, the Cayo District offers a remarkable range of possibilities. From tropical broadleaf forests and river corridors to pine forests, wetlands, and open agricultural landscapes, the region supports a diverse collection of bird species.
At The Lodge at Chaa Creek, early morning birdwatching excursions introduce guests to the birds inhabiting our 500-acre private nature reserve. Accompanied by experienced naturalist guides, visitors can learn to identify birds through their calls, behavior, and physical characteristics while exploring the surrounding rainforest.
View this post on Instagram
For those interested in venturing farther afield, additional birdwatching excursions can be arranged to destinations throughout the Cayo District, including Mountain Pine Ridge, the Chiquibul Forest, and other natural areas known for their distinctive habitats and birdlife.
Chaa Creek also offers dedicated birdwatching vacation packages, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to explore Belize’s remarkable bird diversity while enjoying the comfort of a rainforest retreat. With knowledgeable guides and access to a variety of birding habitats, these experiences combine the excitement of discovering new species with a deeper appreciation for Belize’s natural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birdwatching in Belize
Is October a good month for birdwatching in Belize?
Yes. October coincides with fall migration, when many North American species travel through or arrive in Belize. Birders have opportunities to observe migratory birds alongside resident tropical species across the country’s forests, rivers, wetlands, and open landscapes.
Can you go birdwatching at Chaa Creek?
Yes. The Lodge at Chaa Creek offers guided early morning birdwatching excursions within its private nature reserve, along with dedicated birdwatching packages and opportunities to explore other birding destinations throughout western Belize.
Where can I see the birds recorded during October Big Day 2026?
Chaa Creek’s October Big Day results are available through our official eBird Trip Report, documenting 155 bird species across seven checklists.
Plan Your Birdwatching Adventure in Belize
Our October Big Day adventure may have concluded with 155 recorded species, but the opportunities to discover Belize’s extraordinary birdlife continue throughout the year.
From the first calls of the rainforest at sunrise to the movement of birds along the Macal River, every outing offers a new perspective on the natural world. With experienced naturalist guides, diverse habitats, and dedicated birdwatching packages, The Lodge at Chaa Creek provides an ideal starting point for exploring the remarkable birdlife of western Belize.
View this post on Instagram
Experienced birders looking to expand their life lists and curious nature lovers discovering birdwatching for the first time will find plenty to explore in Belize’s forests, rivers, and protected landscapes.
Explore our Belize Birdwatching Tours and discover how Chaa Creek can be part of your next birding adventure. We congratulate our Chaa Creek naturalist guides on a successful October Big Day 2026 and look forward to many more mornings exploring and celebrating Belize’s incredible birdlife. Contact us at [email protected] to book your stay! Or call us toll free at 877-709-8708