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Half Moon Caye National Monument:
Half Moon Caye, located at the southeast corner of Lighthouse
Reef Atoll, was the first reserve to be established by the
Natural Parks System Act of 1981. One of the main reasons
that the natural monument was created was to protect the
Red-footed Booby bird and its rookery. The Magnificent Frigatebird
shares the rookery with the Red-footed Booby, and both species
coexist in apparent harmony. Some ninety-eight species of
birds have been recorded on the Caye, of which some seventy-seven
are migrants. Regular winter migrants include Ospreys, Mangrove
Warblers, and White-crowned Pigeons.
The Iguana, the Wish Willy, and the Lizard are permanent
residents on the island, while the Loggerhead Turtle and
the Hawksbill Turtle come ashore annually to lay their eggs.
The waters surrounding Half Moon Caye are abundant with
life, and snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities are
excellent.
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