Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang, Vietnam, is home to over 100 bird species. As yearly cold fronts arrive from the north, birds migrate seeking warmth. This transforms Son Tra into a birdwatching haven.
Photographer: Huy Dope (facebook.com/huy.h.nguyen.104/)
Birdwatching on Son Tra Peninsula requires patience, good physical health for hiking through forested areas, and a bit of luck. Below are some tips for you.
Time your trip for the migration season. The best time for birdwatching on Son Tra is during the migration season, which occurs from September to April. During this time, you’ll see a wider variety of birds, including species from Siberia, China, and Japan.
Pack hiking essentials: To spot rare bird species, you may need to spend an entire day in the forest. Along with your camera and lenses, be sure to bring appropriate hiking attire, a tent, and insect repellent.
Head to the Son Tra Nature Reserve. This is the best place to spot birds on the peninsula. The reserve is home to a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, and lakes, which attract a wide variety of birds.
Bring binoculars and a bird identification guide. A good pair of binoculars will help you see the birds up close, and a bird identification guide will help you identify the species you see.
Be quiet and patient: Birds are easily scared, so it’s important to be quiet and patient when birdwatching. Move slowly and avoid making loud noises.
To capture beautiful moments of birds, birdwatchers must camouflage carefully and remain still in one spot for many hours. (Photographer: Huy Dope)
The photos in the article were taken by Huy Dope, a talented photographer working at a paragliding club on Son Tra Peninsula.
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