BIRD REPORT FOR THAILAND and CAMBODIA

DECEMBER 29, 2012 to January 29, 2013

Site Descriptions and Commentary

Thailand

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Chiang Rai: Two locations were repeatedly surveyed in the Ban Du area: Dan's Patch (DP) and the campus of Chiang Rai University (CRU). Elevation 548 m (1,800 ft.) above sea level. Dry season weather conditions were generally fair with early morning fog and afternoon haze (mostly from burning fields); air temperatures ranged from 4.4C to 23.8 C (40F to 75F).; winds were variable, S, SW, NE 3.2 - 11.2 kph (2-7 mph).

Dan's Patch (see photo below) comprised a mosaic of about 40 ha (100 acres) of active and fallow paddifields, cattle pastures bordered by second-growth, mature coffee plantations with emergent shade trees, scattered banana plantings, two small lakes (one bordered by a large pineapple plantation), several ponds and irrigation ditches. Included in most of my surveys were brief visits to a weedy irrigation canal and dry paddifield immediately behind our living quarters at the M&J House, located across the road from Dan's Patch. In an effort to assess avian diversity and provide photo-documentation, I birded these areas during the morning (0700-0930 hrs.) and afternoon (1630-1800 hrs.) in seven sessions, either alone or with Dan Byrne (December 29-31; January 1-2; 13-14). My survey results are included in the attached Thailand bird report. See also Dan Byrne's current bird list for Dan's Patch.

These two areas of modified habitat, on either side of a busy roadway, have been birded systematically by Dan Byrne since September, 2012. The list includes a relatively high diversity of resident and migratory birds, currently totaling about 120 species. Judging from the large number of short-duration migratory bird species found thus far by Mr. Byrne, combined with the proximity to a notch in the northern mountain range bordering Chiang Rai, it seems likely that this area is part of an ancient and significant migratory corridor in northern Thailand. Unfortunately, a large portion of the land within Dan's Patch is currently for sale to developers. I urgently recommend that the area be officially designated and protected as a migratory bird sanctuary.

Chiang Rai University (CRU) is located about 2 km north of Dan's Patch in Ban Du. I made three visits to this 150+ acre , well-manicured campus, two in the evening (1 Jan., 13 Jan.1630-1930; hrs.) and one in the morning (2 Jan: 0821-1100 hrs.). The two evening visits were mainly around the edge of the lake and the Royal Garden, where loud wailing calls of what I thought could be a Great Thick-knee, were heard shortly at dusk on 1 Jan.. An evening visit on 13 Jan. was made but no such bird species was heard or seen after a fairly thorough search by three persons (Merissa, Dan and I) using headlamps. Habitats surveyed on campus included a shallow lake used by local fishermen with nets (see photo), patches of mature woodland and second-growth, grassy fields, drainage ditches, ponds and ornamental plantings. Despite nearly constant daytime disturbance from traffic (mostly students on motorbikes), the campus appeared to support a fairly high diversity of birds, including Coppersmith Barbet, Eurasian Wryneck, Olive-backed Pipit, Black-crested Bulbul and Chestnut-tailed Starling.

Dan's Patch, Ban Du Chiang Rai, Thailand December 31, 2012

Fisherman on lake at Chiang Rai University Thailand 2 Jan 2013

Doi Inthanon National Park (DI): We drove WSW from Chiang Rai for for about five hours in light traffic on fairly well-marked highways to the small tourist town of Inthanon. Our accomodation had been booked at the Little Inthanon Resort, located about 1.5 km downhill from the DI entrance on the main road. The resort featured clean bungalows ($20 per night) and a Chinese-Thai restaurant ($2 - $5 per meal)..We made daily excursions into the park ($10 pp), spending time at several popular birding locations along the main roadway mentioned in recent reports posted on the web. An excellent source of information may be found on the North Thailand Birding website: http://www.norththailandbirding.com/

Two visits were made to a stream and bridge in dry forest at km post 13 (K13), the summit boardwalk (SB) and Wachirathan Waterfall (WF). Also, we included visits to Siriphum Waterfall (SPW), a forest trail at Checkpoint 2 (C2),a jeep track at km 34 (K34), Sirithan Waterfall (STW), Mae Klang Falls (MKF), Mr. Daeng's Cafe and garden (MDC), and the Royal Pagodas garden (RP). Elevations of the aforemententioned sites ranged from about 366 to 2,542 m (1,200 to 8,340 ft.) above sea level..Weather conditions were generally fair; air temperature ranged from 2.7C to 23.8C (37F to 75F); winds S, SW 5-23 kph (2-10 mph). (January 2 - 8, 2013).

We also included repeat visits to a nearby bird tower constructed by a local resident and birder, Mr. "T." (BT). The two tiered metal tower offered picturesque views of the adjacent fields and hillsides grown to a dry, deciduous woodland. The bird tower is located about 3 km (1.2 mi) north of the Little Inthanon Resort near a small village with a hand-painted sign showing Blossom-headed Parakeets, one of the primary birding attractions in the area. We eventually obtained good views of a large flock of these handsome birds just after dawn on January 5..

Considering duration (six days) and effort (driving and hiking through a wide range of elevations), we found relatively low species diversity in Doi Inthanon National Park. Middle elevations suffered from a combination of barren, dry forests with hordes of visitors showing absolutely no interest in natural history. Most people (mainly Thais) appeared interested primarily in religious locations (e.g. a summit shrine and Royal Pagodas). By contrast, Wacharithan Falls was, at least until around 9 AM, an attractive birding location. Downstream from the falls, amongst the rocks and riffles, two stream-loving specialists made a brief appearance, Slaty-backed Forktail and Plumbeous Redstart., making our visit worth the effort. By 10 AM nearly all the birdlife had vanished from the streambanks as busloads of visitors arrived.

The ever-popular summit boardwalk at 8,300 ft. in elevation, was definitely a birding hot spot, offering frequent mixed-species flocks and close-up views of stunningly colorful species such as Mrs. Gould's Sunbird and Chestnut-crowned Laughing Thrush. But even there, in the midst of a sublime cloud forest with numerous educational signs describing natural history details, the endless procession of noisy tourists made observations (and especially photography) very difficult. Doi Inthanon National Park indeed is little more than a designated area on a map with a toll-booths at the main entrance and Royal Pagodas, designed to quickly separate foreigners from what amounts to about two-day's wages for a local worker. The park area has been for centuries home to hill tribes who probably continue to hunt all sorts of animals. This was evidenced by a) the absence of roadkill anywhere along the many miles of busy roadways, b) the relatively bird-less woodlands, forest trails and riparian areas and c) the apparent absence of any bird or other native animal weighing more than about fifty grams.

Inthanon Valley viewed from Mr. T's bird tower, Thailand 3 January 2013

Chiang Dao National Park (CD) is located about 60 km (37 miles) north of Chiang Mai on HWY 107. This is an area of mixed deciduous-evergreen montane forest overlooking paddifields and patches of mature second-growth. We checked into the Chiang Dao Hut Resort, featuring primitive bungalows ($20 per night) and a communal kitchen serving simple yet tasty local dishes ($3). Although conveniently located to nearby birding sites, this place was definitely a down-grade when compared with the Little Inthanon resort. For example, the tiny bungalows had no furniture and were poorly insulated; toilets and showers were outdoors. Food was not always available. We found much better accomodations and meals at nearby resorts such as The Nest # 1 and #2; but those resorts were fully booked.

The weather during our visit (8 -11 January) was fair; temperatures ranging from an overnight low of about 4.4C (40F) to a daytime high of 23.8C (75F). Winds were variable, W, WSW, ESE 3- 8 kph (2- 5 mph). Elevation ranged from about 335 to 1,676 m (1100 - 5,550 ft). above sea level.

Despite the short-comings of the Chiang Dao Huts, the location was superb. We found good birding in adjacent fields and by walking slowly along the road to the temple. By far the best birding within walking distance of the resort was the temple and surrounding hill forest. There, birdlife was abundant and confiding, apparently well-protected for religious reasons (CDT). In only one morning of birding this area we found many more species of bird than we found in six days of birding in Doi Inthanon National Park. These included several new to our trip-list such as, Pied Hornbill (calls), Blue-throated Barbet, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Gray-backed Shrike and Indochinese Cuckoo-shrike.

We arranged through a local resort to hire a driver to take us (Dan and I) into the well-known DYK road in the highlands (DYK) for a day of birding ($120). A take-out breakfast and lunch was included. This was a very productive birding area in a mixed pine - deciduous forest, between about 1,219 to 1,524 m (4,000 and 5,000 ft.) in elevation. Near the road's end was small settlement for park workers, located next to a grassy clearing; a small pond surrounded by flowering trees attracted numerous birds, e.g. Orange-bellied Leafbird and Chestnut-flanked White-eye. Among other montane specialities observed were, Striped-breasted Woodpecker, Giant Nuthatch, Gray Treepie and Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush. (10 January: 0616-1400 hrs.)

Our last morning in the area was spent surveying active and fallow paddifields bordering a village on the east side of Chiang Dao (CDP). The paddifields and surrounding second-growth supported abundant birdlife, including several species new for our trip-list, such as Gray-headed Lapwing, Striated Swallow, Wire-tailed Swallow, Gray Wagtail and White-rumped Munia (11 January: 0900-1030 hrs.).

Chaing Dao National Park at 1,524m (5,000 ft) elevation. January 9, 2013

Chiang Saen Lake (CSL) is located about 43 km (27 mi) northeast of Chiang Rai and about 4 km south of the Mekong, a large river separating Thailand from Burma and Laos in a region known as the Golden Triangle. We spent eight days at the Viang Yonok Resort at Chiang Saen Lake (January 14-22), which included a side-trip to the Thai border on the south bank of the Mekong (MK). We birded the gardens surrounding the National Opium Museum (OM) and the riverfront in the town of Chiang Saen (CSR). Access to natural riverine habitat was very limited, but we found a relatively new port facility overlooking sandbanks along the Mekong, located about 7km east of the town of Chiang Saen on HWY 1290 (CSP). There we observed a few shorebirds, including Small Pratincole, Little-ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Common Greenshank..

Weather conditions were consistently dry and pleasant, ranging10C to 23.8C (50F to 75F). Birdlife at Chiang Saen Lake was diverse and relatively easily observed. Walking the shoreline road adjacent to Viang Yonok for about two hours each morning, I consistently found 40-50 bird species, including Spot-billed Duck, Lesser Whistling Duck, Little Grebe, Purple Swamphen, White-browed Crake, White-breasted Waterhen, Common (Eurasian) Moorhen, Yellow Bittern, Chinese Pond Heron, Intermediate Egret, Pintail Snipe, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Freckle-breasted Woodpecker, Ashy Woodswallow, Racket-tailed Treepie, Black-collared Starling, Great Myna, and Purple Sunbird. An experienced observer covering the same area might encounter 60-70 species. According to a local ornithologist, Mick Davies, it is possible to find 100 bird species a day in every month of the year around Chiang Saen Lake. See the link to Mr. Davies' website:

: http://yonokwetlands.awardspace.com/Birds%20&%20Birding%20.html

The Yonok wetlands, including Chiang Saen Lake, covers an area of several square miles and includes many hyacinth-choked coves bordered by native freshwater marsh. There are arguments for and against the occurrence of exotic plants such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The best case scenario for hyacinth, an invasive species introduced from South America, is that it may provide shelter for countless microorganisms and smaller aquatic creatures, amplifying diversity in an otherwise sterile lake. When introduced to polluted water (e.g. untreated sewage), hyacinth contributes toward water purification. The downside may be displacement or extirpation of native aquatic vegetation and species normally associated with it. The full extent of ecological impacts of hyacinth in Chiang Saen Lake are likely to remain unknown for some time.

One day around noon we obtained a government-sponsored motorboat (a free service; donations accepted) adjacent to the Viang Yonok Resort, for a two-hour survey of the lake. Our leisurely, open-water survey produced a number of waterfowl species unseen from shore, such as Common Shelduck, Common (Eurasian) Teal, Garganey, Ferruginous Duck, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard and Tufted Duck. Interestingly, most of the aforementioned waterfowl species sought refuge amongst drifting mats of hyacinth.

On another evening I kayaked with my camera gear (Nikon D3x with a Nikkor 80-400mm AF VR lens) to the middle of the lake in order to observe and photograph a flock of Small Pratincole appearing each day at dusk. The plan initially seemed to work. Birds flew all around me, sometimes within a few feet of the kayak, dipping into the lake surface, wheeling and turning with great agility. I rotated to and fro, the wobbly kayak partially anchored with a paddle to a floating mat of hyacinth, The electronic shutter release and autofocus were operating at full-speed; film sensitivity was near the resolution limit of ISO 1,000. In the excitement of a few fleeting moments there was no time for reviewing my results to see if any of the pictures were OK. This was wildlife photography teetering on the edge of insanity. I expected at least one or two out of perhaps 200 photos would be acceptable. Later that evening, as I reviewed my work, it was clear that the fading light combined with the speedy acrobatic flight of pratincoles, pretty much eliminated the possibility of clear photos made from an unstable kayak. I decided that I had been fortunate enough just returning to land with my camera equipment still dry and functional. No further aquatic photo adventures on the lake were planned.

Small Pratincole (Glareola lactea) Chiang Saen Lake 18 Jan 2013

In sharp contrast, satisfactory photographs of marsh birds were obtained druing daylight hours from the roadway and on a primitive boardwalk near the Viang Yonok Resort.

Pheasant-tailed Jacana (Hydrophasianus chirugus) Chiang Saen Lake, Thailand 20 January 2013

Also productive for birding were numerous paddifields, fallow and active, scattered over the surrounding landscape. Several bird species (common in similar portions of Dan's Patch) were found in those open-field areas, such as, Common Kingfisher, Brown Shrike, Burmese Shrike, and Long-tailed Shrike. One morning was spent cycling around the south side of the lake investigating birds using paddifields, ponds and second-growth about 2.4km (1.5 mi) from Viang Yonok Resort. In the distance to the north we spotted a large flock of Asian Openbill storks -- recently discovered by Mick Davies as a new addition to the Chiang Saen bird list. A highlight of our visit to Chiang Saen was a drive to the north side of the lake where we witnessed the spectacle of hundreds of Pied Harriers and Eastern Marsh Harriers arriving at their roost at dusk. This was another great discovery by local ornithologist Mick Davies. The Chiang Saen Lake harrier roost is reportedly second in size only to the Velavader harrier roost in northwest India.

Bangkok (BK): We spent a few days in Bangkok between field trips, obtaining information regarding birding locations and planning logistics for the remainder of our visit. One full day was spent touring the city via ferry, bus, taxi and tuk-tuk. Memorable places in Bangkok included Wat Pho, The Grand Palace, Chinatown, a small suburban park called Sri Nakhon Kuan (SNK) and the original Floating Market. Unsurprisingly, none of the these locations in Bangkok produced more than a handful of opportunistic, widespread bird species such as Common Koel, Spotted Dove, Zebra Dove, Rock Pigeon, Asian House Swift, Magpie Robin, Common Myna and Eurasian Tree Sparrow. A polluted river next to a small floating market (west-central area: WCFM) attracted Whiskered Tern and Brown-headed Gull. A brief noon-time visit to SNK was nearly birdless, except for one Greater Racket-tailed Drongo..

Bangkok to Poi Pet at the Thai-Cambodian Border: HWY 304 (H304): The bus journey between the Bangkok central transportation terminal (near the BKK international airport) and the border at Poi Pet, took about four hours ($12 rt). The route passes through paddifields bordered by second-growth and appeared in many places to support abundant birdlife (e.g Egrets and Storks). Unfortunately, this was a non-stop bus ride and we were unable to make more than casual observations while gazing out the windows (January 23: 1000-1440 hrs).

Laem Phak Bia and Pak Thale (PT): This well-known birding area is about 100 km (62 mi) southwest of Bangkok via HWY 35 and HWY 4 to Petchaburi (January 29: 0820-1750 hrs.). A reliable account of the birds found in this area, including a local map and supporting details may be found on the North Thailand Birding websiste: http://www.norththailandbirding.com/

Under cloudy skies and intermittent light rain (the only rain we encountered during our fieldwork in SE Asia), we began by searching for Mr. Khun Daeng's house along a bumpy road next to a tidal channel lined with colorful boats. Arrangements were made with Mr. Daeng (who looked like a double for a Cheech and Chong movie) for an afternoon boat ride to the Laem Phak Bia Sandspit (LPS) at high tide ($25). The channel, mudflats, mangroves, sandspit and outer beach produced a number of bird species new for our trip-list, such as, Pacific Reef Egret, Chinese Egret, Little Cormorant, Grey Plover, Kentish Plover, White-faced Plover, Malaysian Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Whimbrel, Great Knot, Sanderling, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Greater Crested Tern, Little Tern, Whiskered Tern and Black-capped Kingfisher. Needless to say, LPS was a highlight of our visit to Thailand.

Laem Phak Bia harbor and channel leading to the sandspit, Thailand 29 January 2013

Dan Byrne and Mr. Khun Daeng at the Laem Phak Bia Sandspit, Thailand 29 January, 2013

The remainder of the time was spent birding the salt evaporation ponds and adjacent fields in and around Pak Thale (PT). A spotting scope was essential because most of the waders frequented ponds distant from human disturbance (local salt pond workers and a few birders). However, the salt ponds closest to the roadways around the Wat and King's Project (see photo below) contained shorebirds partially habituated to auto traffic and pedestrians; those areas afforded good binocular views of birds as well as opportunities for photography.

Although we did not find the rare and much sought after Spoon-billed Sandpiper, we were delighted by views of several bird species new for our trip-list, including Wood Sandpiper, Common Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Long-toed Stint, Common-ringed Plover and Pied Myna.

Salt evaporation ponds near the local Wat and King's Project, and the Pak Thale Visitor's Center, Thailand 29 January, 2013

Cambodia

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Poi Pet border station to Siem Reap on Highway 6 (CH6): Our Thai traveling companion, Choosak, arranged for a driver to meet us at the Cambodian border and take us on a two-hour drive southeast to Siem Reap (23 Jan 1440-1700 hrs). We made two brief roadside stops on HWY 6 prior to reaching Siem Reap, obtaining only distant views of birds in ponds and paddifields. On the return trip from Siem Reap to Poi Pet, Mr. Keing, owner of the Han Kong Hotel, found a driver familiar with the Phnom Krok village area, which is adjacent to the wetlands of Trapang Thmar. Thus, on our return trip to Poi Pet, we planned to spend time birding along the way to the border. About 64 km (40 mi) northwest of Siem Reap on HWY 6 (a large monument to local silk weavers marks the intersection), there was a turnoff onto a newly graded dirt road (all roads in the area were passable in a 2WD sedan) that took us through many kilometers of paddifields and irrigation ditches containing abundant birdlife (e.g. Egrets, Herons, Swallows, etc.). After a brief stop for directions from locals in the village of Phnom Krok, we arrived at our primary destination,Trapang Thmar lake and wetlands (TT). There, on the lakeshore and in the adjacent marshes and paddifields, birdlife was abundant (26 Jan: 0820 -1330 hrs.). But by then our time was limited by a 1430 hrs. reservation on a Poi Pet express bus to Bangkok. Since the Trapang Thmar location is apparently one of a handful of wintering sites in SE Asia for Sarus Crane (a life bird for Merissa), it was a bird sadly missed during our brief visit. As a consolation prize, CH6 and TT produced several new species for our SE Asia trip-list, including Great Cormorant, Painted Stork, Marsh Sandpiper, Pacific Golden Plover, Black-winged Stilt and Richard's Pipit.

Earlier, while staying in Siem Reap, we visited the local birding center of Sam Veasna. The staff was friendly and informative, claiming to be working for a non-profit conservation organization. But when we asked what they charged for a birding trip to Trapang Thamar (1.5 hr. drive from Siem Reap), we were told that it would cost a whopping $145 per person, involve expert guides and require a 4WD vehicle. Needless to say, in view of the relatively low standard of living in Cambodia (a decent day's wage is around $6), and generally good roads during the dry season, we believed the folks at Sam Veasna were unapologetically engaged in a profiteering scam aimed primarily at unsuspecting foreigners. We declined their tour offer and instead asked our hotel owner, Mr. Keing, to see if there might be a local driver who could get us to this and other birding areas at a reasonable cost.

Indeed, Mr. Keing quickly found two drivers for us, both willing to provide their own transport (e.g. Toyota sedans) to birding sites within a 2-3 hour drive of Siem Reap. The drivers spoke some English and knew the local roads fairly well. The total transportation cost in both cases (Koh Ker and Trapang Thamar) was around $50 per day. Most of that fee was for fuel. We therefore recommend that birders planning to visit Siem Reap contact Mr. Keing at the Han Kong Hotel, who would be happy to provide them with reasonably priced accommodation, meals and drivers for local birding trips. The website link is: http://www.hankonghotel.com/

Angkor Wat (AW): Mr Keing also arranged for a guided tour of nearby Angkor Wat (24 Jan.: 0810-1400 hrs $30).We opted for the basic motorcycle-propelled rickshaw ("tuk-tuk") tour of AW's greatest hits. This was not intended to be a birding tour. Nevertheless, we managed to identify a number of bird species along the way. All but one of those bird species, Red-breasted Parakeet, we had found in Thailand. Thrilled by the great expanse of the world's largest assemblage of religious ruins, though mildly frustrated by the lack of birdlife, we directed our tour guide to some remote trails between the ruins. Some of these areas held impressive tracts of tall forest appearing suitable for many bird species. However, these shady woods and surrounding moats were silent and largely devoid of birdlife. In fact, the few birds we did find were among or adjacent to the ruins and appeared habituated to crowds of visitors (visualize Disneyland on a weekend). Also rather indifferent to tourists was a playful troup of about fifteen Long-tailed Macac(Macaca fascicularis)

Macaca fasicularis at Angkor Wat, Cambodia 24 January 2013

Koh Ker (KK): This is a comparatively small complex of temple ruins located about three hours north of Siem Reap by ordinary car (0640-0950 hrs. with birding stops). Our driver knew the way quite well, which involved cutting through small villages and paddifields before joining a dusty road for many kilometers leading to a town where we purchased our tickets ($10). Since none of the roads appeared to be properly signed along this route, we really couldn't provide directional information to anyone else planning a trip to this site. Instead, we recommend contacting Mr. Keing at the Han Kong Hotel, who can locate a driver. The total cost for the day-trip (0640-1500 hrs.) to Koh Ker from Siem Reap, including lunch in Koh Ker, was about $60 for two of us.

We visitied two sets of larger ruins, both with impressive forest regrowth all around. Since we made several roadside stops for birding prior to our arrival it was near mid-day by the time we began birding the ruins. The result was more birds were heard than actually seen. But based on what was heard and seen, Koh Ker was a fairly good birding area. We recommend an early start from Seim Reap (e.g. 0500 hrs.) in order to reach Koh Ker before bird activity declines. We advise bringing your own food and plenty of drinking water.

Additionally, for safety reasons, it is advisable to stay on well-marked trails. Signs announcing landmine-cleared areas are wonderfully reassuring but one cannot safely assume all of the hidden devices have been found and removed. If in doubt, check with the locals.

Among the more interesting birds found at Koh Ker, was a population of yellow-vented Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster thais/germani ). The bright yellow vent, highly gregarious behavior and distinctive vocalizations, immediately struck me as characteristics of a fully separate species from the familiar, red-vented Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster klossi) found in the Chiang Rai region. A flock of about ten yellow-vented Sooty's was vocalizing and foraging in leaf litter near the ruins, allowing a few photos. It should be interesting to see what the molecular biologists discover regarding genetic comparisons within and among these bird populations. If there is little or no gene exchange between yellow-vented and red-vented populations (i.e. no intermediate forms), they should be recognized as two distinct species.

Yellow-vented Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster ssp.) Koh Ker, Cambodia 25 Jan 2013

Siem Reap Central Park (CP): A large park (part of the royal gardens) is within walking distance of the Han Kong Hotel and offers about the only birding opportunity in town. I visited the area twice, once in the early morning and again around mid-morning; early morning was best. Among the common birds found in the park was one species new to our trip-list, Dark-necked Tailorbird. Perhaps of greatest interest was a roost containing at least 200 large "flying fox" megachiropteran bats noisily jockeying for position high in the canopy of mature fig trees (photo).

Megachiroperan bat (Pteropus lylei) Siem Reap, Cambodia 27 January 2013

We stopped by the city park on our way out of town, January 26, 2013 and noticed people selling a variety of caged birds. Several of the species were identifiable, including Vernal Hanging Parrot, Barn Swallow, Black-collared Starling, Eurasian Starling, Baya Weaver and Eurasian Tree Sparrow (see photo below). . Evidently, on certain religious days, folks purchase these birds in order to gain spiritual merit by releasing them. Of course this practice not only impacts bird populations within their range but extends those impacts to extralimital points of release. This is the sort of human interference that drives wildlife conservationists wild. It also results in confusion when trying to sort our which bird species occur naturally in particular regions.

Assorted caged birds and turtles for sale in Siem Reap, Cambodia 27 January, 2013