Saturday, March 22, 2014

Northern Thailand Trip Day 4

Day 4 - 20 January 2014

We are moving further north to a lake near Chiang Saen for some migratory birds. I'm targeting a duck and was told that this is a very rare duck and if we do see it, it will be the first record for Thailand!
Chiang Sean, Thailand
I know I'm near my destination when I saw this sign.
Chiang Sean, Thailand
It was still very misty when I arrived at Chiang Saen. Just like this moment when the sun slowly rise behind the misty bridge. We will be using a boat to explore this lake later.
Chestnut-tailed Starling (Sturnia malabarica)
While waiting, I walk around the area and saw this pair of Chestnut-tailed Starling.
Grey wagtail
Haha... wagtail of the roof!
Purple Swamphen
Hiding in the thick vegetation, this purple swamp hen was looking for his breakfast.
Common Coot
It is still rather misty when I saw this Common Coot.
Common Pochard(Aythya ferina)
Common Pochard
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
Bingo! After some search, we spotted our target. This is the first record for Thailand - Long-tailed Duck. I must be very lucky to be able to see this first time visitor of Thailand.
Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea)
Comparing with the Long-tailed duck, this Ruddy Shelduck was quite comfortable with us and allow us to move near for a decent shot.
Grey Heron
A flock of Grey Heron
Thick-billed Warbler ( Iduna aedon)
Saw this Thick-billed Warbler near the car park before we move to another birding spot that was about 2 hour drive from Chiang Saen... (to be continued)

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Northern Thailand Trip Day 3

19 January 2014 - Is the 3rd day of my trip to Northern Thailand.
Doi Lang, Thailand
Nice camp ground at Doi Lang and I bird around this area for the whole day.
Rufous-bellied Niltava
 One of the very first bird that we saw was this Rufous Belly Niltava.
Crested Bunting
Follow by a very skittish Crested Bunting.
Dark-backed Sibia (Heterophasia melanoleuca)
One of the very common bird at Doi Lang - Dark Backed Sibia. They usually come in a flock. You will not miss them as they are the noisy one.
Red-faced Liocichla (Liocichla phoenicea)
Another of my new bird for this trip is this Red Face Liocichla. Seen it yesterday and I don't mind to see this beautiful bird again today.
Spectacled Barwing (Actinodura ramsayi)
Seen this Spectacled Barwing few times before and I have yet to get a clear shot of this bird.
Blue Whistling Thrush (resident) (Myophonus caeruleus)
 Saw this resident Blue Whistling Thrush.
Blue Whistling Thrush (migratory) (Myophonus caeruleus)
So as the migratory Blue Whistling Thrush.
Blue Berries
 I didn't try this blue berries, they are everywhere! I'm sure birds are attracted to this fruits.
Blue Fronted Redstart(Phoenicurus frontalis)
 Another new bird for me - Blue Fronted Redstart
Crested Finchbill (Spizixos canifrons)
 Crested Finchbill attracted by this unknown Blue Berries.
Himalayan Swiftlet (Collocalia brevirostris)
Another new bird for this trip - Himalayan Swiftlet.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Northern Thailand Trip Day 2 Part 3 of 3

After a quick bite, we continue our birding at Doi Lang. Basically, there are birds everywhere that we stop.

Hill Prinia
Another 1st time for me seeing this Hill Prinia.
Himalayan Bluetail

Himalayan Bluetail
One appear after another. Female on top & the male with nice blue colour - Himalayan Blue Tail
Chestnut Headed Tesia
Is a challenge to capture this Chestnut Headed Tesia that never stop for more than 3 seconds. Keep dashing around.
Rufous Gorgeted Flycatcher
Rufous Gorgeted Flycatcher, another of my 1st sighting.
White-gorgeted Flycatcher
White Gorgeted Flycatcher
Chestnut Crowned Laughing Thrush
Seen this Chestnut Crowned Laughing Thrush before, at Mae Wong & Doi Ithanon.
Red-faced Liocichla
I didn't see this Red-faced Liocichla during my last trip to Doi Ithanon. So, this is my 1st time seeing it too.
Golden Bush Robin
Another small bird that just can't keep still at one place - Golden Bush Robin. With so many new birds, we happily drive back to Fang and we shall back here again tomorrow.