Date with a Beak: The Great Hornbill’s Unique Courtship

In the delightful world of the Great Hornbill, courting is a lively event filled with colorful displays and delicious treats instead of typical dinners.

A stunning yellow casque on his head, trying to win over a potential mate with a feast that could rival any top-notch restaurant!

As part of this charming courtship ritual, the male hornbill takes on the role of a thoughtful chef, carefully selecting ripe, juicy fruits. His vibrant feathers shine in the sunlight as he makes his way to the female.

With a graceful swoop, he presents his carefully chosen snack, showcasing his skills like a culinary artist revealing a gourmet dish.

The atmosphere is charged with excitement as the female watches closely, not just considering the snack itself but also the effort he put into it.

If she’s charmed by his efforts—this wonderful mix of charm and tasty offerings—she’ll accept his gift, marking the start of their bond filled with shared meals and affection. This ritual goes beyond just attraction; it highlights the importance of nurturing and care in their partnership.

Unfortunately, this particular male didn’t quite captivate the female’s heart, and she turned down his offering.

Mammals Spotted at Kaeng Krachan

During my time in the hide by the Kaeng Krachan forest, I had the pleasure of spotting quite a few mammals alongside the beautiful birds!

There were plenty of striped squirrels running around.

I couldn’t help but notice the grey-bellied squirrels leaping from branch to branch all over the place.

I also saw some northern treeshrews,

and I was thrilled to catch a glimpse of the lesser mousedeer out and about during the day.

But the highlight of my adventure? Spotting the pig-tailed macaque, the largest mammal I’ve encountered here so far! What an amazing experience!

Afternoon Visit to Kaeng Krachang Part 2

What a delightful afternoon of birdwatching I had after enjoying some delicious local Thai noodles! I noticed that the Red Junglefowl also likes to use this path to journey to and from the Kaeng Krachang forest.

Just like the earlier sighting of the Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush, the White-Crested Laughingthrush made quite a lively entrance! 

I was pleasantly surprised to spot a Greater Yellownape here – what a treat that was!

Not long after, I also caught a glimpse of a Common Flameback woodpecker in the same spot.

Then, a rare treat showed up: a Ferruginous Partridge! It’s always exciting to see something less common.

It had been a while since I last saw a Black Naped Monarch, so I was thrilled to encounter one again. 

The Taiga Flycatcher, a frequent visitor in this area, 

followed by the Indochinese Flycatcher

and the Hainan Blue Flycatcher, made for a lovely trio of sightings.

As the light began to fade, I spotted a Brown Cheeked Fulvetta, but it was getting tricky to snap a good photo.

Just when I thought I was finished for the day and started to pack up my camera, a Grey Peacock Pheasant appeared right at the last moment! What a fantastic way to wrap up my day of birdwatching!
 

Afternoon Visit to Kaeng Krachang

We rolled into Kaeng Krachang late in the afternoon after enjoying some time watching the rare Spoon-Billed Sandpiper near the Gulf of Thailand. 

Since the Kaeng Krachang National Park was about to close, I decided to check out a cozy bird hide just outside the park. It was perfectly situated right in the middle of a bird migration route. Instead of wandering around chasing after birds, I thought it would be fun to relax in the hide and see what feathered friends would come my way.

As soon as I pulled out my camera, I spotted a beautiful White-Rumped Shama singing its heart out from a tree branch. 

The Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush made quite the entrance, announcing its arrival with a cheerful ruckus, and it was easy to spot them following the sound. 

Not far behind was a lone White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, following in the footsteps of the Laughingthrush. 

I was thrilled to see a shy Emerald Dove making its way through the area as well.

And then, brightening up my hot, lazy afternoon, the colorful Orange-Headed Thrush popped into view—what a delightful sight! 

Next up was the Streak-Eared Bulbul, which I noticed hanging out in the same spot. 

I also caught a glimpse of the Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo, known for its impressive ability to mimic a variety of sounds, including some metallic jingles. 

Puff-Throated Babblers seemed to be quite common here, as I spotted several of them around. 

After a fun birdwatching session, we took a break and headed to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious bowl of noodles for lunch.

Shore Bird Watching in Thailand Part 2

As I wander into the salt pan, a Brown-headed Gull gracefully glides overhead, which is such a treat to see!

I crouch down near the edge of the salt pan, eager to get a closer look at the birds enjoying their salty feast. Among them, I spot some Curlew Sandpipers.

My attention is caught by a Black-winged Stilt, its vibrant pink leg standing out beautifully against the shimmering water.

I also see a lively mix of Lesser Sand Plovers and Little Stints, and I’m really hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare Spoon-billed Sandpiper hanging out with them.

I inch closer to another big group of birds, but spotting my special target proves to be a bit tricky.

After a bit of searching, I finally see it! Can you spot it, too?

I feel so fortunate to have found the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper. 

There have only been two confirmed sightings of this bird in Thailand this season, and I’m over the moon to see one!

As I excitedly snap photos, a raptor swoops overhead, startling the birds into flight.

Once things settle down and the birds return to their feeding, I realise I’ve lost sight of my target. But I’m still thrilled to have gotten a closer look at them!

Shore Bird Watching in Thailand

After a month of excitement for my trip to Tangkoko, I’m off again to Thailand for shore bird watching!

I took an early morning flight from Singapore to Bangkok with Singapore Airlines. They served a simple breakfast onboard using non-plastic cutlery, which I thought was great for the environment.

I can’t help but be amazed by the beauty of Kanchanaphisek Bridge, which I cross every time I drive through the Chao Phraya River.

My destination is a salt pan southwest of Bangkok, where I’m hoping to spot the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper.

I can already see the fishing village from here.

It’s a huge area, and I’m looking for a very small bird.  

It’ll be tough to find them, but I’ll give it my best shot.

As I moved deeper into the salt pan, I saw flocks and flocks of waders.

I think the birds must have seen some raptors and took flight.

There were smaller sand plovers and bigger sand pipers among them.

Other than migratory birds, there are also many resident cormorant perched on the lone tree in the salt pan. I haven’t seen my target yet, but I’m keeping an eye out.

The records for this season’s arrivals of Spoonbill Sandpiper are only 2, so I need to have some luck to find them.