Northern
& Central Thailand Tour, 3rd-26th December 2014 |
|
|
|
Bird
Watching Trips:
If you need help organizing a bird watching
trip to Thailand, take a look at the suggested itineraries
for ideas on creating a tailor-made trip and contact me
for advice: Thailand
bird tours. |
|
|
|
Introduction
When Al Serfas contacted me he said that he
would like a to spend 23 days birding, visiting a wide variety of
habitats whilst minimizing travel and being able to spend a good amount
of time at each location so that he would not feel as if he were in
a rush. With this in mind I planned a trip for him so that we would
gradually work our way back to Bangkok, from Chiang Mai, stopping
at some of the best birding locations, giving us several chances at
most target species and covering a wide selection of birding habitats. |
Transport
We made this trip in a four-door Toyota Vigo which was chosen
for its high ground clearance and four-wheel drive facility
as the roads up Doi Lang and Kaeng Krachan can be quite bad
at times. This proved a sound decision as the road up Doi Lang
from Thatorn was exceptionally bad and the guards were not allowing
unsuitable vehicles up the mountain. This vehicle made access
to Sab Sadao far easier and quicker than with a saloon car or
mini van.
Notes on Finding Birds
Finding birds was a little harder than is normal at this time
of year. In the north the birding was good but with the late
arrival of the cool season many migrants had still not arrived.
In dry dipterocarp woodland the birding was much slower than
expected, although we still managed to find a lot of good birds
in that habitat. Wetland and open country birding was typically
easy although in the Gulf of Thailand windy weather made things
rather trickier than normal. |
|
|
|
Birding
in the forests of Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan was much quieter than
was expected, probably due to the arrival of cooler weather, with
the winds associated with its arrival making it extremely difficult/impossible
to see any of the anticipated targets at Khao Yai; with patience Kaeng
Krachan provided good views of exciting birds, although it was hard.
Field Guides
1. A
Field Guide to the Birds of Thailand by Craig Robson
2. Guide
to the Birds of Thailand by Philip D. Round & Boonsong Lekagul
3. Large
Mammals of Thailand by John Parr
Bird Calls: Calls used were obtained from the following
sources.
1. Xena Canto
2. Birds of Tropical Asia by Jelle Scharringa
Birding Highlights
Doi Ang Kang: Spot-breasted Parrotbill, Grey-headed
Parrotbill, Amur Falcon, Black-breasted Thrush, Daurian Redstart,
Crested Finchbill
Doi Lang: Pale-headed Woodpecker, Lesser Rufous-headed
Parrotbill, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Eyebrowed Wren Babbler, Chestnut-headed
Tesia, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Silver Pheasant, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-babbler,
Red-billed Scimitar-babbler, Scarlet-faced Liocichla, Mountain Hawk
Eagle, Black Baza, Giant Nuthatch
Chiang Saen Lake: Slavonian Grebe, Black-necked Grebe,
Pied Harrier
Fang Hot Springs: Spot-winged Grosbeak, White-capped
Water Redstart
Doi Inthanon: Black-throated Parrotbill, Dark-sided
Thrush, Eurasian Woodcock, Brown Hawk Owl, Plumbeous Redstart, Blossom-headed
Parakeet
Mae Ping: Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Great Slaty
Woodpecker, White-bellied Woodpecker, Black-headed Woodpecker, Collared
Falconet, Grey-headed Parakeet, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Mae Wong: Crested Kingfisher, Northern White-crowned
Forktail, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Silver-eared Mesia,
Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, White-necked Laughingthrush, Large
Hawk Cuckoo
Beung Boraphet: Great Bittern, Oriental Darter
Khao Yai: Siamese Fireback, Long-tailed Broadbill,
Wreathed Hornbill, Mugimaki Flycatcher, White-throated Rockthrush,
Golden-crested Myna
Sab Sadao: Black-headed Woodpecker, Chinese Francolin,
Rufous-winged Buzzard, Small Minivet, Blossom-headed Parakeet
Laem Pak Bia/Pak Thale: Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann's
Greenshank, Asian Dowitcher, Long-billed Dowitcher, Chinese Egret,
Pallas's Gull, Black-headed Ibis, Watercock
Petchaburi Rice Fields: Greater Spotted Eagle, Steppe
Eagle, Pied Harrier, Pink-necked Green Pigeon
Kaeng Krachan: Great Hornbill, Tickell's Brown Hornbill,
Crested Jay, Black-and-yellow Broadbill, Black-and-red Broadbill,
Black-thighed Falconet, Kalij Pheasant, Yellow-vented Green Pigeon,
Bamboo Woodpecker, Black-and-buff Woodpecker, Heart Spotted Woodpecker,
Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Red-bearded Bee-eater, Grey Peacock Pheasant,
Bay Woodpecker
Lung Sin Hide: Slaty-legged Crake, Scaly-breasted
Partridge |
Doi
Ang Kang
Our short stay at Doi Ang Kang was organized to see a few reliable
birds that are very scarce or absent at other locations and to enjoy
the fabulous scenery at this location. The stakeout in the King's
project turned up the regular White-tailed Robin, male Rufous-bellied
Niltava and 2 male plus 1 female Black-breasted Thrushes as well as
nice views of a number of commoner birds feeding in trees nearby as
we waited.
A visit to the army camp at Ban Nor Lae always seems to turn up a
few interesting birds as well as an interesting view into Myanmar.
We saw 2 male Daurian Redstarts in a regular spot and Yellow-streaked
Warbler reacted well to call playback for a nice photo opportunity.
Buff-throated Warbler and Japanese Tit also responded to call and
showed themselves nicely.
Spending the morning at the army campsite on Doi Ang Kang often rewards
birders with some nice species and on this occasion we called in a
pair of Spot-breasted Parrotbills and encountered a close-up flock
of Grey-headed Parrotbills with accompanying Spectacled Barwings;
a late migrating juvenile Amur Falcon passed overhead, my third such
sighting in a week. A flock of Common Rosefinches, several Olive-backed
Pipits, 2 Golden-throated Barbets and a number of common flocking
species helped make this a very nice stop.
Crested Finchbill is another speciality at Doi Ang Kang but they can
be very hard to find at times, while at other times they seem to be
one of the commonest species; this time they were scarce so we were
lucky to see 3 feeding on roadside flowers near Ban Luang. At the
same location we also saw a Blue-bearded Bee-eater while the call
of Grey-crowned Warbler gave it away in the undergrowth and made it
easy to separate from other Seisercus warblers.
Although we only had a short time at this site we managed to squeeze
in a quick visit to the Chinese cemetary for nice views of Brown-breasted
Bulbul alongside Red-whiskered and Sooty-headed Bulbuls.
Doi Lang
Doi Lang has to be the premier highland birding site in Thailand so
it was a shame that access at this time was a little more restricted
than in the previous year with the military preventing driving all
the way through to Thatorn from the Fang side of the mountain. All
parts of the mountain could be accessed but much of it only from the
Thatorn side. The road up from Fang was still easily managed by any
vehicle but for those wishing to access the Thatorn side this was
only possible using a robust vehicle as the road was extremely bad
in places. Indeed, the border police at checkpoint 1 were not allowing
unsuitable vehicles access and were providing the phone number of
local drivers with four-wheel drive vehicles for hire. Our vehicle
was able to make it up from Thatorn comfortably, taking about 45 minutes
from the village to birding at the concrete bridge.
Our first morning
on the mountain was cut short as the higher ridges were shrouded in
cloud and threatened rain, resulting in us deciding to head to Chiang
Saen for the afternoon. However, we still managed to see some spectacular
birds including Maroon Oriole, Slender-billed Oriole and Black Baza
while a flock of small birds included Speckled Piculet and Little
Pied Flycatcher. |
At the large concrete bridge we called in a flock of Collared
Babblers that were joined by Red-billed Scimitar-babbler and
Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill but a huge shock came with
a pair of Woodpeckers which I initially assumed to be Bamboo
Woodpeckers but when they presented us with close-up views
proved to be apparently Pale-headed Woodpeckers! This species
is only previously known from two records both of which turned
out to be hybrids/intergrades and both at a location quite
distant from Doi Lang. Although we failed to obtain photographs
we got excellent views and the plumage would appear to be
consistent with Pale-headed Woodpeckers and not the intergrades
previously recorded - they most certainly were not Bamboo
Woodpeckers.
Raptors were few and far between on this trip but Doi Lang
provided us with a few good raptor sightings with Eastern
Buzzard and Grey-faced Buzzard at the rice fields on the Thatorn
side as well as a couple of Mountain Hawk Eagles at San Ju
viewpoint and the only Peregrine Falcon of the trip.
The best birding on the mountain was to be had on the Fang
side, in the pine forest and patches of moist forest where
there are several photographic stakeouts. The pine forest
provided us with several Giant Nuthatches, many Warblers and
Flycatchers while the photo stakeouts were drawing in male
and female Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Hill Prinia, Rusty-cheeked
Scimitar Babbler, Siberian Rubythroat, White-gorgetted Flycatcher
and 3 Silver-eared Laughingthrushes that were constantly waiting
for mealworms to be deposited for them. This area also gave
us great views of a roosting Grey Nightjar, Spot-breasted
Parrotbill, Sapphire Flycatcher, 3 species of Seicercus
warblers and a wonderful flock of Black-throated Tits. Although
our last morning on the mountain was a little quiet, we both
enjoyed Doi Lang a lot and it was once again one of the best
birding locations of the trip.
Thatorn Rice Fields
A few hours in the late afternoon at this location provided
us with some nice sightings and a few nice photo opportunities
as well as some variety to the forest birding; it is accessed
via a dirt track just a few kilometres before reaching Thatorn,
coming from Fang. We had great views of a flock of Grey-headed
Lapwings, close to the vehicle, as we drove in and a little
call playback gave us stunning views of a male Siberian Rubythroat.
We also obtained out best views of Dusky Warbler here and
many Citrine Wagtails were present - the only time we saw
this species; Green Sandpiper was another bird which we only
saw at this location.
|
|
|
|
Birdwatching
Trips to Thailand:
Kaeng Krachan national park is one of
the must-visit birding locations in Thailand. |
At
any time of year a wide variety of species can be
found here but during the early wet season Kaeng
Krachan is really at its best and birders have the
chance to see many colourful resident birds.
Contact me to arrange a trip and/or to discuss the
best birdwatching options for you: nickupton@thaibirding.com |
|
|
|
|
|
Just five minutes from our accommodation at Thatorn this was a nice
easy end to the day with a stunning sunset.
Chiang Saen Lake & Yonok Wetlands
Despite widespread habitat destruction, Chiang Saen still turns up
a lot of Thai rarities, particularly waterfowl. We decided on a half
day to this location to see some ducks, twitch Slavonian and Black-necked
Grebes, but mostly to see the impressive Harrier roost at Yonok wetlands.
Arriving in the middle of the day gave us problems with heat haze
and we were not able to get a boat out on the lake to view the birds.
However, we managed to get good 'scope views of many species of ducks
from various points around the lake including a Baer's Pochard which
had not been previously reported. From the lakeside temple we saw
2 Black-necked Grebes and refound the Slavonian Grebe which had not
been seen for a couple of days - this bird was the first record of
this species for Thailand.
Great Cormorant and Freckle-breasted Woodpecker were also seen at
Chiang Saen lake, the only time these species were seen on the trip.
We spent the last hour of the day at Yonok wetlands where large numbers
of Pied and Eastern Marsh Harriers came in to roost; at one point
there were more than 50 birds in the air at the same time. The male
Pied Harriers were certainly worth staying out late for, in my opinion
it is one of the best raptors in the world. It took us about 1.5 hours
to drive back to our accommodation at Thatorn.
Fang Hot Springs
This section of Doi Pha Hom Pok national park is regularly frequented
by a few interesting species and as we were staying nearby it gave
us the opportunity have an extra hour in bed! Arriving at around 7.20am
we did not have to pay the usual 200 baht per person entry fee due
to it being part of the King's Birthday holiday period. Parking at
the stream we got lovely views of White-capped Water Redstart and
Slaty-backed Forktail before walking towards the "geyser",
finding an Asian Barred Owlet being mobbed by small forest birds along
the way.
The "geyser" is actually from a pressurized pipe and it
does not erupt/get switched on until 7.30-8am and the salts that it
deposits on nearby trees are what attracts a flock of Spot-winged
Grosbeaks which we were able to study at leisure. Other species seen
included a flock of Asian Fairy Bluebirds, Blue Whistlingthrush, Grey
Wagtail and White Wagtail.
Mae Hia Agricultural College
We used this area of fields, pools and scrub as a birding stop en-route
from Doi Lang to Doi Inthanon. It took about 2.5 hours to reach this
site from the Fang side of Doi Lang (we had a good run, it would normally
take at least 30 minutes longer) and then about another hour to reach
our accommodation at Inthanon Highland Resort after finishing birding.
Although birding is not spectacular here several interesting species
can always be seen well and there is always the chance of a rarity
showing up. The regulars included Burmese Shrike, Striated Swallow
and Wire-tailed Swallow, all of which gave us good opportunities to
photograph them. We photographed several other commoner open country
species by creeping up to them in the vehicle; Brown Shrike, Scaly-breasted
Munia, Pied Bushchat, Eastern Stonechat.
The last hour of light provided some nice birding as we walked around
experimental rice plots in which several Red Avadavats were feeding;
this was also a good spot to observe the blanfordi subspecies
of Plain Prinia.
Doi Inthanon
We spent two and a half days at Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain,
and while we did not see anything that was particularly unexpected,
this site delivered on many of its speciality species, including some
of the best flocks of small birds of the whole trip. |
We made several visits to the summit, which was very busy
with Thai and foreign tourists, but several feeding areas
(one at the coffee shop and one behind the shop at the entrance
to the radar station) provided us with more or less constant
close-up views of Chestnut-tailed Minla, Dark-backed Sibia,
Silver-eared Laughingthrush, Flavescent Bulbul and even Rufous-throated
Partridge. Strangely enough, Green-tailed Sunbird was difficult
to see, although we got nice views of one male eventually,
while Mrs Gould's Sunbird was abundant. We made several curcuits
of the boardwalk at various times of the day but by far the
most productive was early morning on the last day, before
the tourists had arrived. Notable species inlcuded Eurasian
Woodcock, Dark-sided Thrush, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Himalayan
Bluetail and White-browed Shortwing.
Heavy traffic made birding at the second checkpoint quite
unpleasant and park staff have banned the use of mealworms
at the old stakeouts there because they deem it detrimental
to bird's welfare. This is a quite laughable standpoint when
a short walk away from the road will often result in encounter's
with poachers with bags containing dead birds and mist nets
which have been erected to trap birds for food. The ranger's
job at this second checkpoint seems to consist of rolling
a barrier back and forwards in order to create a traffic jam,
preventing bird watchers from seeing secretive birds and allowing
the nearby trail to become impassable.
The trail at Km 34.5 provided us with some of the best birding
of the trip with regular flocks of arboreal birds which included
Clicking Shrike-babbler, Black-throated Parrotbill, Hume's
Treecreeper, Maroon Oriole, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Golden
Babbler and several species of Leaf Warbler. We also had good
views of Grey-throated, Short-billed and Long-tailed Minivets
along here as well as our only sighting of Wedge-tailed Green
Pigeon - a single male.
|
|
Map
of the Sites Visited Between 3-26th December 2014 |
|
|
We spent a few hours one morning along the track at Km 13 as there
had been several sightings of White-rumped Falcon over the preceeding
weeks. We failed to see this species and the track was extremely quiet,
although nowhere near as hot as is usual. We saw a few groups of Collared
Falconets and called in a single Black-headed Woodpecker after spotting
2 Black-backed Forktails at the stream; very little else was seen.
We also spent one late afternoon at the Blossom-headed Parakeet pre-roost
where we saw 6 Parakeets. Plain-backed Sparrow, Chestnut-tailed Starling
and Lineated Barbet were also seen here.
A little night birding was
successful at Inthanon Highland Resort where we called in Spotted
Owlet and 2 Brown Boobook's as well as seeing a Phayre's Flying Squirrel.
Mae Ping
Mae Ping national park contains extensive areas of dry dipterocarp
woodland which has far higher bird abundance than the Km 13 area of
Doi Inthanon. We spent the late afternoon of 11th December, all day
of 12th and a short morning on the 13th December at this location
and although birding was very slow (particularly in the early morning!)
we did see some fantastic species here including a number of spectacular
Woodpeckers, in particular we came across Rufous-bellied Woodpecker,
a species which it seems may not have been seen in Thailand for around
10 years.
Other species which were exciting sightings for us were White-bellied
and Great Slaty Woodpeckers as well as large numbers of Black-headed
Woodpecker. Other species of Woodpecker were Greater Flameback, Common
Flameback and Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker.
This habitat is usually good for raptors but the only species we saw
was Collared Falconet!
Most of the birds seen at this site were new for us on this trip and
included our only sightings of Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Grey-headed
Parakeet, Plains Nuthatch and Crested Treeswift. After dark we found
that oriental Scops Owl is common at this site, getting a response
from multiple birds at every point that we stopped along the road.
Unfortunately, although some of the birds came closer we never managed
to get one in view.
Mae Wong
At Mae Wong the main target species were to be found by sitting in
hides, at regular feeding/watering spots, and waiting for their appearance.
On arrival, at around 3pm, we contacted ranger Anan ay Chong Yen campsite
who suggested that we went straight to the stakeout for Rusty-naped
Pitta. We found that we had missed this bird by minutes but sat waiting
until around 5.30 hoping for its return. This was to be the start
of many, very uncomfortable hours sitting and waiting for species
that did not show up!
We had two long sessions waiting for the Pitta, which is usually very
reliable, except not on the days that we were present. Ranger Anan
has built a permanent hide for this species, so birders do not need
their own hides for this stakeout (although they will for other stakeouts).
Although the non-appearance of Rusty-naped Pitta was frustrating and
crippling we did get prolonged and close-up views of a number of other
difficult-to-see species; Buff-breasted Babbler, White-crowned Forktail,
Streaked Wren Babbler, Spot-necked Babbler, White-tailed Robin, Rufous-browed
Flycatcher and Hill Blue Flycatcher.
At Chong Yen campsite, despite large numbers of people present, several
great birds were to be found at a feeding station, including one of
my favourites; Silver-eared Mesia. Black-throated, Silver-eared and
White-necked Laughingthrushes also came in and Coral-billed Scimitar
Babbler was seen nearby. Waiting in the hide for Grey peacock Pheasant
was another painful and frustrating experience, getting only a brief
view of the bird as we entered the hide.
Sitting in hides was not the sort of birding we enjoyed that much,
despite fine views of many lovely birds so a spell birding along the
road was nice with several flocks of birds containing Chestnut-crowned
Warbler, Grey-chinned Minivet, Red-billed Scimitar Babbler, Burmese
Yuhina and Olive Bulbul. However, one more bird requiring a wait was
of interest to us and we took our places alongside some helpful Thai
photographers next to the stream, near HQ, and waited for the arrival
of Crested Kingfisher. Just as our legs were beginning to cramp up
the Kingfisher arrived and gace a great display and photo opportunities
- both a relief and excitement at the same time.
As we were leaving from HQ we obtained out best views of Red-billed
Blue Magpie and excellent photos of a pair of Orange-breasted Trogons.
We left Mae Wong around 11am having seen some great birds but exhausted
ourselves both physically and mentally with our long, cramped waits
in hides over the course of three days.
Beung Boraphet
At this large area of wetlands we spent a late afternoon on the north
side of the lake and a morning taking a boat trip from the south side
of the lake.
On the north side, the area known as Pramong Panich, allowed us to
drive alongside many of the species found in the area and gave us
an afternoon of photo opportunites with species such as Black-shouldered
Kite, Striated Grassbird, Asian Openbill, Pied Kingfisher and Blue-tailed
Bee-eater being photographed. As the light faded we got out and walked
around appreciating a fine sunset and spotting a Great Bittern in
flight which was amazingly visible after it landed and allowed us
to see it through the telescope. As we were leaving we found a couple
of Savanna Nightjars before taking the 30 minute drive back to our
comfortable accommodation in Nakorn Sawan.
Our boat trip, on the morning of 16th December, began at 8am on the
south side of the lake and as most of the birds likely to be seen
were common species we asked Khun Phanom to concentrate on photography.
While we did photograph a number of birds such as Cotton Pygmy Goose,
Purple Swamphen, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Indian Cormorant and Oriental
Darter, Khun Phanom did not seem interested at all, spending the first
hour and a half driving fast into the sun, making viewing birds or
photographing them impossible. After asking him to concentrate on
better light and close encounters we proceeded to blast along at birds
getting great views of them flying away! Eventually we did get good
views of most species but Khun Phanom left us very frustrated that
much of the time on the lake had been wasted on "running the
clock down". This sort of experience is becoming all too common
at Beung Boraphet along with increasing habitat destruction.
Khao Yai
When Khao Yai is at its best it provides great sightings of wonderful,
colourful forest birds. However, outside of the breeding season it
can be very hard indeed to see any of the most desired species and
on this visit it was even harder than usual. Windy weather on our
first day more or less made the day a waste of time; forest birding
in the wind in Thailand is virtually impossible. The remainder of
our stay resulted in very very slow and difficult birding and it became
quite frustrating how often birds that would normally be seen in reliable
spots failed to show.
At Pha Gluai Mai campsite quite a few common species were active and
it provided some good opportunities to photograph birds such as Verditer
Flycatcher, Great Iora, Crimson Sunbird, Blue-winged Leafbird, Yellow-vented
Flowerpecker, Moustached Barbet, Blue Rockthrush and several species
of Leaf Warbler but it really felt like the main actors had failed
to turn up. At the back-of-the-toilet stakeout Hanian Blue Flycatcher,
male Siberian Blue Robin and White-rumped Shama showed up but nothing
else. Mugimaki Flycatcher was at its regular spot near HQ but without
its friend the White-throated Rockthrush, although we did come across
one of these handsome birds at the campsite.
Birding along the normally productive Khao Khieo road was largely
barren although we did come across a very nice group of Siamese Firebacks
one morning, while at the top of the road the birding was a little
better with Black-throated Laughingthrush, Comon Kestrel, Radde's
Warbler, White-browed Scimitar Babbler and a few other commoner forest
species.
We put in long hours of birding at a large number of spots at Khao
Yai and came up with the same few common species everywhere we went
- Blue-winged Leafbird, Swinhoe's Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Puff-throated
Bulbul - but upon finding a flowering tree we were rewarded with Vernal
Hanging Parrot among large numbers of Hair-crested Drongos. It was
also exciting to see a large flock of Long-tailed Broadbills foraging
for insects in the trees around us just behind HQ at midday. Indeed,
early morning birding on our three mornings at Khao Yai was very poor
with most of the best birding between 8.30am-midday.
Birding along the road from Pha Gluai Mai camspite to Haew Suwat was
a little better than elsewhere, sheltered as it is from the disruptive
wind. Along here we saw White-crested Laughingthrush, Greater Flameback,
another flock of Long-tailed Broadbills, Hill Myna and Golden-crested
Myna but overall our stay at Khao Yai was very very difficult birding
and quite disappointing.
Sab Sadao
After a final short morning at Khao Yai we needed little persuading
to head to a new site. We checked into a hotel in the city of Nakorn
Ratchasima and had a midday rest, heading out to Sab Sadao for the
late afternoon. Although we had seen many of the target species at
Mae Ping we found it fairly easy to find some new birds over the course
of an afternoon and morning as well as getting better views of several
species previously seen not so well.
Here we managed to add Rufous-winged Buzzard, Chestnut-capped Babbler,
Small Minivet, Indochinese Bushlark, Thick-billed Flowerpecker and
Chinese Francolin to our trip list as well as getting far better views
of Black-hooded Oriole and Eurasian Jay than we had previously as
well as out best look at Black-headed Woodpecker.
Birding at Sab Sadao was not at its best, but it was certainly far
more rewarding and enjoyable than at Khao Yai with quite a number
of nice sightings of attractive birds including fine views of Spotted
Owlet and Brown Boobook at dawn and dusk respectively.
Laem Pak Bia/Pak Thale
This is the premier shorebird site in Thailand and one of the best
in the world; quite simply Laem Pak Bia/Pak Thale never fails to deliver
in terms of quality and number of species as well as sheer numbers
of birds and this visit was no exception. We spent one and a half
days in this area starting with 2 Spoon-billed Sandpipers and at least
3 Far Eastern Curlews among the large flock of Eurasian Curlews. Large
flocks of common shorebirds were a feature of the day and it was nice
to get very close to many of them using the vehicle as a hide; in
particular it was good to see Long-toed, Red-necked and Temminck's
Stints next to each other for comparison.
We found a large number of species including more of the specialities;
Nordmann's Grrenshank, Chinese Egret, Malaysian Plover and Asian Dowitcher;
and we also came across a Thai rarity - Long-billed Dowitcher.
Our boat trip to the sand spit was rather different to usual with
storng winds making it difficult to reach, however, in the expert
hands of Mr Daeng we got out there with minimum of fuss and after
securing the boat he joined us to find the speciality species - Mr
Daeng really is one of the best guys you will come across on a birding
trip in Thailand. The strong winds had whipped up waves that had washed
away most of the sand spit but on what remained we managed to find
our target birds as well as a single Pallas's Gull.
Wind also hampered our efforts to find birds in scrubby areas although
we did find a group of about 10 White-shouldered Starlings near the
abandoned building where almost all the scrubby habitat was in the
process of being destroyed and the adjacent area developed. The nearby
rubbish dump is a mess but it did give us a chance to get close-up
views and photos of some common open country species such as Green
Bee-eater, White-vented Myna, , Eastern Cattle Egret and Paddyfield
Pipit as well as a couple of Hoopoes feeding amongst the rubbish.
The King's project area was another good place to get close to common
birds and in the hour before dusk we saw some excellent species including
Watercock, Pintail Snipe, Greater Painted Snipe, Slaty-breasted Rail,
Ruddy-breasted Crake and Indian Nightjar. We also enjoyed watching
hundreds of Black Drongos and Bee-eaters come in to roost in the mangroves
and a wonderful sunset with Fruit Bats flying off into it.
Petchaburi Rice Fields
We had two late afternoon sessions in the rice fields where a high
level of bird diversity and numbers are always a feature. Large numbers
of common open country species were to be seen and we saw some nice
raptors including Greater Spotted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Western Osprey,
Black-eared Kite and Pied Harrier although the numbers of these were
some way short of what was expected.
Large areas of Typha were invading poor areas of farmland
abandoned after the collapse of the unsustainable rice subsidizing
policy of the previous government, creating plenty of habitat for
species such as Yellow Bittern, Asian Golden Weaver, Baya Weaver,
Oriental Reed Warbler, Black-browed Reed Warbler and Yellow-bellied
Prinia, all of which we obtained good views.
By hanging around late we caught quite a lot of activity as birds
gathered to go to roost and Pink-necked Green Pigeon was one of the
highlights and Chestnut-capped Babbler was a surprise. As birds were
active before dark it gave us a great opportunity to photograph some
of the commoner species which hide during the day including Oriental
Magpie Robin and Asian Koel.
|
Kaeng
Krachan
Kaeng Krachan always seems to have some nice surprises for
wildlife watchers, whatever the time of year. Such is the
variety of birdlife and other wildlife here there are always
some excellent sightings to be had, although it can be difficult
to predict just what those will be; this adds to the excitement.
On this visit birding was not easy, at times things were very
quiet but with patience the bird sightings kept coming and
by the end we had seen a lot of great birds; unlike at Khao
Yai, here persistence and patience paid off.
In the drier, lower areas of the national park we found quite
a few species, particularly around the Km 9 area. Several
species of Woodpecker were seen including Greater Flameback,
Common Flameback, Greater Yellownape and Heart-spotted Woodpecker
but a Black-thighed Flaconet was probably the highlight. Fruiting
and seeing bushes here were attracting Black-headed and Ochraceous
Bulbuls as well as many Green-eared Barbets and a single Red-throated
Barbet, allowing us to hone our photography skills.
Birding in the moister lowland forest around Ban Krang campsite
and the three streams area was tough, with long periods of
quiet, particularly in the early morning - bird activity was
at its peak between 8.30 and midday. We were patient, though,
and rewarded with some spectacular birds including Black-and-red
Broadbill and Black-and-yellow Broadbill both of which gave
us great views - fantastic birds and just the type of thing
that birders hope for when visiting tropical forests. Tickell's
Brown Hornbill was also present in the area that they occupy
every year, checking out nest holes and a walk down a forest
trail gave us a nice view of a Grey Peacock Pheasant. |
|
|
|
|
|
Flocks of small birds were not very abundant although we did come
across several Pale-legged/Sakhalin Leaf Warblers. There has been
much discussion online as to whether these species can be separated
without hearing them in song and it seems that there is a difference
in the pitch of the calls, with Sakhalin being lower. Based on this
and minor plumage details we had probables of both species, although
we both recognized that the features we used may not be reliable;
if you want to be sure of these two species best to be around in
early April when they are singing.
A particularly long, quiet spell was ended when we came across a
flock of Lesser & Greater Laughingthrushes which also contained
some beautiful Green Magpies, Streak-breasted Woodpeckers and 2
Crested Jays - fantastic!
The higher altitudes of Kaeng Krachan were fruitful too, although
again windy conditions spoiled things at Panoen Tung campsite, so
we did not hang around their, instead spending our time at Km 27.5
and 24 where there was good birding and fruiting trees. Ratchet-tailed
Treepie, Red-bearded Bee-eater, Bamboo Woodpecker and Black-and-buff
Woodpecker all showed themselves at Km 27.5 and a fruiting tree
at Km 24 contained at least 8 Great Hornbills and more than 100
Yellow-vented Green Pigeons as well as having several Kalij Pheasants
persistently coming out onto the road to feed on fallen fruit.
Mammals were
also a feature of our visit to Kaeng Krachan with a beautiful Yellow-throated
Marten crossing the road in daylight, a Sun Bear feeding just above
our vehicle at Km 27.5 - he was raiding a bee's nnest for honey
and a superb leopard that led us down the road for at least 1 kilometre
allowing us to get some photos. As if this was not lucky enough
we also saw a male Asian Elephant taking a dust bath on our last
evening in the park; a truly spectacular end to our trip.
Lung Sin Hide
Although we had rather tired ourselves sitting in hides at Mae Wong,
Lung Sin hide/waterhole never fails to deliver a spectacle and the
seating arrangements in the permanent hide are somewhat less uncomfortable
than at other places. Our session here was as good as ever with
superb close up views of many species including Lesser and Greater
Necklaced Laughingthrushes, Black-naped Monarch, Pin-striped Tit
Babbler, White-bellied Erpornis, Siberian Blue Robin, Orange-headed
Thrush, Scaly-breasted Partridge, Abbott's Babbler, Puff-throated
Babbler, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher and Chinese Blue Flycatcher.
Although many of these species are fairly common, it is only when
they are seen at close quarters that they can be properly appreciated
- Black-naped Monarch in particular lights up the dim forest. The
big excitement for us was the arrival of a Slaty-legged Crake close
to dusk, which bathed in front of us allowing for some really nice
photos. 200 baht per person is always well worth it here.
Conclusion
Although often the birding was rather slower than had been expected
the way the trip was planned to go slowly and multiple opportunities
for most species we ended up seeing a huge total of birds with 483
species seen; this was even without visiting southern Thailand and
with having frequent afternoon breaks (something that usually results
in far fewer species being seen) and weather that disturbed the
birding in a few locations. Moreover, the pace of the trip had worked
well, with some periods of easy birding and rest just at the times
we were feeling tired, although by the end of the tour both myself
and Al were looking forward to a morning not waking up early and
just relaxing.
As with any trip there were some disappointments but these were
more than made up for with some wonderful surprises, most notably
Crested Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker and Pale-headed Woodpecker.
Mammal sightings were fantastic too, reaching a real peak at the
end of the trip at Kaeng Krachan; Sun Bear, Leopard and Asian Elephant
were real excitements for both of us. |
Nick
Upton (nickupton@thaibirding.com) |
|
Species
list with notes |
Doi
Ang Kang: DAK
Doi Lang: DL
Chiang Saen Lake: CSL
Yonok Wetlands: YW
Fang Hot Springs: FHS
Thatorn Rice Fields: TRF
Mae Hia Agricultural College: MH
Doi Inthanon: DI
Inthanon Highland Resort: IHR
Mae Ping: MP
|
Mae
Wong: MW
Beung Boraphet: BB
Khao Yai: KY
Sab Sadao: SS
Laem Pak Bia: LPB
Pak Thale: PT
Petchaburi Rice Fields: PRF
Kaeng Krachan: KK
Lung Sin Hide: LSH |
Bird
Seen: The following list uses species order and names
as given in the checklist
to the birds of Thailand issued by the Bird Conservation Society of
Thailand as of December 2014. Where several subspecies exist in
Thailand and they are identifiable in the field I have listed them
separately; every effort has been made to be accurate with these listed
subspecies, but it is difficult to get correct, up-to-date information
for many of these. |
1. Chinese Francolin: 1 at
SS, many more heard.
2. Rufous-throated Partridge: Two
groups on DI summit.
3. Scaly-breasted Partridge: 3
at LSH.
4. Mountain Bamboo Partridge: A
few along the road, DL.
5. Red Junglefowl: A few at
DL, MW, LSH, KY & KK.
6. Kalij Pheasant: 2m at MW;
3m, 1f at Km 24, KK.
7. Silver Pheasant: 2f at DL.
8. Siamese Fireback: A large
group on Khao Khieo road, KY.
9. Grey Peacock Pheasant: 1
briefly at MW; 1 between streams two and three at KK.
10. Lesser Whistling Duck: a5000
at CSL; a500 at LPB; a2000 at WKT.
11. Cotton Pygmy Goose: Many
at BB.
12. Eurasian Wigeon: 1m at
CSL.
13. Indian Spotbilled Duck: Many
at CS.
14. Northern Pintail: a40 at
CSL & a500 at WKT.
15. Garganey: a few at CSL
& a2000 at WKT.
16. Eurasian Teal: 1m at WKT.
17. Common Pochard: 1m, 1f
at CSL.
18. Baer's Pochard: 1m at CSL.
19. Ferruginous Pochard: a30.
20. Tufted Duck: 2f at CSL.
21. Little Grebe: Many at CSL,
BB & LPB.
22. Black-necked Grebe: 2 at
CSL.
23. Slavonian Grebe: 1 at CSL.
24. Painted Stork: 30-40 at
PT & LPB.
25. Asian Openbill: Very many
at BB, WKN, PRF.
26. Black-headed Ibis: 1 at
WKN; 25 at WKT.
27. Eurasian Bittern: 1 at
BB.
28. Yellow Bittern: A few at
BB, LPB, PRF.
29. Cinnamon Bittern: 1 at
LPB.
30. Black-crowned Night Heron: A
few at King's project, LPB.
31. Striated Heron: 1 at the
sand spit, LPB; 1 at WKT.
32. Chinese Pond Heron: Very
common and widespread.
33. Javan Pond Heron: Very
common at WKT, PRF, PT & LPB.
34. Eastern Cattle Egret: Common
at TRF, BB, CSL, LPB, PRF.
35. Grey Heron: CSL, BB,WKT,
PT & LPB.
36. Purple Heron: Common at
WKT, BB & PRF.
37. Eastern Great Egret: CSL,
BB, PT, LPB & PRF.
38. Intermediate Egret: BB,
WKT, PT, LPB, PRF.
39. Little Egret: Common and
widespread.
40. Pacific Reef Egret: 2 at
sand spit, LPB.
41. Chinese Egret: 1 at PT;
1 at sand spit LPB.
42. Little Cormorant: BB, WKT,
PT, LPB, PRF.
43. Indian Cormorant: BB, WKT,
PT & LPB.
44. Great Cormorant: 7 at CSL.
45. Oriental Darter: Fairly
abundant at BB.
46. Western Osprey: 2 at WKT.
47. Black Baza: 2 at DL.
48. Oriental Honey-buzzard: DI,
DL, SS.
49. Black-winged Kite: Several
at BB; 2 at SS.
50. Black-eared Kite: 1 at
PRF; 1 at WKT.
51. Brahminy Kite: Fairly common
at PT & LPB.
52. Crested Serpent Eagle: 2
at KK.
53. Eastern Marsh Harrier: 1
at CSL, 50+ at YW; 1 at BB.
54. Pied Harrier: 70+ at YW;
1j at WKN; 1j at PRF; 1j at TRF.
55. Crested Goshawk: 1 at MW;
2 at KK.
56. Rufous-winged Buzzard: 5
at SS.
57. Grey-faced Buzzard: 2 at DL.
58. Eastern Buzzard: A few at DAK,
DL.
59. Greater Spotted Eagle: 3 at PRF.
60. Steppe Eagle: 1 at PRF.
61. Booted Eagle: 1 at SS.
62. Changeable Hawk Eagle: 2 at KK.
63. Mountain Hawk Eagle: A few at DL.
64. Collared Falconet: 6 at DI; 4 at
MP.
65. Black-thighed Falconet: 1 at Km9,
KK.
66. Common Kestrel: 1 at Khao Khieo,
KY; 1 at LPB.
67. Amur Falcon: 1j at DAK.
68. Peregrine Falcon: 1 at DL.
69. Slaty-legged Crake: 1 at LSH.
70. Slaty-breasted Rail: 1 at King's
project, LPB.
71. White-breasted Waterhen: Common
in wetlands.
72. Ruddy-breasted Crake: 3 at King's
project, LPB.
73. White-browed Crake: 3 at BB.
74. Watercock: 3 at LPB.
75. Purple Swamphen: Common
at CSL & BB.
76. Common Moorhen: Common at CSL,
BB, PRF.
77. Eurasian Coot: Many
at CSL & BB.
78. Black-winged Stilt: CSL, BB, PRF,
LPB & PT.
79. Pied Avocet: 13 at LPB.
80. Grey-headed Lapwing: 22 at TRF;
42 at PRF.
81. Red-wattled Lapwing: Common &
widespread.
82. Pacific Golden Plover: Abundant
at LPB & PT.
83. Grey Plover: Abundant at LPB &
PT.
84. Little Ringed Plover: TRF, BB,
LPB, PT & PRF.
85. Kentish Plover: Common at LPB &
PT.
86. Malaysian Plover: A few at sand
spit, LPB.
87. Lesser Sand Plover: Common
at LPB & PT.
88. Greater Sand Plover: Fairly
abundant at LPB & PT.
89. Greater Painted Snipe: 1m
at King's project, LPB.
90. Pheasant-tailed Jacana: Common
at BB.
91. Bronze-winged Jacana: A
few at BB & PRF.
92. Eurasian Woodcock: 1 at
summit, DI.
93. Pintail Snipe: Several
at LPB & WKT.
94. Common Snipe: TRF, CSL,
BB, LPB.
95. Long-billed Dowitcher: 1
at LPB.
96. Asian Dowitcher: 5 at LPB.
97. Eastern Black-tailed Godwit: Many
at WKT, BB, LPB & PT.
98. Bar-tailed Godwit: 12 at
PT.
99. Whimbrel: 20 at PT.
100. Eurasian Curlew: A huge
flock at PT.
101. Far Eastern Curlew: 3
at PT.
102. Spotted Redshank: Fairly
abundant at WKT, LPB & PT.
103. Common Redshank: A few
at LPB & PT.
103. Marsh Sandpiper: Very
common at LPB, WKT & PT.
104. Common Greenshank: Fairly
abundant at LPB, WKT & PT.
105. Nordmann's Greenshank: 5
at PT; 1 at LPB.
106. Green Sandpiper: A few
at TRF.
107. Wood Sandpiper: 1 at BB;
many at WKT, LPB, PT & PRF.
108. Common Sandpiper: Fairly
abundant at WKT, LPB & PT.
109. Great Knot: Several
thousand at PT & LPB.
110. Red Knot: 6 at LPB.
111. Sanderling: 20+ at sand
spit, LPB.
112. Red-necked Stint: Common
at LPB & PT.
113. Temminck's Stint: A few
at LPB.
114. Long-toed Stint: Fairly
common at LPB, PT, WKT & PRF.
115. Curlew Sandpiper: Common
at LPB & PT.
116. Dunlin: A few at LPB.
117. Spoon-billed Sandpiper: 2
at PT.
118. Broad-billed Sandpiper: Abundant
at PT & LPB.
119. Brown-headed Gull: Common
at PT & LPB.
120. Pallas's Gull: 1 at sand
spit, LPB.
121. Gull-billed Tern: Abundant
at LPB & PT.
122. Caspian Tern: Abundant
at LPb & PT.
123. Great Crested Tern: 8
at sand spit, LPB.
124. Little Tern: Common at
PT & LPB.
125. Common Tern: Common
at LPB & PT.
126. Whiskered Tern: Common at LPB,
PT & WKT.
127. White-winged Tern: Common at LPB
& PT.
128. Feral Pigeon
129. Oriental Turrtle Dove: A few at
DL.
130. Red Collared Dove: Common in open
country in central region.
131. Spotted Dove: Common.
132. Barred Cuckoo Dove: 2 flyovers
at KY.
133. Common Emerald Dove: 1 at KY;
a few at KK.
134. Zebra Dove: Common in open country.
135. Pink-necked Green Pigeon: 15-20
at PRF.
136. Thick-billed Green Pigeon: 4 at
Km 24, KK; 2 flyovers at KY.
137. Yellow-footed Green Pigeon: 6-8
at MP.
138. Yellow-vented Green Pigeon: An
incredible 120+ in a fruting tree, Km 24, KK.
139. Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon: 1m
at DI.
140. Mountain Imperial Pigeon: Several
at KY & KK.
141. Vernal Hanging Parrot: 3 at KY;
several at KK.
142. Grey-headed Parakeet: Common at
MP.
143. Blossom-headed Parakeet: 6 at
DI; 2 at SS.
144. Red-breasted Parakeet: Many near
KY & at SS.
145. Greater Coucal: Many locations.
146. Lesser Coucal: 1 at PRF.
147. Green-billed Malkoha: Seen at
most forest locations.
148. Asian Koel: BB, PRF & LPB.
149. Banded Bay Cuckoo: 1 at Km 23,
KK.
150. Plaintive Cuckoo: 2 at BB; 1 at
WKT.
151. Asian Drongo Cuckoo: 1 at KY.
152. Large Hawk Cuckoo: 1 at MW; 1
at SS.
153. Eurasian Barn Owl: 1 at King's
project, LPB.
154. Asian Barred Owlet: 1 at FHS.
155. Spotted Owlet: 1 at IHR; 6 at
SS.
157. Brown Boobook: 2 at IHR; 1 at
SS.
158. Great Eared Nightjar: 1 at KY.
159. Grey Nightjar: 1 at DL.
160. Large-tailed Nightjar: 1 at MW;
several at KK.
161. Savanna Nightjar: 2 at BB.
162. Crested Treeswift: 1 at MP.
163. Grey-rumped Treeswift: 9 at KK.
164. Himalayan Swiftlet: A few at DAK
& KK.
165. Pale-rumped (Germain's) Swiftlet: Common
at LPB, PT & PRF.
166. Asian Palm Swift: Common at many
locations.
167. Pacific Swift: Some at DL.
168. Cook's Swift: Common at DL &
DAK.
169. House Swift: 1 at KY; many in
Bangkok.
170. Orange-breasted Trogon: A pair
at MW; several at KY & KK.
171. Indian Roller: DL, MP, BB, SS,
KY, PRF, LPB & KK.
172. White-throated Kingfisher: MH,
BB, PT, LPB, TRF.
173. Black-capped Kingfisher: A few
at LPB & PT.
174. Collared Kingfisher: A few at
LPB & PT.
175. Common Kingfisher: CSL, DI, BB,
PT, TRF, LPB, PRF.
176. Crested Kingfisher: 1 at MW.
177. Pied Kingfisher: 2 at BB.
178. Red-bearded Bee-eater: 1 at Km
27.5, KK.
179. Blue-bearded Bee-eater: 1 at DAK;
1 at MW.
180. Green Bee-eater: MH, MP, SS, LPB.
181. Blue-tailed Bee-eater: Many at
BB; a few at PRF.
182. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater: A few
at KY.
183. Eurasian Hoopoe: 1 at CSL; a few
at SS.
184. Tickell's Brown Hornbill: A few
at KK.
185. Oriental Pied Hornbill: 2 at KY;
fairly abundant at KK.
186. Great Hornbill: 9 in a fruting
tree, Km 24, KK.
187. Wreathed Hornbill: 2 flyover at
KY; 2 flyover at Km 27.5, KK; 3 flyover at Km 26, KK.
188. Great Barbet: A few at DL.
189. Lineated Barbet: 1 at Km 13 DI;
a few at SS.
190. Green-eared Barbet: A few at KY.
191. Red-throated Barbet: 1f at Km
9, KK.
192. Golden-throated Barbet: 2 at DAK;
1 at MW.
193. Blue-throated Barbet: DAK, DL.
194. Moustached Barbet: A few at KY.
195. Blue-eared Barbet: A few at Km
24, KK.
196. Coppersmith Barbet: CSL, MH, DI,
MP, SS.
197. Eurasian Wryneck: 1 at LPB.
198. Speckled Piculet: 1 at DL.
199. Heart-spotted Woodpecker: 1 flyover
at Km 9, KK.
200. Rufous-bellied Woodpecker: 1m
at MP.
201. Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker: DL,
MP, SS.
202. Spot-breasted (Fulvous-breasted) Woodpecker: 1m
at CSL.
203. Stripe-breasted Woodpecker: DAK,
DL, DI & MW.
204. White-bellied Woodpecker: 2 at
MP.
205. Greater Yellownape: 3 at KK.
206. Streak-breasted Woodpecker: 1f
at KK.
207. Black-headed Woodpecker: 1 at
Km 13 DI; many at MP, many at SS.
208. Common Flameback: A few at MP;
1f at SS; a few at KK.
209. Greater Flameback: A few at MP;
3 at KY; a few at KK.
210. Pale-headed Woodpecker: Amazingly,
a pair seen at close range at concrete bridge, DL.
211. Bamboo Woodpecker: 1m at Km 27.5,
KK.
212. Bay Woodpecker: 1 at stream two,
KK.
213. Black-and-buff Woodpecker: 1m
at Km 27.5, KK.
214. Great Slaty Woodpecker: Two groups
of 3 at MP.
215. Black-and-red Broadbill: A pair
at Youth Camp, KK.
216. Long-tailed Broadbill: Two large
flocks at KY.
217. Black-and-yellow Broadbill: Three
at stream 3, KK; 2 at Km 23, KK.
218. Golden-bellied Gerygone: 1 at
PT; a few at LPB.
219. Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike: DAK,
KY & KK.
220. Large Woodshrike: A few at MP
& SS.
221. Common Woodshrike: A few at MP
& SS.
222. Ashy Woodswallow: Common.
223. Common Iora: CSL, BB, SS, MP &
KK.
224. Great Iora: 1 at KY; 1 at KK.
225. Large Cuckooshrike: A few at MP
& SS.
226. Black-winged Cuckooshrike (avensis): Fairly
common at KY & KK.
227a. Rosy Minivet: DI, MP, MW, SS,
KY & KK.
227b. Rosy Minivet (stanfordi): 1
at Youth Camp, KK.
228. Brown-rumped (Swinhoe's) Minivet: Common
at KY & KK.
229. Ashy Minivet: A few at SS.
230. Small Minivet: Fairly abundant,
SS.
231a. Grey-chinned Minivet: Fairly
common at DL, DI & MW.
231b. Grey-chinned Minivet (montanus): A
few at Km 27.5, KK.
232. Long-tailed Minivet: Fairly abundant
at DL & DI.
233. Short-billed Minivet: A pair at
Km 34.5, DI.
234. Scarlet Minivet: DL, MW, KY &
KK.
235a. Brown Shrike (confusus): Common
in open country.
235b. Brown Shrike (lucionensis): 1
at KY.
236. Burmese Shrike: 1 at MH; 1 at
MP; 3 at SS.
237a. Long-tailed Shrike (longicaudatus): DAK,
TRF, BB & PRF.
237b. Long-tailed Shrike (tricolor): DAK,
TRF, DL.
238. Grey-backed Shrike: 1 at campsite,
DI; 1 at Khao Khieo, KY; 1 at Km 30, KK.
239. White-bellied Erpornis: A few
at DI, MW, KY, LSH & KK.
240. Blyth's (White-browed) Shrike-babbler: A
few at DAK, DL, DI & MW.
241. Black-eared Shrike-babbler: 1m
at DL.
242. Clicking (Chestnut-fronted) Shrike-babbler: 3
at Km 34.5, DI.
243. Slender-billed Oriole: A few at
DL.
244. Black-naped Oriole: A few at KY
& KK.
245. Black-hooded Oriole: A few at
MP & SS.
246. Maroon Oriole: A few f at DL;
1m at DI.
247a. Black Drongo (cathoercus): Common
in open country.
247b. Black Drongo (thai): 3
at MP.
248a. Ashy Drongo (leucogenis): MP,
MW, SS, KY & KK.
248b. Ashy Drongo (hopwoodi): A
few at DAK.
248c. Ashy Drongo (salangensis): 1
at KY.
248d. Ashy Drongo (mouhoti): Most
forest locations.
248e. Ashy Drongo (nigricens): A
few at SS.
249. Bronzed Drongo: DAK, DI, KY &
KK.
250. Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo: A
few at DL, DI, MW & KK.
251. Hair-crested Drongo: Most forest
locations.
252. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo: DL,
DI, MP, MW, SS, KY & KK.
253. White-throated Fantail: A few
at DAK, DL, DI, MW & KK.
254. Pied Fantail: LPB, PT & PRF.
255. Black-naped Monarch: A few at
MP, SS, KY, KK & LSH.
256. Asian Paradise-flycatcher: 1 at
Km 13, DI; 1 near stream 2, KK.
257. Crested Jay: 2, between streams,
two and three, KK.
258. Eurasian Jay: 1 at MP; a few at
SS.
259. Red-billed Blue Magpie: A few
at Km 13, DI; a10 at MP; 2 at MW.
260. Common Green Magpie: 1
at MW; 2 at KK.
261. Rufous Treepie: 1 at IHR; a few
at MP; 1 at SS.
262. Grey Treepie: A few at DAK &
DL.
263. Racket-tailed Treepie: 2 at King's
project, LPB.
264. Ratchet-tailed Treepie: 1 at Km
27.5, KK.
265. Eastern Jungle Crow: Many locations.
266. Yellow-bellied Fantail: A few
at DL & DI.
267. Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher: Common
in feeding flocks in forest throughout the country.
268. Japanese Tit: A few in pine forest
at DAK, DL & DI.
269. Yellow-cheeked Tit: Fairly common
in flocks at DAK, DL & DI.
270. Yellow-browed Tit: 1 at DL. |
271.
Sultan Tit: 2 at KY; a few at KK.
272. Indochinese Bushlark: A few near
SS.
273. Oriental Skylark: A few at WKN.
274. Crested Finchbill: 3 at DAK; a20
at DL.
275. Black-headed Bulbul: Common at
KK. 276a.
Black-crested Bulbul: DL, DI, MP, MW,
LSH & KK.
276b. Black-crested Bulbul (johnsoni): Common
at KY.
277. Red-whiskered Bulbul: Common at
DAK; a few at DL; a few at KY.
278. Brown-breasted Bulbul: Abundant
at Chinese cemetery, DAK; a few at DL.
279a. Sooty-headed Bulbul (klossi): DAK,
DL, DI, TRF & MP.
279b. Sooty-headed Bulbul (thais): Common
at SS.
280. Stripe-throated Bulbul: KY &
KK.
281. Flavescent Bulbul: Common at DAK,
DL, DI, MW & Km 30, KK.
282. Yellow-vented Bulbul: 2 at WKT.
283. Streak-eared Bulbul: Many locations.
284. Puff-throated Bulbul: Common at
KY.
285. Ochraceous Bulbul: Common in lowlands
at KK.
286. Olive Bulbul: A pair at MW.
287. Grey-eyed Bulbul: Common at KY
& KK.
288. Mountain Bulbul: Common at DAK,
DL, DI & MW.
289a. Ashy Bulbul (hildebrandi): Small
numbers at DAK, DL & DI.
289b. Ashy Bulbul (bourdellei): A
few here and there at KY.
289c. Ashy Bulbul (davisoni): A
few at Km 27.5, KK.
290. Black Bulbul (concolor): Fairly
common at DL.
291. Common Sand Martin: Abundant at
PRF.
292a. Barn Swallow (gutturalis): Abundant
throughout the country, seen every day.
292b. Barn Swallow (tytleri): A
few at MH.
293. Wire-tailed Swallow: A few at
MH.
294. Asian House Martin: DAK, DL &
Km 30, KK.
295. Red-rumped Swallow: A few at DL,
KY & SS.
296. Striated Swallow (stanfordi): a20
at MH.
297. Pygmy Wren Babbler: 1 at DL.
298. Slaty-bellied Tesia: 1 seen preening
at DL; 1 at Km 34.5, DI.
299. Chestnut-headed Tesia: 1 at DL.
300. Yellow-bellied Warbler: A few
at DAK & KK.
301. Mountain Tailorbird: A few at
DI & DL.
302. Black-throated Bushtit: A flock
of a12 at DL.
303. Dusky Warbler: A few at TRF, CSL,
PT, LPB & BB.
304. Buff-throated Warbler: A few at
DAK & DL.
305. Yellow-streaked Warbler: 2 at
DAK; a10 at MP; a6 at SS.
306. Radde's Warbler: Several at KY
& KK.
307. Orange-barred Leaf Warbler: Several
at DL & DI.
308. Ashy-throated Leaf Warbler: Several
at summit, DI.
309. Chinese Leaf Warbler: 2 at DL;
1 at DAK.
310. Pallas's Leaf Warbler: Abundant
at DAK, Dl & DI.
311. Yellow-browed Leaf Warbler: Common
throughout the country.
312. Hume's Leaf Warbler: Fairly abundant
at DAK, DL & DI.
313. Arctic Warbler: 1 at KK.
314. Greenish Warbler: Several at DAK
& DI.
315. Two-barred Warbler: Fairly common
at KY & KK.
316. Pale-legged Leaf Warbler: 1 at
LSH; 3 at KK (Probable, identified on call by comparison to calls
on xena
canto.)
317. Sakhalin Leaf Warbler: 2 at KK
(Probable, identified
on call by comparison to calls on xena
canto.)
318. Eastern Crowned Leaf Warbler: A
few in feeding flocks at KK.
319. Blyth's Leaf Warbler: A few displaying
wing-shuffling behaviour at DI.
320. Claudia's Leaf Warbler: Fairly
common in feeding flocks at DL, DI, MW, KY & KK.
321. Davison's Leaf Warbler: Common
at DAK, Dl & DI; a few at MW.
322. Yellow-vented Leaf Warbler: 1
at MW.
323. Sulphur-breasted Warbler: A few
at KY & KK.
324. Grey-crowned Warbler: 2 at DAK;
1 at DL.
325. Bianchi's Warbler: Several at
DL & DI.
326. Marten's Warbler: Fairly common
at DL & DI; a few at MW.
327. Alstrom's Warbler: Fairly common
at KY & KK.
328. Chestnut-crowned Warbler: A few
at DL, DI & MW.
329. Oriental Reed Warbler: A few at
BB, LPB & PRF.
330. Black-browed Reed Warbler: A few
at PRF.
331. Thick-billed Warbler: 2 at Km
9, KK.
332. Striated Grassbird: Several at
BB.
333. Zitting Cisticola: A few at BB,
LPB & PRF.
334. Bright-capped Cisticola: A few
at MH.
335. Brown Prinia: 2 at SS.
336. Hill Prinia: A few at DL &
DI.
337. Rufescent Prinia: Fairly common
at MP & SS.
338. Grey-breasted Prinia: A few at
DI.
339. Yellow-bellied Prinia: 2 at PRF.
340a. Plain Prinia (blanfordi): A
few at PRF & MH.
340b. Plain Prinia: (herberti): BB,
LPB, PT & PRF.
341. Common Tailorbird: 1 at MH; 1
at SS; 1 at KK.
342. Dark-necked Tailorbird: A few
at KK.
343. Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler: 3
at DL.
344. White-browed Scimitar Babbler: DAK,
DL, DI, KY, LSH & KK..
345. Red-billed Scimitar Babbler: 2
at DL; 2 at MW.
346. Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler: 3
at MW.
347. Grey-throated Babbler: A few at
DI.
348. Spot-necked Babbler: 2 at MW.
349. Rufous-fronted Babbler: A few
here and here at KK.
350. Golden Babbler: A few at DL, DI
& MW.
351. Pin-striped Tit Babbler: KY, LSH
& KK.
352. Chestnut-capped Babbler: 2 at
SS.
353. Rufous-winged Fulvetta: Fairly
common at DL & DI.
354. Brown-cheeked Fulvetta: A few
at LSH.
355. Grey-cheeked Fulvetta: Common
in mountains in north.
356. Streaked Wren Babbler: 2 at MW.
357. Eyebrowed Wren Babbler: 1 at DL.
358. Collared Babbler: A flock at DL.
359. Abbott's Babbler: 2 at LSH.
360. Puff-throated Babbler: 2 at MP;
2 at SS; 2 at LSH; 2 at KK.
361. Buff-breasted Babbler: Common
at MW.
362. White-crested Laughingthrush: Flocks
at MP & KY.
363. White-necked Laughingthrush: a8
at MW.
364. Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush: LSH
& KK.
365. Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush: LSH
& KK.
366. Black-throated Laughingthrush: A
few at MW & KK.
367. White-browed Laughingthrush: 2
at DL.
368. Silver-eared Laughingthrush: At
feeding stations at DL, DI & MW.
369. Blue-winged Minla: Fairly abundant
at DAK, DL & DI.
370. Chestnut-tailed Minla: Common
on summit, DI.
371. Scarlet-faced Liocichla: Several
at feeding station on DL.
372. Spectacled Barwing: A few at DAK
& DL.
373. Silver-eared Mesia: A few at feeding
station at MW.
374. Rufous-backed Sibia: A few at
DL & DI.
375. Dark-backed Sibia: Common in mountains
in north.
376. Grey-breasted (Black-throated) Parrotbill: A
flock at Km 34.5, DI.
377. Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill: 1
at DL.
378. Grey-headed Parrotbill: a20 at
DAK.
379. Spot-breasted Parrotbill: 3 at
DAK; 2 at DL.
380. Whiskered Yuhina: Several at DL.
381. Burmese Yuhina: A flock of a10,
MW.
382. Chestnut-flanked White-eye: Very
abundant at DAK, DL, DI & MW.
383. Japanese White-eye: A few at DAK.
384. Oriental White-eye: A few at DAK
& MW.
385. Everett's White-eye: A few at
Km 30, KK.
386. Asian Fairy Bluebird: FHS, KY
& KK.
387. Chestnut-vented Nuthatch: DAK,
DL & DI.
388. Plains Nuthatch: A few at MP.
389. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch: A few
at MP, SS, KY & KK.
390. Giant Nuthatch: 3 at DL.
391. Hume's Treecreeper: A few at DI.
392. Golden-crested Myna: a8 at KY.
393. Common Hill Myna: a20 at KY.
394. White-vented Myna: Common in open
country.
395. Common Myna: Common in open country.
396. Black-collared Myna: TRF, SS &
CSL.
397. Asian Pied Myna: Common at LPB,
PT, BB & PRF.
398. White-shouldered Starling: a10
at LPB.
399. Chestnut-tailed Starling: Flocks
at TRF, KY, SS & BB.
400. Orange-headed Thrush: 1 at LSH.
401. Dark-sided Thrush: 1 at summit,
DI.
402. Black-breasted Thrush: 2m,
1f at DAK.
403. Eyebrowed Thrush: 3 flyover at
KY.
404. Oriental Magpie Robin: DAK, TRF,
CSL, BB, SS, LPB, PT & PRF.
405. White-rumped Shama: Several at
KY, LSH & KK.
406. Dark-sided Flycatcher: 3 at Km
24-30, KK.
407. Asian Brown Flycatcher: Fairly
common at KY & KK.
408. Rufous-bellied Niltava: 1m at
DAK.
409. Small Niltava: 1f at DL.
410. Large Niltava: A few at DL &
DI.
411. Verditer Flycatcher: DAK, DL,
DI, MW, KY & KK.
412. White-gorgetted Flycatcher: A
few at feeding stations at DL.
413. Rufous-browed Flycatcher: A
few at feeding stations at MW.
414. Hainan Blue Flycatcher: 1m at
KY; 1m at Km 9, KK.
415. Hill Blue Flycatcher: A few at
MW & KY.
416. Tickell's Blue Flycatcher: Several
at LSH.
417. Blue-throated Flycatcher: 1f at
LSH.
418. Chinese Blue Flycatcher: 1m at
LSH.
419. White-browed Shortwing: 1m at
summit, DI.
420. Siberian Blue Robin: 1f at DAK;
1m at KY; several at LSH.
421. White-bellied Redstart: 1f at
DL.
422. Bluethroat: 1 at MH.
423. Siberian Rubythroat: 1m at TRF;
1m, 1f at DL.
424. White-tailed Robin: 1m at feeding
station, DAK; 2m at feeding station, MW.
425. Himalayan Bluetail: 1f at feeding
station, DL.
426. Slaty-backed Forktail: 1 at FHS;
1 at Km 34.5, DI.
427. Black-backed Forktail: 2 at Km
13, DI.
428. Northern White-crowned Forktail: 1
at feeding station, MW.
429a. Blue Whistlingthrush (eugenei): A
few at DL, DI & MW.
429b. Blue Whistlingthrush (caeruleus): 2
at MW.
430. Mugimaki Flycatcher: 1m at KY.
431. Slaty-blue Flycatcher: 1m &
2f at feeding stations, DL.
432. Sapphire Flycatcher: A few at
DL.
433. Taiga Flycatcher: Very common
everywhere.
434. Snowy-browed Flycatcher: 1m at
summit, DI.
435. Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher: A
few at DAK, DL & DI.
436. Little Pied Flycatcher: 1m at
DL.
437. White-capped Water Redstart: 1
at FHS; 1 at Watcharithan waterfall, DI.
438. Plumbeous Redstart: 1m at Watcharithan
waterfall, DI.
439. Daurian Redstart: 2m at Ban Nor
Lae, DAK.
440. Chestnut-bellied Rockthrush: 1f
at DAK; 1f at DL.
441. White-throated Rockthrush: 1m
at Pha Gluai Mai camspite, KY.
442a. Blue Rockthrush (pandoo): 1
at FHS; 1 at MP; a few at KY.
442b. Blue Rockthrush (philippensis): 1m
at KY.
443. Grey Bushchat: Common at DAK,
DL & DAK.
444. Pied Bushchat: TRF, CSL &
SS.
445a. Eastern Stonechat (stejnegeri): Common
in open country.
445b. Eastern Stonechat (przewalskii):
A few at DAK.
446. Blue-winged Leafbird: Fairly common
at KY & KK; a few at DI.
447. Golden-fronted Leafbird: A few
at DI, MP, SS & KK.
448. Orange-bellied Leafbird: Common
at DAK, DL & DI.
449. Thick-billed Flowerpecker: a10
at SS.
450. Yellow-vented Flowerpecker: A
few at KY & KK.
451. Plain Flowerpecker: A few at DI.
452a. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (ignipectus): Several
at DAK, DL & KK.
452b. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (cambodianum): Fairly
common at KY.
453. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker: 1m
at MP; 1m at SS; a few at KY.
454. Ruby-cheeked Sunbird: A few at
KK.
455. Brown-throated Sunbird: 2 at WKT.
456. Van Hasselt's Sunbird: 2m, 1f
at KY.
457. Purple Sunbird: A few at MP &
SS.
458. Olive-backed Sunbird: DI, BB,
SS, KY & KK.
459. Mrs Gould's Sunbird: Fairly common
at DAK, DL & DI; 1m at MW.
460. Green-tailed Sunbird: 1m at summit,
DI.
461. Black-throated Sunbird: A few
at DI, MW & KY.
462. Crimson Sunbird: 2m at KY; 1m
at KK.
463. Little Spiderhunter: A few at
KY; 1 at LSH.
464. Streaked Spiderhunter: A few at
DAK, DL & KK.
465. House Sparrow: A few at LPB &
TRF.
466. Plain-backed Sparrow: BB, SS,
LPB & PRF.
467. Eurasian Tree Sparrow: Common
around urban areas/buildings.
468. Asian Golden Weaver: 2 at PRF.
469. Baya Weaver: BB & PRF.
470. Red Avadavat: A few at MH.
471. White-rumped Munia: A few at MH
& KK.
472. Scaly-breasted Munia: MH, CSL,
BB, LPB & PRF.
473. Chestnut Munia: 5 at BB.
474. Eastern Yellow Wagtail: A few
at LPB.
475. Citrine Wagtail: 30+ at TRF.
476. Grey Wagtail: FHS, DL, DAK, DI
& KK.
477. White Wagtail (leucopsis): DAK,
FHS, TRF, CSL & MH.
478. Richard's Pipit: 1 at KY; several
at LPB.
479. Paddyfield Pipit: 2 at CSL; several
at LPB & PRF.
480. Olive-backed Pipit: DAK, DL &
DI.
481. Common Rosefinch: Fairly abundant
at DAK.
482. Spot-winged Grosbeak: a20 at FHS.
483. Crested Bunting: 5 at
DL. |
Birds
Heard Only: Listed here for completion. |
1. Bar-backed
Partridge: Near LSH.
2. Raffle's Malkoha: Km 24,
KK.
3. Collared Scops Owl: Ban
Maka at KK.
4. Oriental Scops Owl: Very
common at MP with at least 6 responding. We set a limit of 1.5 hours
for this in which time none came quite close enough to see.
5. Aberrant Bush Warbler: Fairly
common at DAK & DL but thick undergrowth made it impossible to
see. |
6. Pallas's
Grasshopper Warbler: A few at PRF at
dusk. We ran out of light trying to see this one.
7. Large Scimitar Babbler: LSH.
8. Spot-breasted Laughingthrush: Singing
at DAK.
9. Red-throated Pipit: Overhead
at PRF. |
Mammals:
We did quite well for mammals on this trip with a fantastic few days
at Kaeng Krachan giving us great views of Leopard, Sun Bear and Asian
Elephant. |
1. Northern
Treeshrew: DAK, MW, LSH & KK.
2. Pig-tailed Macaque: Common
at KY.
3. Stump-tailed Macaque: A
large group seen daily on the road at Km 7-8, KK.
4. Long-tailed Macaque: WKT
& Petchaburi town centre.
5. Dusky Langur: Common at
KK.
6. White-handed Gibbon: Several
groups at KY & KK.
7. Black Giant Squirrel: KY
& KK.
8. Pallas's Squirrel: DAK,
DL & DI.
9. Variable Squirrel: Common
at KY.
10. Grey-bellied Squirrel: Common
at LSH & KK.
11. Cambodian Striped Squirrel: A
few at SS & KY.
12. Burmese Striped Squirrel: DL,
MP, MW, LSH & KK.
13. Indochinese Ground Squirrel:
2 at LSH.
14. Red-cheeked Squirrel: 2 at MW.
15. Phayre's Flying Squirrel: 1
spotlighted at Inthanon Highland Resort.
16. Golden Jackal: 1 on the
road at night, MW. |
17.
Sun Bear: 1 feeding on honey at Km
27.5, KK.
18. Yellow-throated Marten: 1
crossing the road at KK.
19. Small Asian Mongoose: 2
at MH.
20. Crab-eating Mongoose: 3
at KK.
21. Leopard: 1 leading us
down the road for 1km at around Km 21, KK.
22. Asian Elephant: 1m dust-bathing
at dusk at Km 10, KK.
23. Lesser Mouse Deer: A
few at LSH.
24. Red Muntjac: Common at
KY.
25. Hog Deer: A few of the
reintroduced animals at MP.
26. Sambar: KY & KK.
27. Eld's Deer: A few of
the reintroduced animals at MP.
28. Lyle's Flying Fox: Several
thousand at the King's project, LPB.
|
Nick
Upton can be contacted at nickupton@thaibirding.com |
More
information on Doi Ang
Kang
More information on Chiang
Saen
More information on Thatorn
More information on Doi
Inthanon
More information on Bueng
Boraphet
More information on Mae
Wong
|
More
information on Khao
Yai More information on Sab
Sadao
More information on Laem
Pak Bia/Pak Thale
More information on Petchaburi
Rice Fields
More information on Kaeng
Krachan
More information on Birdwatching
Trips |
If
you are interested in arranging a bird watching tour you can see some
suggested itineraries here - Birdwatching
Trips - and you can contact me at the above email address to discuss
the best options. |
|
|
|
|