Bird Watching in Myanmar
Moe Yun Gyi Wetland
Moeyungyi wetlands are situated in Bago Division, about 70 miles north of Yangon, by the Yangon-Mandalay highway. It is just two-hour drive from Yangon. In 1878 a water storage reservoir was constructed in Moeyungyi area. Many years later, the reservoir changed naturally into wetlands with the extent of 40 square miles which have high wetland conservation value. As a result, the wetlands have been notified as a wildlife sanctuary since 1988.
Every year, millions of birds usually fly from the northern hemisphere to the south along the East Asian Australian Flyway to escape from winter. They stop to rest and feed in Asia. So the flyway contains a network of wetlands and Moeyungyi is one of them.
Moeyungyi is a vital shelter for both resident and migratory waterfowls. A census at Moeyungyi revealed that there are 125 species of water birds including 70 species of migrants. Little Grebe, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Sarus Crane, Asian Open-Bill, Ruddy Shelduck, Purple Swamp hen, Spot-Billed pelican, Pheasant Tailed Jacana, Black Winged Stilt, Great Cormorant, etc., can be seen abundantly.
The best season to visit is from November to February. In addition to bird watching, you can observe the livelihood of local populace, fauna and flora of the wetlands.
Just at the edge of Moeyungyi Wildlife Sanctuary, ecologically friendly Moeyugyi Wetlands Resort Hotel is situated. The hotel extends a warm welcome to tourists, bird-watchers and researchers, It is a perfectly convenient place to make an overnight stop either you are on bird watching trip, or on your way to the Golden Rock Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. It is a real paradise for nature-lovers as well as holiday-makers.
For overnight travelers, Moeyungyi Resort Hotel is always ready to serve. The hotel is a cluster of boat shaped houses built in the wetlands. It is an ideal base for wetlands excursions as boat cruises depart from there. The houses are designed to suit the native life style.
Moneyingyi wetland and wildlife sanctuary - Bago
Moneyingyi wetland, covering 40 square miles, is located in Bago and Waw townships of Bago division, It was established in 1986.
Access
It is 70 miles (112 km) from Yangon along Yangon - Bago - Pyinpongyi highway.
Objectives
To conserve resident and migratory water birds and their habitats. To conduct scientific research on resident and migratory water birds in cooperation with international scientific organizations. To organize extension programmes to educate the public on the importance of wetland ecosystem and public participation in wetland conservation activities.
Forest / vegetation types
More then twenty species of aquatic grass and herb (Emergent macrophytes) including kaing grass and water are present in the sanctuary and Notsaba(Oxyza officinalis) grow particularly in shallow aera of the sanctuary. Especially Kaing grasslands are the most suitable breeding ground for water birds.
Wildlife
It is believed to have 42 species of water bird and 33 species of shore bird. According to the census conducted in January 1998, it is noted that more than 4500 birds inhabited the Moeyingyi wetland wildlife sanctuary.
Conservation, development and research
Conservation of water birds and their habitats. Conducting research on resident and migratory water birds in cooperation with international scientific organizations and conversation and management training courses.
Implementation of wetland conservation and management programmes. Construction of basic infrastructure such as an information center, a rest house, a restaurant and two bird observation towers needed for the promotion of ecotourism and in joint-venture with a privately owned company, Shweyiwin Co.,Ltd, to promote ecotourism.
Opportunities for study and recreation
Watching resident and migratory water birds and enjoyment of natural view near Yangon. Conducting research activities on wetland ecosystem. Study wetland environment by boat. Accommodation for 5 to 10 persons at a guest house. Nine boat-shaped timber houses accommodating two in each room.
INDAWGYI WETLAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
This sanctuary (775.25 sq km) is located in the northern part of the country. Indawgyi Lake is 333 sq km and is the largest inland lake of South East Asia and the third largest lake in the world, which is covered in natural tropical moist forest. In this forest Wild Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Sambhur Deer, Serow, Gaur, Wild Boar and others mammals may be viewed. In this sanctuary not only water birds but also forest birds (recorded in 291 bird species) can be observed. A birdwatcher paradise with many hundreds of Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed and Greyleg Geese, Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Common Crane and Brown-headed Gull. In addition many rare species of waterfowl and forest birds can be viewed including Red-crested Pochard, Grey-headed Lapwing, Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, Woolly-necked Stork, White-rumped Vulture, Blue-bearded Bee-eater and Brahiminy Kite. One may also study butterflies, plants and aquatic biology, and traditional fishing or visit historically famous Shwe Myint Zu Pagoda that is situated in the lake. The best time to go is from middle of October to April.