birdwatching in Asia

Global Migratory Bird Day 2024

Global Migratory Bird Day 2024

The Global Migratory Bird Day is a local event, organized by the Cambodia Bird Guide Association (CBGA) and it is annual event to replace the October Bird Count event held in previous years. The event is featured with smaller activities to engage more public awareness and foster the participation of school children, parents, and local authorities regarding wildlife and its habitat conservation. There were 150+ participants including children, parents and local authorities, joining this event and involving in bird counting this year with better feedback.

Are you joining us next year?

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Below are some pictures from the event:

Bird Checklist:

  1. Indian Spot-billed Duck
  2. Zebra Dove
  3. Red Turtle Dove
  4. Spotted Dove
  5. Germain’s Swiftlet
  6. Asian Palm-Swift
  7. Greater Coucal
  8. Black Bittern
  9. Black-crowned Night-heron
  10. Eastern Cattle-Egret
  11. Javan Pond-Heron
  12. Little Egret
  13. Intermediate Egret
  14. Eastern Great Egret
  15. Little Comorant
  16. Pacific Golden Plover
  17. Little Ringed Plover
  18. Kentish Plover
  19. Temminck’s Stint
  20. Long-toed Stint
  21. Common Snipe
  22. Common Sandpiper
  23. Wood Sandpiper
  24. Oriental Pratincole
  25. Whiskered Tern
  26. Blue-Tailed Bee-eater
  27. Common Kingfisher
  28. Pied Kingfisher
  29. Black Drongo
  30. Northern Brown Shrike
  31. Double Zittng Cisticola
  32. Plain Prinia
  33. Yellow-bellied Prinia
  34. Common Tailorbird
  35. Striated Grassbird
  36. Barn Swallow
  37. Yellow-vented Bulbul
  38. Black-collared Starling
  39. Common Myna
  40. Great Myna
  41. Pied Bushchat
  42. Ornate sunbird
  43. Chestnut Munia
  44. Scaly-breasted Munia
  45. Red Avadavat
  46. House Sparrow
  47. Eurasian Sparrow
  48. Paddy-field Pipit
  49. Chinese pond-Heron
  50. Streaked Weaver
  51. Plaintive Cuckoo
  52. Racket-tailed Treepie
  53. Indochinese Roller
  54. Red throated Pipit
  55. Oriental Reed-Warbler
  56. Black browed Reed-Warbler
17/10/2024 Blog, CBGA Projects , , , , , ,
Ban Na Hin

Trip Extension to Laos PDR

Trip Extention to Laos PDR

Ban Na Hin

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.

Ban Na Hin
Bare-Faced Bulbul
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Best Birding and Nature Tours from Siem Reap

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Cambodia Birding Sites

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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 Tours

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    Bird Photography Tours

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    CBGA October Bird Count

    After a long hibernation during Covid-19 and hard time, CBGA has begun its activities slowly and carefully according to the safety guideline of the Royal Government of Cambodia. Amongst those activities, October Count is a new event for CBGA as well as Cambodia while similar events have happened in countries of the region for years and this event will be organized annually in October at appropriate selected location.

    The purpose of the event to collect data of species for the first migration period in the potential area where birds stop to feed during wintertime and this data can help us more for species record and determine where we should discuss with local farmers to give a safe zone for birds under collaboration with CBGA.

    Rules and regulations

    The rule is the counting should be done with a dimeter of 1km from 6:00am – 6:00pm in the same area and participants can put in the birds they could see and identified both with binoculars and vocalization. The checklist will be published in the blog of CBGA (here) one day after the event.

    Participation

    This event is for the publics so anyone can join CBGA team to help with the count and without any charge but requested to prepare for their own food and water during the count.

    Result for October Bird Count

    For 2022, we counted 60 species of birds with 2 records for the first time in the area — White-faced Plover and Sanderling.

    Here is a full checklist with number of birds seen:

    1. Spotted Dove 15
    2. Zebra Dove 2
    3. Blue tailed Bee-eater 3
    4. Oriental Pratincole 2000
    5. Barn Swallow 26
    6. Germain’s Swiftlet 38
    7. Little Egret 25
    8. Great Egret 20
    9. Paddy field Pipit 4
    10. Red throated Pipit 2
    11. Eastern Yellow Wagtail 2
    12. Little Comorant 1
    13. Bar tailed Godwit 1
    14. Common Greenshank 3
    15. Black winged Stilt 5
    16. Pacific Golden Plover 25
    17. Little ringed Plover 27
    18. Kentis Plover 2
    19. Lesser Sand Plover 1
    20. Red necked Phalarope 1
    21. Long toed Stint 9
    22. Tenmink’s Stint 5
    23. Common Snipe 7
    24. Red necked Stint 2
    25. Wood Sandpiper 58
    26. Common Sandpiper 5
    27. Marsh Sandpaper 3
    28. Eastern Jungle Crow 4
    29. Black Drongo 5
    30. Common Myna 10
    31. Great Myna 20
    32. Black collared Starling 2
    33. Whiskered Tern 15
    34. Pied Bushchat 2
    35. Red Turtle Dove 2
    36. Feral Pigeon 50
    37. White winged Tern 1
    38. House Sparrow 1
    39. Scaly breasted Munia 6
    40. Small Pratincole 1
    41. Chinese Pond heronn 5
    42. Intermediate Egret 2
    43. Purple Heron 2
    44. Greater Sand plover 1
    45. White faced Plover ( first record at Chreav 2 )
    46. Terrek Sandpiper 1
    47. Curlew Sandpaper 3
    48. Northern Brown Shrike 1
    49. Cotton Pygmy goose 2
    50. Indian Spot billed Duck 4
    51. Sanderling ( first record at Chreav 3 )
    52. Painted Stork 19
    53. Black winged Kite 2
    54. Pintail Snipe 5
    55. Plaintive Cuckoo 1
    56. Asian Pied Starling 3
    57. Eastern Cattle Egret 1
    58. Red Avadavad 5
    59. Eurasian Tree Sparrow 1
    60. Plain back Sparrow 1

    If you are interested to join this event next year or want to organize your own one in your region, you may follow us on Facebook or our website to get the date and location.

    10/10/2022 Blog, CBGA Projects , , , , , , , ,
    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 , , , , , , , , ,
    Birding Cambodia photo video to all birding sites in Cambodia

    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

    12. Kratie – Boat trip to see the River Dolphin and Mekong Wagtail

    13. Koh Samseb (new)- Birding on the Islands along Mekong River in the Sambor Wildlife Sanctuary for a great number of good birds (Mekong Wagtail, White-shouldered ibis, Green Peafowl …..

    14. Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary – Evergreen forest for mammals and birds in the Eastern Plain

    15. Chaktomuk Marshland – Home for Cambodian Tailorbird

    16. Pursat Grassland – the place to find the Chinese Grass-babbler, at the southern floodplain of Tonle Sap

    17. Bokor National Park – birding in the southern part of Cambodia

    18. Phnom Aural – Climb the Cambodian highest peak in Cardamom Mountain for the Cambodian Laughingthrush.

    21/03/2020 Bird Gallery, Bird Guides, Birding Sites, Birds, Blog, Cambodia Birding, Cambodia Target Birds, Site Bird Checklist, Video , , , , , , , ,