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.
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
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.
Andre Bernon and Uthai formed a great team and complemented one another in finding all the birds and then getting everybody on to them.
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.
The guides, Rob Williams and Uthai Treesucon, were top notch and helped us to see many species of birds. We were allowed time to view or photograph them. They worked well together. Uthai was very good to the drivers, an important part of the trip. Rob was passionate, funny, very sociable and somehow managed to locate a frogmouth in a banana grove. It was a great privilege to be with Uthai. He taught me a lot about Thai customs, and was patient with everyone in the group. He helped me when I got sick, and he noticed if someone hadn't seen a bird, and tried to get them on it. The trip was beautifully planned and somehow we were wheels up at 6 am every day. It was a very well planned trip.
"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."