Celebrating Big Day – World Migratory Bird Day in Belize

Celebrating Big Day – World Migratory Bird Day in Belize

On May 14th, bird lovers from around the world will celebrate the first BIG DAY of 2023. Here in Belize, we have much to celebrate when it comes to migratory birds, and PACT is proud to be a part of the conservation efforts that protect these amazing creatures and the habitats they visit year after year.

Belize Audubon Society personnel contribute to global research by banding birds.
Banding helps track the health and flight patterns of regional travellers, like this Clay Colored Thrush

One of PACT’s longest running partnerships has been with the Belize Audubon Society. BAS, as we call them, started out as a community group of bird watchers and is now one of the largest conservation NGO’s in Belize, co-managing 7 protected areas across the country. Over the years, PACT and BAS have worked together to make significant strides in safeguarding habitats and ecosystems, especially the ones that migratory birds take advantage of. It’s a partnership that has made the country an ideal destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts worldwide.

Introducing birdwatching to younger generations is an excellent way to build contiinued passion for the environment.
More than just a hobby, the practice contributes to global research and local tourism.

On World Migratory Bird Day, bird lovers from all over Belize will be participating in bird counts and other birdwatching activities, many of which will be spearheaded by Belize Audubon Society personnels. This is a great opportunity to get out into nature and appreciate the incredible diversity of bird species that call Belize home. Birdwatching is not only a fun hobby, but it also contributes to citizen science efforts that help researchers better understand bird populations and their movements.

These boobies are the opposite of migratory. In fact Halfmoon Caye is one of the few places in the world where they make their home.
Caring for for birds means caring for the unique environments where they make their homes.

As we celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the impact that the work of PACT and the Belize Audubon Society has had on birds in Belize. With continued efforts towards conservation, we can ensure that migratory birds and other species continue to thrive for generations to come.