Red-collared Woodpeckers at Cuc Phuong!

After a slow day in Tam Dao (see report from Sunday, June 27th), Paul Schwyzer and I (Stephan Lauper) visited Cuc Phuong for the weekend, 3rd and 4th of July. Even though summer is definitely not prime birdwatching season, we did not regret it.

Arriving at headquarter in the mid-after noon sun, we were welcomed by Brown-backed Needletails, Green-eared Barbets, at least three Long-tailed Broadbills and a Red-headed Trogon. Not too bad as a start. A late afternoon stroll from Bong Substation along the Valley Trail was at first very calm. However, just after entering the forest we came upon a loud party of woodpeckers. After some time we could locate the birds and were more than happy to realise that there were at least three Red-collared Woodpeckers. Not the easiest species to see. After a couple of minutes of great views they disappeared into the deeper forest. More than satisfied we went back to headquarter. A late evening stroll around headquarter did not reveal any sign of nightbirds.

Sunday morning we started from the headquarters before dawn hoping to see a Malayan Night-heron on the road to Bong. Unfortunately, there was no sign of the elusive bird. At the substation we headed for the loop trail and the first section was quite good. We had Rufous-throated Fulvetta, Grey-throated Babblers, Rachet-tailed Treepies and a couple of Silver-breasted Broadbills. Nice! However, the activity slowed down very quickly and at 9am we were heading back. Just before leaving the forest, Paul was able to observe an immature Pitta. Did you made up your mind Paul what species it was? After an unsuccessful search for the bird we took the car to the headquarters.

As usual after Cuc Phuong, we made a stop at Van Long. However, we were much too early and the sun was burning without pity. We saw some nice species: White-browed Crake, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Black Bittern, Watercock etc. Unfortunately, the Delacour’s Langurs did not show themselves. I am still very sorry Paul!