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(Stop 04 of 21)
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CROOKED TREE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (Stop 04 of 21) |
Located 33 miles northwest of Belize City and just 2 miles off the Northern Highway, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary provides an opportunity to view some of Belize's magnificent waterbird populations. Established in 1984 for the protection of resident and migrant birds, the sanctuary consists of a network of inland lagoons, swamps and waterways. During the dry season, thousands of birds congregate here, taking advantage of the food resources, and migrants find a safe resting spot on their spring migration back to the north. The variety of habitats in the Crooked Tree area provide food and homes for a wide diversity of animals. Within the logwood swamps roost many Boat-billed Herons as well as the rare Chestnut-bellied Herons and Bare-throated Tiger Herons. The two species of ducks in Belize, the Black-bellied Whistling Duck and the Muscovy, nest in the trees along the edges of the lagoons. Over the open water you will find many birds feeding on the abundant food resources the lagoon habitat provides. |
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| Some other species found in abundance at Crooked Tree include the Snail Kite, which feeds exclusively on the apple snails found along the shoreline. The graceful Snowy and Great Egrets stalk frogs and small fish along the shoreline. All five species of Kingfishers, as well as the Osprey and Black-collared Hawks feed on fish near the surface of the lagoon. Many diving birds such as cormorants feed on fish deep in the lagoon. | |||
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Jabiru Storks, the largest flying bird in the New World with a wing span of 10-12 feet, feed throughout the sanctuary. Belize supports the largest nesting population of these great birds in all of Central America. A small population of these birds nest within or close to the sanctuary's borders. | ||
| The storks arrive in November to nest in the lowland pine savannas. After the young fledge and during the months of April and May, the birds from the northern and central parts of Belize flock to the Crooked Tree and Mexico lagoons. | |||
| Within the sanctuary is the village of Crooked Tree, established during the logwood harvesting era. Because of its relatively easy accessibility by boat, Crooked Tree was one of the first inland villages in Belize. Until recently, Crooked Tree was still only accessible by boat which travelled up the Belize River and Black Creek. But a 3.5 mile causeway now connects the village with the Northern Highway. |
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| Today, the village of Crooked Tree remains much as it has been throughout its existence. The economy is basically based on agriculture. During the dry season (January thru May), the lagoons of the sanctuary are used for a small scale fishery by netting. Also, cashews provide a source of income. During the months of May, June and July the cashew seeds are parched, cracked open and roasted. Other sources of income include the selling of cattle, pigs and goats. | |||
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The village of Crooked Tree is fast becoming a tourist destination. Infact, tourism is the fastest growing industry in the area. The village is known for its beauty. The village maintains an open air sort of feeling with the sprawling lagoon providing a wide open back drop to the east. A cool breeze normally blows from the east and large trees dotted throughout the village provide cool shade. | ||
| The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by the Belize Audubon Society. There is a visitor center at the immediate end of the causeway as you enter the village. Boats and guides are available at visitor center or within the village. | |||
 
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