Birdwatching

The birding scene has taken off on Koh Ra with a species list at 72 (thanks to avid birder Gareth Brown), including a pair of Buffy Fish Owls, Serpent Eagles, and always hornbills. See a trip report here http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/thailand/thailand-58/Ko-Rah-feb-2010.htm 

Koh Ra has some of the last and best quality island lowland tropical forest and its protected status ensures ample habitat for birds and other fauna. Hornbills are especially abundant and easy to observe. Hike our own nature trails and look for the many species of birds and butterflies, jungle plants, hornbills, orchids and much more.

Guided walks for 2-3 hours- Price Baht 500

Longer itineraries including nearby venues (Khao Sok national Park, Krabi) are possible, please inquire.

NEW- Wildlife Photography Expedition!!!

Professional wildlife photographer, Lee Dalton, www.leedalton.com, will be hosting a wildlife photography tour on Koh Ra from February 19 - 26, 2011.  This tour is aimed at amateurs through to semi-pro photographers keen to improve their skills while capturing images of the rich and varied wildlife found on Koh Ra.  This holiday is designed and paced to give photographers the chance to achieve the best images whilst appreciating the nature and wildlife found here.  Lee will be on-hand to offer specific advice relating to all aspects of photography from technical aspects through to composition and post-processing.

The island of Koh Ra is almost completely covered in primary tropical forest, making for a habitat rich in wildlife.  Photographic opportunities abound here, with possibilities of seeing and photographing an astonishing number of exotic species.  There are over 100 species of birds on this island and the neighbouring island of Koh Phra Thong making it an ideal destination for bird watchers.   Highlights include at least two species of Hornbills (Oriental pied & Great), Sunbirds, Parrots, Owls (inc. Buffy fish) Kingfishers, Storks, Pitas, Bee-eaters, Hawks, Eagles (inc. White-bellied Sea & Crested-serpent), Primates (inc. Crab-eating macaque & Dusky langur), Leopard cats and Sea turtles.  Other highlights include Flying lizards, Wild pigs, Deer, Tree frogs, Squirrels, Monitor lizards, Orchids, Civet cats and an incredible variety of Butterflies.  Depending upon the guest’s interests the tour can be tailored to concentrate on certain species or aspects of photography. 
  
A typical day will be made up of two light walks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to seek out photographic opportunities, along specially prepared trails in one of the four main habitat types found on the island: Mangroves, Rainforest, Beach and Savannah.  Included in the tour price is a trip to the remote Sri Phang Nga National Park (http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style2/default.asp?npid=204&lg=2), a short boat and car journey away on the mainland, where a whole range of other species can be encountered.  The techniques of nighttime photography can also be explored, as a number of fascinating species such as the Slow Loris and Civet cat are nocturnal.  The tour is made up of no more than 8 people so that all participants have the opportunity to make the most of the opportunities presented. 

Cost is only US $960, which includes room, food, transfers and photography program led by Lee.  Please email us to sign up for one of the few spots!

Download the Koh Ra Bird List

Bird watching in the savannah.