Dates:
Weather:
Localities:

2-3 June 2012.
Warm and humid. Partly cloudy. Rain showers.
Thaksin Maharat National Park and Mae Ping National Park.

Leopard Lacewing

Spotted Angle - female

unidentified Hummingbird Hawk-Moth

2 Jun. An early start to drive to the entrance at Thaksin Maharat shortly after opening. The low cloud didn't look particularly enticing for birding as it appeared rain would start imminently. Our first stop was at the viewing platform overlooking the valley. Although windy and cool within a few minutes we'd heard both Olive Bulbul and White-throated Bulbul, but neither seen. Due to the windy conditions we decided to try to trail leading down to the valley with the Big Tree at the end of the road.

Both bulbuls were again vocal and by descending the trail good views of both Olive Bulbul and White-throated Bulbul were had, although the latter were decidedly flighty in the canopy and hardly coming to rest. With the two targets located we decided to check out the Big Tree and the valley below. This included a walk up the trail toward the Pang Ah Noi Waterfall, where in addition to numerous tiger leeches we had Blue Pitta, Spot-necked Babbler and Banded Kingfisher - all unfortunately heard only. Surprisingly the weather cleared and the sun was out. After the slog back up the trail to the car parking area we had a quick once around the scenic drive before heading into Tak for a late breakfast and subsequently moving on to Li. Having checked in to our accommodation we headed straight into Mae Ping National park, arriving around 14:30. As the weather was pretty warm bird activity was minimal. By the late afternoon we found ourselves at Thung Kik with a few calling Chinese Francolin. At dusk we returned to the forest to listen for night birds. At this time of year it's not dark until well after 19:00, when the first calling birds we heard were Oriental Scops Owl. Heading straight into the forest our initial attempts at spot-lighting were unsuccessful; due mainly to the amount of foliage in the wet season. However, with perseverance we had good views of a perched Oriental Scops Owl. Several others were calling nearby, as well as Brown Boobook.

3 Jun. A couple of Indochinese Bush Lark encountered en route to the park was a good omen. All morning spent on a stop/park/walk along the Thung Gig road. Activity being better early morning we encountered good numbers of woodpeckers, including Great Slaty Woodpecker, White-bellied Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Common Flameback and Black-headed Woodpecker.