Cambodia: Jan 07—20, 2009

Angkor Thom, Cambodia — Photo: K. David Bishop

Peace has well and truly settled on this wonderful country, which harbors some of the rarest birds and mammals in Southeast Asia. We also have the opportunity to visit some of the greatest surviving architectural monuments of Asia—the temples of the ancient city of Angkor.

The expansive forests and untouched wetlands of this small country harbor some of the rarest species and races of birds and mammals in Asia, making it one of the most exciting new birding destinations in this part of the world. In recent years a number of hugely exciting discoveries have been made, including a population of the near mythical Giant Ibis, a new species—the Mekong Wagtail, and a breeding population of the rapidly declining eastern race of Sarus Crane. Several other highly threatened species can be seen in the northern plains of Cambodia; for example, a breeding population of White-shouldered Ibis has been found in the northern province of Preah Vihear along with White-winged Duck, Green Peafowl, White-rumped Falcon, and White-rumped and Slender-billed vultures.

On the wetlands around the huge Tonle Sap Lake, the immense breeding colonies of waterbirds represent one of the finest birding spectacles in Asia. Healthy populations of Greater Adjutant (which is declining alarmingly elsewhere), the still relatively common Lesser Adjutant, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, and many others can be observed nesting at Prek Toal on the amazing Tonle Sap Lake. The most extensive grasslands remaining in Southeast Asia are where we will look for the splendid Bengal Florican, as well as Manchurian Reed Warbler and Asian Golden Weaver. In the hill forests of Bokor we will look for the endemic Chestnut-headed Partridge.

Building on the success of our inaugural 2006 tour, our 2007 tour was marked by terrific sightings of many of these very exciting birds: Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, the very scarce White-rumped Falcon, Greater Adjutant, Manchurian Reed Warbler, and the endemic Mekong Wagtail. Many scarce birds that are rare elsewhere were seen in remarkable numbers: Rufous-winged Buzzard, Comb Duck, and the gorgeous Black-headed Woodpecker. We will also visit some of the greatest surviving architectural monuments of Asia—the temples of the ancient city of Angkor. They represent the heart and soul of Cambodia, harking back to an era of unrivaled influence over the entire region. We will have ample time to explore and reflect on these architectural masterpieces.

Excellent to basic accommodations; generally excellent food; a combination of birding along roadsides, from boats, and moderate walking; midday breaks in the heat of the day; hot and dry weather.