Reynold Cal

Main Duties: In charge of day to day field operations and maintaining the security of Runaway Creek Nature Reserve so that it continues to stay as a model wildlife haven.

I grew up in southern Belize, in a small village surrounded by gentle forested hills and a beautiful river flowing close-by. I am a Maya, our main food is corn, therefore at the age of 7 years I accompanied my grandfather to the farm, where he taught me how to live with and to love Mother Nature. My childhood was spent in the forest; my daily surrounding was filled with the beautiful sounds of birds.

I had dreamed of working outdoors, so one day I was reading a local newspaper when I came across Birds Without Border’s vacancy advertisement for 3 field assistants. I eagerly applied and I was very fortunate to be selected from 60 applicants.

I started my work at Runaway Creek Nature Reserve in January 2001. An intense mist-netting and bird-banding operation was being conducted at that time. It was arduous and challenging but it was a new and great experience for me. I fell in love with my job and Runaway Creek!

My favourite part working with Runaway Creek is that every day in the field is very exciting! There is peace and serenity with Nature. For me – Runaway Creek Nature Reserve is like a zoo in the wild… to see monkeys, beautiful birds (big & small) and variety of animal tracks, some from the elusive cats! The Karst Terrain was also a new landscape for me… with scenic cliffs, tunnels and caves.

I am still in so much love with my job and Runaway Creek!

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