Dates:
Weather:
Localities:

3 - 6 Jan 2023.
Dry throughout. Variable cloud cover. Temperatures ranged from 12°C to 28°C.
Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary.

3 Jan. We left Chiang Mai by 07:00, arriving at forests on the northern side of Omkoi by 10:00, after which the day was spent exploring several of the longer tracks through Dipterocarp forest. As the weather was largely cloudy, the cool conditions were unfavourable for butterflies. The usual collection of bird species were found, with the only notable sighting being a group of at least eight Yellow-streaked Warbler - a species we'd not previously seen at Omkoi. Overnight in town where, as usual, we just managed to find an open eating establishment at 17:30. Omkoi continues to be the worst places in Thailand for finding an open restaurant in the evening.

4 Jan. Heading out of town in a southerly direction toward the Muser viewpoint, we passed a new sign a few kilometres before the viewpoint, proudly proclaiming, in Thai, a new attraction - "viewpoint and 300 million year old rocks". Not expecting too much, we duly walked the 600 metre trail, and were surprised to find the viewpoint at the end, quite impressive, and well worth the stop. The dry forest along the track looked potentially good for butterflies at a better time of year, so we pencilled it in for a subsequent visit. Unexpectedly, a Rufous Woodpecker was heard from the viewpoint; another species not previously encountered here. Before the Muser viewpoint we explored tracks on the eastern side of the hills. Best bird species were Rufous-winged Buzzard and Black-headed Woodpecker. Best butterflies included Chapman's Cupid, Pale Bushblue and Tailless Yellow-disc Oakblue.

5 Jan. As we'd intended to try higher areas around the viewpoint and pass our first stop was a forest patch near the pass at 1,400 metres. This held a sizeable feeding flock including Ashy Bulbul, many Mountain Bulbul, various Phylloscopus warblers and Rosy Minivet, as well a a disappearing oriole that was likely Slender-billed Oriole. However, the windy, overcast conditions were not at all conducive for butterflies, so we headed down the western flank of the mountain as far as the wildlife sanctuary headquarters area at 400 - 600 metres altitude. Weather conditions were much more favourable here, and amongst others we recorded Grey-headed Parakeet, as well as Common Mime, Bicoloured Hedge Blue and Narrow-branded Palm Dart.

Black-headed Woodpecker

Ammatho pluma

Common Blue Brilliant