The 9th edition of BFREE’s annual magazineis now available in an interactive format online at Issuu! Get the latest news from the field station and learn about exciting research, conservation and education projects taking place in and around the rainforests of Belize.
Highlights of the 2024 magazine include: updates on the conservation and outreach programs associated with cacao agroforestry, the Hicatee turtle, and Science & Education Fellowship Program.
Click here to download a PDF of The Bladen Review 2024.
Special thanks to Jill Jacobs for designing this year’s magazine and to Parker Gibbons for photographing the cover image of a Speckled Racer (Drymobius margaritiferus) during his visit to the field station this summer.
Join the Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE) and the Turtle Survival Alliance’s Volunteer Science Program to participate in a long-term population monitoring project for freshwater and terrestrial turtle species located within BFREE’s Privately Protected Area in southern Belize. The BFREE Privately Protected Area is a 1,153-acre reserve that adjoins the largest tract of rainforest north of the Amazon. It’s an incredible hotspot for biodiversity where tapirs, howler monkeys, jaguars, and harpy eagles are often spotted and is the last stronghold for many endangered species.
Participants will be supporting researchers in the fifth annual survey of a 10-year long-term monitoring project to provide basic demographic and population information. Turtles will be captured using various methods, including hand capture and baited traps, and will be given unique identification marks and injected with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags for future identification. You’ll be joined by herpetologists and experts in the field from both the US and Belize. From 2021-2024 the BFREE and TSA-Volunteer Science Team marked, measured and safely released over 1,000 turtles. Turtles found included White-lipped Mud Turtle, Tabasco Mud Turtle, Scorpion Mud turtle, Narrow-bridged Musk Turtle, Mexican Giant Musk Turtle, Central American Snapping Turtle, Furrowed Wood Turtle, and the Meso-American Slider. These species represent eight of Belize’s nine known freshwater turtles.
We look forward to you joining us in Belize for the July 2025 BFREE and TSA-Volunteer Science Team Turtle Survey in the jungle!
2024 Survey Team
DATES
July 6-16, 2025 – OPEN
Spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Deposits will be accepted beginning November 15, 2024.
REQUIREMENTS
Able to hike between 5 and 10 miles a day in 90-degree weather with 100% humidity.
Able to lift and carry 40 lbs. for periods of time.
Willingness to get dirty and to put long days in.
CONTACT
Questions, please contact Eric Munscher, Director of the Turtle Survival Alliance’s – North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (TSA-Volunteer Science Program) at
Day One: Arrive at the Belize international airport (BZE) by 1:30 PM to meet ground transportation and travel by bus to BFREE. Hike in to field station. Settle into rooms and unpack before dinner.
Day Two: Tour the BFREE Facility and familiarize yourself with the various trails and facilities. Free time to relax and swim in the crystal-clear water of the Bladen River or explore one of BFREE’s many conservation initiatives, including the Hicatee Conservation & Research Center (HCRC), a captive breeding facility for the critically endangered Central American River Turtle, Dermatemys mawii, locally known in Belize as the Hicatee.
Day Three – Nine: Turtle surveys throughout BFREE’s 1,153-acre private reserve. Turtle surveys will primarily take place on the ground. There will be one or two days of river surveys but most data is collected on land.
Day Ten – Breakfast. Hike out from field station, transportation to Hokey Pokey water taxi. Stay at Sea Spray in Placencia. Dinner on your own.
Day Eleven: Ground transportation from Placencia to Belize International Airport.
COSTS
The cost is $1,800 per participant, plus 3.5% processing if credit card is used.
Cost Includes:
Double occupancy in BFREE’s newest accommodation, the Hammock, which features an open-air veranda connecting six private rooms. Linens, pillows, and blankets provided.
Three chef-prepared meals per day.
Guided night hikes and tours of BFREE’s conservation programs
Transportation from the international airport to the BFREE entrance road.
Ground and water taxi transportation to Sea Spray hotel in Placencia with one night stay included.
Fees paid to this program not only support your participation in critical turtle research for Belize but also have a direct impact on the country’s next generation of conservation leaders. Funding from this TSA Volunteer Science Program-BFREE research program helps to support Belizean participation in scientific research at BFREE.
REGISTER
Space is limited for this incredible opportunity; make your deposit today to secure your spot. Deposits are due by April 1, 2025. The final payment is due by June 7th, 2025. To register for this program, read the Booking Terms and Conditions on the next page.
Participants must agree to all terms and conditions of booking before registering for this program. This program is coordinated by the Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE).
Covered Costs.
Participation in the 2025 Turtle Survey at BFREE is $1,800 per person. These covered costs per person include accommodations, meals (while at BFREE), guided tours of BFREE, round-trip ground transportation from Belize International Airport and ground transportation to Placencia. Program Fees Do Not include the following: international airfare to BZE, meals in Placencia, soft drinks and beers, or travel insurance, gratuities/souvenirs – at your discretion.
Deposit and Final Payment.
A $500 USD Non-Refundable initial deposit will secure your spot on the trip, or you may choose to pay in full. The remaining balance is due 30-days before the retreat start date. Failure to make payment by the applicable due date may forfeit your booking on the trip and be treated as a cancellation. If a booking is made less than 30-days before the trip start date, the full amount must be paid at the time of booking.
Payment Schedule.
The $500 deposit is due for all participants by April 1, 2025. Final payment for participants is due by June 7, 2025. Payments made with credit card should be made here. Payments may also be made by check and mailed to: US for BFREE/ 3520 NW 43rd Street/ Gainesville, FL, 32606.
Cancellations.
Cancellations made by participants should include a formal refund request sent by email to reservations@bfreebz.org. According to the outline below, approved refunds by BFREE will be returned to the participant.
Refund requests more than 60-days before the program start date will receive a full refund minus the $500 deposit.
Refund requests more than 30-days before the program start date will receive a 50% refund minus the $500 deposit.
Refund requests less than 30-days before the program start date are non-refundable.
Cancellations 30-days or less to the program start date due to events directly relating to international travel restrictions and border closings, will receive a 50% refund minus the deposit.
BFREE is not liable for additional costs incurred due to cancellation, including flights, lodgings, activities, meals, etc. BFREE strongly recommends that all participants purchase travel insurance (medical, pandemic coverage, and trip cancellation) to protect you in case of any unforeseen emergencies. BFREE shall, in its sole discretion, have the right, upon written notice to the participant and without further liability, to terminate a program. Participants will be refunded following the Cancellation policy outlined above. BFREE is not liable for any loss or damage suffered by you, including but not limited to the loss of the Deposit and/or Full Payment, as a result of a Force Majeure Event and/or the cancellation of a Program due to a Force Majeure Event.
Travel to BFREE.
International flights should arrive at the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) no later than 1:30 PM on the first day of the program. On the program’s final day, international departure flights should not depart BZE before 1:00pm.
Info Session.
Turtle Survival Alliance and Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education will host an informational virtual meeting in 2025 for all confirmed Participants prior to survey. Meeting Date: TBA
Associated Publications.
Publications that have been produced as a result from this survey.
Skibsted, M., McAvinchey, C., Walde, A., Marlin, J., Pop, T. Weber, A. and Munscher, E. 2023. CHELYDRA ROSSIGNONII (Central American Snapping Turtle), KINOSTERNON ACUTUM (Tabasco Mud Turtle), K. LEUCOSTOMUM LEUCOSTOMUM (Northern White-lipped Mud Turtle), and TRACHEMYS VENUSTA VENUSTA (MesoAmerican Slider). Hatchling Behavior.. Herpetological Review 54(2): 279-281.
Munscher, E., Serano, J., Tuggle, A., Weber, A., McAvinchey, C., Dubon, J., Pop, T., Hauge, J.B., Barrett, H., Marlin, J., Butterfield, B.P., Stein, J., and Walde, A.D. 2023. Quantifying freshwater and terrestrial turtle species diversity, richness, and abundance at a site in southern Belize. Neotropical Naturalist 4(7):1-16.
Munscher, E.C., T. Pop, L. Pearson, H. Barrett, G. Knauss, J. Marlin, C. McAvinchey, M. Morrison, J. Pignatelli, J. Stein, A. Tuggle, and A. Walde. 2022. First verified observation of the narrow-bridged musk turtle Claudiusangustatus Cope, 1865 from the Toldeo District of southern Belize. Herpetology Notes 15:735-740.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_2664.jpg12381448Heather Barretthttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngHeather Barrett2024-11-07 19:37:232024-11-19 16:06:142025 Long-term Turtle Survey in the Jungle
Hicatee Awareness Month began in 2017 to draw attention to the status of Belize’s only critically endangered reptile, the Central American River Turtle locally called “Hicatee”. Eight years later, BFREE and our NGO international and local partners including Turtle Survival Alliance, Zoo New England, Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic, WCS Belize, Community Baboon Sanctuary and Savannah Field Station continue to champion the protection of this turtle and the rivers, lagoons and other freshwater systems it calls home.
This year’s theme, “Hicatee and Friends,” was selected by University of Belize student, Samih Young, and Independence Junior College student, Andrew Choco, during their summer jobs at the BFREE Field Station. As part of their Science and Education Fellowship Program, Young, Choco and their student colleague, Heston Castillo, were assigned to help develop themes and content for the 2024 Hicatee Awareness Month campaign. Because Belize is home to nine species of Freshwater turtles, the theme grew from the idea that the Hicatee isn’t the only turtle that has value or is suffering declining populations in the country.
Young and Choco learned about Belize’s turtles during their participation in an annual survey of freshwater turtle species on the BFREE Reserve. This survey is a collaboration between BFREE and the Turtle Survival Alliance and was designed to fill in knowledge gaps for as many Belizean inland and freshwater turtle species as possible. Long-term population demographics including population estimates, survivability over time, sex ratios, density, biomass, and growth are largely unknown for these species.
Young states, “I thought “Hicatee and Friends” was the best theme this year because, while in the past we have focused on the Hicatee due to its critically endangered population status, it is important to recognize and promote knowledge about all of Belize’s turtles. With knowledge comes power and through this theme, we aim to empower people by sharing information about all nine species of inland and freshwater turtles, encouraging a deeper understanding and connection to our entire ecosystem.”
Resources and Outreach
With the new theme and new materials, BFREE is collaborating with Independence Junior College, University of Belize’s Environmental Club, and Sacred Heart Junior College so that students, “Hicatee Ambassadors,” are the ones implementing the outreach events using materials created by the Hicatee Awareness Month planning committee and collaborators. This month, BFREE and its student collaborators have over 15 school and community presentations scheduled during October.
Jaren Serano, BFREE Dermatemys Program Coordinator states, ” This month-long event plays a vital role in fostering community participation and enhancing the effectiveness of conservation efforts for the critically endangered Dermatemys mawii (Hicatee turtle). By dedicating time to raising awareness of the species’ endangered status, the initiative helps inform local communities about the Hicatee’s cultural and ecological significance. Hicatee Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to strengthen the connection between conservation, cultural heritage, and community-driven action. This makes it an essential tool for promoting the long-term survival of this unique species as well as all freshwater turtles in Belize.”
The first event took place on Wednesday, October 2nd and was co-hosted by University of Belize Environmental Club and BFREE. This online presentation by Mr. Jaren Serano was entitled “Celebrating Ten Years of Conservation Work at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center (HCRC) in Belize,” and was made available to university students throughout Belize.
Visit Facebook or Instagram for details on events happening during this October’s month-long celebration. Resources for educators can be found here.
At BFREE, a diverse range of reptiles thrive within its boundaries. I’ve been fortunate to encounter several species firsthand, from the slow-moving yet captivating turtles to the agile and vibrant lizards. My recent encounters with snakes have deepened my interest in these often misunderstood creatures, revealing the unique roles they play in this ecosystem. Each experience has broadened my appreciation for the rich biodiversity that BFREE safeguards and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these remarkable reptiles.
Drone image of the BFREE Field Station and Privately Protected Area
How I got interested
To be frank, I never had an interest in reptiles during my early days at BFREE. Instead, I was more captivated by the diverse trees within the tropical forest and the agroforestry aspects of cacao cultivation here. However, this changed in early July 2024, when a young and enthusiastic naturalist, and in my opinion, an amazing individual, Parker Gibbons, visited the BFREE headquarters.
I had the incredible opportunity to accompany him in catching and photographing some of the critters found at BFREE, particularly snakes. We encountered many beautiful specimens, but it was a Boa constrictor that truly sparked my fascination. Watching Parker handle the snake with ease and enthusiasm, completely unafraid, inspired me to pursue the same path. Since then, I can often be found at BFREE, searching for snakes and other reptiles. I’ve even dedicated much of my time in the library, studying snakes and keeping track of the venomous ones to ensure I know which to avoid.
Parker Gibbons, Heston Castillo and Samih Young with a Boa constrictorHeston Castillo learned safe handling techniques before picking up any snake
Respect these creatures!
While the excitement of encountering and handling snakes can be tempting, it’s important to remember that handling these creatures should only be done by those who are trained and knowledgeable. Mishandling snakes can cause them stress or injury, and in some cases, put you at risk. For those who aren’t experienced, it’s best to admire these fascinating reptiles from a distance. Instead of picking them up, consider capturing their beauty through photos or videos, and always respect their space.
Remember, snakes are an essential part of the ecosystem, and they deserve to be observed, not harassed!
Basket tie tie (Oxybelis aeneus)Mexican Parrot Snake (Leptophis mexicanus)Speckled Racer (Drymobius margaritiferus)
List and images of the snakes I’ve encountered:
This newfound passion has led me to moments of personal pride as I’ve successfully found and handled snakes on my own, using a handmade tool. Some of the species I’ve encountered include:
Speckled Racer (Drymobius margaritiferus) The Speckled Racer is a non-venomous snake known for its vibrant coloration, featuring black scales with white or yellow spots that give it a speckled appearance.
Cat-eyed Snake (Leptodeira annulata) The Cat-eyed Snake is a nocturnal snake. relatively small and has a brown color with black markings around its body.
Coffee Snake (Ninia sebae) The Coffee Snake is a small, non-venomous species with a dark brown or coffee-colored body. This snake is often found in leaf litter and moist environments around BFREE.
Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor) A well-known large snake, the Boa Constrictor is a non-venomous snake that uses powerful muscles to suffocate prey, wrapping around them and later consuming them.
Brown Vine Snake (Oxybelis Aeneus) The brown vine snake is a slender, non-venomous snake. It has a brown, elongated body and uses its unique tail to navigate through shrubs and trees.
Boa constrictorBFREE’s Executive Director, Jacob Marlin, is a Herpetologist and ensures that reptile education is a component of BFREE’s educational programs
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/a6f18d88-6e52-4283-ada2-3023d9de1ed2-1-scaled.jpg25601920Heston Castillohttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngHeston Castillo2024-09-10 21:42:342024-09-18 19:34:08Reptiles through the eyes of a newbie: Wanna Be Herpetologist
Belize is lucky to be home to both mud and musk turtles belonging to the Kinosternidae family. In science, a family is a group of related species that share similar traits. These traits can include their habitat or diet. The shared characteristics among these species indicate their close relationship, just like how family members at home often share common features and habits. Three (3) mud turtles can be found in the slow-moving waters of Belize.
They are relatively small turtles; the largest of the three is commonly known as the White-lipped mud turtle or scientifically known as Kinosternon leucostomum. They can grow up to seven (7) inches in length. The middle guy is commonly known as Red-cheeked mud turtle and scientifically known as Kinosternon scorpioides. They can grow up to six (6) inches. The smallest of the three is commonly known as the Tabasco mud turtle and scientifically known as Kinosternon acutum. They only grow up to five (5) inches.
Being mud turtles, they are similar in many ways. They are all omnivorous which means they eat both animal and plant material. Mud turtles can consume anything from fish to aquatic plants. They all possess hinges located on both ends of the plastron which allow them to close their shells tightly around their bodies. This unique feature helps them protect themselves from predators such as raccoons, herons, tapirs, and even other turtles. They don’t sit in the sun to bask like other turtles; instead they love to be buried under dead leaves or mud at the bottom of water bodies which is why they get the name “mud turtles”. Like many other turtles, mud turtles aestivate during the dry season when it is too hot; aestivation is similar to hibernation in cold climates. During this long period of rest they conserve energy and stay safe from extreme heat. They resurface when the temperatures become cooler.
Now let’s look at what makes each one unique and how one may identify them.
White-lipped mud turtle
Starting with the largest of them all, the White-lipped mud turtle is endemic to both Central America and South America. Endemic means that this turtle species is native to and exclusively found in these regions, meaning it does not naturally occur anywhere else They get their name simply because their lip appears white. The scientific name also relays this; Leukos translates to white, and stoma translates to the mouth. They also have a local name, many people in Belize know them as swanca. The males often grow larger than females from this species. Besides having a white lip, they have an oval shaped shell. The carapace which is the top portion of the shell is a brown color, and the plastron which is the bottom portion of the shell is a rust color. The head of a White-lipped mud turtle is a black color with two distinctive yellowish stripes going parallel behind both eyes. They prefer to be in shallow, clear water that does not exceed one meter in depth.
Red-cheeked mud turtle
Red-cheeked mud turtles are also known as Scorpion mud turtle. They got their name because their tail looks similar to a scorpion tail. These small turtles can be found in the Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Belize. They have a pale brown or olive to black carapace and their plastron can be yellow, orange, black or gray. The color of their heads also varies in different shades of red, orange and yellow. They prefer permanent and ephemeral water bodies such as small streams, marshes and ponds. Even though these mud turtles are omnivores, they eat more animal than plant material- their diet consists of 65% animal material. One of their main predators is another turtle Staurotypus triporcatus, Northern Giant Musk Turtle.
Tabasco mud turtle
The smallest of the three, the Tabasco mud turtle or Kinsoternon acutum gets its name from having a sharp plastron. The word acuta translates to sharp plastron. The female of this species normally grows larger than the male. These turtles are similar to the white-lipped mud turtle. They have a dark brown carapace and a yellow to pale brown plastron. The head and forelimbs are patterned with red, yellow and black colorations. They prefer semi-terrestrial habitats such as ponds. Their diet is mainly earthworms, insects and snails.
Tabasco mud turtlePlastron is the underbelly of the turtleCarapace is the top of the shell
Please Respect All Turtles!
Mud turtles are cute but they don’t make good pets. Mud turtles are on the grouchy side and will bite with their curved beaks if they feel provoked or nervous. This is one of several reasons to avoid picking up or touching a mud turtle unless it’s absolutely necessary.
In recognition of a successful field season, fifteen BFREE and Crioco staff members participated in an exciting two-day trip. We chartered a bus, so that we could slowly wind our way along two of Belize’s beautiful highways – the Hummingbird and the Coastal.
We took our time as we searched for waterfalls, animals, caves, farms, delicious food including, of course, chocolate!
Day One
Our first stop was at Billy Barquedier National Park where we hiked to the waterfall and had lunch.
Day One of our itinerary included a visit to Che’il Mayan Chocolate in the village of Maya Center followed by a hike to the waterfall at Billy Barquedier National Park. We then traveled on to St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park for a swim and cave exploration. That evening we stayed at the Tropical Education Center where we had a delicious dinner before taking a night tour of the Belize Zoo.
We visited Che’il Mayan Chocolate where we received a personalized tour from chocolate-maker and entrepreneur, Julio Saqui.St. Herman’s Cave was a highlight for everyone. Most of us had never been inside a cave before!The night tour of nocturnal wildlife at the Belize Zoo was a hit. We fed tapirs and got up close to Belize’s five species of wild cats!
Day Two
Day 2 had some last minute changes due to weather, so we drove south along the Coastal Highway where we stopped at Manatee Lodge at the tip of Gales Point. We then visited Corridgeree Farms for a tour of their vanilla farm followed by a chocolate tasting. We ended our adventure in Hopkins, where we enjoyed the beach and had a delicious lunch at Ella’s Restaurant.
We made an unscheduled stop at Corridgeree Belize where we took a tour of the vanilla farm and participated in a chocolate tasting.Time together on the bus was a treat. We all enjoyed the air-conditioning, the snack stops, the play list, and each other’s company!
In Summary
“I had an amazing and fun time; I loved everything about the trip. I enjoyed the sight seeing, the chocolate experience and meeting passionate Belizeans working in the field of conservation.” Roxanna Chen, Advanced Cacao Fellow.
“This trip provided me with the opportunity to tour my own country and see places I’ve always passed by on the bus but never visited.” Barney Hall, Wildlife Fellow.
“I really enjoyed the adventure; it felt so good exploring the gems that our beautiful Belize has to offer. We created unforgettable memories.” Rocento Pau, BFREE Administrative Assistant.
“To me, this trip was better than our previous staff trips because we moved around and saw different parts of our own country. I am glad we explored and did a lot of walking in places I don’t normally go.” Ofelia Cus, Housekeeper.
The 1,153 acre BFREE Reserve where I work is a haven for diverse species of birds and my many encounters with them have always been memorable ones. Being in the heart of the jungle has provided me with many opportunities such as witnessing a spectacle display of birds in flight, birds feeding, bird dances, and the listening pleasure of the mystical melodies orchestrated by these feathered creatures. Truly, this is a dream place for many birders and bird enthusiasts, whether advanced or amateurs, to fulfill their quests. It is certainly a destination to place on your bucket list if you haven’t visited just yet!
Within a year of working as an Advanced Cacao Fellow at BFREE, my interest in birding has grown tremendously but my skill in identifying birds whether nearby or through their vocalization has been a slow progress. Well, progress is progress they would say! Developing such skills and the ability to identify birds by their vocalization is a job that requires patience, vigilance, and good listening skills.
BFREE hosts over three hundred bird species, and these include migrants, transients, and resident bird species. Two major terrestrial ecosystems attract and provide habitats for these birds: the freshwater ecosystem and the tropical rainforest ecosystem.
Picture left: Roxanna Chen is the Advanced Cacao Fellow at BFREE. Her focus is on quality control, best fermentation protocols, and chocolate-making. Here she is shown in the cacao farm holding a fallen nest that was made by Montezuma’s oropendola.
Yellow-headed parrots
My first encounter began on my six-mile walk to BFREE for the very first time. Yes, I have listened to birds before, but I paid very little attention to them and the only ones I knew were those raised domestically. My journey began at sunrise and the view was spectacular, along the six-mile trek I transitioned through various ecosystems. First came the Pine Savannah then the ecotone (a region of transition between two types of habitats) and finally into the broadleaf rainforest ecosystem. Beyond that was the rolling evergreen Maya Mountains.
When I got to the Savannah, I was greeted overhead by a flock of chattering yellow-headed parrots. These parrots made themselves a home in crevices of old pine trees that were either wrecked by lightning or damaged by past wildfires. Amazingly, I could recall vividly my second encounter with a solo yellow-headed parrot, whilst leaving BFREE with a group of Belizean students in the same area. The parrot was watching us right from its balcony. Other species of parrots such as the Red-lored Amazon, the Northern mealy amazon, the White-crowned parrot, Brown-hooded Parrot, and the Olive-throated (Aztec) parakeets can be heard at BFREE chittering and chattering but they are generally seen in flight or feeding on seeds in the nearby vicinity.
Yellow-headed parrot by Michael SwinkGreat potoo by Roxanna Chen
The Great Potoo
Then my bird encounters became even more interesting. While I was on a night hike, a coworker and I were headed for the 114-foot Observation Tower for stargazing, and I began deliberately inquiring about a list of wildlife that was interesting to see. Among that list was the Great Potoo; I had no idea what it was then. My curiosity heightened and my visits to the Observation Tower became more frequent. One night we became lucky! As we were climbing the many steps at about 8:30 p.m. we heard a very loud and heavy call coming from a tree in the vicinity of the tower. Climbing those steps and being over one hundred feet above the ground and into the canopy at night is a good cardio workout. As I sat on the wooden plank, exhausted from the climb, another loud call came from closer proximity, and shortly, the Great Potoo came swooping and landed right on one of the tower rails. It perched only a few feet away from us for about three minutes, so we got as many shots as possible but due to lack of proper lighting our photos were not satisfactory. The bird was as curious as we were; it sat very still, and we moved very stealthily beside it. It was such a magnificent bird, with very light gray feathers, a thick mustache, and scorching, red eyes; it was the size of a grown chicken. Relatives of this rare bird are commonly heard at night; the screeching and hooting sounds of owls ranging from crying babies to calls for help and the infamous scream of a barn owl commonly known as the bird of death.
Lesson’s Motmot
When the Lesson’s motmot is feeling cheeky, and “peckish” the office compound becomes a feeding site; only the fluttering sounds of wings can be heard as it feeds heavily on the nutritious seeds of the Lobster Claw Heliconia. Other feeding companions are the hummingbirds like the Long-billed hermit and the Purple crowned fairy. Now and again the motmot would sit on the office extension as if dropping by to say Hi and keep company.
Montezuma’s Oropendola
Montezuma’s oropendola is also a common visitor and during the mating season, one colony makes numerous nests in the Cacao Agroforestry Farm at BFREE. Their breeding spot is that of a mighty Ceiba Tree right in the middle of a cacao block. Their nests are neatly woven, waterproof, and cozy, a proven fact of their brilliant ingenuity. These birds are easily identified by their unique and strange calls and especially during mating these calls are also accompanied by a performance.
Lesson’s motmot observing Roxanna Chen in the BFREE officeMontezuma’s Oropendola during a mating performance
Slaty-tailed Trogon
While I was fetching some drinking water, the stammering call of the Slaty-tailed trogon caught my attention. It was perching on a tree branch, stealthily moving its head from left to right as if it were taking surveillance of the area. Recalling my first sighting led to a flashback of a morning when it was sitting on one of the branches of an old Calabash tree back at home.
Scarlet Macaws
Recently, a flock of six Scarlet macaws stopped to feed by the garden. It was exactly the picture-perfect moment I was waiting for. I waited patiently for over a year to capture such a special moment; the beautiful colors of their plumage made them attractive. We hear them flying over but they were always in the thick of the forest and they preferred to settle only on emergent trees and, luckily, a prickly yellow tree was nearby and flowering.
Slaty-tailed trogon by Brock DolmanScarlet macaws by Roxanna Chen
Want to do your own birding?
Birds are fascinating creatures to observe and for that reason, I would like to encourage you to spend a little time this month looking at the birds in your yard, around your school, and in other areas you visit. Observe things that make one bird different from another bird – What color is it? Is it big or small? Does it soar high above the trees or hop around on the ground? Does it eat berries, seeds, or insects? What does its nest look like?
Global Birding Bird Day is Saturday, 11 May. This is a great opportunity for you to enjoy observing the birds around you. Over 600 species of birds can be found in Belize as resident or migratory species, so there are many opportunities to see birds every day. Staff of BFREE will be bird-watching and recording our findings on ebird.org on Global Big Day. We encourage you to spend time watching and documenting birds, too!
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Scarlet-Macaws-Feeding-scaled.jpg18062560Roxanna Chenhttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngRoxanna Chen2024-04-28 01:42:562024-04-30 15:04:39My Encounters with the Birds of BFREE!
As part of Earth Day festivities, Heather Barrett, Deputy Director, and Jaren Serano, Dermatemys Program Coordinator with the support of Wildlife Education Fellow, Samih Young, delivered workshops at Sacred Heart Junior College and University of Belize. Over 60 students in Natural Resource Management and Biology as well as four educators participated in the workshops held on April 24th and 25th. The aim was to engage future conservationists and advocates by teaching current engagement methods, sharing existing resources and brainstorming additional opportunities. The workshop was centered around the critically endangered Hicatee turtle but also focused on the bigger picture of the conservation and protection of the watershed and its connected landscape.
SHJC student expressing her opinions about possible ways to play a role in positive changeSHJC posting suggestions on how they can play an active role as an advocate for Hicatee ConservationJaren, a graduate of SHJC, has returned many times to engage current studentsSHJC students discussing ways their school could take actionSHJC students reviewing BFREE educational outreach resources
The first part of the workshop provided background information and included a demonstration on conducting effective educational outreach presentations utilizing the Hicatee Awareness Month power point created as one of last year’s awareness materials. The second half of the session involved engaging students in independent thought and discussion during three breakout sessions.
Student’s answer to personal action she could take as an advocateStudents reviewing BFREE educational outreach resources UB students discussing the outreach materialsThe workshop at University of Belize was hosted in collaboration with the UB Environmental Club. The Club presented Jaren and Heather with t-shirts to show appreciation.
Questions in the breakout sessions aimed to identify strategies and resources for engaging various stakeholders in advocating for Hicatee conservation (as well as the conservation of Belize’s natural resources overall), fostering countrywide awareness and equipping advocates. This collaborative effort allowed for the sharing of ideas and perspectives. Both sessions proved to be highly interactive, with all participants contributing brilliant ideas and thoughtful activities. The workshop concluded with the BFREE staff presenting a poster highlighting the first ten years of work at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center to school leaderships as a token of appreciation for their partnership.
BFREE presenting UB Environmental Club’s Advisor, Dr. Pio Saqui, a token of appreciation for the collaboration BFREE presenting Sacred Heart Junior College’s Dean, Fermin Magaña and NRM Professory, Ingrid Rodriguez, a poster for their ongoing partnership in promoting Hicatee conservation in Belize.
Special thanks to the following individuals and organizations without whom this workshop would not have been possible:
Ingrid Rodriguez, NRM Professor at Sacred Heart Junior College, Dr. Pio Saqui, Samih Young and the UB Environmental Club for their coordination of these events; Disney Conservation Fund and Turtle Survival Alliance for their financial support that made these workshops a reality.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1726.jpg10661600Jaren Serano and Samih Younghttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngJaren Serano and Samih Young2024-04-28 00:07:252024-04-28 01:50:34Student Advocate Workshops for Earth Day
When Heather asked me to write something describing how I got back to BFREE, I had an internal reaction that was akin to someone asking me to have a root canal. Whether it’s rational or not, I really dislike autobiographical stuff. Making myself do something even as mundane as updating a CV is a major struggle, let alone writing a few paragraphs about “me”. I could just dutifully recite my twisting and not so traditional scholastic and professional trail: BS in Wildlife Biology from Humboldt State University (underplaying the fact it took me six years or so to complete because that time was interspersed with stints as a biological technician and fire crew member with the US Forest Service, as a deckhand on a tuna boat, as a bricklayer, and a year off to be a wandering hippy vagabond, happily traveling all over the states, Canada, and Mexico); field grunt on the statewide mountain lion survey that California attempted many years ago; ski bum and bartender (simultaneously); MS in biology from San Jose State University, where I worked on the interplay between fire, deer, and mountain lions (dream come true); a few years as an endangered species biologist and statistician for an environmental consulting firm (great practical education in bio-politics); a couple of years as the field coordinator for a project looking at the effects of off-highway vehicles on plant and animal communities in the Mojave Desert; nine years as The Nature Conservancy’s ecologist on Santa Cruz Island off the California coast; a Ph.D. in Ecology & Evolution from UC Davis, where I wandered into this incredible place called the Bladen Nature Reserve and got involved with this crazy little conservation NGO called the Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education; and (finally), for the last 17 years an ecologist and statistician (yeah, I’m a numbers guy) with the US Geological Survey. In and amongst all that were things like being a fire ecologist for a few years with the US Forest Service, being a member of a couple of bio-inventories in New Guinea, working with the Charles Darwin Station on the Galapagos Islands for six months, and being on the board of BFREE for well over a decade, including a stretch as the president. But absolutely none of that dutiful recitation really gets at HOW I got back to BFREE. The “how” comes down to two things: bear tracks in the snow and baseball.
Jaren Serano assisted Rob in the field during his fellowship program in 2018.Rob has supported BFREE staff by offering training, mentoring and skill-building opportunities.Rob served on the BFREE Board of Directors for over a decade.
Bear Tracks and Baseball
The bear tracks in the snow happened when I was young. My parents and my uncle and aunt had cabins in the San Bernardino mountains, about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. One spring we were hiking a snowy trail when my uncle (who was a consummate outdoorsman), pulled up short, pointed something on the ground out to my dad, shot my mom and aunt a glance, and started taking us in another direction. I asked my dad why my uncle had altered our course, and he said, “There were fresh bear tracks going down our trail”. Now, if you are expecting me to say I wanted to go back and find the bear you are going to be disappointed; I was scared out of my wits and wanted to go home. But, after the fact, it sparked excitement and curiosity in me about the natural world. In no time I was learning to identify mammals, birds, reptiles, plants, and animal tracks, as well as fish, hunt, and camp on my own. So, by the time I was a teenager I knew what I wanted to be: a baseball player or a biologist. Yes…baseball. I was, and remain, a big baseball fan and was a decent, though not spectacular, player as a kid. I was good enough to get invited to play in what at the time were known as “Rookie Leagues”. These were winter leagues the major league clubs set up as a low investment way to find kids who might be the proverbial diamonds in the rough. One day, after a particularly good game late in the season, I was told a scout wanted to talk to me (if I remember correctly, he was with the St. Louis Cardinals). He was a very tall, lanky older guy with white hair and a smoldering cigarette hanging out of his mouth. He came up and shook my hand and said “Klinger, sit down. I have had my eye on you and think it’s time to talk. Son, you are one of the best fielders I have ever seen. You could probably walk out on the field with any major league club and be one of the best defenders in the game. But you will never hit above .270 or .280 in AA ball.” Of course I was disappointed, but I knew he was right and that I had just received some very sage advice. I finished the season, then “hung ’em up” (meaning my cleats, as the saying goes).
Back to BFREE
From that point on, despite the winding path I dutifully recited above, I never lost sight of what I wanted or where my passion was. But how I actually got on that path was because of those bear tracks and grizzled old baseball scout. I have pursued my passion for biology with no regrets whatsoever and consider myself one of the most fortunate people on the face of the planet. And now, the thing that excites me most about being back at BFREE is getting to finally go all in working with Jake and Heather, as well as old friends like Sipriano Canti and Thomas Pop. We’ve known for years how well we work together and how much we enjoyed it, but it was always in fits and starts depending on how long I could stick around before I had to go back to my day job. Well, this is my day job now, and I could not be more happy or excited. My girlfriend Elaine is holding down our house in Bishop, California when I am at BFREE (or, more truthfully, she is at the beck and call of our eccentric cat). Elaine said, “You can tell BFREE they can have you, as long as I get a regular supply of chocolate in exchange.” That sounds like a fair trade to me, so I hope BFREE, and all of you, are prepared to have me for a good long time!
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_0993.jpg11462016BFREE Contacthttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngBFREE Contact2024-04-19 22:33:222024-04-19 23:49:07Welcome Dr. Rob Klinger, BFREE Conservation and Science Director
