![]() |
| To date, Bach Ma has recorded more than 360 bird species, accounting for 40% of the total number of bird species in Vietnam. Photo: Truong Cam |
Those who have visited Bach Ma have more or less encountered moments of birds dancing or heard their melodious chirping along the paths through waterfalls, streams, and ancient forests. Along the winding road from the garden entrance to the summit of Bach Ma, besides the vehicles carrying tourists, there are also groups of two or three people leisurely strolling with cameras in hand. They come to Bach Ma not only for relaxation but also to witness and capture stunning images of the birdlife there.
“I’ve been to Bach Ma many times. Besides the stunning scenery, fresh air, and almost untouched forests, what impressed me most was the presence of rare bird species,” shared Nguyen Nhat Quang, a bird photography enthusiast. He recounted that the journey was filled with mixed emotions: sometimes disappointment when he didn’t see a single bird all day, but other times overwhelming joy when he captured impressive moments of birds on camera.
The journey of tracking birds doesn't stop at the main road leading to the summit of Bach Ma Mountain. Enthusiasts often follow trails, venturing to the stream banks in the hope of encountering birds. "Those are cool places with plenty of food, so birds often flock there," Quang added. He usually waits for early morning or late afternoon hours – the times when birds are most abundant – to capture photographs.
To date, Bach Ma has recorded more than 360 bird species, accounting for about 40% of the total number of bird species in Vietnam. These include rare and valuable species such as: the peacock pheasant, the long-billed thrush, the brown hornbill, the ground hornbill, the spotted dove, the Nepalese tern, the Indian kite, and the Malayan eagle…
When talking about birds in Bach Ma, it's impossible not to mention expert Truong Cam - Deputy Director of the Center for Environmental Education and Services at Bach Ma National Park. Approaching retirement age, this man has spent more than half his life connected to the mountains and forests of this region. He is famous for his ability to imitate the voices of over 100 bird species. Coming from a forestry background, he has a thorough understanding of the deep forests. As if by chance, he discovered he could "understand" bird calls; whenever he hears a species singing, he can immediately "mimic" it.
Many tour groups visiting Bach Ma have been fortunate enough to be guided by him to see birds and witness firsthand the fascinating "dialogue" with various forest birds. When imitating the call of a thrush, he can instantly switch to the calls of a cuckoo, a rail, a bittern, etc. Depending on the species and context, he has different ways of expressing himself.
With years of experience leading tours, he affirmed that compared to many other national parks, Bach Ma has excellent habitats and climate, and rich biodiversity, making birdwatching very convenient. Summer is the most favorable time, so many tour groups plan and book tours to both explore nature and observe birds. "While bird hunting was difficult to control in the past, it has now almost disappeared. As a result, many bird species are becoming more tame, making it easier for tourists to observe and explore," Mr. Cam said.
According to the expert, birdwatching tours here typically last about 3 days and 2 nights. Depending on their needs, visitors will be taken to key locations such as Km8, Km17, or trails and streams. "Of course, besides the advantages, unpredictable weather such as heavy rain and strong winds can sometimes be a hindrance to birdwatching," Mr. Cam shared.
Source: https://huengaynay.vn/doi-song/theo-dau-chim-muong-166540.html








