Southern peninsular Thailand showcases a rich lowland forest ecosystem supporting many seldom-seen bird species. During this extension, we will be targeting a wonderful array of lowland forest specialities, including Blue-winged, Mangrove and Malayan Banded Pittas, Malayan Black Magpie, Red-crowned Barbet, and an assortment of colourful kingfishers and broadbills. The nocturnal birding here is also fabulous and we stand good chances of finding Oriental Bay Owl, Barred Eagle-Owl, Spotted and Brown Wood Owls, and Gould’s and Blyth’s Frogmouths. Furthermore, we will explore the nearby mangroves by boat and enjoy a day trip to the Similan Islands to find the brilliant Nicobar Pigeon, among other local specialities.
*2024 Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Top Birds Malayan Banded & Mangrove Pittas; Banded, Brown-winged, Black-capped & Ruddy Kingfishers; Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle; Nicobar Pigeon; Banded, Green & Dusky Broadbills; Red-crowned Barbet; Oriental Bay Owl; Barred Eagle-Owl; Spotted & Brown Wood Owls; Gould’s & Blyth’s Frogmouths; Great Eared Nightjar; Chestnut-breasted & Black-bellied Malkohas; Bushy-crested Hornbill; Scarlet-rumped Trogon; Crested Jayshrike; Black Magpie; Large Wren-Babbler; Thick-billed Spiderhunter; Forest Wagtail; Chinese Egret
Top Mammals Lar Gibbon; Dusky Langur; Southern Pig-tailed & Crab-eating Macaques; Island Flying Fox
Habitats Covered lowland and montane rainforests, mangroves, wetlands, coastal mudflats
Expected Climate generally hot and humid
Max Group Size 10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
Tour Pace & Walking moderate pace, undemanding walking on forest trails
Accommodation basic but comfortable
Ease of Birding moderate with several challenging rainforest species
Number of Species Expected 200 - 250
Other Attractions Pagodas and temples, great food, rainforests, Similan islands and coral reef snorkelling, friendly people
Photographic Opportunities good
"Andre and our local guide were a terrific team. Travelling with the author of the Birds of Thailand was quite a treat. Andre catered to the needs of each participant. He was kind enough to lend me his extension cord which was quite helpful in hotels with few electric outlets. At the end of the tour he helped with transportation and overnight hotel prior to our flight out. Both guides were fantastic, skilled and capable birders. The food was plentiful and good. Overall this was a terrific trip with lots of beautiful sightings and many birds. We look forward to travelling with Rockjumper again."
As for the Tour itself, it was excellent – Andre Bernon is a super leader, not just an excellent birder but very good with all the trip details, dealing with problems, staff etc. nothing was too much trouble. He is a thoroughly good bloke into the bargain. A great asset.
Andre was great as a guide and trip leader. He did an excellent job of spotting birds and getting us on them quickly, kept us informed on logistics and made the trip so much fun with his humor. I definitely want to travel with him again.
"This was my first Rockjumper trip and I have never before done an extended birding bird out of Australia. I have nothing but praise for the whole operation. Our local guide & Forrest were fantastic and are both to be commended for their knowledge, expertise, patience & energy. Was wonderful having 2 experts with us."
All our expectations for this trip were met and exceeded, beginning with our guide Andre Bernon, who is a delight in and out of the field. Fantastic birding skills and people skills, a great combination for a guide.