Location: Casa Sandoval; 1200 Russell Way, Hayward 94541

Topic: “Thailand: Traveling the Old Mealworm Trail in the Land of Smiles”

Presenter: Hans Peeters

Most tourists who visit Thailand make a beeline for the gorgeous beaches, but birders head for the hills, where they are certain to enlarge their life lists. Thailand is home to an astounding variety of thrushes and babblers and other avian baubles. This is a great place to take pictures of pittas! Northern Thailand is mountainous and covered with vast forests, and the country to the south sports limestone hills that arise like shark fins from the plains. One finds spectacular lakes with towering cliffs and aquarium fish in the crystalline water.

The best part is that avian skulkers need not be ferreted out in the underbrush but actually come out for clear views, eager for mealworms provided by the bird guides. The birder does not have to settle for the fleeting glimpse of a tail disappearing between the leaves but will instead enjoy full-on, close-up views. The occasional exotic mammal also shows up at blinds—a tiny deer standing 8 inches at the shoulder, a beautiful kind of monkey one has never heard of before, tree shrews and squirrels of several species— all these make a Thai birding trip special. Not to mention the giant monitor lizards straight out of Jurassic Park.

Casa Sandoval is on the corner of 2nd and Russell. From “A” or “B” Streets in Hayward, turn north onto 2nd St. and follow it one block to Russell. Here’s a link to directions on Casa Sandoval’s website: http://www.casasandoval.com/