* Astronomy

In Tikal, the ancient Mayan city in northern Guatemala, dawn is not seen it is heard. First, a roar. Then a responding roar, then another and another not from jaguars, but from howler monkeys, proclaiming their territory. A squeaking counterpoint begins: the raccoonlike coatimundi greeting one another as they forage for food. Finally the birds join in, toucans clicking their long bills and parrots shrieking, the prima donna first violins bringing the symphony to a climax.

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