Why birding in Tan Phu Forest & Ma Da Nature reserve?
Tan Phu Forest and Ma Da Nature Reserve, part of the UNESCO-listed Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, offer a rich mix of biodiversity and scenic beauty. With habitats ranging from evergreen forests to wetlands, these areas are home to species like Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Bar-bellied Pitta, and Blue-rumped Pitta.
Their peaceful setting makes them a perfect birding destination for a 1-2 day trip. If you’re looking for a short birding trip from Sai Gon, Tan Phu Forest and Ma Da Nature Reserve are top choices. Tan Phu is just 2.5 hours away, making it easy to enjoy a full day of birding and return by late afternoon. Ma Da, only 2 hours away, offers a similar experience with the added bonus of owl watching and herping for those interested in nocturnal wildlife.
What to see?
Bird fauna Tan Phu
This evergreen forest represents a rich lowland ecosystem, home to over 170 bird species, 35 mammals, 60 reptiles and amphibians, and more than 200 butterfly species. Notably, this forest is a habitat for many important bird species, including the Orange-necked Partridge, Germain’s Peacock, Siamese Fireback, Lesser Adjutant, Woolly-necked Stork, Bar-bellied Pitta, and Grey-faced Tit-Babbler. More than just birdwatching, visiting Tan Phu Forest Enterprise, you can soak your feet in a natural hot-water stream, enjoy the scenic Mai Stream, and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.
Orange–necked Partridge (Arborophila davidi) is an endemic species, listed as the endangered category in the IUCN red list. While its range includes Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, and part of Lam Dong Province, it is rarely seen in the wild, except in Tan Phu FE. From 2004 to 2006, Nguyen Hoai Bao led a research group to study on Orange-necked Partridgeand other pheasant species. Their findings estimated a density of 0.086 individuals per hectare, highlighting the species’ rarity and the importance of conservation efforts in this area.
Bird fauna in Ma Da Nature Reserve
The bird diversity of Ma Da is the same of Cat Tien National Park as both areas share many of the same species, making Ma Da a great alternative for birders looking for a less crowded experience while still enjoying the rich wildlife of the region.
In Ma Da, you can find a variety of lowland forest birds. With its mix of open woodlands, wetlands, and dense forests, you may encounter Bar-bellied Pitta, Siamese Fireback, Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Banded Kingfisher, etc.
When is the best time for birding in Tan Phu & Ma Da?
The weather and seasons in Tan Phu and Ma Da are similar to those in Cat Tien National Park, making it easy to plan a visit to any of these locations at the same time of year. It shhares a tropical savanna climate (with dry winter) in accordance with the Köppen-Geiger classification. The yearly average maximum temperature in both sites is 33°C (ranging from 31°C in September to 36°C in march). Annual rainfall is 3412mm, with a minimum of 18mm in February and a maximum of 578mm in August.
- January: The climate is perfect. The temperature rises to 33°C and you can expect to have 33mm of rainfall/month during this period.
- February-April: The weather is generally pleasant, though temperatures can reach up to 35°C at times.
- May-November: The weather is wet, with frequent rains and high humidity, keeping the heat in check.
- December: The temperature is more comfortable, cooler, and with less rain, trails are easier to explore.
Monthly Averages
Historical monthly average weather conditions for Tan Phu & Ma Da
“The best time for birding in Tan Phu and Ma Da is from November to April, when rainfall is low, and migratory birds are most active.”
Where birding in Tan Phu & Ma Da
Birding routes
Birding along the main road through the park
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Transportation
Traveling by private car is the most convenient way to reach Tan Phu and Ma Da, offering flexibility and comfort for birding trips. This allows you to explore at your own pace, with easy access to remote areas and the freedom to stop for wildlife sightings along the way.
Accommodations
There are a few guesthouses near the birding spots if you’d like to stay overnight, offering a comfortable base to rest before another day of exploring the wildlife.
The best tour cover Birding in Tan Phu & Ma Da
Hot-spot for Birding in Vietnam
all birding in hot-spot informative info [updated Jan 2023]
Nr. Nature reserve; Np. National Park; mt. Mountain
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