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I was sitting on my back porch the other morning taking in those ever so important sights and sounds that define life in the Toledo District jungle when I heard the distinctive 'tap, tap, tap' so synonymous of three woodpeckers banging their beaks against the bark of a tropical tree in Belize. In order to determine just where the trio of feathered friends were located, it took little time nor binoculars to focus in, for they were perched on a tall dying tree just outside the jungle ring me and mine have cut out to make our piece of paradise work for us. At a distance that now separates the clearing around my house from the deep of the bush, they could easily be seen.

Just as I decided to move in closer to assure that I could see just exactly what these birds were actually up to, one of them flew down and swooped ever so gently over my head. This I assumed was not in retaliation for my aggressive and intrusive behaviour sent the jungle is their turf, but simply to position itself upon another tree. The other two looked at me like I was a gibnut and cared little about my obvious curiosity. Birds are like that you know.

I then focused my complete attention upon those peckers, and so I understood crystal clearly that I needed to return to my back porch in order to refer to my trusty bird book entitled, 'Birds of Belize' by H. Lee Jones. And there as I referenced 'Plate 31' illustrated by Dana Gardner I found the illustration reflecting the image of my three birds, to compliment the drawings page 150 of the definitive book of birds of Belize explained with clarity that I was again in the presence of greatness.

Rotary Club of Belize, District 4250

And you might wonder what is so great about H. Lee Jone's guide, well I do not have to depend upon my dog, whom I of course love so dearly, to allow my simple approaches to birding to come up with the answers. Mr. Jone's as well as Ms. Gardner's illustrated works of art allow me and my backyard birding to be equal to the best birders around the globe. That to me is what really defines the art, not to mention the sheer adventure and sport of it all, chasing down birds in the pure bush.

So there I was, watching in wonderment as these three giants in the jungle that spend their days tapping away in a choreographed dance that defies what we humans can do. Why when was the last time any of us climbed a single tree, not to mention flew across the clearing of a tract of rainforest that frankly should have been left standing. You know they would have their wishes, if not for some lone gringo who decided it was time for he and his to find their piece of paradise too.

Top photo provided by Bert Frenz