Birding around Ang Trapaeng Thmor – More photos

Many species had been seen around the Ang Trapaeng Thmor. It is a proof of successful ecotourism concept in Cambodia; long-term environmental, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.

I almost forget to mention about a local organization who provides birdwatching tour in Cambodia. The Sam Veasa Center (SVC) in partnership with Wildlife Conservation Society is the tour organizer of our trip. Visit thier website for more information http://www.samveasna.org

Birding around Ang Trapaeng Thmor

There are many birds you can see around the Ang Trapaeng Thmor. Spending a day or couple of days, your birds’ wish list would be fulfilled like some of Thai birders I traveled with.

Encounter moment with the Eld’s Deer

Besides the Eastern Sarus Cranes at Ang Trapaeng Thmor, another highlight of the trip was seeing the Eld’s Deers. It might not sound that exciting. But believe me… it was really stirring because we had seen them in the woodland (kind of savanna in Africa). I couldn’t be still in that circumstance. Guess what? I turned myself to be a hunter and followed the Eld’s Deers while they were walking away to keep a distance from strangers (us). The only thought in my head was that I wanted to shoot them!! ….with my camera, of course.

However, it was about at noon. The weather and temperature there was really hot and of course, heat also. The best distance I can get close to them was just about one kilometer. Not the great shots of them I got, but I still insist it was the great moment to encounter them.

Male Eld's Deer

Hello dear..deer

Group of Female Eld's Deers

**Photos taken with Canon 450D and Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM lens.

Eastern Sarus Cranes Landing

Fact: The Eastern Sarus Crane is the tallest crane species, standing six feet tall and with a wingspan of eight feet. Its habitat range is around Indochina, though its populations have dropped significantly in the last 50 years. It’s still had small populations in Myanmar, Vietnam and most notably Cambodia, where its last major breeding ground is.

Photos taken by Canon 450D with Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. Objects distance apprx. 250-300 meter.

Crane 111/222: "Tower..Tower, request your permission to land"

Tower: "Crane 111, cleared for landing. Crane 222, heavy traffic on the ground, hover for a moment. Copy?"

Crane 111: "Crane 111, cleared for landing, roger."

Crane 222: "Tower, Crane 222 stop hovering, energy level's down. request immediately land" (hahaha)

The Eastern Sarus Crane Heaven, Ang Trapaeng Thmor in Cambodia

As I mentioned on my previous posting that I went to Cambodia for birding trip, how could not I show you proof of success?

The Ang Trapaeng Thmor was the main destination of the trip. Located in the north western Cambodia and it is not far from the border of Thailand actually. Well, let’s ignore how much effort I had to do on the road to getting into the Sarus Crane area (In case you don’t know that, please see my previous post – Overland Birding Trip), once we arrived to the location it was very lucky moment. The cranes were about to get down on the ground.

At the moment I saw them, there was no word I could say unless “wow..wow…this is really amazing!!’

The Sarus Crane

Could not believe my eyes (really!)

In the air

I believe I can fly...