Chiang Rai Guesthouse: Bread and Butter Cottage, Chiang Saen, Thailand

1. Chiang Saen Lake

Chiang Saen Lake often has large congregations of waterfowl in the "winter" months, with a few Baer's Pochard occurring anually, a species which is becoming increasingly rare internationally. Other species which are usually present in the winter include Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Ferruginous Pochard, Garganey and large numbers of Lesser Whistling Duck.

Although increased water levels of the lake have decreased the amount of marginal habitat available, Purple Swamphen, White-browed Crake, Common Moorhen and White-breasted Waterhen are all common and in the surrounding scrub species such as Dusky Warbler, Siberian Rubythroat and Chestnut-tailed Starling are usually to be found.

             
             Baer's Pochards by Pongpol Adireksarn.

2. River Mekong

The River Mekong has a very strong flow in the wet season and sometimes floods considerable areas around Chiang Saen. However, when the water levels are lower, in the "winter" there can be some good birdwatching on the riverine sand bars. Species such as Long-billed Plover, River Lapwing and Small Pratincole are the specialities here, but other waterbirds can also be present with Spot-billed Duck, Ruddy Shelduck and various waders. Plain Martin is also usually to be seen on the Mekong as are good numbers of Citrine Wagtails. The birds can often be some distance away so bring a telescope.

             
             River Lapwing by Peter Ericsson.

3. Yonok Wetlands

Yonok Wetlands is a large area of freshwater wetlands and rice paddies and is another excellent birdwatching location in Chiang Saen. The wetlands are home to birds such as Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Ruddy-breasted Crake, Striated Grassbird and many others with large roosts of Pied and Eastern Marsh Harriers in the evenings and a few pairs of Eastern Grass Owl.

The surrounding paddies can be good bird habitat too with Oriental Skylark, Chestnut-eared Bunting, Bluethroat and Citrine Wagtail amongst others.

             
             Pheasant-tailed Jacana by Johan Svensson.

More detailed information on birdwatching in Chiang Saen can be found here; Birdwatching in Chiang Saen; and Bread and Butter Cottage makes an excellent base for birdwatching in the area.