Today we split the group into two teams. It's always difficult to decide how to name the teams. Ajarn Wayne took one team (Khao Neo) to see the gibbons while I took the other team (Mamuang) to go birdwatching. Both teams left before sunrise. By the way, khao neo mamuang is the ajarn's favorite dessert: sticky rice and mango.
Some of the students in Team Khao Neo watching gibbons.
Taylor and Rachael looking for exotic birds.
Here is Team Khao Neo at a medium sized sompong tree.
Ajarn Uey and Ajarn Mink explaining about gibbon and tropical forest ecology.
A few birds seen by Team Mamuang: this one is jungle fowl, which to anyone else looks like a rooster. It's actually a different species that occurs in the wild.
Oriental magpie robin.
Emerald imperial pigeon.
Our birding ajarns were Dtoon (behind the spotting scope) and Phet (next photo). They are fantastic friends who help us every year with birding in Khao Yai.
Phet (plaid shirt) and Dtoon (at the spotting scope) providing interpretation of the bird fauna. Both have advanced degrees in bird ecology.
We are approaching the observation tower. From here you can see a long way and observe wildlife.
Inside the observation tower are Brandon, Sydney, and Lu.
Ashley and Taylor.
Lu, Sarah, and Elliott.
The students seemed a little bored, so here I am juggling elephant evidence. There is no extra charge for entertainment... It's included in the program fees.
The students' reaction to my juggling skills.
After dinner, Khun Phet gave us a presentation about bird predation ecology and bear population ecology.
Thank you! Thank you! Such an wonderful education and experience that they cannot get anywhere else. Thank you for the narratives, it feels like we are able to experience this adventure with them. Janet Daubendiek (Sarah's mom)
ReplyDeleteBear population? What kind of bears...Sun Bears or is it Asian Black Bears! Interesting. Sera texted that she saw so many birds she has never seen but she didn't get any good pictures. Thank you for the bird pictures!
ReplyDeleteBoth of them (Malayan sun bear and Asiatic black bear)
DeleteThe birds are beautiful, but the Asian Fairy Bluebirds we googled yesterday will be hard to beat. LOVE the group photo on the hill!
ReplyDeleteSnowing and freezing weather today in Kansas City, wish I was there watching all the beautiful birds and of course elephant dung juggling
ReplyDeleteAfter spending all day yesterday outside in the snow I second that motion!!
DeleteThe birds look incredible.
-DCalandro
Loved the fig tree - looks like it could dwarf our Redwoods which Ashley saw lots if last summer... Also glad to know you are working on some extra skills while you're there (aka juggling) and getting great student feedback
ReplyDeleteLoved the fig tree - looks like it could dwarf our Redwoods which Ashley saw lots if last summer... Also glad to know you are working on some extra skills while you're there (aka juggling) and getting great student feedback
ReplyDeleteYou are really having some full days. Grateful, that even though you've done this trip numerous times, you still keep the excitement going for this group (sorry, not referring to the juggling act!ha).
ReplyDeleteLol ok I really did Laugh out loud! Very funny photos! I'm guessing something happened to Lu's phone? I was getting a daily text but nothing since Monday? Thank goodness for this blog or I would be imagining the worse. 😳 I know I've said this before but this really has made this a lot easier on this parent and I'm sure all of the parents. Keep having fun and great adventures!
ReplyDeleteSera texted me from the gift shop and said they had no cell reception. So Lu's phone is probably suffering the same fate as Sera's.
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