Dates:
Weather:

Localities:

15 - 18 Dec 2024.
Variable. Mostly heavy cloud with rain and fog on Doi Lang. Some bright spells. Temperatures ranged from 16°C to 24°C.
Huay Hong Khrai, Mae Taeng Irrigation Project, Doi Lang and Fang Paddies.

Green Peafowl

Wire-tailed Swallow

White-spectacled Warbler

Red-throated Pipit

14 Dec. Richard arrived to late afternoon showers, so a social evening with friends, and more rain, in Chiang Mai.

15 Dec. Early morning, we headed north from Chiang Mai to Huay Hong Khrai. Green Peafowl proved to be exceptionally easy to find today, as two groups were present along the entrance road - the dull, damp conditions no doubt encouraging them out of the forest. Another 45 minutes of so spent inside the area provided a short list, including Red-billed Blue Magpie and Himalayan Swiftlet. Around 09:00 we headed back to Chiang Mai and onward to Mae Taeng irrigation project. Our main target here was Wire-tailed Swallow, and although we saw not a single hirundine along the five kilometre canal leading into the project, at least three were feeding over the river there. Also present was a single Green Sandpiper. As we headed north the weather continued to deteriorate, and by the time we reached Fang rain had settled in, meaning we put investigating the paddies on hold.

16 Dec. Rain most of the night had given way to a dull cloudy morning. However, as we ascended Doi Lang we found ourselves in low cloud and drizzle, with the temperature never exceeding 16°C all day. Still, we persevered, encountering a slow stream in species; Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Sapphire Flycatcher, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Giant Nuthatch and Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher. Best find of the day was the White-spectacled Warbler, now spending its fourth winter on Doi Lang. Quite an achievement for such a small passerine. Early evening the clouds gave way to some sun. A second night in Fang. During dinner in town an Eastern Barn Owl flew over a couple of times.

17 Dec. Finally, with a sunny day we headed again to Doi Lang. Although cloud cover through the day was variable, it was dry and clear. A much better day with a reasonable collection of birds - Bar-backed Partridge heard, a large flock of Grey-headed Parakeet, several Giant Nuthatch, Rufous-backed Sibia, Short-billed Minivet, Long-tailed Minivet and several woodpecker species. We had hoped for Scarlet Finch, and spent quite some time in that general area, but to no avail.

18 Dec. Dry, though cloudy. With only limited time we opted to investigate the paddies close to Fang. A couple of hours here gave us Common Snipe, Bluethroat, Garganey, Baya Weaver. an errant Black-naped Oriole and Red-throated Pipit. An early afternoon return to Chaing Mai for Richard's return flight. All-in-all not a bad few days considering the weather.