Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about the wonders of birdwatching, this event promises something for everyone.

Did you know Belize has 585 bird species? The Belize Birding Festival celebrates our unique avian treasures with an annual event honoring our diverse and rich birdlife, attracting bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and ornithologists worldwide. The festival typically takes place in October, and this year, the highly anticipated event will be held on October 5th at the Countryside Park in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District.

Engaging Presentations and Exhibitions:

Attendees will be treated to a series of fascinating presentations by renowned birding experts. Learn about the diverse avian species of Belize, their habitats, and the importance of conservation efforts. An onsite exhibition will feature properties offering bird-friendly destinations and vendors with products and services.

Interactive Workshops:

Participate in various workshops designed to enhance your birdwatching experience. These sessions will offer valuable insights and tips for birders of all levels.

Special Attractions for Families:

This year’s festival will include activities aimed at delighting young bird enthusiasts and helping them learn more about our feathered friends.

Food and Refreshments:

Visitors will enjoy a variety of delicious local foods and drinks available throughout the event.
Additionally, plans to add a second day of guided birding tours throughout the beautiful Cayo District are underway. Participants will be able to observe various birds in their natural environments, guided by knowledgeable tour leaders who will share insights and tips for birdwatching.

About the Belize Birding Festival:

The first Belize Birding Festival was held in October 2018 in the capital city of Belmopan, where guest speakers included Oliver Komar, an ornithologist, author, and professor at Zamora University in Honduras, and international bird photographer Jason Tiesman. The two-day event included an urban bird watch, a guided bird walk at St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, a vendors exhibition, wrapping up with a cocktail party.
The 2019 Birding Festival took place in San Ignacio, featuring presentations by Dr. Lee Jones, author of Birds of Belize, Dr. John Fitzpatrick, executive director of Cornell Lab of Ornithology (1995–2021), and Serge Arias, CEO of Birdwatching Central America stationed in Costa Rica. Over two days, participants enjoyed an urban bird walk, cocktail mixer, vendor exhibit, and an exclusive birding tour with the esteemed guest speakers.
Unfortunately, the 2020 pandemic put a two-year pause on the annual Belize Birding Festival, with the third event returning in October 2023. The long-anticipated festival was held at the Old Belize Jungle Pavilion outside Belize City. The one-day offered an urban bird walk, workshops, panel discussions, networking, and guest speaker Katinka Domen, American Birding Association’s travel and events coordinator, bird guide, and travel writer. Bird guide Jesus Antonia Moo Yam led a workshop on wildlife photography, and Abidas Ash, an avian biologist, shared her work with the MOSI: Monitoring Neotropical Migrants bird banding program. The day concluded with a cocktail reception.
The Belize Birding Festival is organized by the Belize Audubon Society, Belize Hotel Association, Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), Belize Tourism Board, and local bird experts.
For more information and updates, please visit www.facebook.com/belizebirdingfestival