There are 386 known species of birds in The Toledo district of southern Belize. artwork by Jerry Hutchens

Children and adults benefit from a grounding in the nature sciences. Birding is a good place to start. Birds provide a key that can open the secrets of environmental health and degradation. They are easy and enjoyable to observe. Birds respond immediately to many changes in habitat; from clear cutting, pollution of air and water, chaotic climate change, to the loss of a single tree or the blossoming of a bush.

There are 386 known species of birds in the Toledo District. Of these, 170 are considered rare or unusual. Of special interest to birders and environmentalists in the United States are the neo-tropical migrants. These are warblers, vireos, and others that breed in the mature hardwood forests of the United States and either winter in or pass through the mature hardwood forests of the Toledo District. Of the neo-tropical migrants that can be found in the Toledo District, 35 are species considered by ornithologists to be at grave risk.

The integrity of Belizean ecosystems is vital to the future of neo-tropical migrant birds from the United States. Protecting these ecosystems helps to secure the future of the people of Belize and North America. The indigenous people in this area play a vital and natural role in this protection. The basic knowledge of the rain forest already held by the indigenous people of southern Belize is astounding. Additional training and equipment provided by Toledo Birding for Biodiversity Project, a cooperative endeavor of the Toledo Ecotourism Association and Plenty, will enable guides to generate income by showing birders from North America birds of interest. This can create a financial incentive for preserving habitat.

Plenty supporters can help by donating binoculars and field guides that will be provided to TEA guides who pass a basic course. North American and Central American field guides for birds are helpful in identifying migrants like those "confusing fall warblers."

For a wish list and other ways you can help please contact: