Maya Kingdom Belize Jungle Adventures

GIVING BACK ~ AUCTION For Gulf Oil Cleanup!

2010-07-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Unless you have been Living Under a Rock; you are no doubt aware that (Humanity) is in the midst of the greatest Man-Made Disaster since the A-Bomb dropped on Hiroshima! Most of us sit in stunned silence just watching....wondering what to do. Words can't describe (or even estimate) the long term damage this ongoing event will cause over coming years...even Decades. We desperately want to do something...ANYTHING to help. Make no mistake; this is WAR, against the Environment and (all) the People of America. Not all of us can go to the Gulf Shore to rescue Oil-soaked Seabirds, clean fouled Beaches and Marshes or help to repair Broken Lives. But we can help support those dedicated souls who go to the front lines every day to fight the good fight.

For the past few years, we have been offering our Belize Fishing, Diving and Jungle Adventure Vacations at Charity Auctions, raising funds to support environmental causes. We feel honored to do this. We are now determined (more than ever) to AUCTION our BELIZE ADVENTURES to Fund and Support the Clean-up and Restoration Efforts along the Gulf Coast.
The AUCTION will work like this:

The BIDS will be placed by Email, beginning with a Minimum Bid which will cover our Cost. The Highest Bid at the end of the 14 day Auction Period will be awarded the Trip. Everything ABOVE the Minimum Bid will be Donated to appropriate (non-governmental) agencies, working to clean and restore the Gulf Coast of America.

The FISHING, DIVING, ADVENTURE TRIPS must be redeemed within 7 Days Months of the Close of Auction, and my be Booked Any Time within the next 12 Months.
AUCTION FOR JULY 15, 2010

Belize Deep Six Combo for 2 Persons:
* Six Nights at Beautiful Caye Caulker, Belize
* Professional Guide Service
* Four Days Reef and/or Flats Fishing for Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, Barracuda, Mackerel, Snapper, Grouper etc. .....or Diving Combination of your choice.

True Market Value: $3820.
MINIMUM BID: $2775.

Belize Grand Slam for 2 Persons:
* Six Nights at Beautiful Caye Caulker Belize
* Professional Guide Service
* Five Full Days Saltwater Fly Fishing for Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit. Pursue the fabled "Grand Slam" in our Island Paradise!

True Market Value: $4776
MINIMUM BID: $3375

BIRDS and BEACHES SPECIAL for 2 Persons:
* Seven Nights (eight days) at Belize Jungle Lodge (Including Meals)
* Professional Guide Service
* Six Full Days of Jungle Birding and Wildlife Photography
* Round-trip Airfare ~ Belize City to Beautiful Caye Caulker
* Three Nights (four days) Reef and Island Adventure

True Market Value: $3350
MINIMUM BID: $2350

To see more detail about these offerings, see our websites:
www.spearfishbelize.com
www.spiritwindbelize.com

Please help us fight this disaster. Email your bid for these Outstanding Belize Adventure Vacations to:
mayakingdom@yahoo.com
AUCTION CLOSES JULY 30, 2010

!!

2010-07-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

My Grandpappy (a "genuine" Cherokee Indian) from the hills Kentucky, prided himself in being one of the Best River Fishermen in the South.....if not the Entire world! So when I was just a young Lad, he taught me to make (and use) one of the most deadly fishing rigs in the world of "Fishdom". And you don't have to be a Rhodes Scholar to make it, or use it to fill your boat with fish, almost anywhere on Planet Earth!

So here are the (super secret) ingredients you will need to start catching more fish than you know what to do with:

1) One (Med/light) 6.5 foot Spinning Rod and Reel, spooled with 8-10lb test monofiliment

2) One 1/32 to 1/16 Ounce "Doll Fly"....generic name in the South for ANY Marabou Jig

3) One old style "Cigar" Cork.....you know the kind you used as a Kid on your Old Cane Pole

4) One 1/8th Ounce "Split Shot" Lead Weight

THAT'S IT!

Just run the line through the Cork (Duh!) and tie the Doll Fly on the end. Pull the Cork down to 12-18 inches (your choice) above the Jig, then clamp the Split Shot on the line, tight against the bottom of the Cork. NOW.....you're ready to Fish!

So how to fish this thing? Well...it is really quite simple. You cast across stream, and let the Cork float downstream alongside a sandbar, gravel bar, log or anything else that is parallel to the current. Schooling Fish will use these shallow areas to corral and feed upon small minnows, shrimps and other edibles swept along by the River Current. All you gotta do is let the thing float and "Twitch It"! If White Bass, "Shoolie" Stripers or other hungry critters are there.....well, you brought Lunch!! But you're not done.....there's a WHOLE RIVER to fish. On the Outside Bend of the River, gamefish will lie in wait behind Rocks, Fallen Logs, Stumps or anything else which Breaks the Current, to Ambush any unsuspecting Minnow which passes nearby. Cast and drift alongside these steep banks and you WILL be rewarded! The slightest twitch of that Cork, will make your little "Doll" do a Sexy Dance that would make your old "Grandma" Blush! Any Large-mouth Bass, Small-mouth Bass, Bowfin, Pickerel, Pike, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, etc. which is lurking in the "eddy", will snap up this easy meal without thing twice about it. Remember.....they're just sitting there WAITING for it!

The Little "Doll Fly" works GREAT in Trout Streams too!

SALTWATER?? You Betcha!! This float rig is DEADLY in Tidal Marshes and Mangrove Creeks. Same methods apply. Stripers, Blues, Spanish Mackerel, Sea Trout, Flounder, Redfish, Jacks, Snook, Tarpon, Snapper and more are ALL suckers for the innocent looking little "Doll". We have even used it (with great success) on the Flats here in Belize for Schooling Bonefish!

Yep! I'd say my Old Cherokee Grandpappy knew what he was doing. In fact, he seldom fished with anything else. Colors? Well, as Grandpappy used to say: "Any color will do, as long as it's WHITE"! I'm not sure that's always true.....but when in doubt.......

Anyway....Go Catch Some Fish. Tell'em my Grandpappy Sent ya!!
If you'd like a real Fishing Adventure, why not consider Belize? Check out our websites http://www.spearfishbelize.com and http://www.spiritwindbelize.com and see what you think. When you are ready, just drop us a line and we'll create memories that will last you a lifetime.

Belize Fish O' The Day: Go Light for the Amazing "Bay Snook"!

2010-05-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

Unless you have been living under a rock somewhere, you have probably heard of a beautiful Tropical Gamefish called the Snook. The Common Snook is a big (up to 40+ pounds) Marine Fish, found throughout Tropical America, in Salt, Brackish and even Fresh Water Habitats. Sure you know about Snook....almost everyone who ever picked up a Rod knows (at least something) about them. But I'd be willing to bet Cold Hard Cash, that precious few of you have ever heard of the Feisty Little FRESHWATER Scrapper we have here in Belize called the "Bay Snook".

The Bay Snook (Petenia splendida) is no "Snook"at all.....it is a Cichlid; just like it's Famous and MUCH BIGGER Cousin, the "Peacock Bass", which (by the way) is no "Bass" either!

No, it is not a big fish. A Five Pounder is a Real Trophy.... most weigh a pound or so, at best! But just like Dynamite, this small package has Explosive Power, and is a challenging adversary on Ultra-Light Spinning or Fly Fishing Tackle. The "Bay" Strikes with ferocity, Runs Hard and Jumps High....in short, everything you would expect from a great gamefish. So if the big "Peacock" is the Bass of the Tropics, I suppose the "Bay Snook" should fill the position of the "Smalley" of the Tropics; small, but great fun on the appropriate tackle.

So how do you catch a Bay Snook? Well first, find yourself a slow-moving Jungle River...Belize is Positively Best! Preferably your River will be lazily flowing with Dark and Tannin-Stained Water, with beds of Water Lillies along the sides; the preferred habitat of this secretive "Ambush" hunter. I would suggest a five foot Graphite Rod, and a Lightning Quick Reel spooled with 4lb test line. Tiny Crank-baits like the Bill Norman, or Rebel Craw are EXCELLENT in Yellow, Chartreuse or Fire Tiger. "Bays" have a Huge Mouth and an Appetite to Match, so don't be afraid to throw your 3-4" Rapala or other Jerk Baits a well.....anything you can effectively work with your Ultra-Light Tackle. Rooster Tail and other (in line) Spinners work well too. The key is to keep it moving fast! As an ambush feeder, Bays are genetically programmed to react to sudden movements.

So you say you're a Fly Fisherman? Well the Bay Snook was made for you! Your favorite Rod....you know the one you use for "Brookies and Rainbows" back home, will work just fine. Though the "Bay Snook" will strike surface Poppers and such, a Flashy Streamer is Guaranteed to put high-flying "Bays" on your line!

Drifting down a primordial Jungle Stream, with Gaudy Parrots and Toucans flying overhead, while Casting your Fly or Ultra Light Lure to a "Mean" Little Tropical Gamester. No better way to get your "Caribbean MoJo" working!

If you would like to know more about Ultra-Light and Fly Fishing the Rivers of Belize; or any of the other GREAT Fishing Adventures we offer, check our website www.spearfishbelize.com or simply email mayakingdom@yahoo.com. Tight Lines!!

"Breakfast Club" ~ Morning Chorus, May 11, 2010 at Maya Kingdom Belize Jungle Adventures

2010-05-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Like EVERY MORNING in Paradise, it was "Breakfast with the Birds". While we enjoyed our fresh Corn Tortillas, Eggs, Sausage and Mango Chutney, our Feathered Friends put on their usual show in our Tropical Gardens. Birds listed below were recorded (seen or heard) during today's morning chorus:

Montezuma's Oropendula (beautiful!)
Plain Chacalaca (as ALWAYS)
Ocellated Turkey
Brown Jay
Clay-Colored Robin
Yucatan Vireo
Red-Lored Parrot
Aztec Parakeet
Green Kingfisher
Hooded Oriole
Golden-Crowned Warbler
Ruddy Ground Dove
Tropical Kingbird
Tropical Mockingbird
Great Kiskadee
Social Flycatcher
Blue-Gray Tanager
Violaceus Trogon
Ivory-Billed Woodcreeper
Red Cardinal
Jabiru Stork (flyover...again!)
Wood Stork (flyover)
Great Egret (flyover)

If you would like to know more about great Belize Birding Adventures, see our website www.spiritwindbelize.com or email mayakingdom@yahoo.com

Breakfast With The Birds ~ May 10, 2010

2010-05-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

The following Birds were observed (seen or heard) during breakfast and the "Morning Chorus" at Maya Kingdom Belize Jungle Adventures:

Smooth Billed Ani
Plain Chacalaca
Ocellated Turkey
Great Currasow
Clay-Colored Robin
Blue-Gray Tanager
Yellow-Winged Tanager
Squirrel Cuckoo
Violaceus Trogon
Keel-Billed Toucan
Rufous-Tailed Hummingbird
Lineated Woodpecker
Great Kiskadee
Brown Jay
Golden-Crowned Warbler
Ivory-Billed Woodcreeper
Green Kingfisher
White-Breasted Wood Wren
Scrub Euphonia
Masked Tityra
Aztec Parakeet
Rusty Sparrow
Jabiru Stork (Fly Over)
White Hawk (Fly Over)

These Birds were (casually) observed from our Garden during the Breakfast Hour.....a fairly typical morning congregation! For more info on incredible Belize Birding Adventures, see our website www.spiritwindbelize.com, or email info@spiritwindbelize.com!

Belize Birding: Birds Seen or Heard Today at Maya Kingdom!

2010-05-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is today's "life list", recorded during the morning chorus at Maya Kingdom Jungle Adventures; Sunday, May 9, 2010.

Plain Chacalaca ........................................................................Ortalis vetula
Ocellated Turkey.....................................................................Agriocharis ocellata
Ruddy Ground Dove...............................................................Columbina talpacotiumnalis
Red Lored Parrot.....................................................................Amazona autumnalis
Aztec Parakeet.........................................................................Aratinga aztec
Squirrel Cuckoo........................................................................Piaya cayana
Rufous-Tailed Hummingbird.................................................Amazilia tzacatl
Violaceus Trogon......................................................................Trogon violaceus
Collared Aracari........................................................................Pteroglossus torquatus
Ivory-billed Woodcreeper......................................................Xiphorhynchus flavigaster
Red-capped Manikin...............................................................Pipra mentalis
Masked Tityra..........................................................................Tityra semifasciata
Great Kiskadee.........................................................................Pitangus sulphuratus
Social Flycatcher......................................................................Myozetetes similis
Tropical Kingbird.....................................................................Tyrannus melancholicus
Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher..................................................Myobius sulphureipygius
Brown Jay.................................................................................Psilorhinus morio
Spot-breasted Wren...............................................................Thryothorus maculipectus
Tropical Gnatcatcher..............................................................Polioptila plumbea
Black Catbird............................................................................Melanoptila glabrirostris
Tropical Mockingbird..............................................................Mimus gilvus
Clay-colored Robin..................................................................Turdus grayi
Golden-crowned Warbler.......................................................Basileuterus culicivorus
Melodious Blackbird................................................................Dives dives
Scrub Euphonia........................................................................Euphonia affinis
Yellow-winged Tanager..........................................................Thraupis abbus
Rusty Sparrow.........................................................................Aimophila rufescens

The Birds listed above were (casually) observed today during just ONE HOUR of the morning chorus at Maya Kingdom Belize Jungle Adventures......a less than average aggregation of species, for this season. But Belize has Great Birding every single day of the year. At our Maya Kingdom Eco park, we take some pride in our cultivation of natural fruiting and flowering plants, to attract Birds and other Wildlife. For more information on Belize birding, see our website www.spiritwindbelize.com, or email at mayakingdom@yahoo.com.

Belize OOPARTS: Those Damnable Out Of Place Artifacts!

2010-05-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

OOPARTS are Out Of Place Artifacts....things which simply should not exist, according to the "official" story, promulgated by mainstream archaeology. Artifacts like this pre-columbian "Golden Airplane".....one of MANY found at various locations. A Pre-Columbian Airplane?! Science says "Not Possible"...yet there it is, an obvious depiction of a Delta Winged Aircraft. the "Official" explanation.....a "Stylized Sphinx Moth". Sphinx Moth?! PLEASE! Don't insult our intelligence. Even if it was intended to repressent a "moth", it (and all the others) would be anatomically incorrect. Moths and allm other flying creatures have their wings affixed to the dorsal (top) side of the body....NOT the ventral (bottom) side. In other words, this explanation simply will not "Fly"!

So to the meat of my story: A few days ago, a Missionary Friend of mine sent me a Curious Photo of an "unusual" Mayan Artifact found near Maya Kingdom Adventures. He used his scanner to document the strange stone artifact, before turning it over to the Belize Department of Archaeology and Culture. You see, here in Belize ALL Artifacts are considered to be "National Treasures" and must be registered with the proper authorities, before they can be legally possessed by ordinary citizens. Considering the great wealth of Pre-Columbian Treasure in this small country.....it is not a bad policy. Trafficking in Mayan Antiquities is a major problem in Belize, Guatemala and throughout the region.

So my friend (being a good citizen) called the "authorities" to register his small collection, which included this odd "Arrowhead" with a beautiful Stylized Deer etched into the stone surface, and another "curious" stone Jaguar (or possibly Lion) Head. I have never seen the stone head, because he could not photograph it before it was taken. And though I'm no professional Archaeologist (thank God) I AM a fairly well trained Amateur. And after seeing the photo of this strange etched Projectile Point, I can say (in my humble opinion) this is NOT of Mayan Origin. The Deer Design closely resembles Hopi or possibly Anasazi Artwork. A fact which was not lost on the "Professionals". They took my friend's artifacts to be "cataloged" with the promise that they would be returned......with exception of the "Jaguar" Head, which they said "did not belong in Belize", and needed to be returned to it's "Country of Origin". Curiouser and Curiouser! Well, to make a long story short, the "authorities" eventually returned everything EXCEPT the Stone Head and the (Anasazi) Etched Projectile. Somehow, it had become "lost"!

Note: I have to do business in Belize, and therefore have NOT published the photo of the Deer Arrowhead for fear of reprisals from the "Authorities". I will however be happy to email a copy of the photo to any interested party.

I relate this only because a similar thing happened to me some 40+ years ago, when an Archaeologist from the state of South Carolina came to inspect my considerable collection of Native American Artifacts.Before going any further, I feel I must clarify: I am No Grave Robber! NONE of my Artifacts are dug from mounds.....all from surface hunting. I am Native American myself (Cherokee) , and would never defile sacred ground....NEVER! But I had told this "Scientist" that I had some unusual things, and he was all too happy to come take a look. Seems he and his colleagues were searching in South Carolina for evidence of "Folsom Man". Being an enthusiastic young "College Man", I was anxious to share my discoveries with a real "Pro". So a few minutes after this gentleman arrived, I began to relate my discovery of a large (gigantic) Stepped "Pyramid" with huge flat Alter Stones at the top. "I'm not interested", was his shocking response! Not Interested?! The Pyramid positively was (IS) still there, but I seriously doubt if anyone "official" has ever examined it. A Pyramid in South Carolina? That simply WILL NOT DO! Who built it....when, why....all questions without answers. So They are just "not interested"!

Next I showed him a Strange Clay Tablet, with rows of inscribed figures closely resembling Sumerian Cuneiform. "I don't want to see that", was all he said as he shoved it aside.
Suddenly, "That's what I'm looking for" he exclaimed, as he grabbed a "Folsom-type" stemmed scraper from among the other stone artifacts. Then, without another word, this man simply jumped into his car and sped away in a cloud of dust! What the bloody hell had just happened?! The State Archaeologist had just stolen MY ARTIFACT! I was stunned. A few days later my "Sumerian" Clay Tablet just disappeared from my collection. Unfortunately I kept my collection in my parents garage, so anyone could get to it with ease. But the Tablet was the ONLY thing taken. Coincidence? I'll let you draw your own conclusion.

I'm not a "conspiracy theory" kind of guy, but from my own personal experience, and the experiences of thousands of other people, I can tell you that there IS an organized effort to conceal, hide, bury, destroy and/or discredit any piece of archaeological evidence which violates or calls into question the current "excepted" time-lines of anthropological history. Plainly stated, Mainline Archaeology is the most closed-minded "Science" in all of human history; and any "Renegade" among them who courageously brings any TRULY NEW evidence to light, is quickly ostracized and soon looking for a new job, flipping burgers at McDonald's!

Belize and the rest of Meso-America is the "Mother Load"....the epicenter of Out Of Place Archaeological Anomalies. Artifacts relating to (or originating from) North America, Asia, Africa and Europe are found here on a regular basis. I could relate other personal stories, like a small Jade Cross found buried among the stones of an Ancient Mayan Road.....right here at Maya Kingdom Adventures! I could.....but I won't. Time and space does not permit. And besides; Until you come and explore these mysteries yourself, you simply will not truly believe it!
"The Truth Is Out There"! If you would like to discover it for yourself, we would be happy to assist you. Maya Kingdom is located (in part) on a Sacred Maya Burial Ground, and only a short stroll from the Ancient Temples of "Altun Ha". We're not promising that you will learn the "meaning of life".....far from it. You will leave with more Questions than Answers! But that's what REAL SCIENCE is all about.....isn't it? See our website www.spiritwindbelize.com or contact us at mayakingdom@yahoo.com.

Your comments are Invited!

Belize Fishing ~ Fish O' the Day: Cubera Snapper!

2010-04-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

So you say you like Bass Fishing.... carefully casting your hand chosen lures to entice a strike from that fabled 10 Pound Lunker! But what if there was a REAL MONSTER waiting to engulf your little bait, CRUSH IT and spit it back in your face?! What if.....

Well the nightmare has come true again! Yes Virginia, there IS a Monster in the River, but it's no "Bass"! This thing would EAT a 10 pound Bass for lunch, and still be looking for dessert! I'm talking about a Real Monster Gamefish..the CUBERA SNAPPER. So let's take a look at the "Tale of the Tape". Your opponent, should you "choose" to step into the ring, weighs in at up to 100 Pounds, with Broad Shoulders, Crushing Jaws, Jurassic Teeth, and a Prehistoric Godzilla Attitude to match!

Before you decide to challenge this beast, I'd like to relate a little "Fish Story".

It was a fine "soft" March morning in beautiful Belize (on the Dangriga River) and I was having the time of my life casting my (favorite) Zara Spook to a bunch of (angry) Spring run Snook. Buddy, this was a Belizean Dream! Incredible top-water action on 10 to 20 pound Snook....almost with every cast. After landing 12 Snook in a little over an hour, I have to admit this Ole Boy was beginning to tire. When right at my feet, a (small) 30 pound Cubera came from the bottom of the river and Exploded on my puny little lure! I guess he'd had enough of watching all this foolishness, and wanted to put a stop to it right then and there! Well, I gotta say, I felt pretty foolish as I watched my line peel away. That fish was heading downstream like a runaway freight train, and there wasn't a darn thing I could do about it. I was standing on shore so I couldn't "crank up" and follow. I had to just stand there in silence, "doing the math" while I watched the bottom of my spool come into view. Then as suddenly as it had started...it was over. Before I had to live with the embarrassment of having ALL of my 10 pound line stripped away...the fish was GONE! I'm sure you all know that sickening feeling, when the line just goes slack.

When I reeled my line back in, it was clear what had happened. Every treble hook on that Zara Spook, was completely CRUSHED! I just had to shake my head and laugh. "That son of a"..... well, that's just the way it is with Cubera. Many are hooked but FEW are actually landed. I believe this is the toughest, meanest critter in the water. A real "800 Pound Gorilla" that does what it wants...when it wants!

WE have MANY Cubera (Lutjanus cyanopterus) in Belize, and NOW (Dry Season) is the time to catch them. Because during the "dry" these merciless brutes invade the Rivers and Streams of our lovely little country, reeking havoc on unsuspecting Snook and Tarpon Fishermen. They take a variety of Baits and Lures, but to fish for them (specifically) the best way is to troll BIG deep running lures through some of their favorite "holes" in the Belize and Sibun Rivers. Average size? Caught...around 15 to 20 pounds. Hooked....God only knows! Snappers up to 100 Pounds have been caught in the Belize River!! A Stiff Rod and 80lb Mono or Braid is a minimum. And should you wish to try that whole "Top Water Thing"; the Back-country Lagoons and Creeks are FULL of (Baby) 5 to 20 pound Cubera who would just LOVE to take you on!

If you would like to know more about Cubera (or any) Fishing in Belize, see our fishing website www.spearfishbelize.com, or email info@spearfishbelize.com. Tight Lines!

Belize Birding ~ Bird of the Day: Ocellated Turkey!

2010-04-28T18:07:00.001-07:00

The Ocellated Turkey is one of the truly spectacular Birds of the American Tropics. Far more common than they appear, these shy birds keep themselves concealed in dense jungle, where their Gaudy Iridescent Plumage camouflages perfectly with the dappled light of the forest. But even though we don't often see them, we know they are there. At Maya Kingdom, we can hear their distinctive calls every single day, as they proclaim their territory from deep in the jungle.

Like all Turkeys, the Ocellated is relentlessly hunted (by Humans), in Belize and throughout it's range. In the US, wild Turkey populations have soared, due to planned habitat enhancement and feeding programs. The booming Turkey Hunting Industry, has in fact assured the survival of all the various varieties of US Turkeys. It may be an uncomfortable paradox; but there are times when conservation and regulated hunting (combined) can actually save a species from extinction. But no such programs are available here. The Ocellated Turkey, Great Currrasow, and other "game" birds are on their own!

Fun Fact: Did you know that the Turkey was Domesticated by the Ancient Maya? Well, it's true. So the next time you sit down to your Thanksgiving Turkey, give thanks for the Animal Husbandry of a Vanished Civilization!

If you are interested in Belize Birding, see our website, www.spiritwindbelize.com or email mayakingdom@yahoo.com

Belize Reptiles & Herps ~ Herp O' the Day! RED-EYED TREEFROG

2010-04-26T12:15:00.001-07:00

Probably the most recognizable symbol of the "Save the Rainforest" Movement is the diminutive Red-Eyed Treefrog. The gaudy images of this personable little character are EVERYWHERE in popular media, around the world. Surprisingly, the Red-eye is doing fairly well throughout it's Neotropical Range, unlike many other Perilously Endangered Amphibians worldwide. Perhaps the Golden Mantela or other disappearing frogs would have made a better "poster child" for the great public outcry and "call to arms" needed, to enlighten the public consciousness.

But the Red-eyed Treefrog is truly a wonderful creature. Happily flaunting it's brilliant colors for all to see, for they have little to fear from most predators. It seems they taste Really Bad! I have often been amazed while collecting and photographing specimens, that they seldom make any attempt to leap away. When "pursued" they simply Walk out of harm's way.

We have many Red-eyed Treefrogs and other Amazing Amphibians in Belize. If you would like to participate in one of our Herpetology Collecting and Photo Safaris, see our website: www.spiritwindbelize.com, or email mayakingdom@yahoo.com

Belize Fishing ~ Fish O' the Day: HOUNDFISH!

2010-04-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, Houndfish is our Fish of the Day! Why you ask? Well for several very good reasons. To begin with, the Hound (like all Needlefish) is a very "Game" Fish. It strikes a variety of natural and artificial baits and lures, Runs, Jumps and basically gives a good account of itself. The only thing most "Needles" lack is weight.

But this is no ordinary Needlefish! The HOUND is a very respectable adversary, especially on light tackle. And when you add the fact that these "Puppies" can grow to 5...even 6 feet in length, and weigh more than 10 pounds, the "Game Quality" escalates rapidly. I can remember as a lad spending many a Summer day at the Haulover Pier, near Miami Beach...trying to coax a strike from the many Big 'Cuda who frequented the area. But these guys had seen every bait and lure a thousand times, and RARELY would give my offerings much more than a passing glance. But the 'Cudas were not the only predator cruising the pier; there were also some very respectable Houndfish lurking just behind the surf line. Many a frustrating day was saved by sight casting the Big Needles, just fore the pure fun of it!

Houndfish are common throughout Warm and Tropical Seas, where its frequent Jumping Habits make it a DANGEROUS fish! Hounds often launch themselves into the air, either during the fight, or just from being startled by a passing boat. More than one person has been IMPALED by one of these living javelins! Often with Fatal Results. Fishing at night, with lights aboard the boat is especially dangerous in the Tropics, because Hounds will gather in the area to feed upon the baitfish attracted by the glow.
If you would like to have your own Tropical Fishing Adventure, see our website: www.spearfishbelize.com
Your comments are invited. Tight Lines!

Belize Birding ~ Bird of the Day: Hodded Warbler!

2010-04-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Hooded Warbler, is one of the brightest and most beautiful residents of our Gardens at Maya Kingdom Adventures. We see them every single day....often in unexpected places, as they boldly search every nook and cranny for a tasty insect to eat. The constantly open doors of the Maya Museum make it inevitable that these inquisitive little guys will (occasionally) end up Inside instead of Out!

We recently had one fearless little Warbler, explore every inch of the Museum...even including the Museum Snack Bar. With single-minded determination, this little yellow "Bandit" looked into every pot, glass, cup and container on the shelf, with no regard whatsoever for Humans in the vicinity. When the (unsuccessful) hunt was finished, he simply cocked his head to one side.....as if to say goodbye, and calmly hopped back out the door.

We feel privileged to share the Jungle Home of such Beautiful and Delicate Creatures. It is a shame that the future of the Hooded Warbler, and countless other species, is uncertain at best. Insecticides, Herbicides, Logging of Hardwood Forests, Single Species Tree "Farms", Over Population and a myriad of other Human-caused Ills, are decimating Bird Populations at an alarming rate. If something isn't done (and soon) to reverse these trends, this "Perfect Storm" of destruction will reach critical mass, and entire ecosystems will crash without any hope or possibility to recover.

We Humans, in our present form and level of understanding, are a Blight on Planet Earth. We are the Disease...not the cure! It is sad but nonetheless true. I'm afraid it may already be too late. At Maya Kingdom, we are serious about Environmental Education. We have no delusions about what we can accomplish. We simply do what little we can....everyday, to make the world a better place for (both) Humans and Animals. But then, if EVERYONE did the little they could, perhaps...just PERHAPS this Ticking Environmental Bomb could be defused before it Explodes in our Collective Faces!

For more about awesome Belize Birding, and Wildlife Safaris, see our Website: www.spiritwindbelize.com

Belize Fishing ~ Fish O' the Day: Fat Snook

2010-04-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

One cool December morning, I went into Dangriga for a little impromptu "downtown fishing", on beautiful Stann Creek. Standing on shore, and casting my Bomber Long-A along the bridge pilings, I soon attracted a crowd....as always. Mostly wide-eyed kids, eager to see what this man was doing so early in the morning. It wasn't long before I had a hard strike, and after a brief battle landed a nice little 5 pound Cubera Snapper. The thought of fresh Snapper Fillets for lunch sounded too good to me, so I must admit I kept the Snapper for the kitchen. The gathering crowd was VERY PLEASED indeed!

Another 20 minutes passed without a strike, then suddenly a Fish was on! Within a few hectic minutes, I slid a BIG beautiful 6 Pound Fat Snook onto the rocks. Wow...I've caught many Fat Snook in Belize (and back home in Florida), but I'm pretty sure this was the largest "Fatty" I have ever caught! The Fat Snook (Centropomus parallelus), though not as big as it's over-sized cousin the Common Snook, is never the less a Great Gamefish, and I believe pound for pound a better all around fighter. It is common in creeks and estuaries of South Florida and throughout Belize and the American Tropics. Ususally overlooked because of it's small size, the Fat Snook is a challenging adversary on either Fly or Ultra-lite Spinning. And with the World Record at somewhere 'round 9 pounds....this 6 Pounder was a real Trophy Fish!

I carefully extracted the hooks, and slowly revived and Released the Fish. But the crowd of youngsters was aghast and filled with bewilderment at what I had just done! Why had I done such a "foolish" thing?! The very idea of throwing back a big (edible) fish, was simply too much for them. I tried to explain, that this was a Big Female, and killing her would ultimately kill thousands of her eventual offspring. But to no avail. The Boys (every one of them) threw up their hands and walked away in total disgust.

It occurred to me that THIS is the real battleground. If there is to be any future for Sport Fishing Worldwide, we MUST reach the hearts and minds of these young ones, and change the mind set they are currently in. The (bad) old days of keeping every fish you can catch, just so you can "show off" piles of dead fish, are gone! There is nothing wrong with keeping a few fish for the table, but keep ONLY what you really want to eat. If you fish often, as most fishermen do, you could not possibly eat all the fish you can catch. But if you keep killing everything that bites your hook today....tomorrow there will be NOTHING to catch. Catch and Release is the only future for Fishing, but old attitudes die hard. I only hope we can Educate younger minds, and instill a sense of Respect for All Living Things, before it is too late.
If you would like to chase the wily Fat Snook, or any of our other Great Gamefish on the Backwaters, Reefs and Flats of Belize, Spearfish Island Adventures would be happy to give you the Caribbean Adventure of a lifetime. See our website: www.spearfishbelize.com

Belize Reptiles & Herps ~ Reptile O' the Day! MAYAN CORAL SNAKE

2010-04-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Well, a funny thing happened to me on the way to "Church" a few Sundays ago. I was actually late for an appointment to take a client into the Rainforest to hunt and photograph Dragonflies. And (as I often do) I walked barefoot out of the Museum at Maya Kingdom Adventures, without paying attention to where I was walking......which I NEVER DO! As I stepped off the stone steps...again without looking, and felt the unmistakable cold coils of a Snake wrapped around my leg.

Now, understand this: I'm no amateur! I've spent nearly 50 years of my life in the bush, as a professional Herpetologist and Wildlife Collector. And this is no walk in Central Park...this is deep in the Tropical Jungles of Belize. But for a moment (perhaps a "Senior" moment) I let down my guard. A lapse which could have easily cost me my life. I have taken some pride in the fact that I have only ONCE been bitten by a Venomous Snake....also from a lapse of attention. I had been determined all these years to never let that happen again. But here it was.....AGAIN!

In a millisecond my brain processed some very useful information, as it reacted to the unknown serpentine coils about my ankle. Information like "Man...was this DUMB!" and simultaneously "Jump Stupid"! Thankfully I still have some of my legendary "cat-like reflexes", and lept like a Gazelle into the morning air. When I came down from Low Earth Orbit, I was astonished to find that I had stepped directly upon a beautiful MAYAN CORAL SNAKE! How I emerged without so much as a scratch, is still up for discussion. Most likely my BARE FOOT came down directly upon the head of the Deadly Snake, pinning it to the ground, and making it impossible for the snake to turn and sink it's fangs into my foot.

Thankfully, neither the Snake nor I was harmed in any way! Both (I hope) gained new respect for the other. It would be a shame to see such an incredibly beautiful and special animal injured by my Human Stupidity! For the Mayan Coral Snake is truly a Living Jewel of the Neotropical Forests of Belize.

If you would like to join one of our exciting Belize Herpetology Collecting and "Photo Safaris", just contact Maya Kingdom Adventures at www.spiritwindbelize.com

Belize Birding ~ Bird of the Day!

2010-04-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Keel-billed Toucan, is one of our absolute favorite Birds; National Bird of Belize and a highly recognizable "Icon" of the Tropical Rainforest. And what an Ambassador they are. These Clowns of the Forest, with their gaudy colors and ridiculous "Jimmy Durante Shnoze", can instantly win the hearts and minds of millions. A singular fact which has not been overlooked by multi-media marketers around the world.

But like so many other things in life, there is a little known Dark Side to the old "Shnozola". Toucans are very adroit and skillful HUNTER/PREDATORS. Yes, they are perfectly happy snatching fruits and berries from trees, while munching an occasional beetle or cockroach. But that over-sized beak of theirs is a formidable weapon, and they use it with great skill. Not only will they catch an eat a variety of Lizards, Frogs and other Terrestrial Vertebrates; they will also happily consume other Birds. With their lightning reflexes, Toucans have been known to snatch Hummingbirds, right out of the air!

We LOVE TOUCANS at Maya Kingdom. They Nest in our Forest and visit our Gardens daily. And even when we can't quite see them, we can still hear their "frog-like" chirping, every morning and evening.

If you would like to know more about Birding in Belize, check our website: http://www.spiritwindbelize.com

Rains and Floods and Demons From Hell!

2008-07-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

THE BIG BLOW!!

Well, it's another Hurricane Season again! Now, for most folks, that doesn't mean a lot. But if you live in Florida, the Gulf Coast or (God Forbid) anywhere in the Tropics, you tend to sit up and take notice. Unfortunately I fall into ALL of the above categories. With a home in Florida and 3 resort locations in Beautiful Belize, you may well imagine that I'm getting a bit anxious about now. These things are like shooting a shotgun into a crowded room. Once the gun sounds, you KNOW for a certainty that someones gonna get hit.....you just hope it's not you!

So enter "Arthur", just a few of weeks ago. Not much as storms go, but it rained in Belize like Holy Hell! Just a few miles upriver from our Spirit Wind Resort, folks were all tucked in to their cozy little beds, expecting just another night of rain. Suddenly their whole world turned upside down (literally) as the most fierce Flash Flood anyone has ever seen in Belize, filled the valley and washed their world away! The Awesome Power of this unholy "DEMON" was so strong, that clothes were torn from peoples bodies, as their children were ripped from their arms.

And this was not even a Hurricane! Weeks later as people are putting their shattered and traumatized lives back together, folks are still trying to figure out where all that water came from. Spirit Wind Resort is on high ground, with no flooding (Thank God!); but even we lost nearly 50 feet of our Riverbank in just about 2 hours. This thing was Wicked Scary!! There will be many sleepless nights now, especially for the children. So say a prayer or two for the "Little Ones"......for many, simple rainy nights are now nights of terror!