Blyth's Frogmouth [Nest] @ Tan Phu Forest Reserve, South Vietnam

Blyth's Frogmouth (Batrachostomus affinis) [Nest] 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 1600, F 5.6, 1/60, EV -0.7.

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.

Blyth's Frogmouth [Male] @ Bukit Ayer Recreational Forest, Perlis, Malaysia

Blyth's Frogmouth (Batrachostomus affinis) [Male] is a very colorful, attractive and active bird among few hundreds of birds can be found at Bukit Ayer Recreational Forest, Perlis, Malaysia. It can be found along the road in the recreational forest. 

Blyth's Frogmouth is a resident of Bukit Ayer Recreational Forest. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1000, 1/40, F 5.6, EV +0.3.  

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 and Bukit Ayer Recreational Forest which can be reached in approximately 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 40 minutes and 25 minutes drive from Kangar town respectively.

How to Get to Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Bukit Ayer Recreational Park is a natural forest turned into recreational forest by the state government. It is located some 25 km and just 25 minutes drive from the city center, Kangar. The park provides recreational facilities to the visitors, including restaurants in the forest and walking trails. 

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. 

About The State Capital of Perlis; Kangar

Kangar is the state of Perlis capital and the largest town in Perlis. It 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. 

What to Expect

 

Many different species of birds can be found at those locations. 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.

Sri Lanka Frogmouth @ Kerala, South Eastern of India

Sri Lanka Frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger) is a unique, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in the state of Kerala, South Eastern of India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, F 6.3, EV -1.3   

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography in India has been getting very good attention and has 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.

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. 

Why Kerala

Geographically, state of Kerala is located in the South Eastern part of India, with tropical weather. Kerala has an impressive biodiversity. Many parts on the state are covered by large tea plantation on lush hill stations and the remainders are low land area. State gavernment has taken the initiative to gazatte number of forest areas as bird sanctuaries and national parks. The factors have been primary reason for Kerala to be home for many unique and exotic birds, both endemic and migratory species. 

Best time to visit Kerala

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during dry season; from August to April. During this period, most leaves have dropped so it is easier to spot any bird on the trees with less or no leaves. At the same time, no rain is expected and hence activities can be carried out whole day long, even to the night. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Munnar and Chinnar hill stations which can be reached in approximately two to three hours from Kochi city, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary which can be reached in just approximately one and half hour from the city center, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Kerela 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.

 

Blyth's Frogmouth [Male] @ Bukit Wang, Jitra, Kedah, Malaysia

Blyth's Frogmounth (Batrachostomus affinis) is a very colorful, attractive and active bird among many hundreds of birds can be found at Bukit Wang recreational forest, Jitra, Kedah. It can be found along the road in the recreational forest. 

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 3200, F 5.6, EV -0.3.  

About Bukit Wang Recreational Forest and How to Get There

Bukit Wang recreational forest, Jitra is one of the most popular birding destination in the state of Kedah, Malaysia. Jitra is a small town located in Kubang Pasu district, some 450 km from the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. It can be reached in approximately five hours by car via North-South highway. It can also be reached from Penang International Airport in approximately 2 hours via the same highway for a distance of 140 km. Other mode of transportation include buses and trains from major cities. 

Although Jitra 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. 

Important Notes

To enter Bukit Wang recreational forest, an entry permit is required to be obtained from local forestry department office located in Jitra town for a small fee. An application for the permit is required to be submitted to the office and the permit may be issued within seven working days. Kindly be reminded, DO NOT enter the forest for bird watching and bird photography without valid permit. 

What to Expect

 

Bukit Wang recreational forest 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 Bukit Wang recreational forest include Malkoha, Malayan Banded Pitta, Hornbills, different types of Babblers, Kingfishers, Flycatchers and Trogons just to name a few.