The Indian whistling duck in Phayao
The Thai newspaper "The Nation" has a report today that more than 10.000 migratory birds have come from Siberia to winter around the Rongtieu reservoir in Phayao, northern Thailand.
It would mainly concern the Indian whistling duck (Dendrocygna javanica) and the large number makes the area around the reservoir interesting for true bird watchers and nature lovers.
The birds will undoubtedly be present around the marshy reservoir, which is rich in biodiversity and has a healthy ecosystem, but the author of the article in question is quite wrong in calling the lesser whistling duck a migratory bird from Siberia. According to a response to the story and also according to Wikipedia, the Indian whistling duck occurs in a number of Asian countries including Thailand, Siberia is not included in that list of countries. You can see this whistling duck described in detail on Wikipedia.
Songjit Sripeth, assistant district officer of the Phu Kamyao district, says in the article that the area around the Rongltieu is an eco-tourism attraction that is good for the local economy. Visitors can enjoy the many bird species that can be seen there, it is noted that you can camp for free in your own tent. A route has already been mapped out for visitors who wish to jog or cycle around the reservoir.
Visits from bird watchers and some nature lovers are fine, but I wonder if massive visits to the area are good for the until now peaceful bird life.
Source: The Nation, photos Wikipedia