Reflections of the Natural World

Travel with me as I explore the wild things and wild places of our planet. – Jim Gain

  • Long-billed Hermit

    Long-billed Hermit

    Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #4 By Jim Gain 3/28/2023 About this Species The Long-billed Hermit (Phaethornis longirostris) is a species of hummingbird found in Belize and throughout Central and South America. These birds are known for their long, curved bills, which they use to sip nectar from flowers. They are also important Read more

  • Colorful Valley Spring Migrants

    Colorful Valley Spring Migrants

    By Jim Gain Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species. Post #17 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 24, 25 and 26/100.) Bullock’s Oriole – Species #24 The Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii) is a strikingly colored songbird found throughout the Central Read more

  • Least Grebe

    Least Grebe

    Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #3 By Jim Gain 3/24/2023 About this Bird The Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) is a small waterbird that inhabits freshwater wetlands throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. They are primarily found in shallow water bodies, such as ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams, where they can easily dive to catch prey Read more

  • Plain Chachalaca

    Plain Chachalaca

    Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #2 By Jim Gain 3/21/2023 About this Bird The Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula) is a medium-sized bird that is found in the Yucatan Peninsula, which includes parts of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. It is a member of the family Cracidae, which includes other game birds like turkeys and Read more

  • Common Valley Swallows

    Common Valley Swallows

    By Jim Gain Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species. Post #16 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 21, 22 and 23/100 + 2 BONUS BIRDS) Tree Swallow Species #21 The Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) is a small, insectivorous bird species Read more

  • Keel-billed Toucan

    Keel-billed Toucan

    Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #1 By Jim Gain 3/17/2023 About this Bird The Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), National Bird of Belize, is a colorful bird species found in Belize and other parts of Central and South America. They are known for their large, curved beaks that are brightly colored in green, blue, Read more