Guatemala. This is a great a year of celebration for Guatemala, a new Mayan era will begin; it is a celebration and a re-awakening. It begins today by presenting a glimpse of the most glorious experience in Guatemala: Bird Watching. It is the most beautiful, sustainable and eco-friendly tourism activity.
Bird species in Guatemala.
It is estimated that Guatemala is home to nearly 720 bird species, including both resident and migratory species, although the exact number of species varies
according to different researchers, as one might expect. To mention only a few of the many species to see are: White-breasted Hawk, Highland Guan, Green-throated Mountain-Gem; Mountain Trogon; Black-capped Swallow; Stellers’ Jay, Pink-headed Warbler; Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer, White-bellied Chachalaca; Limpkin; Bare-throated Tiger-Heron; Yellow-crowned Night-Heron; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Roseate Spoonbill; Boat-billed Heron; Yellow-headed (Savanna) Vulture; Snail Kite, Mangrove Swallow; Mangrove Vireo; Yellow (Mangrove) Warbler; Spot-breasted Oriole; Yellow-winged Cacique. King Vulture; Bicolor Hawk; Black-hawk Eagle; Plain Chachalaca; Black and White Owl; Emerald Toucanet; Black-faced Antthrush; Yellow-breasted Chat.
Animals and Mayan mythology.
Birds, animals and insects have a very important role in Mayan mythology, we will be writing about the Mayas and their relationship with animals. For example, the hummingbird appears in several mythological stories as a suitor that seduces young maidens.
Enjoying the beauty of nature and saving it.
Why is bird watching the most eco friendly and sustainable way to enjoy Guatemala? Because the birds are safe in protected areas, the friends of the birds and animals protect the natural areas, because they know very well, no protection of nature, no birds, and no animals.
There is a group of dedicated, serious people here in Guatemala who understand that without the conservation of pristine nature, without a space to live, animals will leave and become extinct. The only way to protect them is to protect the environment first, and then you automatically protect and foment fauna and flora of our priceless biodiversity that is in danger.
Many private persons, including us, just started with trying to protect a piece of land they own. Reforesting, restoring, protecting, talking to the neighbors so they won’t kill the animals, or use pesticides, herbicides and other poisons that kill the wildlife. Many species have become extinct; many are on the brink of extinction. But, with the efforts of each one of us, a small piece of land is saved, maintained and Mother Nature is fast and eager to re-gain its lost space.
You can enjoy nature and protect it at the same time. Visit Bird Watching sites in Guatemala. We present some pictures to wet your appetite form our site in Lake Atitlan. Enjoy.
Pictures: Barbara Schieber, Bosse Persson
