Canopy Cat continued

Here's the margay a minute or so later on a tree on the Chan Chich road. It appears to be thinking about coming down, not too sure with people near the base of the tree. Since margays are nocturnal, it is also interesting to have caught this one with the morning well under way (8:15AM). This species is one of only two cats to have the ankle flexibility to climb head-first down trees (the other is the clouded leopard, not found in the New World). Another great image coming up ...

Canopy Cat

Recent Chan Chich Lodge guests, Stewart Greisman and his wife, came across this gorgeous margay cat (Leopardus wiedii) in the tree canopy while walking with premier Chan Chich guide Gilberto (aka "Jack"), a little after 8AM on 28 January. Some Belize Field Notes readers will know the exact spot: on the main road, between Chan Chich Lodge and the Bridge, directly across from the Frog Crossing sign.

Since the margay is a mainly arboreal cat, it is no surprise to see it in the treetops. But a day time picture of this secretive animal is a surprise. Margays do come down occasionally as I have recorded them on the camera traps from time to time. But that is infrequent, so this series of photos is extra-special ... Stay tuned, more margay to come.

Young Ornate Hawk-Eagle

After a few wonderful days of a "cat blog-fest," with the Chan Chich pumas, it's time to get back to the Ornate Hawk-Eagles again. This excellent photo, contributed by Lodge guest Frank Buck, shows a young ornate still in juvenile plumage. As you can see, its signature crest is already fully developed. The young will attain full adult plumage by its third year: its head will become rufus and it will develop complete barring along the belly and legs.

Love the intense golden stare of this very impressive bird!

More Cats! Continued (4)

Gorgeous portrait of a fully engaged cat, aware of the photographer, not hostile, only curious.

More Cats! Continued (3)

I think this image shows how really slim wild cats are ... if you've seen a lot of zoo images, captive cats, no matter what the species, all seem to be overweight with massive bellies.

More Cats! Continued (2)

Something about the Chan Chich signs was interesting. Now this young puma notices the photographer.

More Cats! Continued ...

What is so interesting about those Chan Chich signs?