Bird-Watching Modules

MAEKOK RIVER VILLAGE STUDENT CENTRE

Bird Watching modules

Our Bird Watching modules are usually run by Mr Tony Ball, an outside specialist in the field of bird watching He adopts a very professional approach to this field of study and the modules cover the many bird species of Thailand, particularly those of the northern areas such as Ban Thaton and Doi Pha Hompok. The modules are presented as a combination of lectures and bird study sessions.

Brief Biography – Mr Tony Ball

Tony Ball has lived in Thailand for 10 years and during this time has researched bird-life, mainly, in the north of Thailand. His work involves keeping a database on birds, compiling check-lists of birds for various National Parks, Resorts and institutions as well as publishing articles on birds.

During the last 2 years he has also taken out many tours due to the lack of trained local bird watching guides and the large increase of foreign birdwatchers coming into the country. He is in the process of planning the introducing Thai guides into the world of bird watching so that they can take their rightful place as exponents of Thai bird life.

One of his projects has been the recording of bird songs/calls, and he has now produced a tape of bird calls along with a booklet containing a description of the birds on the tape (published by Silkworm books). This should be of great assistance to birdwatchers in identifying birds that they have heard but not seen.

Either use the hyperlinks below to reach the module of your choice, or just scroll down the page until you reach it.

2.6.1. Bird Watching 1.

2.6.2. Bird Watching 2.

2.6.3. Bird Watching 3.

2.6.4. Bird Watching 4.

2.6.5. Bird Watching 5.

Module 2.6.1
Time 2 Hrs

This module entitled Bird Watching 1 is an introduction the bird watching modules and is designed to open participants eyes to the field of bird watching concentrating on Thailand and noting the differences between us and the rest of the world.

On completion of this module participants will have an increased understanding of the skills involved in bird watching as well as a higher degree of knowledge of the Birds of Thailand.This module covers :

Birds documented as being common to Thailand and how these figures compare with those world wide.

The best times and seasons for bird watching: Including; the best times for bird calls (namely in the breeding season) and best times to see large numbers of birds ( when migrant birds are present)

Equipment needed for bird watching; Clothing and types of binoculars.

Behaviour in the field, teamwork and methods of movement in different habitats will also be covered.

Instruction: Mr Tony Ball.

Location: Student centre lecture room.

Equipment provided: Module workbook.

Students to provide: Pens, pencils, notebooks.

Module 2.6.2
Time 2 Hrs

This module entitled Bird Watching 2 deals with birds on the river line, birds of the paddy fields and those of the open scrub / grassland.

On completion of this module participants will have an increased understanding of the skills involved in bird watching as well as a broader knowledge of Birds of Thailand:

The various types of habitat in the North of Thailand especially in the areas surrounding Thaton will be the focus of this study

Which birds appear in each of these habitats and the best ways to approach them, eg: Waders are best approached by watercraft as they don’t appear to be as alarmed by people in a boat as they are by people approaching by the riverbank.

Bird recognition is the second study topic. How to identify the river line birds of northern Thailand, by song/call, markings/colour of plumage.

Instruction: Mr Tony Ball.

Location: Student centre lecture room.

Equipment provided: Module workbook.

Students to provide: Pens, pencils, notebooks.

Module 2.6.3
Time 4 Hrs

This module entitled Bird Watching 3 is a practical module, taking participants out into the paddy fields surrounding Ban Thaton and along the Maekok river line.

On completion of this module participants will able to apply the skills learnt during previous modules in a practical fashion.

This module starts at sunrise (0430 –0530 hrs time of year dependant) so that participants can experience the dawn chorus. This will allow the birdwatcher to pick out and recognise different bird calls more easily.

Methods of bird watching in open country will be put into practice; the extended line search as opposed to the single file line used in forest habitats for example.

Instruction: Mr Tony Ball.

Location: Ban Thaton area..

Equipment provided: Module workbook. Binoculars.

Students to provide: Pens, pencils, notebooks. Binoculars (if you have them).

Module 2.6.4
Time 4 Hrs

This module entitled Bird Watching 4 is a practical module, taking participants out onto the Maekok River to view the waders and other water birds ( and perhaps to get a glimpse of the very rare jerdons bushchat into the paddy fields surrounding Ban Thaton and along the Maekok river line.

On completion of this module participants will able to apply the skills learnt during previous modules in a practical fashion.

A late afternoon trip by river barge down river to the Fang river estuary. Participants will have the opportunity to view the waders and other water birds as they take their final feed and prepare to settle down to roost on the sandbanks (depending on time of year) and in the riverine grass and river banks.

A search will be made for signs of jerdans bushchat.

Instruction: Mr Tony Ball.

Location: Ban Thaton / Kok river area..

Equipment provided: Module workbook. Binoculars.

Students to provide: Pens, pencils, notebooks. Binoculars (if you have them).

Module 2.6.5
Time 24 Hrs

This module entitled Bird Watching 5 deals more exclusively with Montane Birds around the remote Doi Pha Hompok the second highest mountain in Thailand.

Upon completion of this module participants will have furthered their bird watching skills, and learned the techniques required for effective bird watching in this new habitat.

This mountain habitat is ideal for study of Montane species of birds.

There are special rare species of birds that are resident and non-migratory.

The vegetation will be studied (mixed deciduous-dipterocarp) and participants will determine the type of birds that prefer each habitat and why.

Instruction: Mr Tony Ball.

Location: Ban Pahom Pok area..

Equipment provided: Module workbook. Binoculars.

Students to provide: Pens, pencils, notebooks. Binoculars (if you have them).