A 45-minute drive north of Crystal Paradise through rolling green hills brings you to Spanish Lookout, a modern-day Mennonite settlement reminiscent of Pennsylvania farmlands. Several different habitats in the area make it a favorable birding destination. The area consists of savannah, open farmland, and subtropical forest around the lake.
In the open land and pastures, it is easy to find Vermillion Flycatchers, Fork-tailed Flycatchers, Yellow-rump Warblers, White-Tailed Kites, White-tailed Hawks, Laughing Falcons, Meadowlarks, Swallows, Herons, Jabiru storks just to name a few. Aguacate Lagoon Reserve is located about 20 minutes beyond the community and provides a birdwatcher’s paradise. In the forest around the lake, common sightings may include Jacamars, Trogons, Puff-birds, Crested Guans, and Great Curassows. Other birds may include Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Night Herons, rails and Crakes. We will stop at the Mennonites’ Western dairies for some homemade ice cream. We can stop for lunch at your own expense or have lunch at Crystal Paradise.
The surrounding area also offers a rich cultural experience, as the Mennonite communities are known for their traditional way of life, farming practices, and artisanal crafts. Their fields and farms are a testament to their dedication to sustainable agriculture, and you’ll often see horse-drawn carts, which are still commonly used for transporting goods. This peaceful community provides a unique contrast to the surrounding natural beauty and offers an opportunity to learn about Belize’s diverse cultures and histories.
What to Bring: binoculars, camera, water, lunch money as we stop at a buffet restaurant within the Belize Mennonite community.
