Bird Report – Cambodia Feb 2015
I have just spent ten days birding Cambodia in early February. The arid and plain habitats yet plenty of viewing opportunity of endangered species has broaden my horizon. I joined an NGO, Sam Veasna Center (SVC), for the birding eco-tour; it endeavors to maximize the chance of viewing rare species; thus I have accomplished almost all of our target species, including a very good view of Giant Ibis. Viewing endangered species is the highlight, also the selling point, of the tour, but unfortunately they are (still) not in safely protected land. A pretty good experience in the still under explored (and exploited) country, amidst the rapid changing South East Asia region.
Highlight of my itinerary is as follows:
Prek Toal – Abundant of waterbirds including Greater Adjutant(EN), Lesser Adjutant(VU), Milky Stork(EN), Painted Stork(NT), Black-headed Ibis(NT), Spot-billed Pelican (NT), Grey-headed Fish Eagle(NT).
Ang Trapaeng Thmor – stable population of Sarus Crane(VU), Comb duck, White-browed Crake. Also the rare population of Eld’s Deer(EN).
Bengal Florican Conservation Area/ Floodplain grassland near Tonle Sap – Plenty of viewing opportunity of flying Bengal Florican(CR), though it is difficult to spot one perching unobstructed in a reasonable distance. Also good view of Pied Harrier
Tmatboey dry Dipterocarp forest – White-shouldered Ibis (CR), Giant Ibis (CR), Woolly-necked Stork (VU) and Spotted Wood Owl
Okoki evergreen forest – White-winged Duck, Oriental Bay Owl, Great Slaty Woodpecker (VU), Black-headed Woodpecker, Siamese Fireback. Also Lesser Mouse Deer.
Any one whom wants to go birding in Cambodia with a sense of adventure is recommended to join SVC, for the eco-tour they operate I will have a short article in next HKBWS bulletin.
Spot-billed Pelicans
Lesser Adjutant
Sarus Crane
Comb Duck
Eld's Deer
Bengal Florican
Giant Ibis (Photo by Chan To)
White-winged Duck
Great Slaty Woodpecker
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Last edited by gary at 16/02/2015 22:40 ]
