Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Rock Stone Pond

4.4

#4 of 10 in Parks in Belize District

Nature / Park · Hidden Gem · Wildlife Area

Create an itinerary including Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Crooked Tree Wild Life Sanctuary (CTWS) is a protected area in Belize. It is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance. It was designated as a waterfowl habitat on April 22, 1998 under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. During Belize's dry

season many resident and migratory birds find refuge in the lagoons. The sanctuary contains 16,400 acres of lagoons, creeks, log wood swamps, broad leaf forest and pine savanna, home to hundreds of species of wildlife. The Sanctuary protects globally endangered species including the Central American River Turtle (locally known as Hicatee), Mexican Black Howler Monkey, and Yellow-headed Parrot.
The Jabiru stork is Crooked Tree's most famous resident. Belize has the

largest nesting population of these great birds in all of Central

America. Jabiru storks arrive in November to nest in the lowland pine

savannas. Two pairs of Jabiru storks are known to nest within the

Sanctuary. After the young fledge, in April and May, the birds from the

northern and central parts of Belize congregate at Crooked Tree Lagoons. When the rains come, the birds leave to return again the

following November.

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Tours to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

FROM $191 BOOK WITH VIATOR Crooked Tree Bird Watching Crooked Tree Bird Watching

Duration: 5 hours

Tours from $191 ›

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

59 reviews

Google

4.7

By kwahij

We booked a tour through TripAdvisor thinking there were government-funded guides. Instead, we were connected to the Bird's Eye View Lodge where they provided us with a one-hour walking tour. The...

We booked a tour through TripAdvisor thinking there were government-funded guides. Instead, we were connected to the Bird's Eye View Lodge where they provided us with a one-hour walking tour. The... more »
By wadetregaskis

This is basically just a small, rundown town on an island in wetlands. Yes, there are waterbirds about, but there's basically no trails or blinds - you just drive or walk around the town's streets...

This is basically just a small, rundown town on an island in wetlands. Yes, there are waterbirds about, but there's basically no trails or blinds - you just drive or walk around the town's streets... more »
By aah0309

We decided last minute to visit as we were driving from Orange Walk to Belize City. The small visitor center was open and provided a map. We were told it was best to see birds by boat but that was...

We decided last minute to visit as we were driving from Orange Walk to Belize City. The small visitor center was open and provided a map. We were told it was best to see birds by boat but that was... more »

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Google

By James Diedrick

With the right conditions (low water, which brings the birds closer) the birding here is phenomenal--all species of herons (including boat-tailed and the hard to see Agami), four species of kingfishers (the pygmy is especially beautiful), greater and lesser Yellowlegs, fork-tailed flycatchers, Vermillion flycatchers, Jaribu storks (more than a dozen during my March visit), man warblers. A d these are only some highlights. Take a lagoon/ creek tour with Birds Eye Lodge guides for the best birding experience.

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By Raul Arturo

Don't expect to see flocks of birds together, it's more for individual watching and often at a distance. Good for bird-watching enthusiasts with binoculars only.

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By Sarah Kraemer

This place is beautiful with so many birds. We went just for the afternoon, not knowing what to expect, and wish we had had more time. There's a small town and several walking trails along the water and in the forest. It's only about an hour from Belize City and when you arrive you just check in at the Belize Audubon Society building and pay $8BZD/person to utilize the trails and beautiful surroundings.

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By Sara Rojas

Have a wonderful view. It's a good place if you want to spend some time in family !

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By Judith Wade

Beautiful places with a lot of birds to see. Especially the great Jabiru . Friendly people and staff.

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