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!

I know I'm near my destination when I saw this sign.

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.

While waiting, I walk around the area and saw this pair of Chestnut-tailed Starling.

Haha... wagtail of the roof!

Hiding in the thick vegetation, this purple swamp hen was looking for his breakfast.

It is still rather misty when I saw this Common Coot.

Common Pochard

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.

Comparing with the Long-tailed duck, this Ruddy Shelduck was quite comfortable with us and allow us to move near for a decent shot.

A flock of Grey Heron

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)

Northern Thailand Trip Day 3

19 January 2014 - Is the 3rd day of my trip to Northern Thailand.

Nice camp ground at Doi Lang and I bird around this area for the whole day.

 One of the very first bird that we saw was this Rufous Belly Niltava.

Follow by a very skittish Crested Bunting.

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.

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.

Seen this Spectacled Barwing few times before and I have yet to get a clear shot of this bird.

 Saw this resident Blue Whistling Thrush.

So as the migratory Blue Whistling Thrush.

 I didn't try this blue berries, they are everywhere! I'm sure birds are attracted to this fruits.

 Another new bird for me - Blue Fronted Redstart

 Crested Finchbill attracted by this unknown Blue Berries.

Another new bird for this trip - Himalayan Swiftlet.

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.

Another 1st time for me seeing this Hill Prinia.

One appear after another. Female on top & the male with nice blue colour - Himalayan Blue Tail

Is a challenge to capture this Chestnut Headed Tesia that never stop for more than 3 seconds. Keep dashing around.

Rufous Gorgeted Flycatcher, another of my 1st sighting.

White Gorgeted Flycatcher

Seen this Chestnut Crowned Laughing Thrush before, at Mae Wong & Doi Ithanon.

I didn't see this Red-faced Liocichla during my last trip to Doi Ithanon. So, this is my 1st time seeing it too.

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.