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Flights of Fancy: Celebrating Easter with Belize’s Birds

Everything Belize - A Collection of Words

With the winds picking up in April and the sun shining all day, Easter in Belize is one of the most wonderful times to be in the Jewel. With limited rain to interrupt outdoor adventure, it’s an ideal time to plot all day activities that’ll put you in the thick of nature’s wonders. One seasonal activity worth doing to mark the time of year is to venture into the forests, rivers, and lagoons and add to your bird sightings list.

Belize is a remarkable place for birdwatching due to being a wintering site for many migratory species and also due to its range of ecologies from wetlands to tropical rainforests and mountain regions. The Belize Collection’s resorts cover several of these ecologies, putting you in an ideal position to incidentally or intentionally sight some of these feathered wonders.

The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant is the perfect place for you to spot birds drawn to tropical lowland forests, such as the scarce black and white owl. Meanwhile The Lodge at Jaguar Reef provides a great opportunity for you to venture to the Sittee River where you may run into a cattle heron. Further south at Umaya Resort, flying across the coast you might just spot a royal tern in search of its next meal.

With over 600 species observed and 809 ‘hotspots’ on global bird sighting app Ebird, Belize is rife with birds that will astonish and soothe you. Here are six birds you may get a chance to see while visiting one of the three The Belize Collection resorts.

Violet Sabrewing
Most likely sighted at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant

Though hummingbirds are known for their miniature quality, the violet sabrewing is unusual for its remarkably large size and aggressive demeanor. It prefers to reside in humid evergreen forest in highlands and foothills, meaning that you’re most likely to spot one while walking around the Rainforest Lodge. If you see a burst of violet at the corner of your eye, be sure to break out your binoculars to sight this gorgeous bird before it flits away.

Bare-throated Tiger Heron
Most likely sighted at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef

Belize has over 12 heron varieties, but for many the bare-throated tiger heron is the GOAT, not for its scarcity but for its sheer regality. A large but rather short-legged, primal-looking bird, the bare-throated heron is a denizen of mangroves and freshwater marshes in tropical lowlands. All plumages have naked yellow throat skin that’s not always easy to see and greenish legs. You can find them minding their own business indifferent to your observation. Regardless, a choice sighting should you get to bask in their glory. Bow to heron, queen of marshes.

Sungrebe
Most likely sighted at Umaya

Not all birds are fans of the forests and its bustling activity. Some, like the Sungrebe, prefer to pass their time out of the sun amid shady streams, mangroves, quiet ponds, and lake edges. The Sungrebe can be found swimming with a quirky slightly head-jerking motion. The striped head and neck and stout pointed bill are distinctive. You’ll perhaps spot one of these while lounging near the lagoon at Umaya Resort sipping on a sorrel cocktail. An easy one to tick off the checklist if you’re willing to wile the day away, and why not when you’re on vacation?

Collared Aracari
Most likely sighted at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant

The Collared Aracai is an attractive small toucan of tropical lowland forest and edge. They usually move in small groups through the canopy of fruiting trees. With yellow bodies with red and black markings and a serrated pattern on their bill, they are sure to make an impression. These toucans have been sighted from the private balconies of the Mountain View Suites at the Rainforest Lodge, scouting the fruit trees and catching up with each other. Break out a cup of coffee and join them in the morning hours.

Black-and-white Hawk-eagle
Most likely sighted at any time

As a kid you’re told to avoid looking at the sun, but it may be worth ignoring that advice for a chance to see the black-and-white hawk-eagle. An eagle that is rarely ever seen perched, it makes its home in lowland tropical forest. Look for its distinctive black mask, orange-yellow base of bill, and short black crest. It can sometimes be mistaken for an immature Gray-headed Kite, but its considerably larger size should indicate to you that you’re in the presence of something more majestic.

Keel-billed Motmot
Most likely sighted at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant

One of three Motmot varieties sighted in Belize, the Keel-billed Motmot is smaller than its cousin the Lesson Motmot. These birds are forest-dwellers that like to sit around motionless on trees, so you’ll have to play a bit of ‘Where’s Waldo?’ to see one as you’re making your way up the hill on the Outlook trail. Like many introverts, they don’t get out much and can be hard to find. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, you’ll have bragging rights among the birders for years.

Those are just a few of the many birds you’ll be able to see on a visit to The Belize Collection resorts. Right now, you can take advantage of a limited time discount for one of TBC’s world-class birdwatching tours. One of our birding experts will take you to the best hot spots that’ll ensure you leave Belize with several of your sought after sightings crossed off the bucket list.

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Dinner

APPETIZERS

RICOTTA-BALSAMIC BRUSCHETTA
US 5 | BZ 10

Crumbled Mennonite ricotta sprinkled on a toasted baguette of balsamic drizzled
vegetable medley.

SQUASH & COCONUT SOUP
US 7 | BZ 14

Roasted organic squash pureed with fresh squeezed coconut milk served with
sweet potato crisps.

FISH FRITTERS
US 7.50 | BZ 18

Fresh-caught fish bites tossed in Belikin beer batter and fried to a crispy golden
finish, served with an habanero aioli dipping sauce.

WATERMELON ARUGULA SALAD
US 9 | BZ 18

Organically grown arugula tossed with our house balsamic dressing, toasted peanuts, topped with crumbled cheese on a bed of sweet watermelon slices.

CEVICHE de CAMARON
US 12.50 | BZ 25

Lime-cured diced shrimp tossed with onions, tomatoes, cucumber and cilantro. Served with spiced corn tortilla chips.

ADD TO SOUP, SALAD or PASTA

Chicken US 2.5 | BZ5
Shrimp US 4 | BZ 8

ENTREES

PASTA POMODORO
US 10.50 | BZ 21

House made classic pomodoro tossed with fresh-picked herbs and linguini,
topped with freshly grated Parmesan.

BBQ PORK BELLY
US 11.50 | BZ 23

Roasted pork belly glazed with our signature BBQ sauce, served with homemade
flour torilla, refried beans and pico de gallo salsa.

STEAMED WHOLE SNAPPER
US 20 | BZ 40

Today’s catch rubbed in local spices, wrapped in plantain leaves, steamed and served with cilantro rice.

SHRIMP & EGGPLANT PESTO SALAD
US 16 | BZ 32

Medley of grilled eggplant, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes brushed with basil pesto,
sprinkled with crumbled Mennonite cheese and topped with juicy grilled shrimp.

CATCH OF THE DAY
US 17 | BZ 34

Pan-seared fresh caught fillet of fish served with potato mash, grilled vegetables, and a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa.

Sorrel Red Wine Rib Eye
US 31 | BZ 62

Prime cut of rib eye steak spiced with crushed peppercorn, smoked salt, seared in herbs, garlic, and butter (cooked to your requested temperature). Accompanied with pesto potatoes, coconut oil perfumed greens and signature sorrel red wine reduction.

Chimichurri Beef Tenderloin
US 28 | BZ 56

Local cut of grass fed beef tenderloin grilled to perfection served with toasted cumin mashed potato, balsamic arugula and fresh Chimichurri sauce.

Coconut Smoked Sea Salt Fish Fillet
US 23 | BZ 46

Fresh catch of the day, spiced with our homemade smoked sea salt, organic coconut oil perfume and seared to perfection. Served over a bed of wild rice and cream of spinach.

Camarones al Mojo
US 19 | BZ 38

Farm shrimp sautéed in spices, freshly squeezed orange juice, minced garlic, and herbs. Accompanied with a bowl of mushroom and spinach brown rice.

Skillet Pollo Asado
US 14 | BZ 28

Quarter cut of pre-marinated chicken grilled to perfection. Served with seared garlic, broccoli and roasted diced potatoes.

Ask your server about our daily dessert selection.

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.

Room Service available at a fee of  $5 USD plus tax

Dinner

Appetizer

BBQ Pig Tail
US 11 | BZ 22

Smoked salt-cured pork tails, brushed with house barbecue sauce and served with a warm,
hand-made flour tortilla and pickled habanero-onion sauce.

Country Barn Mozzarella Sticks
US 13 | BZ 26

Seasoned, breadcrumb-encrusted mozzarella cheese sticks, deep fried to a crispy
golden finish, served with jalapeño tartar and a
sweet/spicy tomato habanero sauce.

Entree

Herb Tomato Pasta
US 18 | BZ 36

Al dente linguine pasta tossed in a slow-roasted tomato sauce with fresh herbs,
tossed in fresh Country Barn ricotta cheese.

Pollo Asado
US 18 | BZ 36

Tangy herbed chicken cuts grilled to perfection and topped with fresh Mennonite
cheese, served with a warm flour tortilla, re-fried beans, guacamole, and house
pico de gallo.

Oregano Pork Ribs
US 20 | BZ 40

Tender, slow-smoked pork ribs simmered in an all spice-oregano barbecue sauce.

Cocoa-Red Wine Braised Lamb Shank
US 27 | BZ 54

Locally raised lamb shank, slow braised in a rich, fresh ground cacao and red wine
broth, served with a side of warm, home-made bread.

Creole Oxtail Stew
US 27 | BZ 54

Free range oxtail cuts slow-cooked in a rich Creole tomato sauce with farm
vegetables, served with coconut cilantro rice.

Latin American Carne Asada
US 31 | BZ 62

Local beef tenderloin, pan-seared in garlic butter, brushed with home-made
chimichurri cause and served with sides of the evening.

Citrus-Achiote Chop
US 21 | BZ 42

Seared 1″ butcher cut rib chop served with smashed potatoes, grilled zucchini
and slathered with our signature citrus-achiote gravy.

Camarones en Crema de Coco
US 24 | BZ 48

Fresh farm shrimp simmered in hand-pressed coconut milk with organic, reigonal
vegetables, herbs and habanero peppers, served with a side of coconut rice and creole
bread rolls.

Soups

Farmer's Bean Soup
US 10 | BZ 20

Slow-cooked red kidney beans, crowned with crispy chicharrones and pico de gallo,
accompanied by crispy seasoned corn tortilla chips.

Chicken Escabeche
US 13 | BZ 26

Organic chicken cuts, pan fried and simmered in Tia Blanca’s sun-dried oregano, jalapeño, lime,
onion broth, served with warm hand-made corn tortillas.

Salads

Citrus & Arugula Salad
US 13 | BZ 26

Dehydrated orange segments, with fresh arugula, farm vegetables, and sliced
hard-boiled eggs, served with your choice of honey balsamic dressing or our
Grove House signature citrus vinaigrette.

Peanut & Ricotta Salad
US 15 | BZ 30

Toasted local peanuts and crumbled ricotta cheese on baby spinach, purple
onions and, tomatoes, served with your choice of our honey balsamic dressing or
our Grove House signature citrus vinaigrette.

Vegan

Grilled Cauliflower & Chickpea Puree
US 13 | BZ 26

Fresh organic cauliflower drizzled in pressed coconut oil, grilled and served over roasted cherry tomatoes and a cumin chickpea puree.

Ginger Teriyaki Glazed Tofu Steak
US 14 | BZ 28

Grilled bean curd glazed with fresh ginger and soy sauce, accompanied by spinach and cumin chickpea puree.

Sweet Potato & Crostini Soup
US 11 | BZ 22

Slow roasted potatoes in coconut milk and spices, served with freshly toasted crostini.

Sweet Potato & Coconut Creamy Pasta
US 13 | BZ 26

Locally harvested sweet potato served in coconut milk and assorted spices, tossed with al dente linguine pasta and basil leaf.

Farmers Vegetable Lasagna
US 14 | BZ 28

Hand selected farm vegetables over our classic tomato sauce, topped with Mennonite cheese, before being baked to perfection. Served with a bowl of coconut white rice.

Desserts

Coconut Caramel Flan
US 7 | BZ 14
Mayan Chocolate Cake
US 9 | BZ 18
Soursop Cheesecake
US 9 | BZ 18

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.

Lunch

Appetizer

Country Barn Mozzarella Sticks
US 13 | BZ 26

Seasoned, breadcrumb-encrusted mozzarella cheese sticks, deep fried to a crispy
golden finish, served with jalapeño tartar and a
sweet/spicy tomato habanero sauce.

Shrimp Habanero Fritters
US 14 | BZ 28

Farm-raised shrimp tossed in Belikin beer batter with farm vegetables, habanero
peppers, golden friend and served with roasted garlic aioli dipping sauce.

Entree

Grove House Smoked Brisket Skillet Nachos
US 13 | BZ 26

Shredded slow-smoked local brisket over crisp corn tortilla shells, topped with
re-fried beans, 2 cheeses, and fresh lime cured salsa.

Pollo asado
US 16 | BZ 32

Tangy herbed chicken cuts grilled to perfection and topped with fresh Mennonite
cheese, served with a warm flour tortilla, re-fried beans, guacamole, and house
pico de gallo.

The Giant Burger
US 18 | BZ 36

Toasted home-made burger bun with grilled ground stead patty, topped with melted
cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a honey plantain mustard cabbage slaw,
served with potato fries.

Sandwich de Cochinita Pibil
US 14 | BZ 28

Slow-smoked pork leg, shredded and served on a freshly made bun, topped with Belizean
style coleslaw and served with potato fries.

Lamb Salbutes
US 15 | BZ 30

Locally butchered free-range lamb grilled to perfection on a golden fried yellow
corn tortilla, topped with marinated cabbage and tomatoes then
drizzled with mint pesto.

Soup

Farmer's Bean Soup
US 10 | BZ 20

Slow-cooked red kidney beans, crowned with crispy chicharrones and pico de gallo,
accompanied by crispy seasoned corn tortilla chips.

Creole Oxtail Stew
US 13 | BZ 26

Free range oxtail cuts slow-cooked in a rich Creole tomato sauce with farm
vegetables, served with coconut cilantro rice.

Salads

Herb & Watermelon Salad
US 12 | BZ 24

Mennonite harvested watermelons, diced and tossed with organic greens, fresh
mint, basil and ricotta cheese with your choice of honey balsamic dressing or oue
Grove House Signature citrust vinaigrette.

Citrus & Arugula Salad
US 12 | BZ 24

Dehydrated orange segments, with fresh arugula, farm vegetables, and sliced
hard-boiled eggs, served with your choice of honey balsamic dressing or our
Grove House signature citrus vinaigrette.

Vegan

Chickpea Curry & Peanut Pasta
US 10 | BZ 20

Al dente linguine pasta tossed in chickpeas and peanut sauce, served alongside a warm, toasted baguette.

Coconut & Ginger Tofu Stew
US 12 | BZ 24

Ginger shredded fresh over coconut milk, herbs and bean curd, served with white rice and fried plantains.

Sundried Tomato & Bean Soup
US 9 | BZ 18

Stewed red kidney beans and crushed sundried tomatoes, spiced to perfection and topped with garlic croutons.

Teriyaki Vegetable Rice Bowl
US 11 | BZ 22

Hand selected market vegetables stir-fried in soy sauce, served with our coconut cilantro white rice and freshly grated ginger and spices.

Black Beans Empanadas
US 8 | BZ 16

Hand pressed yellow corn tortilla stuffed with refried black beans, fried golden brown and served with pickled purple cabbage.

Desserts

Traditional Vanilla Icre Cream
US 5 | BZ 10
Nance-infused Caramel Flan
US 9 | BZ 18
Ayote en Miel with Vanilla Ice Cream
US 9 | BZ 18

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.

Breakfast

The Little Donkey
US 9 | BZ 18

Breakfast burrito of warm handmade flour tortilla stuffed with re-fried beans, scrambled eggs, crispy
pork bacon, farm vegetables and fresh Mennonite cheese.

Belizean Stuffed Jack
US 10 | BZ 20

Golden fried flour tortilla, stuffed with re-fried beans, sauteed vegetables,
habanero flavored sausage, scrambled eggs, and Mennonite cheese, served with pickled habanero curtido.

The Giant Pancakes
US 10 | BZ 20

2 giant pancakes dusted with cinnamon sugar, topped with tropical fruit chutney, served with a side of grilled habanero flavored sausage.

The Village Breakfast
US 11 | BZ 22

Farm fresh eggs scrambled with onions and tomatoes, accompanied by
coconut refried beans, crispy bacon and Belizean fried jacks.

Chef's Farm Omelette
US 10 | BZ 20

2-egg omelette filled with sauteed organic vegetables, served with toasted
baguettes and fresh Mennonite ricotta cheese

Continental
US 12 | BZ 24

In-house baked goods, locally grown fruit, Mennonite yogurt and coffee.

Vegan

Tofu & Guacamole Journey Cakes
US 8 | BZ 16

Pan-fried bean curd and guacamole served on a journey cake, arugula balsamic salad serviced with seasonal fruit wedges.

Irish Potatoes & Chickpeas Hash
US 7 | BZ 14

Potato cubes, chickpeas, and other farm-fresh vegetables pan-seared in coconut oil, spiced with toasted cumin and served with handmade corn tortillas.

Coconut & Vanilla Cinnamon Toast
US 7 | BZ 14

Freshly-baked slices of toast dipped in vanilla cinnamon coconut milk, charred to perfection on a griddle, and topped with honey-glazed tropical fruit salsa.

Vegan Breakfast
US 9 | BZ 18

Coconut flavored refried beans, fried plantain, sautéed okra and tomatoes served with golden brown fried jacks.

Sweet Potato & Red Bean Burrito
US 8 | BZ 16

Organic roasted sweet potato cubes sauteed with hand selected farm fresh vegetables, red kidney beans, crispy romaine lettuce and guacamole, wrapped up in handmade flour torilla.

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.