Bird Gallery Archives

Trip Extension to Laos PDR

Trip Extention to Laos PDR

Our trip to Laos targets the country’s one endemic species, the recently discovered Bare-faced Bulbul, as well as several other rare and range-restricted species in the limestone karst forest such as Red-collared and Pale-headed Woodpeckers, Sooty Babbler and Limestone Leaf Warbler. Na Hin forest has attracted birders around the world to visit this limestone karst after the new species discovered – the Bare-faced Bulbul.
Another species restricted to the eastern Indochinese limestone forests is the Limestone Leaf Warbler, a species also described in 2009 and though scarce at this site we will be searching for it as well as Sooty Babbler, a species endemic to the Annamite mountains of Laos and Vietnam, which is found in roving roadside flocks.
Moustached, Red-vented and Green-eared Barbets and a range of bulbuls including Grey-eyed and Puff-throated busily feed in the fruiting trees and while scouring the roadside bushes we also hope to find feeding flocks that may contain Red-headed and Orange-breasted Trogons, wintering Blyth’s Leaf Warblers, Erpornis and a large range of woodpeckers, possibly including the seldom-seen Red-collared and Pale-headed Woodpeckers.

Our Tentative Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup and transfer to the hotel in Vientiane – Laos for overnight
Our guide and driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer to the hotel in Vientiane for overnight or if you already arrive Vientiane then our guide will go & meet you at your hotel to brief the trip itinerary and preparation.

Day 2: Mekong River & Na Hin Forest
Early morning, hotel check out then going further north of Vientiane along the Mekong River for Jerdon’s Bush Chat then continuing to Ban Na Hin. Evening birding around Na Hin forest for Bare-faced Bulbul and other species. Overnight Ban Na Hin.

Day 3: Full day Na Hin Forest
Full day birding around Na Hin forest for Bare-faced Bulbul and other species such as Pale-headed Woodpeckers, Sooty Babbler and Limestone Leaf Warbler. Overnight Ban Na Hin. *If you have 5days & 4nights then we can add one more day at Na Hin Forest.

Day 4: Na Hin Forest & Vientiane / Vientiane airport
Morning birding to find other not-yet seen species or to see again for better view. Then transfer to the airport in Vientiane for flight departure or drop you at your hotel.

07/10/2024 Birding Sites, Birds, Blog birding asia, birding guides in Cambodia, Birding in Southeast Asia, birdwatching in Asia, cambodia wildlife trip, featured bird tours

Enhancing Forest Ponds or Trapeangs

Enhancing Forest Ponds/Trapeang: A Sustainable Solution to Water Scarcity for Wildlife in Dry Seasons

In regions experiencing prolonged dry spells, the scarcity of water poses a significant challenge for wildlife survival. To mitigate this issue, forest pond (Trapeang) modification has emerged as an effective and eco-friendly solution. By enhancing existing ponds or creating new ones, we can store water strategically, ensuring a reliable water source for animals during the arid seasons.

Trapeang or Forest pond modification involves implementing various techniques to maximize water retention and minimize evaporation. One such method is the construction of small dams or embankments around the pond’s perimeter. These structures help trap rainwater runoff, preventing it from flowing away and instead channeling it into the pond. Additionally, planting vegetation around the pond can provide shade, reducing evaporation rates and maintaining water levels for longer periods.

Furthermore, incorporating natural filtration systems, such as wetlands or biofilters, can improve water quality. These systems not only remove pollutants but also enhance the overall ecosystem by creating a balanced habitat for diverse flora and fauna. As the forest pond becomes a thriving ecosystem, it attracts an array of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, and mammals, ensuring their survival during the dry season.

Forest pond modification projects also offer benefits beyond wildlife conservation. By storing water, these ponds can help recharge groundwater levels, contributing to the overall water availability in the region. Additionally, they can serve as educational sites, raising awareness about the importance of water conservation and ecosystem preservation.

With all above mentions, Cambodia Bird Guide Assocation (CBGA) together with Tmatboey Community with legal support from Provincial Department of Environment of Preah Vihear conducted a modification project on 3-5 May 2024 and as a result 6 forest ponds were modified and deepened under financial support from CBGA.

Inconclusion, forest pond modification is a sustainable approach to combat water scarcity for wildlife during dry seasons. By implementing techniques such as dam construction, vegetation planting, and natural filtration systems, these modified ponds can store water efficiently while creating a thriving ecosystem. Such initiatives not only safeguard the survival of various animal species but also contribute to groundwater recharge and environmental education. Embracing these eco-friendly solutions is crucial in ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in water-scarce regions.

If you are interested in supporting our projects, please visit Conservation

08/05/2024 Birding Sites, Birds, Blog, Cambodia Birding, CBGA Projects, Forest Pond Modification birding asia, birding guides in Cambodia, Birding in Southeast Asia, birdwatching in Asia, cambodia birds, Cambodia birdwatching holidays, cambodia wildlife trip, feature bird tours, featured bird tours, water scarcity

Birding Tours

07/05/2024 Bird Guides, Birding Sites, Birds, Site Bird Checklist Bar-bellied Pitta, birding asia, birding guides in Cambodia, Birding in Southeast Asia, birdwatching in Asia, cambodia birding tours, cambodia birds, Cambodia birdwatching holidays, cambodia wildlife trip, Coral-billed ground-cuckoo, feature bird tours, featured bird tours

Bird Photography Tours

07/05/2024 Bird Gallery, Birding Sites, Birds, Cambodia Birding, Cambodia Target Birds Bar-bellied Pitta, birding destination in cambodia, birding guides in Cambodia, birdwatching in Asia, cambodia birding tours, cambodia birds, Cambodia birdwatching holidays, cambodia wildlife trip, Coral-billed ground-cuckoo, feature bird tours

Florican Grassland - Bengal Florican - Photography trip

Bird Photography Trip for the Bengal Florican

Bengal Florican Video Clip During a Bird Photography Trip from SR

Here’s our video clip of the critically endangered Bengal Florican from our team’s photography trip to the Florican Grassland late of this April 2020. Cambodia Bird Guide Association arranges bird photography trip to all birding sites in Cambodia with our expert guides.

30/04/2020 Birding Sites, Birds, Blog, Cambodia Birding, Cambodia Target Birds, Video bengal florican, birding asia, Birding in Southeast Asia, birdwatching in Asia, cambodia birding tours, cambodia birds, Cambodia birdwatching holidays, cambodia wildlife trip, feature bird tours, featured bird tours

Birding Cambodia

Birding in Cambodia, Southeast Asia, with professional bird guides from the Cambodia Bird Guide Association (CBGA), based in Siem Reap, to help you find birds you would like to see. With various trips from half-day to 3-week itinerary in Cambodia.

Taking you to our 18 birding sites in Cambodia:

1. Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary – Boat trip across Tonle Sap to the breeding colony of large waterbird.

2. Angkor Wat – Temples and birds at the archaeological park UNESCO World Heritage Site

3. Kbal Spean – Temples and birds at Kulen National Park

4. Phnom Krom Marshland – Wetland near Siem Reap by the Edge of Tonle Sap lake – best place for a half-day birding in Siem Reap

5. Changkran Roy – Bird feeding station, also best for bird photographing

6. Ang Trapeang Thmor – Sarus Crane Reserve

7. Florican Grassland – Bengal Florican Conservation Area along the Tonle Sap floodplain in Siem Reap and Kompong Thom

8. Koh Ker – DDF forest for forest bird White-rumped Pygmy-falcon and the pyramid temple

9. Tmatboey – Dry dipterocarp forest for Giant and White-shouldered Ibis

10. Boeng Toal – Vulture Restaurant for the 3 critically endangered vultures – Red-headed, White-rumped, and Slender-billed Vultures.

11. Okoki – White-winged Duck pool in Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary