Dates:
Weather:
Localities:

10 - 23 Apr 2015.
Hot to very hot and humid, with some rain. Temperatures up to 42°C.
Laem Sing, Ko Man Nai, Pak Phli, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Thap Lan National Park, Sanambin Non-hunting Area, Had Wijitra, Tana Kaeng National Park, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Lat Yao and Mae Wong National Park.

11 Apr. Took a boat at 06:00 to Ko Man Nai, passing a couple of Bridled Tern en route. Before landing at Ko Man Nai we took a short look at rocks to the north of Ko Man Klang, where a dozen Black-naped Tern were resting. The whole day then spent wandering on Ko Man Nai. Birding was surprisingly slow in the first couple of hours, but as the day progressed things slowly improved, enabling us to record a fair selection of species including Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, Blue-winged Pitta, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Black Paradise Flycatcher, Slaty-legged Crake, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Grey Nightjar, Ruddy Kingfisher and Eyebrowed Thrush.

Grey Nightjar

Pin-tailed Snipe

Trying to drive to Thap Lan

Trying to drive to Thap Lan

13 Apr. Having birded Ko Man Nai together, we parted in different directions, with Steve T returning to Chiang Mai, Ian, Games and Jim to Kaeng Krachan, and us two heading toward Nakhon Nayok. A leisurely start at 07:00, with breakfast en route, had us arriving at Pak Phli around 10:00. Our goal here was Singing Bush Lark, though our initial attempts at finding one were thwarted by the strong winds making listening for singing birds difficult to say the least. We did however find a good number of Chinese Pond Heron in breeding plumage as well as Striated Grassbird and some splendidly plumaged Asian Golden Weaver nest building. With abating winds we eventually heard and located several Singing Bush Lark as well as both Indochinese Bush Lark and Oriental Skylark. Continued to Nakhon Nayok, checking into the newly opened Loft Village, located immediately behind a temple just outside the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, where a very loud Songkran party was happening - hopefully not continuing into the night. A short siesta and then out birding around the academy. Very few birds in the afternoon heat, with Vinous-breasted Myna and a very obliging Pin-tailed Snipe the best. Stayed until past dark but sadly no Malayan Night Heron put in an appearance.

14 Apr. Another session at the military academy but as again no sign of any night heron, we departed to Sakaerat where despite being the middle of the day, we saw our target - Brown Prinia - and actually the only bird we saw. Found a comfortable resort north of Sakaerat before continuing to Thap Lan. With Songkran in full swing, the roads en route were packed with party revelers, so we arrived somewhat later than expected. However, a very successful late afternoon, finding White-browed Fantail, Small Minivet, Black-headed Woodpecker, White-bellied Woodpecker, Brown Prinia and Vinous-breasted Myna. Fairly late in returning to the accommodation, after which, due to the Songkran holidays we were unable to find an open restaurant in town. Ended up at an ice cream parlour, where the staff took pity on us and sold us beer and cooked us French fries.

15 Apr. An early start at 05:00, to arrive at Thap Lan by dawn. No revellers out at this time of day, as no doubt most lying in bed with sore heads. Surprisingly cool early morning at around 19°C, although it soon heated up. Three hours strolling around various trails produced White-bellied Woodpecker, Thick-billed Green Pigeon, Small Minivet, Chinese Francolin calling, Black-headed Woodpecker and an Ornate Flying Snake right on the trail. As we had a long drive ahead, we decided to take a break along the way at the Sanambin Non-hunting area. This is the protected area from which the Sarus Crane reintroduction project is run. The small wetland here is permanent and at this time about the only area of water available in the vicinity.

Ornate Flying Snake

Indian Purple Emperor

Siamese Fireback

White-winged Duck (released bird)

Basically poor and overpriced - as to be expected from Thai national parks and sanctuaries. We also noted that to use the photo hide was an eye-watering 1,000 Baht/day. A luxury we declined! Despite this, it was just good to be inside the sanctuary with good birding opportunities. The remainder of the afternoon spent along the entrance road. Many butterflies were puddling in the middle of the road but also massacred by any speeding vehicle coming along. Late afternoon we birded ponds around the headquarters but no White-winged Duck or Austen's Brown Hornbill encountered.

19 Apr. An early awakening by Large-tailed Nightjar immediately outside the door. Out early to check several lakes for White-winged Duck, but none found. In fact pretty quiet all round save for a few Brown-throated Needletail, so we birded the entrance road north of the headquarters. This was much more productive, with two groups of Austen's Brown Hornbill, several vocal Blue Pitta and Moustached Barbet. Back to the accommodation for a late breakfast, after which we spent the heat of the day walking farther out along the entrance road. More Austen's Brown Hornbill, Silver-breasted Broadbill and Heart-spotted Woodpecker seen. Late afternoon we returned to the lakes with two single White-winged Duck found - one free-flying bird that landed on the lake then promptly headed off again, and the other feeding around the edge and not looking particularly wild, although it appeared unringed

20 Apr. Early morning along the first few kilometres of the entrance road with Black-throated Laughingthrush the best bird. Once the park office had opened, at 08:00, we were able to check out, pay and start our 500 kilometre journey to Mae Wong. A blisteringly hot day, with temperature around 42°C all afternoon. Called in at Lat Yao en route where Pied Kingfisher and Javan Pond Heron were seen. Arrived outside Mae Wong late afternoon and checked into one of the resorts near the entrance. As the best restaurant in Khlong Lan town was closed we ate at street stalls.

A walk down the Umphang trail found us Small Niltava and Rufous-browed Flycatcher. With temperatures rising we again headed down the hill, birding a slightly lower stretch. Not surprisingly, nothing new in heat. At 14:00, on the advise of the ranger, we spent three hours at the Grey Peacock-Pheasant feeding area, but only Black-throated Laughingthrush, White-necked Laughingthrush, White-tailed Robin and Rufous-throated Partridge put in an appearance. At 17:00 we drove to the lower campsite and totally jammed a Crested Kingfisher flying past. Talk about luck!

22 Apr. A repeat of yesterday. First stop at the campsite area at the bottom of the mountain with Crested Kingfisher again flying past at speed. Up to Chong Yen and a couple of hours waiting for Grey Peacock-Pheasant to show but to no avail. The rest of the morning birding the road and Umphang trail. A pair of Dark-sided Thrush were very unexpected and some flock activity included Speckled Piculet, Blyth's Paradise Flycatcher and Lesser Yellownape. Mid afternoon the darkening skies gave way to heavy rain for an hour or so during which there was a large migration of Pacific Swift with more than 1,000 birds. After rain we returned to the top and sat again waiting for peacock-pheasant but no luck.

23 Apr. Morning drive back to Chiang Mai with drop off at the airport. A total of 3,500 kilometres in 14 days.

Brown-crowned Scimitar Babbler

Unidentified grasshopper