The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary: A Natural Oasis In Belize's Rural District

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Belize District, recognised as a Wetland of International Importance. It was designated as a waterfowl habitat in 1998 under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The sanctuary is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, including globally endangered species such as the Central American river turtle, Mexican black howler monkey, and yellow-headed parrot. It is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with over 300 species of migratory, resident, terrestrial and aquatic birds. The village of Crooked Tree, located within the sanctuary, is known as one of the oldest Creole communities in Belize, providing a unique cultural experience for visitors.

Birding Boat Tours

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Belize, recognised as a Wetland of International Importance. It is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, including globally endangered species such as the Central American river turtle, the Mexican black howler monkey, and the yellow-headed parrot.

The best way to explore the sanctuary is through a birding boat tour. Birding boat tours allow you to get up close to the flora and fauna of the area and are available for both experienced and amateur bird watchers. The tour guides are knowledgeable and can easily spot various types of wildlife, explaining their appearance, habitat, migration patterns, and seasonal activities.

Bird Species

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is home to hundreds of bird species. The sanctuary was established to protect its most famous resident, the jabiru stork, which is the largest flying bird in the western hemisphere, with a wingspan of up to ten feet. The sanctuary also contains 16,400 acres of lagoons, creeks, swamps, broad-leaf forests, and pine savannas, attracting a diverse array of resident and migratory birds.

Birders can expect to see a variety of water-dwelling birds in the freshwater lagoons, including hummingbirds, and what look like American cardinals and blue jays. The snail kite, a fairly large bird, uses its particular beak to hook meat out of apple snails. Two varieties of ducks, the black-bellied whistling duck and the Muscovy, nest in trees along the swamp. All five species of kingfishers live in the sanctuary, and you can also spot ospreys and black-collared hawks.

The best time for birding in Crooked Tree is from November to May, when many birds migrate to the sanctuary. Peak bird-watching times are February to April.

History of Crooked Tree Village

Crooked Tree Village is a settlement located in the Belize District of Belize. It is one of the oldest Creole communities in Belize, with 85.2% of its population being Creole, according to the 2010 Census. The village is situated on an island in the centre of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, which was designated in 1984 to preserve the important wetlands complex that serves as a dry season refuge for resident and migrating waterbirds.

The history of Crooked Tree Village is deeply intertwined with the history of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. The village was once only accessible by boat, as it was surrounded by freshwater ponds, creeks, and lagoons. This made it an ideal location for the British to establish logging camps during the colonial era, as they sought to gather and export logwood for use as dye.

In 1972, the Belize Audubon Society invited Dr. Alexander Sprunt IV, Head of the U.S. National Audubon Society Field Office, to assess Crooked Tree and make recommendations for its conservation. This led to the proposal for the establishment of a Natural Area Reserve at Crooked Tree Lagoon, with a focus on protecting the Jabiru stork, which had been added to Belize's list of protected animals in 1973.

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary was officially declared the first Wildlife Sanctuary by the Government of Belize in 1984. This declaration recognised the area's ecological and biodiversity significance, particularly as a habitat for waterfowl and other bird species. The sanctuary encompasses 16,400 acres of diverse ecosystems, including lagoons, creeks, logwood swamps, broadleaf forests, and pine savannas.

Today, Crooked Tree Village is a popular destination for birders and eco-tourists, offering a unique cultural experience alongside the opportunity to observe the abundant wildlife in the surrounding sanctuary. The village provides essential amenities for tourists, such as accommodations, meals, and transportation, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.

Getting There

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Belize District, around 40 minutes' drive from Belize City. The wildlife sanctuary is just three miles off the Phillip Goldson Highway (formerly the Northern Highway). The junction is located about midway between Belize City and Orange Walk, approximately 30 miles from either direction.

If you don't have a rental car, getting to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary can be challenging and expensive. A taxi will cost you around $75 each way. However, rental cars in Belize are available for about $50 per day, so renting a car is recommended. The main highway to Crooked Tree is paved, and driving in Belize during the day is generally safe.

There is a bus service from Belize City to Crooked Tree Village, which operates Monday to Saturday. The bus will drop you off at the turnoff to Crooked Tree, which is a two-mile stretch that you can hitchhike or walk. Alternatively, there is a direct bus to Crooked Tree Village from Belize City. Tour companies also offer trips to the Sanctuary from the City and some northern hotels.

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Visitor Centre is open daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm and costs $4 USD for non-nationals. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to May, when many migratory birds take refuge in the lagoons. April is particularly good for birdwatching, as this is when the greatest concentration of birds occurs. If you want to take a boat ride, it's best to come a few weeks earlier, as the water levels can be too shallow by April.

Boat Tours

The best way to explore the sanctuary is through a Birding Boat Tour. This allows you to get up close to the flora and fauna and spot various types of wildlife. Your tour guide will be able to easily spot and identify different species and explain their appearance, habitat, migration patterns, and seasonal activities. Boat tours can be booked online or through the lodges.

Other Activities

In addition to birdwatching, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of other outdoor activities. There are trails for hiking, horseback riding, and canoe and bicycle rentals. The village of Crooked Tree, located on an island in the centre of the sanctuary, is also worth a visit. It is one of the oldest Creole communities in Belize, providing a unique cultural experience. The village also offers eco-tours, accommodations, meals, and transportation.

Visitor Facilities

The best way to experience Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is by boat. To get out on the water, you can hire a boat and a guide from the village at the visitor centre. The centre is open seven days a week, from 8 am to 4 pm, and there you can get advice on the best way to explore the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is managed by the Belize Audubon Society. Belizeans pay an entrance fee of $2, and foreigners pay $8. Basic trails are laid out, following the shoreline and village tracks. The Jacana Loop Trail, Trogon Trail and Limpkin Trail are good for wildlife spotting.

There is a range of accommodation available in Crooked Tree, from eco-tourism hotels to guest houses. Bird's Eye View Lodge and Beck's Bed and Breakfast are two popular choices.

The village of Crooked Tree is located on an island in the centre of the sanctuary. It is known as one of the oldest Creole communities in Belize, and offers a unique cultural experience. The village has a population of approximately 595 people and is surrounded by the sanctuary and its wetlands.

There are several restaurants in the village, including Mali & Jay and 3J's, which is known for its fish and chips.

Frequently asked questions