Northen Plains

Special Tour 2 nights to 3 nights

THE NORTHEN PLAINS

Northern Plains, a home of the iconic Critically Endangered Giant and White-Shouldered Ibises, is an excellent spot for birdwatching. These birds are not only significant for their rarity but also for their symbolic role in wildlife conservation efforts in Southeast Asia.

The Giant Ibis, with its long, curved beak and impressive wingspan, is a highlight for any birdwatcher visiting the KPWS and Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary where Tmatboey, Prey Veng, Dong Plet villages and Russei Treb national park located. Known for its solitary and elusive nature, this species can be spotted in the sanctuary’s wetlands and along riverbanks, making it an unforgettable sight. Its population is dwindling, making sightings at Northern Plains all the more special for those passionate about avian preservation.

Similarly, the White-shouldered Ibis is a highly sought-after species in the sanctuaries’ diverse habitats. With its stunning black and white plumage, this bird is a testament to the rich biodiversity that the sanctuaries protect. Birdwatchers often find themselves captivated by the Ibis’s graceful movements as it searches for food in the serene waters of the sanctuaries, further emphasizing the sanctuaries’ role as a safe haven for endangered species.

Northern Plains offer a rare opportunity to witness these majestic birds in their natural environment. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or just beginning your journey into birding, the chance to see the Giant and White-shouldered Ibises in such a pristine setting will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip.

birds found in TmatboeyNorthern Plains Birds

The target birds at Northern Plains are: Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, White-rumped Pygmy-falcon, Pale-capped Pigeon, Asian Woollyneck, Black-headed Woodpecker, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Chinese Francolin, White-browed Fantail, Indochinese Bushlark, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Violet Cuckoo, Indian Spotted Eagle, Franklin’s or Savannah Nightjar, Large-tailed Nightjar, Oriental Scops-Owl, Barn Owl, Brown Fish-Owl, Spotted Wood-Owl, Brown Wood-Owl… View bird checklist here

 

Tmatboey Tour itineraryNorthern Plains Tour

A 2 night 3 day trip from Siem Reap to Northern Plains will sometimes include a stay at either Tmatboey or Prey Veng community managed ecolodge or Russei Treb ecolodge depending on the real situation. We will spend the whole day birdwatching in the Deciduous Dipterocarp forest, then stay on late in search of Franklin’s Nightjar,  the Large-tailed Nightjar, the Oriental Scops-Owl and the Barn Owl. Bring a powerful torch with you, so you miss nothing from our night-time trek through the forest.

A visit to Northern Plains from Siem Reap usually works well as part of an itinerary that includes the Koh Ker if you would also like to learn about history and temples or the Florican Grassland

Day 1: AM Florican Grassland/Koh Ker; PM Northen Plains

Our CBGA specialist bird guide will pick you up from Siem Reap at 5.30am. First driving to Florican Grassland located at the provincial border between Siem Reap and Kampong Thom. We will spend about 3 hours at this Tonle Sap flooded grassland to find the Critically Endangered Bengal Florican, the winter visitor Manchurian Reed-warbler, and many other birds about 40 species. Around 10.30am we will move and drive up north to have lunch at Beng Mealea temple. Alternatively, We will drive straight to Koh Ker after picking you up from the hotel and explore this 10th century city of Jayavarman IV with birding. We then continue to the flagship site situated in the Northern Plains.

By 3 pm we will arrive at our lodge. After check-in the room we will start birding near the lodge for the White-shouldered Ibis. The day tour finish after dusk, the group come back to the lodge for dinner and rest for the following day early rise.

Day 2: Full day birding Northern Plains

We start to leave at 4.30am with packed breakfast, go for the  Giant Ibis roost. We will spend the whole morning also for other key species and come back for lunch and rest before the afternoon birding that start at 3 pm. 

Day 3: AM KPWS; PM back to Siem Reap

We will start a bit later like 5.30am and focus more on other birds we missed or not yet find the previous days. After lunch, we will return to Siem Reap. The group can still be able to do birding along the road again and/or visit Beng Mealea on the way if wishes. Arrive in Siem Reap around 5 pm.

NotesNotes

  • Pick up from Siem Reap at 5.30am by our guide on day one, and finish in Siem Reap at about 5pm on day 3.
  • Accommodation in KPWS is basic. Each room comes with a private bathroom with hot water.
  • The temperature in KPWS may drop cold at around 17°C (Nov to Feb) especially in early morning and after mid night time. So be prepared to bring warm clothes as well.
  • Please advice in advance if you are a vegetarian
  • CBGA will provide drinking water in a big container to refill, so we request you to bring your own water bottle from home or from your hotel. It is our campaign to reduce plastic waste.


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