This protected area was declared Belize’s first Ramsar site based on the wetland’s international significance especially for many migratory and non-migratory wetland bird species in 1998. Large numbers of wading birds flock into the lagoons during Belize’s dry season (February through May) when food is hard to find in other places. Explore the lagoon and its tributaries, searching for Jabiru and Wood Storks, Bare-throated Tiger and Boat-billed Herons, Sungrebe, Black-collared Hawk, Snail Kite, and American Pygmy Kingfisher.