My First Birding Adventure at Wachirabenchathat Park

I’m excited to share that I visited Chatuchak for the first time and skipped the bustling wet market to explore the nearby Wachirabenchathat Park, also known as Rot Fai Park.

As soon as I entered the park, I was thrilled to spot a Variable Squirrel!

Next up, I saw plenty of the familiar Common Myna birds hanging around.

There were quite a few Black-collared Starlings pecking at the ground, too.

I also caught a glimpse of a Pied Fantail flitting about near the lake.

You can often hear the Asian Koel, but it’s tricky to spot them out in the open.

Following the sound of the Koel led me to another cuckoo, the Plaintive Cuckoo, which reminded me a lot of the Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo I saw during my trip to Manado.

I also spotted an Indochinese Roller

and an Ashy Drongo along my walk.

After about 30 minutes of wandering, I came across an adorable Spotted Owlet!

It seems like there’s a little family of them in the park,

as I found two more at different spots.

On my way back to the lake, I was lucky enough to witness a Striated Heron catching a fish right in front of me!

Perched high on a tree branch, a White-throated Kingfisher was ready to dive in for a meal,

while an Oriental Magpie Robin was hiding beneath the leaves, seeking some shade from the sun.

Just as I was wrapping up my day, a Black-capped Kingfisher made an appearance. What a wonderful way to end my adventure!

First Visit to Wachirabenchathat Park

If you're heading to Bangkok, there's a good chance you'll find yourself wandering around the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market. This vibrant market has it all—whether you're looking for fresh groceries, beautiful plants for your garden, adorable pets, or even unique pieces of furniture!

But if the hustle and bustle of the market isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry! Right nearby, you’ll find not one, but three lovely parks where you can relax while your friends enjoy their shopping spree.

One of these parks is Wachirabenchathat Park, affectionately known as Rot Fai Park. 

It’s a favorite spot for bird watchers, thanks to its incredible variety of wildlife. The park is a peaceful oasis that showcases the rich biodiversity of the area, making it a fantastic escape from the city's buzz. With sprawling greenery and serene walking paths, it's the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.

Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll also find Queen Sirikit Park. This beautiful park is known for its stunning flower gardens and tranquil lakes. It’s a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll, and there are plenty of benches where you can sit back and enjoy the scenery. If you’re feeling a bit more active, you can take advantage of the walking and cycling paths that wind through the park.

Then there’s Chatuchak Park, which is another fantastic green space right next to the market. This park is great for families and offers a variety of recreational facilities, including playgrounds and picnic areas.

Whether you want to go for a jog, have a picnic with friends, or just relax under a shady tree, Chatuchak Park has something for everyone.

Since I have about two hours before my next appointment, I decided to pay a visit to Wachirabenchathat Park. It’s a great way to recharge, enjoy some fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of Bangkok’s green spaces. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite spot away from the market's lively atmosphere!

Discovering the Journey of Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl Chicks

The Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl (Ketupa nipalensis) is an incredible nocturnal bird that calls the forests of South Asia home.

When these adorable chicks are born, they rely completely on their parents for food and care right after hatching.

As they grow, they go through several exciting stages, developing their fluffy juvenile feathers and becoming more mobile in the nest. Around 6 to 8 weeks old, they start to peek outside the nest, exploring their surroundings while still depending on mom and dad for meals and safety.

I recently spotted one of these chicks perched low on a tree branch, which suggests it had just fledged!

Fledging usually happens between 10 to 12 weeks, when the little owls take their first flights. They’ll continue to rely on their parents for a few months as they learn to hunt and adapt to their new environment. This time is super important for their survival as they pick up the skills they need to thrive on their own.

These curious little ones are always on the lookout, turning their heads to follow any interesting sounds around them.

Meanwhile, the mother owl keeps a watchful eye on her chick from a higher branch nearby.

The journey of Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl chicks is truly a wonderful tale of growth and adaptation, highlighting the beautiful balance of nurturing and instinct in the bird world.

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!