Belize's Red Bank: A Remote Riverine Paradise

Red Bank is a small, predominantly Mayan village in the Stann Creek District of Belize, close to the border with Toledo District in the country's southeast. It is located near the southern turnoff of Placencia, around 39 miles southeast of Belmopan and 37 miles west of Placencia. The village is known for being one of the best places in Belize to spot the magnificent and endangered scarlet macaw.

Red Bank Village is in southern Belize

Red Bank Village is a small Maya community in southern Belize, nestled in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. With a population of around 1,000 inhabitants, the village is known for its lush jungles, waterways, and vibrant bird life.

Every year, between December and March, Red Bank Village becomes a birdwatcher's paradise as flocks of scarlet macaws descend upon the area. These magnificent birds, with their brilliant red, yellow, and blue plumage, are a subspecies of Ara macao cyanoptera and are related to parrots. They migrate to Red Bank in search of fruit, particularly from the 'annatto' and 'pole wood' trees that surround the village.

The scarlet macaw is an endangered species, with an estimated population of less than 5,000 across Central and South America. In Belize, it is believed that fewer than 250 of these birds remain, and Red Bank Village is their most popular gathering place. The macaws are a slow-growing species, making their presence in the village even more remarkable and worth witnessing.

To observe these birds, visitors typically embark on birding tours that include hiking through the dense jungle and along riverbanks. The tours offer a chance to spot other bird species as well, such as wood creepers, toucans, parrots, White Hawks, and Laughing Falcons. The village's proximity to popular tourist destinations like Hopkins or Placencia makes it a convenient stop for those interested in birdwatching.

Red Bank Village is easily accessible, located in the Stann Creek District, just a mile from the Toledo District in southeastern Belize. It is 39 miles southeast of Belmopan and 37 miles west of Placencia, a short distance off the Southern Highway.

It's a small Maya community

Red Bank is a small Maya community in Southern Belize, situated on the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The village is home to about 1,000 inhabitants. It is one of Belize's top birdwatching spots, as it is visited by flocks of scarlet macaws every year between December and March. These large, colourful birds are native to Mexico, Central America and South America, and are endangered due to poaching and habitat loss.

The scarlet macaws are a big attraction for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. They migrate southward during the winter, and Red Bank is one of their favourite spots to feed. The village is surrounded by lush, mountainous areas and native trees that bear the fruits and nuts these birds love to eat. Visitors can see hundreds of these magnificent birds flocking around the river banks, along with other species such as parrots, toucans, and herons.

The community has come together to protect and preserve these endangered birds, and their efforts have been successful. The villagers, with the help of the Belize Audubon Society, have established a system of counting, monitoring, and safeguarding the macaws. In return, birding tours bring income to the village. This collaboration has been beneficial for both the villagers and the macaws, ensuring the sustainability of this natural attraction.

A visit to Red Bank offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic Maya life and immerse yourself in the wild and unspoiled beauty of the region. To get to the macaw feeding area, it is recommended to hire a local guide and be prepared for a hike through the dense jungle. Insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, and sturdy footwear are essential for this adventure.

The village is a birdwatching hotspot

Red Bank Village is a small Maya community of about 1,000 inhabitants in Southern Belize. It is located in Stann Creek, near Placencia, and is known as one of Belize's top birdwatching hotspots. The village is situated on the foothills of the Maya Mountains, and every year, it hosts one of the largest gatherings of scarlet macaws in Central America.

The scarlet macaw is a large, colourful parrot native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It is also one of the most threatened birds in the parrot family. From November or December to March, flocks of scarlet macaws visit Red Bank to feed on the fruits of the 'annatto' and 'pole wood' trees that surround the village. As many as 100 wild scarlet macaws can gather near the village during this time, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.

The seasonal visits of the scarlet macaws are the main reason why birders visit Red Bank Village. The village is easily accessible, located about an hour's drive from Hopkins or Placencia. As a result, many tourists who stay at these popular destinations often visit Red Bank on birding tours. The best time to spot the scarlet macaws is during the winter months, as they migrate southward to survive the colder weather.

In addition to the scarlet macaws, Red Bank Village is also home to other bird species, such as toucans, herons, gibnuts or "paca", and tapirs. The local terrain consists of lush jungles and waterways, providing a diverse habitat for birds and other wildlife. Visitors can explore the area through guided tours, which often involve hiking through the jungle and observing the diverse bird life up close.

Overall, Red Bank Village offers a unique opportunity for birdwatchers to observe the endangered and magnificent scarlet macaw in its natural habitat, along with a variety of other tropical bird species. The village's proximity to popular tourist destinations and its reputation as a birdwatching hotspot make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Belize's rich avian life.

It's home to scarlet macaws

Red Bank is a small Maya village in Southern Belize, located near the southern turnoff of Placencia. It is home to the scarlet macaw, a large red, yellow and blue parrot, native to Mexico, Central America and South America. The macaws are swift fliers, travelling in pairs or small groups at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. They migrate to Red Bank between November/December and March to feed on the fruits of the 'annatto' and 'pole wood' trees that grow in the lush greenery of the region.

The scarlet macaw is an endangered species, with fewer than 250 of the ara macao cyanoptera subspecies remaining in Belize. Red Bank is the most popular location for these birds, as they frequent the jungles surrounding the village. The scarlet macaws migrate from their homes in Chiquibul National Park, flying over the Maya Mountains in search of food. Other foodstuffs of the scarlet macaw include the Prickly Yellow and Wild Annato (whose waxy seed covers are used to make the condiment 'achiote' or 'bijol'), as well as the fruit of the flowering Xylopia frutescens.

The scarlet macaws are a big draw for tourists, particularly those with a passion for birds or endangered animals. Visitors to Red Bank can take a birding tour, guided by local villagers, to see the macaws and other wildlife including toucans, herons, gibnuts, tapirs and even jaguars. The best time to visit is March, when the scarlet macaws are in their prime viewing period.

Factors contributing to the scarlet macaw's endangered status include poaching, the destruction of their habitat and low birth rates. Despite a ban on poaching, the scarlet macaw is a very slow-growing species, so seeing these magnificent birds is a truly spectacular sight.

The best time to see the macaws is between December and March

Red Bank is a small Maya village in the Stann Creek District of Belize, located near the southern turnoff of Placencia. The village is situated on the foothills of the Maya Mountains and is known for its lush jungles and waterways. It is also one of the top birdwatching hotspots in Belize, as it hosts one of the largest gatherings of scarlet macaws in Central America.

The scarlet macaws migrate southward to Red Bank during the winter months to take advantage of the abundant food sources in the region. The fruits of the 'annatto' and 'pole wood' trees, as well as the Prickly Yellow and Wild Annato, are all part of the macaws' diet. The period between November/December to March is an especially rewarding time for these birds as they can easily find food in the lush greenery of Red Bank and the surrounding areas.

To see the scarlet macaws in Red Bank, it is recommended to join a birding tour. These tours often include a professional guide, insect repellent, hiking boots, and appropriate clothing for the jungle terrain. Visitors are also advised to bring binoculars and a camera to capture the stunning sights of the macaws and other wildlife, such as toucans, herons, and even jaguars.

With its seasonal visits from the magnificent scarlet macaws, Red Bank offers a unique and memorable experience for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. The chance to observe these endangered birds in their natural habitat is truly a special opportunity that should not be missed.

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