Asian Emerald Dove aka. Common Emerald Dove @ Tan Phu Forest Reserve, South Vietnam

Asian Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) is a colorful, cute and attractive resident bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Tan Phu forest reserve, South Vietnam.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1250, F 5.6, 1/250, EV -1.0.

Bird Photography Trip to Tan Phu and Da Lat in Southern Part of Central Highland, Vietnam

It was the first bird photography trip to southern part of central highland, Vietnam during spring. The locations include Tan Phu and Da Lat. The two places are considered the most exciting bird photography and bird watching locations in Dong Nai and Lam Dong provinces respectively, where each place offers completely different species of birds and wildlife with its endemic species.  

Tan Phu

Tan Phu can be reached in approximately two and a half hours drive from Ho Chi Minh international Airport for a distance of 150 km. Tan Phu is located in Dong Nai province where Cat Thien national park and many forest reserves are located. Together with lakes and rivers they attract many endemic and migratory birds to the areas. It is home to colorful Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pittas. Other interesting species include Germain's Peacock-pheasant and partridges.

Da Lat

Da Lat is 340 km from Tan Phu which can be reached in approximately 4 hours drive. Alternatively, it can be reached by international flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Lien Khuong international airport. Domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are also available. Da Lat the capital of Lam Dong province and the largest city in the central highland region in Vietnam. It is home to the famous Lang Biang mountain, Bidoup Nui Ba National Park and Datania waterfall. Da Lat is known as paradise for bird lovers and home to colorful Blue and Rusty-naped Pittas, Collared Laughingthrush, Annam Sunbird, Vietnamese Cutia and Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler to name a few. 

Best time to visit Central Highland Region in Vietnam

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the region is during spring; from October to April. During this period, temperature is between 15 - 22 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 5 - 10 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in Vietnam

Bird photography and bird watching in Vietnam have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from both the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, small hotels built in the districts, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers.

 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to the central highland region and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.

 

Laughing Dove @ Tal Chhapar, Rajasthan, India

Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) is a colorful, attractive and active resident bird among few hundred of bird species can be found in Tal Chhapar, the state of Rajasthan, Northwestern India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 640, F 5.6, 1/4000, EV -0.3.

Bird Photography Trip to Rajasthan, Northwestern State of India

It was the first bird photography trip to the state of Rajasthan, in Northwestern India during winter. The locations include Tal Chhapar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The three places are considered the most exciting bird photography and bird watching locations in the state of Rajasthan, where each place offers completely different species of birds and wildlife with its endemic species.  

Tal Chhapar

Tal Chhapar can be reached in approximately four and a half hours drive from Jaipur International Airport. Tal Chhapar sanctuary is an open grassland with scattered trees and it is home for blackbuck also known as the Indian Antelope. It attracts raptors during migration period in winter. Other places of interest are salt pans area which is adjacent to the sanctuary which is home to waders. Gousala is another exciting area for bird photography and bird watching in Tal Chhapar. The place is home to vultures and raptors, not forgetting an endemic bird; Spotted Treecreeper.

Bikaner

Bikaner is approximately 340 km from Jaipur International Airport or approximately 131 km from Tal Chhapar. It can be reached in 6 hours from Jaipur or 2 and a half hours from Tal Chhapar by car respectively. Bikaner consists of desert area with scattered grazing land in the Thar Desert. It is home to desert mammals, migratory birds and raptors in winter.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is also know as "Golden City" because of it uses yellow sandstones for buildings. It is part of Indian Thar Desert and border to Pakistan. The area consists of sand dunes and yellow sandstones with scattered grass land. It can be reached in approximately 10 hours by car for a distance of 600 km from Jaipur international airport or 7 and a half hours drive from Tal Chhapar for a distance of 422 km or 5 hours drive from Bikaner for a distance of 330 km respectively. Jaisalmer is home to a famous Desert National Park (DNP) which is the main reason for bird photographers and bird watchers to be there. Desert National Park is one of few places where Indian Great Bustard and Macqueen's Bustard can be found, beside many other small endemic desert birds. 

Why Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the biggest state in India. It land covers 11 percent of total land area of India. The state has more than 600 species of birds to offer to bird photographers and bird watchers, not forgetting the flora and fauna. It is a low land where famous Indian Thar Desert is located. 

Rajasthan has an impressive biodiversity, especially fauna. Due to its geographical location, it is a destination to many migratory birds in winter, more specifically for raptors and at the same time it is home for endemic desert birds and other mammals. 

In terms of accessibility, being the biggest state in the country, Rajasthan is very accessible, be it via road, rail and air. There are abundant hotels, resorts, villas and guesthouses of different standards and prices in each city and town in the state. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards.

Best time to visit Rajasthan

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during winter; from October to March. During this period, temperature is between 15 - 20 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 5 - 10 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography and bird watching in India have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from both the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers.

 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Rajasthan and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.

In view of the distance between one place and the others, it is recommended to plan those destinations with local bird guide beforehand as special vehicle is needed to enter those places, especially desert area. One of the best route is to start from Jaipur to Tal Chhaper. From Tal Chhapar continues to Bikaner, then to Jaisalmer. The same route for the return. By doing so, it breaks a long distance drive.

Oriental Turtle Dove @ Xitou Nature Education Area, Central Taiwan

Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) is an attractive, colorful and cute bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Xitou Nature Education Area, Central Taiwan.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1250, F 5.6, EV -0.7

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in Taiwan

Bird photography and bird watching in Taiwan have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Special attention has been given by the Forestry and Tourism Departments to promote outdoor activities including bird photography and bird watching in the forest recreational areas in the country. One of the annual activity organized by the departments includes Dasyueshan National Forest Recreational Area Bird Race, which draws international attention and participations.

Kindly be reminded that feeding and calling of birds are strictly prohibited throughout the country.  Signs are placed along the road leading to the mountains, both at Dasyueshan and Xitou.

Best time to visit Taiwan

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching activities in the mountainous areas in the country, the best time to visit the country is during winter and spring; from December to May. 

During this period, temperature is between 5 - 18 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 0 - 5 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during winter hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long. However, intermittent rain is experienced during spring. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Dasyueshan National Forest Recreational Area and Xitou Nature Education Area. 

Both places are located in central part of the country and they can be reached in approximately two and half hours drive from the airport, Taoyuan international airport. Alternative mode of transportation is by bus from Taichung city, which takes approximately one and half hour.

Although Dasyueshan and Xitou are located in small town some 160 km away from Taichung city, to cater for both local and foreign visitors visiting the areas, there are adequate hotels, resorts and guesthouses of different standards and prices. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of different kinds and standards. 

For bird lovers, both Dasyueshan and Xitou certainly are places to test your passion and perseverance in getting the best from the mountainous forest of Taiwan. More importantly they are home to more than 60 species of endemic birds of Taiwan. 

Since these two Recreational Forests are popular destinations for outdoor activities and family get away especially during weekend, be there early and wait for the desire lighting to come and search for the exotic birds.

Daily entrance fee of New Taiwan Dollar of NT$200 and NT$220 or approximately USD6 is payable at the entrance of Dasyueshan and Xitou respectively. 

Common Emerald Dove @ Sungai Congkak, Selangor, Malaysia

Common Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) is a fast and active bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest, Selangor, Malaysia. The bird can be found at the forest edges, along the small stream, in the recreational forest.  

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, F 5.6, EV -0.7.

Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest is yet another wonderful birding destinations in Selangor, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds. The recreational forest covers a large area of tropical rain forest, waterfalls, trekking and streams. Whereas accommodations, camp sites, food and recreational activities are provided along the stream, right outside the entrance to the forest. It can be reached in approximately one hour from Kuala Lumpur by car. Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest include different types of kingfisher, babblers, sunbirds, shrikes, malkoha just to name a few.

Other neighboring areas to Sungai Congkak for birding destinations include Sungai Tekali, Sungai Tekala, Sungai Perdik, Sungai Lopo and Pangsun.  

Since Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest is also a popular destinations for family get away especially during weekend, be there early and wait for the desire lighting to come and search for the exotic birds.

Red Collared Dove aka. Red Turtle Dove [Male] @ Tasik Melati Recreational Park, Perlis, Malaysia

Red collared Dove aka. Red Turtle Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica) [Male] is a very colorful, attractive and active bird among few hundreds of birds can be found at Tasik Melati Recreational Park, Perlis, Malaysia. It can be found along the road in the recreational forest. 

Red Turtle Dove is a resident of Tasik Melati Recreational Park. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1000, F 6.3, EV -0.3.  

How to Get to Tasik Melati Recreational Park, Perlis

Tasik Melati Recreational Park is a public park, located some 35 km and just 20 minutes away from the city center, Kangar. The park provides recreational facilities to the town dwellers, including jogging and walking trails, children playground and ponds. One of the best features of the park is Chinese pavillion and ponds filled with water lilies.

Wang Kelian is the northernmost village in Peninsular Malaysia. It is located in the foothill of Karstic Nakawan Range and a border village to Satun province of Thailand. The nearest town to Wang Kelian is Kangar, the largest town in the state of Perlis, Malaysia. Kangar is located some 500 km from the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. It can be reached in approximately six hours by car via North-South highway. It can also be reached from Penang International Airport in approximately two and half hours via the same highway for a distance of 170 km. Other mode of transportation include buses and trains from major cities.

 

Although Kangar is a small town, to cater for both local and foreign tourists, there are some homestay for rent and budget hotels. Some local restaurants, medical clinics and convenience shops are also available. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations in Perlis

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations in Perlis include Wang Kelian, Tasik Melati Recreational Park, Chuping  Valley  which can be reached in approximately 30 minutes, 20 minutes and 40 minutes drive from Kangar town respectively.

 

What to Expect

 

Wang Kelian state park certainly another wonderful bird watching and bird photography destinations in Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds and migratory birds too.  The main target birds in Wang Kelian state park include Owls, Malkoha, Hornbills, different types of Babblers, Kingfishers, Flycatchers and Bulbul just to name a few. It is also home to many wildlife, including the iconic Beruk Kentoi.