Thursday, December 28, 2017

Back to Khao Yai National Park

Can't remember how many times I've been to Khao Yai. Each time I visit, sure to find something new.
Mantis
 This mantis was so well camouflage that I almost miss it.
Assassin Bug Sycanus croceovittatus
If you like to take photo of insects, Khao Yai is sure a good place. Saw this Assassin bug believed to be a Sycanus croceovittatus. It stop on top of my friend's hat.
Xylariaceae
These may looks like droppings of something but they are not. They belongs to fungus from Family Xylariaceae commonly known as Deadman fingers.
Polyporaceae
 Saw these very bright colour Bracket fungus from Family Polyporaceae.
Giant squirrel
Due to the body size, when this huge Black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor) move from branch to branch, you will not miss it.
Sambar deer
 One of the sure see mammals in Khao Yai National Park is this Sambar deer.
Hornbill
 When there are food, there are feeding. Saw this Oriental Pied Hornbill feeding on this fruiting tree.
Giant tree
 Compare with these huge giant, we are not even 10% of the height of these trees.
Giant twins
 The very famous Giant Twins of Khao Yai National Park.
Elephant prints
 Saw some fresh huge foot prints on the forest trails.
Giant prints
Wow! Look at the size! At least 6X the size of my prints. We leave the forest trail as we don't want to meet these giant face to face.
Elephant of Thailand
 True enough we spotted this giant venture out of the forest!
Elephant of Thailand
 We get in to our vehicle and watch it from a safe distance.
Elephant of Thailand
Upon receive the info, the Wildlife response team was deployed immediately. This team act as a safety barrier to keep a safe distance between the animal & human. This team is also responsible to guide the animal back to the forest.
Elephant of Thailand

Elephant of Thailand
 The Response team trying to stop the elephant from its path and guide it back to the forest.

The dents on the vehicle are the souvenirs left behind by the elephant. What an exciting work to face off with the giant!

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

UNESCO Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve

After our exciting encounter with the Sarus crane, we drove another 2 hours to Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve. 
Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve
There are several research conducted here at this reserve mostly on biosphere. UNESCO have a research station here too.
Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve
 Compare to Khao Yai, this reserve have much lesser human traffic.
Squirrel
 Spotted a squirrel darting from branch to branch.
Squirrel
 Another squirrel make an appearance.
Siamese Fireback
 This must be a good place to watch very shy Siamese Fireback.
Siamese Fireback
 We saw something moving in the bush and yes is a male sub-adult Siamese Fireback!
Siamese Fireback
 The Siamese Fireback indeed is a very beautiful pheasant.
Siamese Fireback
Finally get to watch this very timid birds in their natural habitats!

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Huai Chorakhe Mak Reservoir

We are exploring Huai Chorakhe Mak Reservoir in Thailand’s farm-rich northeast province of Buriram. Not sure what we will get as this is the 1st time visiting this area.
Is quite  a big reservoir!
Northern Shoveler
Surprise to find Northern Shoveler here.
Cotton Pygmy Goose
Spotted several Cotton Pygmy Goose too.
Rufous Wing Buzzard
Rufous Wing Buzzard taking vantage point.
Indian roller
Is always nice to see an Indian roller, so colourful.
Green bee-eater
Green bee-eater
Most of the farmer here do not use pesticide and are growing organic paddy.
Purple Swamp Hen
Purple Swamp Hen got a big snail.
sarus crane (Antigone antigone)
The star bird here must be Sarus Crane. They make a comeback after missing for few decades.
sarus crane (Antigone antigone)
What a rare chance to see a family of 3 walking together.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Pak Thale Shorebird Site Bird Watching Pt 2

This is the deco of the restaurant that we have our lunch - a whale! If you look carefully, there is a nest right at the opening of the whale.
Oriental Turtle Dove
 A pair of turtle dove have make this whale their home!
We continue our shore birds watching after our lunch. 
Great Knot
 These are Great Knot
Great Knot, Black Tailed Godwit
 Mixture of Great Knot and Black Tailed Godwit.
Black Tailed Godwit
 The tide is rising and the Black Tailed Godwit is shifting location and continue their feeding.
 More Black Tailed Godwit
Asian Dowitcher
 There are few Asian Dowitcher among the godwits.
Nordmann's Greenshank
 Nordmann's Greenshank appear much whither compare with others.
Marsh Sandpiper
 A Marsh Sandpiper walking alone looking in the salt pan.
 Broadbill Sandpiper
 Broadbill Sandpiper
Red Necked Stint
 A tiny Red Necked Stint
Chinese Egret
 A not so common Chinese Egret.
Barn Owl
We have another surprise when we spotted this Barn Owl in broad day light.