Ecotoerisme - Universiteit Utrecht

http://www.goldenbuddharesort.com/birdwatching.html (geraadpleegd: 23 maart 2009)Bird watching at Golden Buddha Beach ResortThe bird watching on Golden Buddha Island must rate as possibly the best in Thailand. Wideexpanses of savannah dotted with trees, lined by tropical forest and tidal rivers and ofcourse bordered by the ocean makes for superb bird habitat. Over 100 different specieswere recorded by a single pair of guests a few years ago (the list now kindly reproducedhere) and include many rare species such as the Asian open‐billed stork, lesser adjutant,Indian roller and brown fish owl. Indeed an island resident has reported seeing themagnificent adjutant quite frequently of late.The vast savannah makes fantastic viewing for both keen bird watchers and those who justlike to admire beautiful fauna. Many of the birds boast striking plumage and can becommonly seen both at the resort and its surrounds, including a large variety of bee eatersand kingfishers. Guests are free to walk almost anywhere on the island or can enjoy bothwalking and vehicle based guided safaris. Bespoke bird watching tours are available onrequest.Recently one of our guests from the UK described a day of “accidental” bird watching “Onmy way to breakfast one morning I heard a ruffling in the tree outside my beach house.Peering through the foliage I saw a pair of Oriental Pied Hornbills enjoying a feast of newlyripened fruit. They didn't seem perturbed by my presence at all. It must have been one ofthose days because as soon as I sat down in the restaurant, a Peregrine Falcon perched itselfon the tree opposite my table. However, he didn't hang around for long. I guess toast andjam wasn't to his liking. Later that morning, I witnessed several bee eaters playing tag (or soit seemed) at the back of the club house. I am not sure of the species, but apparently theyare there each day. That evening I headed for the bay. There searing above the ocean was awhite bellied sea eagle. With a wing span of around 2 metres, this truly is a magnificent siteand proved a thrilling end to my day here at Golden Buddha Beach Resort”26