Bird Watching in Chiang Mai,CHIANGMAI : Activities

Bird Watching in Chiang Mai
CHIANGMAI : Activities

Chiang Mai, This northern capital is on important bird watching destination. Endowed with rich natural habitats, Chiang Mai has much to offer bird lovers. The forests, perfect wildlife sanctuaries, are good observation spots for bird watching.

Bird Watching Sites:

Doi Phahom Pok Mountain
With an altitude of 2,285 m, Doi Phahom Pok is the second highest mountain in Thailand, after Doi Inthanon Mountain. Some outstanding birds which are only found here are the Black-throated Tit and the beautiful Nuthatch. Species such as the Lesser Rufous-Headed Parrotbill, the Whiskered Yuhina and the Speckled Wood-Pigeon are rare in other areas, but may be spotted here.

Contact:
Doi Phahom Pok National Park, tel. 0 5345 3517 ext.104, or 0 5345 3518 ext.104.
P.O. Box 39, Tambon Pong Nam Ron, Amphoe Fang, Chiang Mai 50110.
http://www.dnp.go.th/

Doi Ang Khang Mountain
Not very far from Doi Phanom Pok, lie the valleys, steep brooks, and grassy thickets of Doi Ang Khang, which is home to many interesting bird species such as the Spot-Breasted Parrotbill, the Spot-Breasted Laughingthrush, the Crimson-Breasted Woodpecker, the Mountain Bamboo-Partridge, the Created Finchbill, as well as more than 250 other species.

The road which runs past the Ang Khang Agricultural Unit is the habitat of migrating birds of many types. This road runs through several villages: Khop Dong Musoe Hilltribe Village, Ban Nolae, Ban Chin Ho, and Ban Luang. In particular, the area behind the Mae Phoe Watershed Management Unit, where the forest is especially fertile, is a superb spotting site.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao Mountain
There are various kinds of evergreen, pine, and mixed forests within the Wildlife Sanctuary. Along the route to Den Ya Khat Forest Protection Unit is a perfect site for bird watching. The highlights are the Giant Nuthatch, the Hume’s Pheasant, and the Sapphire Flycatcher. In particular, the Hodgson’s Frogmouth is easier to find here than other places. According to reports, the Deignan’s Babbler, which was once seen only here, has unfortunately not been found for more than 10 years. In Doi Chiang Doi, the best bird watching season is from November to February, when many kinds of birds migrate into the area. The Wildlife Sanctuary permits visitors to hike up Doi Chiang Dao Mountain from November till March.

Permission is required by contacting the Wildlife Conservation Office, National Park Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Chatuchak, Bangkok. Tel. 0 2561 4836.

Alternately, interested parties may contact the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Amphoe Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, tel. 053 455802 or 089 9551471.

Guides and loaders are available at Ban Tham, near Chiang Dao Cave area. Many trekking tour companies in may be found in Chiang Mai Town.

Doi Inthanon National Park
With a maximum altitude of 2,565 metres above the sea level, Doi Inthanon reigns as the highest peak in the Kingdom. This wonderful national park boasts many types of forest, and 384 recorded species of bird. Visitors can enjoy bird watching at Doi Inthanon throughout the year, although the best time is November – May. Interesting birds include the Long-Tailed Minivet, the Purple Cochoa, the Slaty-Bellied Tesia, the Black-Headed Sibia, the Green-Tailed Sunbird, the Chestnut-Tailed Minla, and the Yellow-Bellied Fantail. The best time for bird watching is from November to February.

Visitors can start bird watching from KM 10 up to the summit of Doi Inthanon where a Tourist Service Centre is located. There are many interesting spots in the area around KM 38 on the jeep track to Amphoe Mae Chaem and Kio Mae Pan.

Getting There
Take Highway 108 Chiang Mai – Chom Thong to KM 57 (1 km before reaching Chom Thong). Turn right onto Highway 1009 and continue on Chom Thong – Doi Inthanon Road for 48 km.

More Information about bird watching, contact the Park headquarters or Ran Lung Dang Shop, KM 31, opposite the Park office.