Skies over Belize

A last look at Belize. I hope you have enjoyed this look at the lovely country. Next up, Mayan ruins! Photo taken in December 2011.

To see more skies, check out Skywatch.

The ship

A look up at the Mariner of the Seas. I could use some of that warm sun right about now. Photo taken in December 2011.

Nice kitty

I saved my best animal shot for last. This is Olly the ocelot, I'm not sure how he turned up at the zoo - sometimes people think exotic animals make good pets and then realize they don't. But the many caretakers and staff try to keep the surroundings as natural as possible. Photo taken in December 2011.

I hope you have enjoyed this series on the animals of Belize. Tomorrow we're on to something new!

Official dude

The tapir is the official animal of Belize. Unfortunately, I couldn't get any better shots of these fellows, you don't want to get too close because they spray. But I do find them cute in their own way. Photo taken in December 2011.

Monkey business

There's no aping around for these serious fellows. Photo taken in December 2011.

Just hanging out

This big kitty found the perfect spot for a cat nap. It doesn't look too comfortable to me, but I'm not a cat! Photo taken in December 2011.

White dude

I don't remember what the name of this critter was, but he's pretty cute! Photo taken at the Belize Zoo in December 2011. If you like animals, check out Camera Critters.

ETA: He is an albino coati, a relative of the aardvark. 

No pictures, please

Yesterday I showed you a male harpy eagle and here's a look at the female. Unfortunately, I couldn't get her to turn around and give me some face, but you can clearly see the size and stature of this beautiful bird. Just look at those talons! She was amazing. Photo taken in December 2011.

PS: Happy International Women's Day!

Proud man

This beautiful, proud man is a harpy eagle. In contrast to other species, female eagles are always bigger than the males. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a good shot of the lady. But this man looks pretty cool, I think. Photo taken in December 2011.

Open mouthed

Here's another American crocodile, this one was seen at the Belize Zoo rather than in the wild. Photo taken in December 2011.

Feathered friend

I don't recall now what type of bird this is, let's just call it pretty. Also seen at the Belize Zoo in December 2011.

ETA: This is a blue-crowned motmot. Certainly a fitting name!

Le charmeur

After lunch at the Tavern, we headed to the Belize Zoo. I typically am not too fond of zoos, but this one was really special. The philosophy is to keep the setting as natural as possible and all the animals are native to Belize. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by this charming fellow and his friend, the zookeeper. A charming welcome, indeed! Photo taken in December 2011.

Ye olde tavern

Here's a look at the Old Town Tavern where we stopped for lunch after the river cruise. It was a bit rustic, but I liked the simple feel of it. And the colorful murals were a nice touch.

We were served up a portion of rice and beans, salad and mystery meat. They wouldn't say what it was, just that it "tastes like chicken". My husband tried it and he believes it was croc. I just stayed with the stuff I knew! Photo taken in December 2011.

Blue skies reflected

After the river cruise, we stopped at the Olde Belize Tavern for lunch. It was a rustic little place right on the water. I'll show you a bit of it tomorrow as well as the victuals they served. For now enjoy this sunny day on the river. Photo taken in December 2011. 

To see more reflections, head over to the Weekend Reflections blog.

Mama croc

Every baby has a mother and this one was keeping a close eye on our boat as we snapped our shots of her offspring. Our guide said theses two specimens are American crocodiles and there are plenty more living and breeding in the Old Belize River. It was quite a good place for a wildlife tour. Photo taken in December 2011.

Baby

He's got a face only a mother could love. Photo taken in December 2011.

Fancy man

Yesterday's post might have got you wondering how I can tell male and female iguanas apart. When it's mating season, it's no problem as the men are out and about in their best and brightest in order to attract the ladies. We saw quite a few of these dashing fellows during our river cruise. They weren't hard to find! Photo taken in December 2011.

She's a lady

 

You'll see a lovely lady iguana posing right there where the two branches of this tree meet. You might wonder how I know that she's a she. Check back tomorrow and I'll reveal my secrets! Photo taken in December 2011.

Chauve souris

I don't recall the exact name of these bats, but let's call them "little tree bats". I saw these during our cruise on the Old Belize river. Check back tomorrow for more interesting wildlife! Photo taken in December 2011.

Belize bridge

I hated to leave Roatan, but now we're on to Belize! This is a bridge over the Old Belize River. It empties right out into the ocean, so it was a convenient place to start our wildlife tour. We took a small boat up this river and saw lots of different animals: birds, iguanas, bats, monkeys and crocodiles. I'll show you more this week. Photo taken in December 2011. If you'd like to see more bridges from around the world, visit Sunday Bridges.