Around 140 bird species recorded at Cat Tien National Park during Vietnam BirdRace 2026

After 24 hours of bird photography conducted with respect for nature and wildlife, the 32 teams, comprising 114 participants, competing in Vietnam BirdRace 2026, recorded approximately 140 bird species at Cat Tien National Park on May 10.

Organizers present awards to winning teams and photographers at Vietnam BirdRace 2026. Photo: Vy Tran

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2001 and awarded Green List status by IUCN in 2024, Cat Tien National Park has further cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most important nature reserves.

For nature lovers in general and bird photographers in particular, Cat Tien is considered one of the most outstanding birdwatching destinations in southern Vietnam. The park is home to many remarkable bird species, including Germain’s peacock-pheasants, Siamese firebacks, partridges, green peafowls, great hornbills, Crested Serpent-Eagles, pittas, woodpeckers, babblers, and many other lowland forest birds.

Renowned photographer Nick Ut attended this year’s Vietnam BirdRace. Shortly after arriving at Cat Tien, he immediately began photographing wildlife and captured images of a pair of woodpeckers foraging on a tree trunk. Photo: Vy Tran

Nick Ut also interacted with and signed photographs for young photographers participating in the program. Photo: Vy Tran

The judging panel included experienced photographers and conservationists specializing in wildlife photography. Photo: Vy Tran

After two days of competition from May 8 to 10, the top overall prizes were awarded to the teams Sony Alpha Wings, Treo Cay Mo Vang, Javan Plover, and Saigon Teens.

Specifically, Sony Alpha Wings won first place with 95 recorded species, followed by Treo Cay Mo Vang with 88. The Indonesian team Javan Plover, participating in BirdRace for the first time, secured third place with 83 species, while Saigon Teens finished fourth with 71 species. The “Impressive Discovery” award went to the photograph Grey-headed Fish Eagle by team Cu Dem.

Individual prizes were awarded to four photographers: Nguyen Pho for Orange-breasted Trogon, Nguyen Xuan Nguyen for Minivet, Nguyen Hoai Yen Phuong for Common Flameback, and Tran Bao Huy for Oriental Pied Hornbill.

Vietnam BirdRace 2026 at Cat Tien National Park officially concluded at noon on May 10, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Cat Tien forest. Photo: Vy Tran

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Pham Xuan Thinh, Director of Cat Tien National Park, extended congratulations to the community of nature photographers participating in this year’s event. He also expressed hope that wildlife photographers would continue pursuing their passion for exploring nature, inspiring greater public awareness of nature conservation.

By Vy Tran – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho