Day 14 - Tikal

Today was the day of our big archeological birding highlight Tikal. Since birding at such an abundant site, with a backdrop of Mayan temples sticking through the misty canopy is always an unforgettable experience, we were in for a wonderful day. We started our hike through the night at 4:30 and arrived just at daybreak at the “Lost World”. We quickly climbed the steps up the ancient pyramid and were immediately surrounded by a spectacular landscape packed with many parrot species, Keel-billed Toucans, Scaled Pigeons and countless other species, as their morning chorus filled the air. At closer inspection we noticed the Orange-breasted Falcon dominantly sitting on Temple 4, leaving periodically to chase down some breakfast. For the very first time we spotted a Black-and-white Hawk Eagle miles away perched on a tree. A very distant but still noteworthy affair.

We spend the rest of the day birding the archeological site, and did clock many miles throughout the entire day. But as always it was an experience to remember for a long time, filled with spectacular sightings like a close up Orange-breasted Falcon, and even numerous sightings on the non-avian world like Middleamerican Boa, Gray Foxes casually running between pyramids and all the monkeys and coatis we could hope for.Baca selengkapnya