All posts by zg30

Uncategorized

Exploring Las Cuevas Cave and the Bird Tower Trail

Leave a comment

Today, our group had the chance to explore Las Cuevas Cave, a fascinating natural site full of surprises. Walking near the edges was a bit nerve-wracking because the ground was slippery, but it was exciting to see the cave’s unique formations. Although the cave itself didn’t have many birds, the surrounding forest was alive with bird songs. It reminded me how important birds are in these ecosystems, even when they aren’t always visible.

During our visit, we collected nitrogen and water samples from both the canopy and the trees below. Birds play a major role in this environment by spreading seeds and nutrients through their droppings. This helps plants grow and supports many other species in the forest. Even if we don’t see them all the time, birds are key players in keeping the ecosystem healthy and balanced.

At about 5pm we faced the Bird Tower Trail, which was by far the toughest hike I’ve ever done. The trail was steep and challenging, pushing me to my limits. But reaching the top was totally worth it because we were rewarded with an incredible sunset and a stunning view of the landscape below. Watching birds fly across the colorful sky as the sun set was a beautiful reminder of their freedom and grace.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was spotting the great potoo perched quietly in the trees. This amazing bird blends perfectly into its surroundings by staying very still, almost like a living branch. It waits patiently at night for insects or small animals to come close so it can catch them. Learning about the potoo’s unique hunting style made me realize just how fascinating and diverse birds really are in this area.

Uncategorized

Birds, Ants, and Fungi: A Day of Discovery in the Chiquibul

Leave a comment

Our day began with birding in the morning—and it did not disappoint. Within minutes, we saw a toucan showing off its enormous beak from the treetops. A red-crowned Amazon parrot soon followed, its call echoing through the canopy. The real showstopper, though, was a scarlet macaw soaring overhead, its vivid colors lighting up the sky. These species are not only beautiful—they’re also a vital part of the Chiquibul’s ecosystem and a major reason why this forest deserves protection.

After breakfast, we had a presentation from the head of Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), the organization responsible for managing the Chiquibul Forest. He talked about the forest’s biodiversity, the illegal activities that threaten it, and the work being done to protect it. It was eye-opening to hear just how much effort goes into preserving a place like this—especially when it covers such a vast and remote area.

Following that, we learned more about one of the Chiquibul’s most fascinating features: its cave systems. The presentation covered how these caves form, what kinds of species live inside them (lots of bats!), and their cultural importance as ancient Maya ceremonial sites. It was amazing to realize how much life and history exists not just above ground, but also below it.

In the afternoon, we shifted gears for some fieldwork. Our group investigated fungi growth on leaf-cutter ant colonies, comparing younger and older colonies to see how fungal size varies with colony age. These ants farm fungi as their food source, so changes in the fungi can tell us a lot about colony development and forest dynamics. Watching the ants carry leaf pieces in single-file lines was like watching a tiny, efficient city at work.

From birds in the treetops to bats in the caves and ants underfoot, today offered a full-spectrum look at life in the Chiquibul. It’s wild, complex, and full of surprises—and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Uncategorized

Toucans, Pee Tubes, and Ants – A Day in the Forest

Leave a comment

Today’s bird highlight: a toucan! It didn’t stick around for long—just a quick flash of color as it flew off—but still exciting to catch a glimpse of one in the wild. My taxonomic group is birds, so I’m always keeping an eye (and ear) out for them. I’m really hoping to get more chances to go birdwatching soon and see a wider variety of species. Just catching that brief glimpse of the toucan made me want more—I’m especially curious to spot some hummingbirds or maybe a trogon next time.

We tackled two different projects today. The first one focused on how nitrogen availability might affect invertebrates living in the canopy compared to those on the forest floor. To test this, we set up tubes filled with either water or nitrogen (yes, our pee!) both in trees and in the soil, with each station spaced 50 feet apart. Hopefully, this will help us understand if nutrient availability plays a bigger role higher up in the forest.

The second project explored how Cecropia trees protect themselves. In their early stages, they don’t have ants living in them yet, so we’re curious to see how their defenses differ before and after they recruit their ant allies. It’s a fascinating example of mutualism in action.

Fieldwork is full of surprises—some feathered, some scientific. I’m looking forward to the next chance to get out early, binoculars in hand, and see what’s flying through the canopy.

Uncategorized

Blink and They’re Gone – Birding in Belize

Leave a comment

Today was one of those days where I felt both lucky and completely wiped out. We’re based at Las Cuevas Research Station in Belize, and our group is working on a project to understand how man-made trails vs. natural, unmarked forest areas affect vertebrate biodiversity. Sounds cool, right? It is—but it also means long hikes, heavy gear, and navigating some seriously dense jungle.

We set up camera traps in different parts of the forest—some along established trails, others deep in the untouched areas where moving even a few feet takes real effort. The jungle is so dense in places that it gets dark even during the day. It’s beautiful, but it also felt a little eerie. Every snap of a twig made me jump just a little.

On the bird front, the day had its highs and lows. A crow near the station gave us a slow start, but in the forest, things picked up. I spotted a yellow-throated warbler—a flash of yellow that actually stuck around long enough for me to get a decent look. I also saw a woodpecker with a reddish head, but true to jungle form, it vanished just as quickly as it appeared. One of the biggest challenges here is that birds are so fast. By the time someone says, “There!” the bird is often already gone.

Even though it was tiring, today reminded me how much goes unseen in the forest—and how worth it it is when something reveals itself, even for just a moment. Between the birds and the camera trap work, I’m excited to see what we find. Who knows what’s passing by when we’re not watching?

Continue reading Blink and They’re Gone – Birding in Belize →

Uncategorized

Birdwatching Among the Ruins

Leave a comment

Zoe Gupton

May 17,2025

Day 2

Today’s adventure started at the Mayan reserve, where I was on the lookout for birds, my assigned organismal group. The highlight was definitely the Montezuma oropendola. It’s a medium-sized bird with a striking yellow tail and a strange, almost gurgling call. We spotted their hanging nests high up in the trees—long, woven pouches dangling like ornaments. I didn’t see the oropendolas doing much besides perching and calling, but their nests were enough to impress me.

I also saw a tiny gray bird with a bright white streak above its eyes. It moved fast and kept low in the undergrowth, so I didn’t get a good ID, but I’ll keep trying to narrow it down—possibly a species in the flycatcher family. It seemed to be foraging solo, darting quickly from branch to branch.

On the way back, the group got a quick look at a toucan, though I only caught it as it flew away. I’m hoping for a clearer view at Las Cuevas. Speaking of which—there, I spotted a turkey wandering through the station grounds. Not the most exotic bird we’ve seen, but still fun to note.

Looking forward to more bird sightings tomorrow!

Uncategorized

Made it to Belize!!!

Leave a comment

Let’s just start by saying I am not a morning person. So waking up before the sun to head to the airport was definitely a struggle. Traveling with a big group made check-in a little chaotic—especially when I had to deal with overweight luggage (ugh). But we made it through and finally boarded our flight to Belize!

After landing in Belize City, we had about a 45-minute drive to get to lunch, and let me tell you—stepping into that air-conditioned van felt like heaven. I had a quesadilla (solid choice), and while we were eating, I spotted a big black bird nearby. It flew off before I could get a good look, but we did see its eggs! They were tan and surprisingly large—bigger than chicken eggs. I’m curious what bird species it was… hopefully I’ll be able to ID more accurately as the trip goes on.

We made a quick stop at a convenience store (snack stash = secured), then drove to Crystal Paradise Ecolodge, where we’ll be staying for a night. It’s actually way nicer than I expected! I’m a little nervous about what the Las Cuevas Research Station will be like though—I’ve heard it’s more rustic. Also kind of worried about the hikes, especially if they involve hills, but I’m determined to push through. 

Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. Hoping for more birds and maybe some cool behavior to observe!

Uncategorized

Nervous but excited!!

Leave a comment

Zoe Gupton, 2025, Birds and Soft Corals

Hello! I’m Zoe and I am a junior from Sid. As I prepare for my trip to Belize, I’m excited and a bit nervous. I’m especially looking forward to growing as a person, particularly in overcoming my fear of insects. Fieldwork in the tropics will challenge me to step out of my comfort zone, and I hope to become more comfortable with the critters I’ll encounter. I’m also excited to learn more about soft corals and birds, as both groups fascinate me in different ways.

I’ve been getting ready by researching the species I might encounter and packing essentials like bug repellent, sunscreen, and field guides. While this is my first time doing fieldwork in the tropics, I’m eager to immerse myself in the experience and learn as much as I can. I’m also preparing mentally for the challenges that come with field research in a tropical environment.

Despite feeling nervous, I’m eager to learn about how soft corals contribute to marine ecosystems and observe birds in their natural habitat. I hope to gain new skills in species identification and field research. Most of all, I want to immerse myself in the experience and make the most of the opportunity to learn in a tropical environment.

Although I have no previous fieldwork experience in the tropics, I’m excited to dive in. The idea of studying soft corals and birds up close is incredibly exciting. I’m ready to push through any nerves and embrace this chance for personal and academic growth.