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Thailand Diary


27/12/2023 - Khon Kaen Province.

With Art back in Switzerland and Pen busy at work Paul Barb and I made a leisurely start at 06.45 am for the long drive to meet up with the Farrell brothers Dennis and Paul at the latters  home in Khon Kaen city.

Taking two vehicles we headed north for the 2 hours drive to the Phu Pha Man Nat. Pk. which includes the spectacular  Phaya Nakharat cave set some hundreds of feet up and about a quarter of the way up near vertical (limestone?) cliffs - home to over a million bats which come streaming out to feed before dusk each night.
A major distraction here is that the site is over commercialised by the authorities who seem hellbent on blasting out amplified music from the car park area below in a misguided effort to entertain visitors spoiling the ambiance of this beautiful site. I speculated that surely Peregrine might be a regular predator here and that even a Bat Hawk might be expected with more sustained coverage.
However the main focus of our attention here was the prospect of seeing Bamboo Woodpecker a few kilometres away along one of the main uphill (drivable) trails where both PF and PP had previously seen the species and where only a few other birders had ventured before.A three hour initial session gave us 29 fairly common species with calls from both Bamboo Woodpecker and White-browed Scimitar Babblers though both remained unseen.

The following morning saw us in the park by 06.30 am. In a productive session of 3 hours 20 mins. we logged 20 species the highlights being:- 

1 Black Baza - soaring high overhead.

Barbets :- Coppersmith Lineated and Blue-eared

3 Bamboo Woodpeckers - these flew in responding to playback landind right overhead and having us literally spinning on our heels on a steep incline in the dense bamboo forest, landing briefly for several seconds before moving on around us - a merry dance indeed! - ( A much appreciated addition to my woodpecker list).

4 Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrikes (photo attached)

1 Great Iora

1 Ashy Drongo - like the following species these are readily seen perching up on bare trees, their narrow tails the most deeply forked of any of Thailands Drongo species.

4 Hair-crested Drongos - These were particularly active in the late afternoon perching up prominently on high leafless trees giving excellent opportunities to study their peculiar curly tails.

4 Buff-chested Babblers. - These were roving in deep cover seemingly in a small flock (family group?) and gave an excellent opportunity when we were able to peer through a gap in the trail side foliage to see them quite settled in some sun lit hanging vines. According to PF these are seldom seen this well and for me a new species entirely.

2 White-browed Scimitar-Babblers these were calling incessantly but steadfastly refused to show themselves.

By 13.00 after lunch on the hoof we had moved on north into Nong Bua Lam Phu province for some list padding open country birding where we logged 27 species in just over an hour. Eleven months ago the two Pauls and I had passed through this province heading home from our successful expedition into Loei and PP and I had chalked up modest starter lists of just twenty odd birds, amongst which I had seen my only Citrine Wagtail in Thailand.

Well satisfied with our efforts we headed off by mid afternoon into Loei - a drive of about forty minutes where we obtained good accommodation for some 450 bahts (£10) per room. The resorts around the national park and the much vaunted attraction of the bat cave meant room prices in that vicinity were four times more expensive. - (I should have wanted a discount for the din and racket caused by the so called entertainment).

After a few beers washed down with French cheeses and pate together with Barbs Christmas cake we turned in quite early wakening the following morning to a calling Asian Barred Owlet.

Cheers,

Mike P.



-- Edited by Mike Passant on Saturday 30th of December 2023 10:04:05 AM

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24/12/2023 - Various sites again in Amnat Charoen.

Paul Barb and I again went across into Amnat but this time with an earlier start and still with a few specific targets in mind. To summarise here (as I am typing this on Christmas Day) I added six more species to hit 100 for Amnat and Paul another two to boost his list to 163. (He leads the rankings for Amnat already by a big margin).

Star birds were a Siberian Blue Robin, 4 Greater Racket-tailed Drongos a Verditer Flycatcher 4 Brown-throated Sunbirds Oriental Skylarks and a catch-up bogey bird for Paul - a Swinhoes White-Eye.

All of us here wish Ian and all our friends in the Manchester Birding Community a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Mike, Barb, Paul, Pen and Art



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23/12/2023 - Various sites in Amnat Charoen province.

Amnat is the next province east from Yasothon and thus involves a relatively short drive. Despite being home to a few special species such as Mekong Wagtail it is not my favourite destination and we belatedly decided to have a run out with a view to trying to add a few species to our respective lists - mine standing on a modest 89 species and Pauls on 160.

We arrived at 10.30 am (!) at our first stop (Dong Hua Kong and Dong Bang Ee Community Forest) to find conditions hardly conducive to finding any birds with strong cold winds gusting and trees accordingly in constant motion to the annoying sound of creaking bamboo. After an hour and a quarter we had logged 12 common species and just one new bird for my Amnat list - a Two-barred Warbler - so we moved on.

We arrived at our next stop (the Huai Pho Royal Irrigation Project) at 12.05 and logged 25 species in this more varied habitat of ornamental gardens and groves. All were common species and included a Hoopoe along with a few more additions for my own province list. Paul asked me if Hoopoe had come up on the Ebird system as one of my target birds and I replied that it had not- the conclusion being that we must have seen one before in Amnat.

Later whilst inputting our sightings to Pauls surprise Hoopoe came up flagged as a rarity. It became immediately obvious that Hoopoe had not been on my target list because it had never before been recorded in Amnat by anyone!

And so - the humble Hoopoe a species which we almost general ignore and record just in passing so to speak became the star of the day and a new addition for Paul to go with my five.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 

 



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22/12/2023 - Tambon Phu Ngoen - Roi Et Province.

Today started off as a rest day with a plan to go over into Roi Et to buy some new shorts. I really wasnt bothered until Paul mentioned that we could take in some open country birds en route via a site not previously visited so I suddenly became more amenable.

As it transpired despite the ongoing strong winds we logged 33 fairly common species in an hour and a quarter which included 6 more easy province additions for me:- 

7 Indian Spot-billed Ducks

1 Grey Heron

4 Indochinese Bushlarks

20 Red-rumped Swallows

2 White Wagtails (leucopsis)

2 Paddyfield Pipits

In addition we logged the first Red-throated Pipits of our current visit and several Eastern Yellow Wagtails including a rather fine example of the Green-headed form (taivana).

We never made it to the shops.

Regards

Mike P.

 

 



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21/12/2023 - 6.39 am Tham Pha Nam Thip non-hunting area - Pha Nam Yoi Forest Pk. Roi Et Province.

The shortest day of the year saw grandson Art (he of the sharp eyes) joining us for a morning in this next province west from home base. This forested hill is topped by a huge and spectacular fairly modern temple which we first visited in 2017. We had of course a hit list of bird targets in mind but our hopes were rather dampened when we arrived by a persistent cold and gusting wind. We did our best however and in 4 hours managed a brave but modest 20 species:-

1 Red Junglefowl

1 Green-eared Barbet (photographed)

3 Lineated Barbets

1 Coppersmith Barbet

3 Ashy Drongos (photographed)

1 Hair-crested Drongo

4 Large-billed Crows

6 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatchers

1 Puff-throated Bulbul

10 Black-crested Bulbuls

3 Stripe-throated Bulbuls

4 Yellow-browed Warblers

8 Pin-striped Tit-Babblers

1 Puff-throated Babbler (photographed)

1 White-rumped Shama

1 Hainan Blue Flycatcher

1 Taiga Flycatcher

1 Blue Rock-Thrush

1 Brown-throated Sunbird

4 Ornate Sunbirds

In addition (despite the trees in constant motion) Paul glimpsed 2 White-bellied Erpornis, a Black-naped Monarch a Streaked-eared Bulbul and 3 Scarlet-backed Flowerpeckers.

Afterwards Paul queried as to why Puff-throated Bulbul had not been on our target list but then realised the reason -  it had never before been recorded in Roi Et Province! We had gained an extra species putting him on 187 - only a single species short of sharing top spot in a province dominated historically by a dedicated resident birder seemingly out every day on his own local patch close to his home. I was pleased to add 9 species to consolidate my own spot in fourth place needing only 5 more to jump another place.

- A rest day tomorrow but with hopes of another short outing before Christmas though high winds are predicted for most of the coming week.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 

 

 

 

 

 



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18/12/2023 06.25 am. Phu Pha Wua Forest Pk. (Tat Soong Waterfall) -  Kalasin.

This province is sufficiently within reach to visit that an early morning start gives ample opportunity for a good mornings birding hopefully with some list boosting and be back home by mid afternoon. 
I have mentioned many times that our birding efforts centre largely on the 20 provinces of the Isaan region but just to bring some idea of scale to our activities - Isaan is the size of England and Wales combined.
Paul of course had far fewer target species here than me (I am only on 75 species here to his 143) and Barb being the sanest one of us keeps no lists whatsoever - she just loves finding and enjoying birds and scenery.

At this forest park in eastern Kalasin (a new site of course for me) a half hour turned up 15 species the best of which were:-

1 Lineated Barbet

1 Green-eared Barbet

1 Shikra (Paul only)

2 Ashy Minivets

Bulbuls: Black-crested Streak-eared and Stripe-throated.

1 Asian Brown Flycatcher

2 Taiga Flycatchers

1 Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker

1 Ruby-cheeked Sunbird

3 Ornate Sunbirds.

We found it windy and very dry with no water flowing at the falls so quickly drove on to a different section along a rough and bumpy uphill dirt road into dry dipterocarp habitat. Here we had more luck with 9 species yielding up three good target species for Paul with a rather ragged Osprey a fine Burmese Shrike (thanks to Barb) and a Purple Sunbird. Two Black-collared Starlings were an added boost as well for me. 
The downhill return drive was akin to being in a tumble drier and had Barb and me hanging onto the hand grips (Paul at least having the steering wheel). However - without four-wheel drive many such sites are impossible to contemplate any birding at all.

Back on normal roads en route to our next site (reached by 10.am) we logged a Jay (White-faced form) which flew across the road. Tambon Nong Hang was our final stop where in an hour we chalked up 17 species, the better ones being:-

1 Rufus-winged Buzzard

1 Black-winged Kite

1 Indochinese Roller

1 (another) Burmese Shrike

7 Red-rumped Swallows

1 Two-barred Warbler

2 Hainan Blue Flycatchers

 we had found the conditions here rather trying due to the winds and a scan over one of the local large lakes had only a couple of Grey Herons on show- scant reward indeed so we broke off for coffees and headed afterwards for home.

Paul had reinforced his position as top lister for the present with 3 more species to reach 146 (with 150 now as a realistic target) and I had gained 15 to reach 89 so we had done quite well in trying conditions.

As a bonus once driving along back in Yasothon we had a flyby Pied Harrier as a temporary companion which gave Paul a nice record shot opportunity.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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15/12/2023 - 5.55 am - Phu Langka - Tat Kham waterfall area.

We arrived at a different entrance to the main park HQ with one target bird in mind - Blue Whistling-Thrush at an established site. As the dawn light slowly improved with us still seated in the car a shrill whistle from close by on the car park itself announced the presence of our bird dimly discernible strutting about on its morning stroll = job done so we left promptly for our next stop in the HQ area of the main Nat. Pk. arriving at 6.25 am.

Here I caught up with a Yellow-vented Flowerpecker a Hainan Blue Flycatcher and in a mixed flock of warblers and sunbirds had my best ever views of a Claudias Leaf-Warbler running and foraging on trunks and branches Nuthatch fashion. I again missed a fleeting glimpse of a Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.

At 11.30 we spent 20 minutes scanning the Nong Kad and Nong Loeng reservoirs logging 6 common species including an easy target for me - 35 Grey-headed Swamphens.

Heading south en route home we called in at the sandbar site and again saw the Black-eared Kite which conveniently took flight and came right by us to be photographed.

At 14.30 we called in at a nice little park in Nakhon Phanom city which provided our only Asian Brown Flycatcher of the trip and nice photo opportunities of 2 Olive-backed Pipits. 
To summarise- Paul had added 21 province ticks to reach top spot again on 149 with me able to jump by 30 species to 118 to occupy 4th place in the province rankings.

Cheers,

Mike P.



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14/12/2023 - 6.20 am - Phu Langka Nat. Pk. - HQ vicinity - Nakhon Phanom.

With a full days birding in prospect we arrived early ahead of the official opening time of 08.30 (= absurd from a birders perspective). One of the problems in popular national parks in Thailand is that from early morning dozens of volunteer/park staff are busy sweeping leaves as a tidy-up for visitors, whereas we prefer to see a good covering of leaves in which robins and thrushes might forage. 
We hastened off along one of the narrow tarmac trails through really attractive rock and forest scenery slowly gaining in height while checking the nearby stream for one of our targets - Grey Wagtail.
In total we spent 4 hours in the park logging 26 species in typically slow though productive forest birding. As the morning wore on we began to meet with increasing numbers of ordinary visitors, some in large groups. These mainly visit to view the series of waterfalls though presently being the dry season there is no water to speak of. These people are invariably very friendly and greeted us cheerfully but the constant loud hellos hardly conducive to good birding, so we slowly headed back.

2 Red Junglefowl

2 Spotted Doves

1 Green-billed Malkoha

5 Oriental Honey-Buzzards (seen from various clearings soaring over the forest and a target species for all of us in Nakhon Phanom).

5 Coppersmith Barbets

3 Lineated Barbets

1 Black-naped Monarch

1 Blyths Paradise-Flycatcher. (Photographed and a nice record and easily Barbs bird of the day).

8 Large-billed Crows

8 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatchers

1 Common Tailorbird

5 Dusky Crag-Martins (These soaring around the high sandstone cliffs above us).

2 Puff-throated Bulbuls

7 Black-crested Bulbuls

3 Stripe-throated Bulbuls

5 Yellow-browed Warblers

1 Pale-legged Leaf Warbler

15 Pin-striped Tit-Babblers (these were abundant in presumed family groups of 4/5 birds and often the first to come in response to our speaker playing Little Spiderhunter).

1 Puff-throated Babbler

1 Taiga Flycatcher

2 Scarlet-backed Flowerpeckers

3 Ruby-cheeked Sunbirds

1 Brown-throated Sunbird

6 Ornate Sunbirds

3 Crimson Sunbirds (photographed and quite common here).

1 Grey Wagtail.

In addition Paul saw 2 Ashy Drongos a Yellow-vented Flowerpecker a Swinhoes White-eye and 2 Indochinese Blue Flycatchers which Barb and I missed.

After an extended break for lunch and siestas at 15.45 we headed out for some open country birding which included some extensive marshy lakes picking up a few common targets such as Moorhen (5) and 3 Grey-breasted Prinias among 26 species in a 40 minute session.

We then headed off back to check out the Mekong sandbars again still hoping for the Tibetan Sandplover.

In our final half hour we noted 50 Small Pratincoles in loose company with what we had come to call the usual waders but with the pleasing addition of a scatter of 35 Spotted Redshanks along the river shoreline. A useful day had given me a further 17 species and Paul a further 11 to regain his top ranking for the province.

Regards,

Mike P.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



-- Edited by Mike Passant on Sunday 17th of December 2023 03:19:43 AM

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13/12/2023 - 11.20 am. Tambon Kham Thao - Nakhon Phanom Province.

After a few days of rest Barb Paul and I left Kutchum at around 07.30 on the longish drive to our first stops in this eastern province which parallels the west (Thai) side of the Mekong river - here aligned north/south for hundreds of kilometres.
We had last birded here January 20/23 earlier this year when the whole family had been with us and our birding accordingly limited to pre-breakfast outings onto the grassy dunes and bushy fringed sandstone pools as well as the sandbars of the river itself readily scoped up as far out as the Laos side. (It was here that we had discovered the first record for Wigeon (12) on the Mekong).

Our main purpose in returning here was to build on my initial list for this province of 87 and for Paul to build up his own list of 128 in the hope of regaining top listing spot in different habitats which for me certainly would be new in Nakhon Phanom.

On arrival at our first viewing spot despite a strong wind we scoped up on a large sandbar a few obvious species:-

3 Greenshank

15 Kentish Plovers

220 Openbill Storks

50 Barn Swallows and a White (Amur) Wagtail.

The best bird however turned out to be a single grounded large raptor down on the sandbar (seemingly of aquiline proportions) feeding on something. The bird was giving mainly rear end views and sported buffy white feathered legs and with nothing close by for size comparisons we were speculating ever wildly as to its identity.

However when it eventually took off a forked tail quickly brought us down to earth - it was just a Black Kite - albeit a Black-eared juvenile which appears to be a first record for the province.

Moving on to the Huai Hai reservoir (at 11am) we spent 30 minutes adding a few target species of which we found a Purple Heron several Bronze-winged Jacanas and a Grey-headed Lapwing.

By 14.00 we had arrived at an open country site Chaloem Phrakiet Park and mainly birding from the shade of the vehicle logged 17 species - the prime targets being:-

20 Garganey

2 Black-winged Stilts

24 Grey-headed Lapwings

3 Wood Sandpipers

1 Eastern Yellow Wagtail 

After a break for lunch we arrived at 15.45 at another river overlook where our main targets on another sandbar were Red-necked Stints and in particular a Tibetan Sand-Plover (both reported here in recent days by a university group which included Thailands current leading lister).

In the event we found neither of our main targets despite our timing on site being precise. In an hour of scrutinising every bird present through both telescope and camera we logged 14 species:-

5 Little Ringed Plovers

2 Kentish Plovers

2 Common Sandpipers

3 Greenshanks

3 Temmincks Stints

In addition the usual common species - pond herons - shrikes - mynas etc.

So ended our first day - a lot of driving and decent progress with me adding 7 province ticks to reach 94 and Paul 5 to reach 133 with the prospect of some forest birding to come. We did find a good hotel with rooms at £12.70 per night and so booked in for two nights.

Regards,

Mike P.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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-A couple of shots from the harrier roost the other night; - a close approach by a female Pied Harrier and then the same bird eying up a trio of Grey-headed Swamphens which probably may have been too much of a mouthful before bedtime?

Cheers,

Mike P.



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11/12/2023 - Kut Chum - the rice harvest.

Today we are at home here on a none-birding break. This generally consists of family members out watering the trees around the garden complex and doing any necessary pruning whilst it is still reasonably cool. I normally manage to get pretty well soaking wet wrestling with the extensive hoses in whatever sector I am working. Later the temperature will reach around 35 degrees when we normally have a midday sleep for a couple of hours followed by a shower. 
As regards the rice harvest - this normally takes place in November each year but this year due to the heavier rains the rice crop here was pretty well flattened in the fields. At the end of November this time the local contractor arrived suddenly and quite unexpectedly with his combined harvester and set to work. (Normally with standing rice the threshing machine comes and we all bag up the dispensed seed from the machine following which it is spread out on large sheets to dry for 2/3 days prior to re bagging for storage). The contractor is paid simply by taking half the crop.

While three of us were away birding in Si Sa Ket recently Pen and her mother and sister and the home help O spread out manually all the seed to dry then after two days worked to 11 pm bagging it all (again manually) and lifting it up into the rice store (photo attached). This will cover the family needs for the whole year. I must say that I felt slightly guilty that we had been off on a birding jaunt while the women had been so busy and subsequently with no complaint whatsoever from them.

Regards,

Mike P.

 

 



-- Edited by Mike Passant on Monday 11th of December 2023 02:54:28 AM

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Not sure what has happened quite to split off under a separate heading day three of our Sakon Nakhon outing, but doubtless due to some incompetence on my part.

However back at base after a break from birding we arrived at 16.20 last night (Dec 9th) at our local harrier roost at Phue Hi to see how things were after no visits since late last January. The site consists of a huge mat of floating vegetation about a 1000 metres in length surrounded by clear water forming a nice margin of safety for birds roosting upon it.

We noted a couple of flyover Brahminy Kites and numerous groups of distant sundry white egrets off to a roost somewhere else and a dozen or so harriers split evenly between Eastern Marsh Harriers and Pied Harriers, all of the  Marsh Harriers being female/juveniles with 1 adult male. The Pieds included at least 2 spanking males a juvenile and a couple of what looked like female adults. 
Photo opportunities were largely curtailed as our usual viewpoint was not available. Paul drove down the usual narrow cart track fringed by branches protruding from both sides for some 250 metres only for our route to be blocked by 3 buffaloes- a youngster with mother and a large male with an impressive span of wicked looking horns. We crept forward and all 3 beasts tried to exit to the right out of our way but the big male was tethered by a rope from the down slope by the lake and could barely get out of our way even if it tried. Our problem was that had we persisted and driven over the tether we could have easily become tangled up with a large panicking animal.

We suggested to Barb that she should sneak out and undo the rope while Paul drove on slowly and I kept watch but to our surprise she flatly refused to do this. Paul patiently reversed all the way back to our less advantageous second choice viewpoint and so salvaged the situation.

All in a days fun - after all this is birding.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 

 



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re Previous post.

Our photo of a perched harrier would appear to be of an adult female Pied Harrier (not Eastern Marsh) due to the strength and extent of underpart streaking and whitish face. The local harrier roost gives us an opportunity again this year to further our studies in what is still a learning process.

Regards,

Mike P.



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06/12/2023 - Wednesday 06.15 - Phu Phan Nat Pk. Huai KHi Hin reservoir vicinity - Sakon Nakhon Province.

A 4 am start from Kutchum saw us on site recording an initial 26 common species to kick off our listing efforts in what of course for Barb and me was totally new territory. These included a White-collared Kingfisher which proved to be the only one of our trip.
We then moved on to the park headquarters vicinity by 08.15 am logging 16 species (with some overlap with our first stop). The best bird here was a Rufous-winged Buzzard which pleased Paul particularly as it was one of his personal targets for the province. Also good sightings were of Ashy Minivet two Hair-crested Drongos two Jays of the white-faced form and an Asian Brown Flycatcher (which oddly proved to be our only record of the trip). We seemed to be recording numbers of Grey-headed Canary Flycatchers and Yellow-browed Warblers at every stop and with hindsight by ignoring phylloscopus species probably overlooked Two-barred Greenish Warblers as a result. It also transpired that our only sunbirds of the trip were Ornate Sunbirds despite scanning endlessly for something better.

By 11 am still in the Nat. Park we had reached the Huai Wiang Phrai reservoir area. The trail here was through fairly open (dry dipterocarp) Forest much favoured by our prime target here the handsome Black-headed Woodpecker which we have all seen well previously in identical habitat at Sab Sadao. On this occasion although a party of birds responded to playback they failed to show themselves.

A single Red Junglefowl 4 Lineated Barbets a party of Pin-striped Tit-Babblers and 3 Scarlet-backed Flowerpeckers were the pick of the 13 species found here.

With the midday heat now oppressive we adjourned to arrange two nights accommodation in town and had some lunch.

At 4 pm we arrived at Nong Han Lake- Don Langka birding until dusk and really padding out our listing with common water/wetland species:-

100 Lesser-Whistling Ducks

4 Indian Spot-billed Ducks

5 Little Grebes

Feral Pigeons-Spotted Doves-Zebra Doves-Red Turtle Doves

1 Greater Coucal

15 Coots

14 Grey-headed Swamphens

17 Pheasant-tailed Jacanas

38 Asian Openbills

10 Little Cormorants

1 Purple Heron

2 Grey Heron 

1 Great White Egret

2 Little Egrets

2 Cattle Egrets

4 Chinese Pond-Herons

3 Eastern Marsh Harriers (one photo attached)

3 Common Kingfishers (common winter visitors here).

6 Asian Green Bee-eaters

1 Coppersmith Barbet

1 Pied Fantail

19 Black Drongos

2 Brown Shrikes

3 Large-billed Crows

1 Black-browed Reed Warbler

1 Oriental Reed Warbler (an older split from Great Reed Warbler).

10 Barn Swallows

2 Yellow-vented Bulbuls

1 Raddes Warbler

2 Black-collared Starlings

5 Common Mynas

20 Great Mynas

4 Amur Stonechats

2 Pied Bushchats

7 House Sparrows 

5 Tree Sparrows

5 Eastern Yellow Wagtails. - (We found very good numbers of these on the following day which included a good mix of 3 forms including the first for us at least of sub sp. taivana - so called Green-headed Wagtail sporting obviously yellow supercilia supposedly a diagnostic character for taivana).

3 Amur Wagtails

3 Paddyfield Pipits.

We logged some 71 species on our first day in which the initial forest sections had involved the usual slow slog with the playing of the alarm calls of Little Spiderhunter being effective in mainly bringing out largely the same culprits.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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05/12/2023 Kut Chum Yasothon.

After a two day break from birding three of us are set for an early start tomorrow to head north into Sakon Nakhon province where the two Pauls already head the rankings on account of their previous intensive fieldwork. For Barb and me this will all be virgin territory and every bird seen a new province species.

We are set for an early night accordingly. A first for me this afternoon was nibbling on roasted grasshoppers which I found to be quite crunchy and a nice complement to chomping on blueberries. Barb tried a grasshopper then switched exclusively to blueberries.

Its 5.30 pm as I type this sipping a cool beer and the temperature now is ideal. Does life get any sweeter?

Best Wishes to all the GM birding community.

Mike P.



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02/12/2023 - 05.40 am. Huai Sala wildlife sanctuary, Si Sa Ket.

We made an early start from our lodgings noting that there had been heavy overnight rain and after driving through the approach roads fringed by the sterile extensive plantations of Kasava and rubber trees finally entered decent forest where we again heard a Collared Owlet. Birding was very slow even after the dawn, with the only new species being a fine male Red Junglefowl panicking and scurrying ahead on our approach. A catch-up species for me were two White-bellied Erpornis which together with a Green-billed Malkoha which we had glimpsed earlier further boosted my province list.

Our normal morning routine is to ensure we have sufficient water for the day and to obtain hard boiled eggs (which make an adequate mid morning breakfast on the hoof) and a coffee each as soon as practicable. All these are readily purchased from a Seven/Eleven store, generally found in every little town and open at all hours.

We drove through the forest stopping periodically to play Spiderhunter but with no additional species coming in, it was becoming apparent that we might leave earlier than planned for some open country birds en route home.

At one of our stops a wardens vehicle passed us so we lost our chance of being first up and along the trail, diminishing our chances of finding a Ground Cuckoo.

Finally at the summit we met up with the kindly couple manning the watch post and donated a pack of hard boiled eggs and shared coffees and some of their freshly netted small fishes from the little stream.

Overall the morning had fallen a little flat and we had set off for home heading back north noting a Black-winged Kite and for my benefit a short ten minute stop added no. 68 - a Pied Fantail to my Si Sa Ket list to reach 118 with Paul on 150 to top (for the present at least) the province listings.

Regards,

Mike P.



-- Edited by Mike Passant on Monday 4th of December 2023 12:10:14 AM

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01/12/2023 - 10.30 am -Huai Sala wildlife sanctuary - Si Sa Ket.

As is often the case birding S E Asian forests a full day doesnt necessarily equate with a big list and we were focused on exploration and finding our own particular target birds. We were late starting but we were able to successfully agree with the staff that on the following morning we should enter at 5.30 to 6 am and to proceed unaccompanied as we wished so we were well pleased at this arrangement.

We recorded 29 species with 2 Siamese Firebacks a Crested Serpent-Eagle 3 Oriental Pied Hornbills 8 Blue-eared Barbets (these appeared to be the commonest of the barbets present) 3 Puff-throated Bulbuls 3 Grey-eyed Bulbuls ( all heard only- the ones with the Liverpool accents) White-crested Laughingthrushes (at least 4 different parties) flycatchers included 2 Hainan Blues with sunbirds being 2 Crimson, 2 Van Hasselts and 5 Ornates.

We normally make periodic stops and exit the vehicle employing a speaker hanging from foliage playing the alarm call of Little Spiderhunter which draws in smaller passerines- generally warblers and sunbirds with the ubiquitous Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher - so much of our work is quite repetitive.

Whilst we were playing Spiderhunter I thought that I heard the distant 4 notes of Collared Owlet. We stopped the speaker and again over a period of almost a minute we again heard the owlet - this time both of us. Paul accordingly played Collared Owlet via the speaker and the small birds went bananas - they also knew the Owlet 4 note song/call. The Owlet itself came in quite close but in thick foliage remained unseen (after all it is only 6- 61/2 inches in size).
Our predicament with this bird was that although we had been able to confirm the species as present here neither of us have ever set eyes on the species and to record it even as heard only on Ebird it would inflate our life lists and we never include a heard only species unless we have previously seen it. We included it as Owl sp. therefore with an explanation as to the circumstances.
Later we learned that although the bird is known from over the border here in Cambodia it has not previously been noted on the Thai side and is most likely the first record for Eastern Isaan. We should now make some effort to record the bird and importantly attempt to actually pull it in and see/photograph it.

We enjoyed a midday break at the top post where we enjoyed coffee and refreshment with a couple on wardening duty who have two days up here and two days back in their village alternating. We quickly became friends and were taken on a shortish walk to a local streamlet being something of a beauty spot. Our host shouldered an automatic weapon (presumably to warn off poachers/dangerous animals) and we strolled over another sandstone tableland in very similar habitat to the site mentioned previously where Paul had found the Indian Thick-Knees. There were none here either though we did flush 3 Red-wattled Plovers. The midday heat was searing and we were actually pleased to get back to camp where we gulped down copious amounts of water.

We made our farewells and left for the descent through the forest at about 14.45 with stops en route. Barb quickly turned up the first of 3 Verdter Flycatchers (another Si Sa Ket target) and further down Paul spotted 4 Thick-billed Green Pigeons whilst driving. We were particularly on the lookout for Coral-billed Ground-Cuckoo but this often needs multiple trips for a sighting. 
Close to the exit we enjoyed great views of a calling female/immature Siberian Blue Robin (photographed). I have never previously seen a bird actually calling but to see it thus was quite something. The bird was continually rapidly shivering its tail and we were able to watch it doing this whilst otherwise stationary on a horizontal perch for several minutes. To my ear its distinctive call is a throaty Tok generally given from thick cover which is how we first detected this individual.

After a great couple of days birding my province list had increased by over 60 species and Paul had become top lister for Si Sa Ket nudging 150 species with another morning still in prospect.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 

 

 



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01/12/2023 - Nong Si reservoir Si Sa Ket.

A 06.30 start saw us here for a half hour adding to our previous afternoon tally a White-throated Kingfisher a Black- collared Starling and a Paddyfield Pipit but also a superb Eastern Yellow Wagtail (macronyx sub sp.) which flew off before it could be photographed.

We then headed off towards the Huai Sala wildlife sanctuary by way of a small reservoir noting 31 species the main attractions here being:-

2 Racket-tailed Treepies

3 Indochinese Bushlarks

1 Thick-billed Warbler

1 Hainan Blue Flycatcher

2 Taiga Flycatchers

1 Blue-Rockthrush

4 Blue-winged Leafbirds ( photographed)

5 Plain-backed Sparrows. (This attractive species is not at all well named in our view - see photo of a male bird).

At 10.30 we arranged entry to the Huai Sala wildlife sanctuary proper at the Mangja entry point and were escorted in (as is the norm here) but pleasingly and unusually were left to our own devices at the centre and so drove on into the border area where we spent the next six hours birding. More detail to follow later.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 

 



-- Edited by Mike Passant on Sunday 3rd of December 2023 11:36:25 AM

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- A few shots from the cliff top overlook on 30/11;-

-Two old codgers - a record shot of Dusky Crag-Martin-Black-naped Oriole-Butterfly sp.- Blue-eared Barbet- Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher-Rufous Treepie- Striated Swallows.

 



-- Edited by Mike Passant on Sunday 3rd of December 2023 06:43:18 AM



-- Edited by Mike Passant on Sunday 3rd of December 2023 09:52:02 AM

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30/11/2023 - 06.30 am - Khao Phra Wihan Nat Pk. Si Sa Ket.

Back in birding mode three of us (Mike Barb Paul) set off early from Kutchum for the three hour drive to the border areas with Cambodia for a three day blitz in this area. With only minimal experience here in Si Sa Ket and with just 50 species under my belt (as compared with Pauls 120) we were hoping for some good finds.

At the park entrance despite Pauls residency status he had to pay the same fee as Barb and me (200 bahts each and 30 for the vehicle) - still cheap though for what lay ahead.

Our 3 hour session yielded up 41 species, including many additions to our respective province lists. The pick of these being:-

1 Crested Serpent-Eagle

Barbets - 3 Coppersmiths 3 Lineated and 1 Blue-eared.

1 Black-naped Oriole

2 Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrikes

8 Dusky Crag-Martins -(these were my own highlight birds and my first in Thailand). We were standing on the spectacular cliff top overlook where in April Paul and Pen were being bombed by terrestrial Peregrines. The extensive forest canopy immediately below us is all in Cambodia and should I ever start a list for there (unlikely) these could be my first entries. Other birds noted here were Striated Swallows an Ashy Drongo and Paul noted another Crested Serpent-Eagle.

5 Assorted common bulbul species

4 Phylloscopus species (Paul logged a putative Claudias Leaf-Warbler which continually was spreading its tail feathers- a feature which I need to research further as I have no experience of this behaviour).

6 White-crested Laughingthrushes - always great to see these spectacular extroverts.

1 Plain Flowerpecker

2 Scarlet-backed Flowerpeckers

1 Van Hasselts Sunbird (male).

We exited the park to explore some dry country further west arriving at 11.30 and logged 32 species in 70 minutes.

Pick of the bunch here were 2 high flyover Crested Treeswifts seen only by Paul and four Rufous-winged Buzzards several kilometres apart. These we find as common raptors further north and are supposedly scarcer here but in our experience we have found them readily here as well - perhaps a change in status is underway?

 With our tickets still valid we re entered the park at 14.00 and added Blue Rock-Thrush at the cliff overlook and a very vocal Green-eared Barbet but of the Dusky Crag-Martins there was no sign. We relaxed with coffees at the cafe nearby whilst keeping a wary eye on the unwelcome monkeys emboldened here by idiot tourists who feed them.

We left the park heading for the Nong Si reservoir for some list padding water birds arriving at 16.10. We found the water levels too high for much in the way of waders nevertheless we logged an overall total of 17 species in a 45 minute session - the notable records from our point of view being:-

300 Lesser Whistling Ducks

15 Black-winged Stilts

 4 Common Sandpipers

10 Small Pratincoles

5 Common egret/heron species- but no Purple Heron (our main target).

We left to seek out lodgings for the night (nice clean accommodation for 50 bahts /£11 per room) and mulled over our lists over beer and our meals with plans formulated for an early start to a full day in the morning.

-Some photos to follow later.

Regards,

Mike P.

 



-- Edited by Mike Passant on Sunday 3rd of December 2023 06:30:39 AM

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28/11/2023 - Kut Chum village.

A huge turnout today of hundreds for Daves funeral. The monks and local dignitaries all officiating, so obviously no birding today out of respect for our friend. Prior to the cremation we were all invited to anoint the body with coconut oil (deemed a cleansing) and to say our personal farewells; - he will be deeply missed here in the local community.

Photos attached of David Clark (1955 - 2023) and the ornately decorated crematorium.

Regards,

Mike, Barb, and Paul.



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27/11/2023 - 07.00 am - Phu Pha Thoep Nat. Pk. (headquarters vicinity) Mukdahan Province.

Up and out by 05.40 am for the one and a half hour drive north-east facing the dawn sky - what better way to start a day?

Our aim was to see the Indian Thick-Knees and Red-wattled Lapwings discovered by Paul last month. However upon arrival the site (a high rocky tableland with scattered tussock grass) was found to be much drier than three weeks ago and despite 90 minutes searching there was no sign of either species which may well have moved on. Undaunted we enjoyed the spectacular sandstone architecture with huge boulders perched mushroom style upon dangerously slender rock pedestals.

Of just 9 common species recorded the pick was a Blue Rock-Thrush and a province tick for Barb and me in the shape of a Lineated Barbet.

By 09.00 we had arrived at Huai Sing in the same Nat. Park where the pick of 10 common species was a Yellow-vented Flowerpecker which was especially pleasing for Paul as a province tick. 
By 12.30 we had arrived in Dong Bang-i Forest Park and despite the oppressive heat logged a final 12 species before calling it a day. Pick of these were:-

8 Asian Green Bee-eaters

3 Ashy Drongos

5 White-faced Jays

3 Yellow-browed Warblers

1 Two-barred Warbler

1 Asian Brown Flycatcher (juv. - photographed)

3 Taiga Flycatchers

4 Ornate Sunbirds (formerly called Olive-backed Sunbird - though still appear no more ornate than previously).

Regards,

Mike P.

 

 

 



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23/11/2023 - 06.15 am - Laloeng Roi Ru - Buri Ram province.

An earlier start this morning to kick off a 4 hour session yielded 55 species including some more additions to our efforts in this exciting area, some of the highlights being: -

2 Green Imperial Pigeons (flyover birds)

Barbets - Blue-eared, Green-eared, Lineated - all heard only.

25 Red-breasted Parakeets

Minivets - Small, Ashy, and Scarlet.

1 Black-winged Cuckooshrike

Drongos - Black, Ashy, Hair-crested, and Greater Racket-tailed.

1 Lanceolated Warbler. (I found long ago that these are readily walked up by strolling through shortish grass in suitable habitat and if present a bird gets up ahead and flies 20 feet or so before plopping down. The trick is to see where it lands and then it often just sits still crouching allowing decent/good views if the grass is not too long).

2 Abbotts Babblers

4 White-crested Laughingthrushes.

6 flycatcher species - ( usual culprits, etc).

- A great start to our trip with Paul up to 197 species for the province and into second spot in the rankings, and with me onto 150 and into ninth spot.

A section of photos from our day and a half follow:- 

Regards,

Mike P. Barbara P. Paul P.

 

 

 

 



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21/11/2023 - Barb and I were met at around 11.40 am at Bangkok airport by Paul and Pen after the long tedious ( almost 11 hours) flight out from Amsterdam (via KLM for a change - next time we shall revert back to Emirates).

We shot off via 2 new provinces (Prachin Buri and Sa Kaeo) to log a few roadside province ticks en route to our prebooked lodgings in Buri Ram province with a day and a half good birding in prospect.

With a leisurely start at 7.30 am on our first full day Nov.22nd (marking for me exactly 29 years of retirement from work) we entered the Dong Yai Wildlife sanctuary at Laloeng Roi Ru- 62 species in the morning session with a good selection of quality species to boost our respective lists for Buri Ram.

Highlight species being:-

1 Green Imperial Pigeon. (photographed) This being a prime site for this species in Thailand- an earlier start would certainly have yielded good numbers. The other major species here is Ashy-headed Green Pigeon which Paul has photographed before - though a no show this time.

1 Racket-tailed Treepie.

4 Asian Woolly-necked Storks - here reintroduced and though nice to see at large, not seriously tickable.

2 Striated Herons

2 Oriental Pied Hornbills (not seen by me as I was seated on the wrong side of the vehicle).

25 Red-breasted Parakeets

Included also were a host of common flycatchers and an Arctic Warbler and a Ruby-cheeked Sunbird were first records for the park.

We returned to our lodgings for a midday break only for Pen to receive tragic news which cast a long shadow over the rest of the day. Australian Dave, one of Pauls ex pat pals, and our host at the last Christmas Day party here, an experienced biker and a justice of the peace living also in Kut Chum had just been killed in a crash only minutes ago while out with his small group of biker friends.

Our afternoon session was a more sober one accordingly with another good count which included a Crested Goshawk and a major world tick for me in the shape of a Yellow-eyed Babbler (at last!!)

Photos to be included in due course.

Regards,

Mike P.



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15/11/2023  - 7.30 am - Pha Nam Yoi Forest Park - Roi Et Province.

An early start saw Paul (inspired by a spell of easterly winds) birding the extensive grounds of this large temple complex checking for migrants.

A two hour session yielded up 30 species, highlights of which were:-

1 White-browed Piculet

3 White-bellied Erpornis

7 Yellow-browed Warblers

1 Alstroms Warbler

2 Two-barred Warblers

1 Claudias Leaf Warbler

5 Abbotts Babblers

4 White-rumped Shamas

3 Hainan Blue Flycatchers

1 Indochinese Blue Flycatcher

3 Siberian Blue Robins

3 Taiga Flycatchers

1 Blue Rock-Thrush

1 Little Spiderhunter.

Alstroms and Claudias Warblers and the Piculet were province ticks resulting in 186 for him in Roi Et - just 3 adrift of Shaun Greens 189. Shaun of course lives in Roi Et and is the long term leading field worker and lister for the province.

By 9.30 am Paul had crossed into Mukdahan at Tambon Ban Pao  where in an hour and 20 mins. he logged just 15 species but significantly added both Alstroms and Claudias Warblers to his province list.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 

 

 



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08/11/2023 - Various sites in Surin Province.

With a 6.30 am start and a full day Paul undertook a solo blitz around four sites in this smallish province which lies due south of Yasothon managing to boost his Surin list by 37 species. The best addition being a Rufous Treepie - a species which I have yet to catch up with in Thailand.

- A few photos attached from his outing : White-crested Laughingthrush, Lineated Barbet, and Chestnut-headed Bee-eater.

Cheers,

Mike P.



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03/11/2023 - 08.30 am. Phu Pha Thoep Nat. Pk. Mukdahan Province.

Paul made the short trip into Mukdahan to see if the Indian Thick-knees were still present from the previous week. At least so far they are and Paul managed record shots of presumably the same pair keeping loose company with a Red-wattled Lapwing.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 



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23/10/2023 - 11.30 am Phu Pha Thoep Nat. Pk. Mukdahan Province.

A solo outing for some general birding here was curtailed somewhat when Paul walked into two Thick-knees, accidentally flushing them from just 5 metres ahead. He then spent almost 2 hours slowly searching and stalking them until at last he obtained a few flight shots which confirmed for him a new species for his Thai list. - Indian Thick-knee, a scarce winter visitor mainly to central Thailand well to the west of here.

The species was traditionally regarded as a form of Stone Curlew (sub sp. indicus) but on Ebird is now recognised as Indian Thick-knee).

Photos below.

Cheers,

Mike P.



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20/10/2023 - Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park - Ubon Ratchathani Province, 

At last I am free to report this major find by Paul Farrell (the driving force behind this project) and my son Paul and his wife Pen. I had promised to keep this under wraps until now when an article in the June issue of Birding Asia written by Philip Round is currently being published, (though our complementary copy is still awaited).

The subject species concerned is Bar-bellied Pitta - a bird regularly and most easily seen in Vietnam where I enjoyed my only encounters in February of 2008. Despite the species being depicted in both my Thai fieldguides (Lekagul and Round 1991, and Treesucon and Limparungpatthanakij 2018) the only Thai records having any claim to credibility were : - the first record (of unknown provenance) between 1968 and 1974 then the finding of a dead male in 1983 (Ubon Ratchathani) then more recently in December 2015 a monochrome image was captured on a camera trap during a study of biodiversity by researchers of the Yot Dom Wildlife Sanctuary.

A follow up expedition with military escort encountered illegal Cambodian timber poachers during which automatic weapons were fired and an arrest of one poacher was made with the rest fleeing. No sound or sighting of the Pitta resulted.

Further exploration followed with no further records for Bar-bellied Pitta though both Eared and Blue Pittas along with Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo were found to be present in suitable habitats.

With searching focused increasingly on Phu Yong Na Yoi Nat. Pk. Paul Farrell heard both territorial and alarm calls in June of 2021. He and Paul Passant made subsequent repeat trips with Paul Farrell (alone) obtaining a brief sighting on the forest trail on 11/05/22 but did not manage a photograph. No further aural or visual sightings were obtained until 19/04/23 at approx. 07.30 am when Paul Passant and his wife Duanpen (Pen) in response to light playback saw a male bird right out on the trail before them and Paul (rather dumbstruck!) obtained a record shot as the bird was exiting the scene.

They trecked back the 5 Kms or so to the site that afternoon hoping for better photos but the military were travelling along the trail on motorbikes as they are engaged on a long term project of mine clearance just further south by the Cambodian border.

Regards,

Mike P.

 



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17/10/2023 - Kalasin Province - various sites.

The two Pauls again teamed up over recent days for a comprehensive blitz on a mix of sites in this underwatched province. The best find was that of a vocalising Sakhalin Leaf Warbler identified in the field by spectrogram readings showing frequency under 5 KHz. - Apparently Pale-legged Leaf Warbler readings show the frequency greater than 6KHz. 
Their recording efforts have pushed the province list now to 196 with PP the lead jockey on 143 a recent increase from 129, and PF up from 110 to 128.

Cheers,

Mike P.



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07/10/2023 Mukdahan Province.

It appears from observations by PF PP and myself over the last few years that the underwatched Mekong River (certainly in the long section where it flows rough north/south on Thailands eastern border with Laos) is possibly a major flyway in the migration period favoured by wildfowl. Paul was dining out with his wife and mother-law at a riverside restaurant and shot off a few photos of some 50 ducks out on the river;- 50 Garganey constituted the first record for the province. This followed our first record for Wigeon earlier in the year when we scoped up a dozen far out towards the Laos shore.

He is still filling in blanks in searching for White-winged Terns in these eastern provinces and yesterday on the 9th he logged both marsh tern species totalling about25 in equal numbers at Huai Hin Kong in Amnat Charoen.

Earlier on the waterfront at Chanuman despite the high water levels he was pleased to find a Mekong Wagtail close by. A photo of this is attached together with a photo of the common wintering White Wagtail of the leucopsis form (aka Amur Wagtail). Mekong Wagtail is of course one of eastern Thailands special birds and bears more than a passing resemblance to the rather larger African Pied Wagtail.

Cheers,

Mike P.



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02/10/2023 - 21.15 Pauls garden, - Kutchum, Yasothon Province.

A nice addition for Pauls local patch list - a pair of calling Collared Scops Owls emanating from the canal area - heard for some 15 minutes but didnt respond to playback.

Cheers,

Mike P.



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25/09/2023 - 14.45 - Phon Sung Salt pans - Ubon Thani Province.

By mid afternoon the guys had travelled further north into Ubon Thani with a short incidental scan over this site where among 16 species the only addition to the wader tally was a single Green Sandpiper among much smaller numbers of other waders. The best species here in overall terms were two Red Avadavats (see photo)

On 26/09/2023 they made an early start back further south at the Nong Kwang salt pans again but wader numbers were lower both in numbers and in species among a species count of 33 noted in heavy rain.

Their efforts were rewarded however with an Eastern Yellow Wagtail of the Green-headed form (sub sp. taivana) and a few more province ticks on their personal lists.

I have yet to visit these two rather neglected provinces myself although of course they are in Isaan; - perhaps on my next visit?

Regards,

Mike P.



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25/09/2023 - 8.00 am  Nong Kwang Salt Pans - Sakon Nakhon Province.

Paul met up here with Paul Farrell to check out wader passage. He states in the introductory comments that the site is unique in Thailand as an area of inland salt pans where from October through to April salt water is drawn from artesian wells and left to dry out. In the wet/ hot season the area is left to nature.

The guys spent five hours here recording just 36 species with not much diversity but feel that it has good future potential.

Among the usual commoner species they logged 9 wader species as follows: -

40 Black-winged Stilts

40 Little Ringed Plovers

20 Temmincks Stints

1 Long-toed Stint

2 Common Sandpipers

8 Greenshanks

3 Marsh Sandpipers

50 Wood Sandpipers

300 Oriental Pratincoles

Attached are single shots of Temmincks and Long-toed Stints.

Mike P.

 



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20/09/2023 - 12.25 -Huai Tham Khe - Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Paul visited this site specifically to search for White-winged Terns and spent a half hour taking photos of both Whiskered and White-winged - about 25 of the former and ten of the latter. The White-winged are thus the first definitive records for this province.

Photos show winter plumage (adult?) birds of one Whiskered and two White-winged.

Cheers,

Mike P.



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18/09/2023 - I noticed this morning that Pauls personal list for Yasothon and Mukdahan provinces had both increased by one although he hasnt been out birding today.

In discussion later on family matters, in passing he mentioned that Ayuwat Jearwatanakanok (one of Thailands acknowledged taxonomic gurus) had mailed him pointing out that one of Pauls photos from April taken in Phu Mu Forest park depicted a Dark- sided Flycatcher (aka Siberian Flycatcher) and not a form of Asian Brown as captioned.

I immediately recalled this bird as being a point of discussion between three of us (Paul Passant Paul Farrell and myself) at the time. My immediate impression was that the bird was Dark-sided but PF had pointed out to PP that it showed clear untipped undertail coverts- a feature for Asian Brown Flycatcher, so it was logged as the Brown-streaked variant of the latter species and I accepted that as a lesson learned.

Ayuwat has pointed out however that the definitive feature that makes it Dark-sided is the tiny bill which imparts the impression of cuteness to the face. This is born out by Pauls photos attached.
This is posted here as an interesting point worth noting for Dark-sided Flycatcher remains a potential vagrant to the Western Palearctic.

Best Wishes,

Mike P.

 

 

 



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17/09/2023 Khok Sung - along Song Khon Canal -Yasothon.

Paul was rewarded with both a garden tick and a province tick at 8 am this morning when three juv. Night Herons flew over the garden compound.

Later at 09.30 he was over in Roi Et at Bueng Doan hoping to find White-wing terns (which have always eluded him thus far in Roi Et). He drew a blank on these but was fortunate to add two bonus species to his Roi Et list nevertheless - a fine Pied Kingfisher and a Streaked Weaver (photographed) among 6 species at this site.

Moving on at midday by Kham Bia as an incidental record he noted at least 40 Night Herons. Seemingly these are generally on the move through central/ eastern Isaan.

Water levels are high presently. In a small flooded forest section he noted thousands of displaced fish in shallow water and these possibly are attracting the Night Herons?

Regards,

Mike P.



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16/09/2023 - 8 am. Pha Nam Yoi Forest park, - Roi Et Province.

Paul headed west on a relatively short trip into Roi Et hoping for any passage migrants.

He recorded just 18 species in an hour but found among these three new species for his own province list to take it to 180 (only 7 behind the lead jockey - a birder who actually lives here in Roi Et).

Full list as follows (which encompasses nothing unusual) but the two warblers and the flycatcher were actually nice catch ups for Paul in Roi Et: -

2 Green-billed Malkohas

14 Asian Palm Swifts

2 Shikras (an adult photographed and a juv.)

10 Asian Green Bee-eaters

2 Lineated Barbets

2 Eurasian Jays

4 Large-billed Crows

8 Black-crested Bulbuls

2 Stripe-throated Bulbuls

1 Eastern Crowned Warbler

1 Arctic Warbler

4 Pin-striped Tit-Babblers

2 Black-collared Starlings

4 Common Mynas

8 Great Mynas

2 White-rumped Shamas

1 Indochinese Blue Flycatcher

4 Olive-backed Sunbirds.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 

 

 



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13/09/2023 - Dong Hua Kong & Dong Bang Ee Community Forests - Phu Sing - Amnat Charoen Province.

Paul took advantage of a midday break in the rain for the short trip east into this small province which lies south of Mukdahan and north of Ubon Ratchathani flanked on the eastern side by the mighty Mekong river.

It seems to have been pretty good for passing migrants - especially swifts.

21 species recorded, - the best being:-

15 Brown-backed Needletails (his best ever count often flying too close to photograph).

20 Germains Swiftlets

25 Pacific Swifts (photographed)

15 Asian Palm Swifts

1 Eastern Marsh Harrier (an adult male in wing moult - photographed)

1 Shikra ( juv. photographed).

4 Brahminy Kites

10 Asian Green Bee-eaters

6 Blue-throated Bee-eaters

2 Lineated Barbets

1 Brown Shrike.

Regards,

Mike P.

 

 



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11/09/2023 - various stops along the Mekong shores, - Mukdahan Province.

With Pen needing to take the car over into Ubon Ratchathani for its service Paul opted instead for a morning birding along selected lengths of the Mekong riverside habitats.

He found a lingering Blue-winged Pitta still present at one of the regular breeding sites among the usual crop of expected species but was pleased to add a province tick in the shape of an Osprey flying down river.

A brief speculative ten minute stop at a bridge rewarded him with a Striated Heron - not just a province tick but the first record for Mukdahan Province itself - taking that list to 210 species of which Paul now stands on 183.

Somehow I dont see myself ever catching him?

Regards,

Mike P.



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09/09/2023 - Boong Khla Community Forest - Yasothon.
A 7.00 am start saw Paul in his favourite local forest patch where he has now recorded 111 species, his latest addition being an adult Watercock which he photographed as it flushed and flew off ahead of him.

An hour produced just 19 species in all, - the Blue-winged Pittas and Van Hasselts Sunbirds seemingly now departed for their winter quarters. The more notable species among the rest were:- 

6 Little Egrets

7 Asian Green Bee-eaters

1 Coppersmith Barbet

3 Lineated Barbets

1 Hair-crested Drongo

2 Greater Racket-tailed Drongos

1 Brown Shrike

3 Pin-striped Tit-Babblers

4 Puff-throated Babblers

5 Abbotts Babblers

2 Hainan Blue Flycatchers.

Later at 09.24 he spent 50 minutes logging 17 species at Phu Sung Charoen Tham Buddhist Sanctuary. 
Notable here were a single flyover Lesser Whistling Duck, three Bulbul species (Black-crested, Stripe-throated and Streak- eared) but the pick of a fairly predictable crop was an Eastern-crowned Warbler - a passage bird in these parts which I myself have yet to catch up with in Thailand.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 

 

 

 



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05/09/2023 - 8.45 am - Phu Mu Forest Park - Yasothon.

This morning Paul spent an hour and a half here on the lookout for signs of migration through this site which has thoroughly redeemed itself over the last year as a source of avian surprises.

He was rewarded with a rare province tick (no. 223)- the white faced form of Eurasian Jay of which he had three and spent most of the time here trying for a decent photo.

Also noteworthy passing through were four of the hulking Brown-backed Needletails - surely the Tyson Furies of all swifts?

Regards,

Mike P.

 



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01/09/2023 - Ubon Ratchathani Rice Research Centre - Ubon Ratchathani.

Paul bowled up here at 11.30 specifically to search for any Wood Sandpipers as he had counted 15 in adjacent Yasothon the previous day. This would be not just a province tick for him but would constitute a first record for the province. He logged 26 species in a 45 minute session which included only two wader species - 4 Common Sandpipers and 3 Wood Sandpipers! 
Yes these are relatively common birds in Thailand but nobody has previously put in the time (in the optimum season) to bother looking here. 

I always marvel at some of the journeys achieved by long distance migrant waders, - it is pretty humbling really. In 1995 during our only visit to New Zealand, Barb and I went for a quiet evening stroll and in a tiny marshy corner of a roadside field and there stood close by a single wader - a Wood Sandpiper.

On another trip a few years later in Madagascar a group of us found (of all things!) a Pectoral Sandpiper.

 Arent birds something!

Best Wishes,

Mike P.



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31/08/2023 -10.30 am Khueang Kam - Nong Hoi paddies Yasothon.

A 10.30 start saw Paul scanning for migrants at this regular wader site not far from home and in 2 hours and a half he clocked up 41 species the more interesting of which were: - 

2 White- breasted Waterhen (adult with chick).

30 Black-winged Stilts

1 Grey-headed Lapwing

5 Little Ringed Plovers

1 Long-toed Stint

1 Common/Pin-tailed Snipe

2 Common Sandpipers

15 Wood Sandpipers

40 Asian Openbill

14 Asian Green Bee-eaters (a notable count for these here).

In addition the usual spread of egrets and herons and a host of the usual passerines.

Cheers,

Mike P.

 

1 Eastern Yellow Wagtail (this being a site first record) 

 

 

 



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30/08/2023 Loeng Nok Tha airport (disused) Yasothon Province.

Paul made the short journey to this site spending 25 minutes hoping for anything unusual, logging just 14 species which included 3 Little Ringed Plovers and a single juv. Oriental Pratincole (photographed) but no other waders as yet. The best of the rest being 2 Brown Shrikes (a juv. photographed) and 12 Oriental Skylarks - this being the best local site for this species.

Earlier on 24th he had crossed over into Roi Et to Huai Aeng to see if there were any waders about but water levels were too high and among 31 of the usual species the only wader was a Common Sandpiper.

I suspect he is hoping to find a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper or even an Oriental Plover passing en route south (this latter of course a dream bird which is possible here in drier situations).

Cheers,

Mike P.



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21/08/2023 8.30 am Huai Khee Lek - Mukdahan province.

Paul made the short trip into Mukdahan for an hour and a half session looking for any early autumn migrants. Among the 37 common species he recorded he found the joint first autumn record of the year for Thailand - a Brown Shrike though no waders at all around the lake margins.

Of the 207 species recorded for this province Pauls list stands on 181 so he seldom adds to this apart from odd specific twitches from time to time. The fact that I stand in fifth place on 88 attests to the fact that Mukdahan (in the far east) is largely off the beaten track for the countrys big listers.

Cheers,

Mike P.



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15 and 16/08/2023 Khon Kaen Province - mainly Phu Pha Man national park.

Paul made the 3 hour trip west from Yasothon to team up again with Paul Farrell for a two day visit to an excellent site in this national park - the Phaya Nakharat cave area. En route they recorded a few incidentals in the form of a Cinnamon Bittern and two Crested Treeswifts perched on overhead wires.

At 12.26 they stopped at the Khang Khao Cave (bat cave) where the pick of 11 species were 4 Dusky Crag Martins. A photo of one high flying bird showed the well spread tail with typical diagnostic spots.

Arriving at 15.10 at the Phaya Nakharat cave they recorded 21 species:-

1 Spotted Dove

4 Asian Emerald Doves

1 Greater Coucal

1 Asian Koel

1 Violet Cuckoo (photos)

2 Malayan Night-Herons (1 adult, and a juv. photographed)

3 Asian Green Bee-eaters

1 Blue-eared Barbet

2 Green-eared Barbets

1 Lineated Barbet

1 Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker

1 Blue-winged Pitta (heard)

1 Common Iora

1 Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

1 Large-billed Crow

1 Common Tailorbird

2 Grey-breasted Prinias

1 Puff-throated Babbler

2 White-rumped Shamas

1 Indochinese Blue Flycatcher

4 White-rumpled Munias.

Later at 20.35 they added a Collared Scops-Owl to round off the day.

On the following morning with a start at 07.10 they recorded 27 species (obviously with a good percentage of repeats) but added:-

1 Green-billed Malkoha

2 White-browed Piculets

2 Woodpeckers - sp. (originally thought to be Bamboo Woodpeckers but after circulation of photographs and discussion now considered to be of the known hybrid form Bamboo Woodpecker x Pale-headed Woodpecker)

4 White-bellied Erphornis

2 Great Ioras

2 Black-naped Monarchs

2 Striated Swallows

1 Black-headed Bulbul

2 Black-crested Bulbuls

2 Stripe-throated Bulbuls

2 Puff-throated Bulbuls

2 Grey-eyed Bulbuls

3 Yellow-bellied Warblers

2 Pin-striped Tit-Babblers

4 Buff-chested Babblers

2 White-browed Scimitar-Babblers (heard)

3 Puff-throated Babblers

1 Dark-sided Flycatcher

1 Olive-backed Sunbird

1 Little Spiderhunter

PP added 31 species to his personal list for Khon Kaen and PF a handful but pleasingly the latter regained his top spot on 311 for this his home province.

Regards,

Mike P.

 

 

 

 



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13/08/2023 Roi Et and Kalasin provinces.

Paul embarked on a couple of twitches over the last few days : - one into Roi Et province on 11th to dip on a short staying Lesser Adjutant and then more successfully on 12th north west into Kalasin to gain a province tick in the shape of a Streaked Weaver.

Revisiting our thrush fest of January this year (my post on/around 12/01/2023 refers) an interesting discussion has been ongoing over recent months. This has centred upon our Black-breasted Thrush found in company with the maculata buff throated form of Orange-headed Thrush, this latter being the first of this sub species to be identified in Thailand.

In conversation with Paul,  Phillip Round posed an interesting question as to whether we had considered the possibility that our female Black-breasted Thrush could have been a female Grey-backed Thrush?

Of course we had not! - Simply because Grey-backed Thrush is not depicted in either the old or in the new Thai fieldguide, 

The winds during the whole of the previous week blowing consistently from the north east had undoubtedly brought the maculata Orange-headed Thrush which shares its summer range in north east China with Grey-backed Thrush, and a perusal of the literature (including my China fieldguide) confirms this but also states the difficulty involved in identifying females of this species pair in the field.

Positive identification therefore (even with quite good photographs) is not possible without biometrics and a bird in the hand. Preferably therefore looking to the future we need a similar spell of weather this coming winter and a male bird to appear!

Cheers,

Mike P.

 



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For some reason the last two posts on this thread got shuffled chronologically (June 15th appearing after June 21st) - - no doubt something I must have got wrong, -so apologies for that.

It is still the rainy season in Thailand so Paul has not been out birding for some 6/7 weeks but at least the rice crop is doing well thus far.

Paul and Pen have been away on business over the last few days down in Petchaburi province situated at the head of the gulf of Thailand on the north western edge where in 2017 we found one of the wintering Spoon-billed Sandpipers at the prime site for the species.

En route they passed through the tiny province of Samut Songkhram so Paul took the opportunity to start a list for what is (in birding terms) a new province, spending an hour at the Don Hoi Lot salt pans and mudflats where they logged 31 fairly common species the pick of which were:-

30 Black-winged Stilts

60 Lesser Sand-Plovers

1 Little Ringed Plover

6 Whimbrels

50 Black-tailed Godwits

40 Common Redshanks

5 Little Terns

14 Painted Storks

2 Little Cormorants

6 Indian Cormorants

1 Purple Heron

1 Great/Intermediate Egret

5 Little Egrets

2 Javan Pond-Herons

1 Brahminy Kite

3 Collared Kingfishers

1 Asian Green Bee-eater

1 Blue-tailed Bee-eater

Later in the day based at their temporary lodgings in Petchaburi province, they found time to do a little list padding with a few common species.
Petchaburi straddles both the gulf on the east and to the west the border with Myanmar with which it shares the Kaeng Krachen National Park - (the largest in Thailand) with a province list accordingly of some 625 species.

Regards,

Mike P.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



-- Edited by Mike Passant on Wednesday 9th of August 2023 11:41:42 AM

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15/06/2023 10.30 am - Phu Phan Nat. Pk. Tor Khet (protection unit 6) Kalasin Province.

Paul met up with Dennis and Paul Farrell (the latter back in Thailand after several months away working) on this site located roughly half way between their respective home bases in Khon Kaen and Yasothon.

Here an hour and a half of relaxed birding produced 14 common species including a Crested Serpent Eagle, singles of both Green-eared and Lineated Barbets, a White-bellied Erpornis, 4 Bulbul species, Puff-throated and Pin-striped Tit-Babblers, a White-crested Laughingthrush, a White-rumped Shama, a couple of Ruby-cheeked Sunbirds, and 3 Common Taylorbirds.

Early afternoon (still in Kalasin) they moved on to explore Tambon Nong Hang where four wheel drive was necessary to negotiate the rocky steep trail.

The time of day and hot dry conditions were hardly ideal for birding and their half dozen species comprised:-

2 Rufous-winged Buzzards

1 Shikra

1 Indochinese Roller

1 Lineated Barbet

4 Large-billed Crows

1 Olive-backed Sunbird.

This modest haul across the two sites did in fact yield a few province ticks for them personally and meeting up at least provided the opportunity to formulate plans for the following week in Loei Province with the prospect of more challenging and exciting birding in the north-easter extremity of the Isaan region.
Cheers,

Mike P.

 



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