Cat Tien (part 2)
Day 16: Saturday 30th March 2019
In the morning, after the usual 05:30 breakfast, we drove ~12km into the forest to the "Crocodile Pond" trail. We spent 5 hours birding and did
add a few species to the trip list but nothing new for us - which was a bit disappointing.
In the morning, after the usual 05:30 breakfast, we drove ~12km into the forest to the "Crocodile Pond" trail. We spent 5 hours birding and did
add a few species to the trip list but nothing new for us - which was a bit disappointing.
In the afternoon we spent 4 hours, from 14:00 to 18:00, in a hide. This was hot and a bit humid, and we had sore bums and acheing joints, but it was free from the mosquitos that are usually attracted to such places - and we saw some amazing birds, including 5 species new for us (Siamese Fireback, Blue-rumped Pitta, Siberian Blue Robin, Buff-breasted Babbler, Pale-legged Leaf-warbler). The birds did show well at close range, but it was a bit dark for optimal photography - nevertheless some nice images were obtained. We missed one of our main target species here - Germain's Peacock-pheasant - this is supposed to be quite regular at this hide. However, the hide is sited quite close to the park headquarters campground. The campground is usually deserted but on Saturdays it is very popular with the Vietnamese who like to come to national parks to make a lot of noise (they bring speakers and megaphones) and party. The noise of their revelling started up during our time in the hide and this must have been off-putting for the wildlife.
Today was Susan's birthday; Adrian had made a birthday card for her and Nancy had organised a cake.