The bird watching on Golden Buddha Island must rate as possibly the best in Thailand. Wide expanses of savannah dotted with trees, lined by tropical forest and tidal rivers and of course bordered by the ocean makes for superb bird habitat. Over 100 different species were recorded by a single pair of guests a few years ago (the list now kindly reproduced here) and include many rare species such as the Asian open-billed stork, lesser adjutant, Indian roller and brown fish owl. Indeed an island resident has reported seeing the magnificent adjutant quite frequently of late.
Hooded Pitta
Indian Roller
Lesser Adjutant
The vast savannah makes fantastic viewing for both keen bird watchers and those who just like to admire beautiful fauna. Many of the birds boast striking plumage and can be commonly seen both at the resort and its surrounds, including a large variety of bee eaters and kingfishers. Guests are free to walk almost anywhere on the island or can enjoy both walking and vehicle based guided safaris. Bespoke bird watching tours are available on request.
Hoopoe
Crimson Sunbird
Ruddy Kingfisher
Recently one of our guests from the UK described a day of “accidental” bird watching “On my way to breakfast one morning I heard a ruffling in the tree outside my beach house. Peering through the foliage I saw a pair of Oriental Pied Hornbills enjoying a feast of newly ripened fruit. They didn't seem perturbed by my presence at all. It must have been one of those days because as soon as I sat down in the restaurant, a Peregrine Falcon perched itself on the tree opposite my table. However, he didn't hang around for long. I guess toast and jam wasn't to his liking. Later that morning, I witnessed several bee eaters playing tag (or so it seemed) at the back of the club house. I am not sure of the species, but apparently they are there each day. That evening I headed for the bay. There searing above the ocean was a white bellied sea eagle. With a wing span of around 2 metres, this truly is a magnificent site and proved a thrilling end to my day here at Golden Buddha Beach Resort”
