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10-14 October 2011.
Cool to hot, partly cloudy. Mainly dry with light rain on last two days.
Mae Wong National Park.

Leopard Cat

Tree fall on Chong Yen road

blue bumble bee

Brown Gorgon

11 Oct. Arrived at the checkpoint around 06:30 where the ranger kindly allowed us to proceed up to Chong Yen without a permit, simply logging us into his book on the proviso we returned today. A few stops en route, including the Kiew Krating Viewpoint, where several pairs of Large Scimitar Babbler were vocal and allowed brief views. Nearer the top a pack of five Dhole were encountered on the road - rather unexpected! We made Chong Yen about 08:00 and first off tried the old Umpang road. At this time of year it was more of a stream, and combined with the tall, wet vegetation and plenty of leeches this was not not ideal. The main target was Brown-crowned Scimitar Babbler which had been heard the previous evening. However, these proved not to be, but a very welcome pair of Rufous-browed Flycatcher were vocal and enticed into view. Continuing on the Umpang road proved rather too difficult so we returned to the campsite where a pair of Brown-crowned Scimitar Babbler were seen briefly behind the ranger's house. From here we walked several kilometres back down the road during the morning with a few feeding flocks containing Dark-backed Sibia, Olive Bulbul, Davison's Leaf Warbler and Striated Yuhina. Late morning a group of seven Wreathed Hornbill flew over. Best was Leopard Cat at close range. Lunch was taken at the Khun Nam Yen Viewpoint but other than rain showers, little was seen. A couple of hours then spent walking sections of road in this area, but nothing of note encountered, so returned to Chong Yen where a further pair of Wreathed Hornbill flew over. In the last hour of light returned to the viewpoint and added Dollarbird and Brown-backed Needletail to the list. Drove back to the lower checkpoint after dark to find the gate locked and staff gone home, so had to drive down the steep roadside bank - only possible with a 4x4. Dinner in town again.

12 Oct. Usual start to the checkpoint for Chong Yen. Different ranger on duty this morning, who wanted us to leave a driving licence at the checkpoint. However, this not a good idea as returning after dark would mean driving licence not returnable, so after a few minutes chat he let us in without ado and we drive to the Khun Nam Yen viewpoint where we spent the next three hours. Quite a lot of migration through the hills with numbers of Barn Swallow, Black-naped Oriole and Chinese Sparrowhawk. Other new species added to the list included Greater Flameback, Black-eared Kite and Rufous-throated Partridge. Around 10:00 left for Chong Yen, adding Crab-eating Mongoose slinking off the road. After doing the campsite area walked the first couple of kilometres downhill seeing Stripe-breasted Woodpecker and Pale Blue Flycatcher. Lunch at the viewpoint again - more for convenience than birds, and then walked the lower section between there and half way to Chong Yen, but not seeing a great deal. Late afternoon slogged up the new viewpoint trail above the campsite. Spectacular views from the top but leeches and biting flies bad. Late afternoon drove down, where again the checkpoint was locked so had to make the same detour around the barrier. Into town where we discovered the three fuel stations in Khlong Lan all close by 18:00.

Blue-bearded Bee-eater

14 Oct. Waved through the checkpoint and straight up to the Khun Nam Yen viewpoint, seeing a further Leopard Cat. First bird was a distant perched Oriental Hobby which caught and ate two passerines with ease. Other birds of interest included Siberian Rubythroat, Lanceolated Warbler and Brown-backed Needletail. With it quietening down by 09:00 we continued up to Chong Yen where a fruiting tree held the odd collection of Greater Yellownape, Lesser Yellownape, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker and Long-tailed Sibia. A further couple of hours here and along the road failed to produce the desired Burmese Yuhina and Rufous-necked Hornbill and by lunchtime we sadly had to leave for the drive north.

A very memorable trip, not least due to some great mammals as well as the constant struggle to keep the biting flies at bay. Wonderful to have had the whole national park to ourselves for the week - the lack of disturbance probably accounting for our mammal encounters. Highly recommended.