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A Report from birdtours.co.uk |
Central and Northern Thailand 20 Jan-20 Feb 2002,
Moira and Graeme Wallace Edinburgh, Scotland.
Structure and headings of the trip report:
Background and Summary of the Trip
Site Information, Accommodation and Costs.
Reference Sources
Acknowledgements
Daily Account
Annotated Species List
Background and summary of the trip
Introduction
This trip to S.E Asia was our 3rd to this geographical area
and our 6th to Asia as a whole. The purpose of the trip was to
widen the geographical areas within which we had birded, find some of the
endemic and wintering birds listed as vulnerable or threatened in the Asian
Red Data Book and enjoy the fantastic, colourful and varied birds found in
this part of the world. The trip as a whole lasted 8 weeks covering all the
principal sites of central and northern Thailand and Vietnam. On the trip
as a whole we recorded 447 different species including 14 pheasants/partridges,15
woodpeckers,4 hornbills,6 pittas, 10 laughingthrushes and some uncommon waders.
This report describes our experiences on the Thailand leg of the trip.
During our 4 weeks in Thailand we visited 10 sites, Kaeng Krachan, and Samut Sakhon (SS) in northern peninsular Thailand, Khao Yai (KY) in central Thailand and Doi Inthanon, Doi Angkang, Doi Chang Do, Doi Pha Hom Phok, Fang and Huai Kong Krai in the north. During the 4 weeks in Thailand we recorded 337 species. From a logistics point of view the trip went well although driving in Bangkok is not an experience you would want to repeat too often, but overall Thailand lived up to its reputation of great birding, good food and accommodation and friendly people.
Silver Pheasant
Depending on taxonomy the dark pheasants we observed at KK around
Km 26/27 were either Silver or Khalij Pheasant but there was no doubting the
magnificent silver male and 2 females on the lower section of Trail 6 at KY.
Green Peafowl
Great views of several males at very close quarters in the somewhat
artificial and depressing surroundings of the Royal Project at Huai Kong Krai.
Heart-spotted Woodpecker
This much wanted bird observed at length digging a hole in a tree
just beyond the second stream at cKm17 at KK on our last afternoon there.
Great Hornbill
Great views of this magnificent hornbill on an almost daily basis
at KK. We saw one or more birds five days out of six with a maximum of 6 birds
in one day. Seen throughout the park from Km 16-18 all the way to the end
of the road.
Black-thighed Falconet
Scope views of a pair perched on the snag of a dead tree just beyond
the first stream at cKm16 at KY on 22/01.
White-rumped Falcon
Very lucky with this species as we found a confiding pair some 0.5km
over the suspension bridge at Km 13 at DI at our first attempt on 03/02. Same
pair seen again on 08/02.
Eared Pitta
We had fantastic views of a pair of these birds on successive days
along a small trail on the upper part of Trail 6. The views greatly exceeded
our expectations because the birds seemed completely unconcerned and fed at
10 metres range.
Blue Pitta
First seen briefly on our final day at KK when one hopped across the
path; we later obtained better views of a pair on the upper section of Trail
6 at KY on 30&31/01.
Dark-sided Thrush
Despite being first on the boardwalk at the Summit Marsh at DI on
3 days we never saw this species there and neither did any other birder we
spoke to. Finally had great views of a single bird flushed into a tree from
the stream that runs behind the toilet block at the Park HQ at Km30.5 at DI
on 07/02. Scaly Thrush also in the same location.
Spoon-billed Sandpiper
We had planned to see these birds in their regular winter location
at Xuan Thuy on the Vietnam leg of the trip but took out "insurance" by going
to SS on our way from KK to KY. Thanks to the un-named biker who led us from
the centre of SS to the cafe at Khok Kham where Mr. Tii hangs out, and to
Mr. Tii himself, we were able to enjoy stunning views of three of these enigmatic
and highly soughtafter waders.(The insurance proved invaluable as we never
sniffed the birds at Xuan Thuy)
Red-faced Liocichla
A pair of these skulking laughingthrushes seen on 16&17/02 in
the low scrubby area at the northerly exit from the Trekkers route at 21.3km
at DAK.
Cutia
This single bird on 17/02 at DAK was a major surprise.Entering the scrubby area at the 21.3km, from the road the scrub lies down
path to your right. On the left however a track leads downhill and soon enters
some good forest. About 500 metres down the track on the right there are a
small number of moss and epiphyte covered trees. A single male Cutia was foraging
quietly in the mid to upper canopy.
Siamese Fireback.
Despite several circuits of Trail 6and a couple of early morning and late
afternoon vigils from the car along the first 1-2km of Radar Road (allegedly
a lekking area) we never saw as much as a tail feather. Other birders saw
them "regularly" along Trail 6 so at the time this was a major dip. (Fortunately
the Vietnam leg of the trip at Cat Tien yielded 5 wonderful males on one glorious
morning)
Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo (Carpococcyx renauldi)
Heard only and then only once with a single bird responding to tape
along the streambed section of Trail 6 at KY on 01/02.We also tried the rubbish
tip behind the restaurant at the Heow Narok Waterfall some 20kms from the
HQ, where the bird had been seen but to no avail. During our week at KY none
of the dozen or so birders we met had any luck although we know that the bird
was seen a few days later at the waterfall site.
White-headed Bulbul (Hypsipetes thompsoni)
We just missed it - seen plenty of times by others at the temple at DCD.
We booked our flights through Wildwings and flew Air France from Edinburgh to Paris to Bangkok return at a cost of £688 per person including taxes. We also arranged our internal flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to Bangkok to Hanoi at a cost of £210 per person. Wildwings may be contacted at
Address: Wildwings, 577/579 Fishponds Road, Bristol, BS16 3AF, E-mail wildinfo@wildwings.co.uk
Although many birders travel by bus to the sites and then rely on hitching
a lift inside the parks this seemed to us to be a potential source of hassle
so we booked one hire car at Bangkok and drove to KK, SS and KY and another
car at Chiang Mai for the northern sites. In fact hitching at KK,
Total cost of car hire for 30 days £670.
Accommodation all arranged before we left the UK through Patcharee Komolphalin of Nature Trails who was absolutely excellent; even providing details of how to get out of Bangkok and where to find Mr. Tii at SS. Patcharee may be contacted at:
Address Nature Trails Co. Ltd. 49 Ramkamhaeng 64, Huamak, Bangkapi, Bangkok
10240, Telephone 02 735 0644, Fax 02 735 0638
E-mail ntrails@samart.co.th
Details of accommodation are given in the next section on Site Information and Accommodation.
The exchange rate at the time of our trip was £1/59Baht.
Site Information, Accommodation and costs.
Kaeng Krachan
KK National Park comprises c3000 sq. km. of evergreen forest adjacent to the Burmese border at the northern end of Peninsular Thailand. From the park gates a road runs through lowland evergreen forest before climbing steeply through well forested hills. The best birding areas are Km 16-18 from the park gate, c2km after the lower control barrier, where the forest closes over the road and you cross the first of three small streams. Km 26-28 are also particularly good with a pull off at Km 27. Important birds at KK include; Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Collared and Black-thighed Falconet, Great, Brown, Wreathed and Plain-pouched Hornbills, Black and Buff and Heart-spotted Woodpeckers, Banded, Black and Yellow, Long-tailed and Silver-breasted Broadbills and Ratchet-tailed Treepie.
You need a permit/ticket to enter KK which is purchased at the HQ which opens at 08.00. It costs 200Baht per person per day and 30Baht per day for the car. The Park HQ does not open until 08.30 but the park itself is open at 06.00. We persuaded the staff to sell us date stamped tickets for the next 5 days thus avoiding the hassle of having to leave the park each afternoon to return to HQ to buy the ticket that would enable an early start the following morning. The road through the park has an up and down vehicle control system, using a sometimes manned upper and lower barrier, where for example between 09.00-11.00 you can only drive up and from 11.00-13.00 you can only drive down.
To get to KK from Bangkok take Rt. 4 southwest to Phetchaburi (160km) and then a further 20km to Tha Yung. In the centre of Tha Yung turn right onto a road which leads to Song and then after 30kms to Khoa Phanoen Tung and you will arrive at A&B Bungalows. From there follow the road up to the dam and around the reservoir passing the Park HQ on the right. After a few kilometres the road turns left (if you get to the army barracks you have missed the turn) onto a new road which in turn gives way to unsurfaced road before becoming surfaced again up to the park gates.
A&B Bungalows located 30 minutes drive from the park gates and close to the village and its restaurants. Excellent chalets with a/c and bath/shower room. Cost 1200Baht per night including breakfast (i.e. 600Baht per person). Language was sometimes a bit of a problem but the lady on site was extremely helpful getting up at 04.00am to provide breakfast. Site was empty during the week but mobbed with partying Thais complete with portable karaoke machines at the weekend. You can also camp at A&B and there are 2 campgrounds in the park itself but you need to take all your food in with you.
Samut Sakhon (Khok Kham)
KhK is a large area of aquaculture ponds and salt pans which contain large numbers of over wintering waders which in recent years has become notable for small numbers of over wintering Spoon-billed Sandpiper, making it one of the easiest places to see this enigmatic species.
The provincial town of SS lies c45km south of Bangkok but we visited it on our northward journey from KK to KY. Whether you approach SS from the south or the north you exit the expressway at the SS junction. As you drive into town you will come across a large fountain/monument at the first major intersection. Turn left here and follow the road straight ahead and take the 3rd major turn on the right at the second set of traffic lights. This road shortly leads to a large steep bridge. Drive over the bridge, follow the road for a distance until it curves to the left and continue until there appear to be 2 bridges in front of you. Turn off here and park by the right hand bridge.
There is a café right here with a sign that says Khok Kham Bird Club. Here you will find the local expert Mr. Tii who will guide you through the extensive area of saltpans that lie ahead and can save you a lot of time. The saltpans themselves are accessed by driving past the 2 bridges along the road with speed bumps for 3-4km, turning right at an intersection which has a garage(?) on the corner and then, after a short distance cross over a bridge and turn right again on to a road that runs parallel to the one you have just driven along. The saltpans are now on your left.
Rangsit
An area of degraded marsh about 8km north of the airport. Take Rt.1 north from the airport and watch out for a left-hand flyover exit which turns east towards Nakhon Nyok (will also say Rang Sit.) This will put you on a divided lane road, Rt. 305 east. On your left will be industrial facilities, shops, petrol stations, etc. with the occasional left-hand roads. You must watch for a sign 'SSTI' (for Siam Synthetic Textile Industries), this is just after a gas station about 1.5 km after your turn. Immediately turn off left into a narrow lane that leads to the marsh.
Accommodation at the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok, close to the airport and the motorway.
Khao Yai
KYNP is an extensive area of dipterocarp forest located some 200km north east of Bangkok. From Bangkok take Rt.1 north and follow the signs for Saraburi. At Saraburi turn on to Rt.2 and follow this to Pak Chong where there is a turn-off for KY. The park entrance is located at KM 23 from Pak Chong and the road is lined with hotels/motels. A good road runs through the park providing easy access to all the trails. The park headquarters, visitor centre and food stalls are at KM 37.5. The trailhead for the legendary Trail 6 is located just beyond the footstalls. A trail map is available at the Park HQ. We birded all the regular spots Trail 6/7, Trail 1, Trail 4/5 behind the campground and Radar Rd. Trail 6 was undoubtedly the best and Radar Rd the most disappointing.
The park has a fantastic bird list and important birds here include Siamese Fireback, Silver Pheasant, Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo, Eared and Blue Pittas, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Great, Brown and Wreathed Hornbills, Black and Buff, Heart-spotted and Great Slaty Woodpeckers, Banded, Silver-breasted and Long-tailed Broadbills.
Entry to the park cost 200 Baht per person and Baht 50 for the car.Note that we were required to pay the entrance fee every single day here unlike DI where we only paid for the first entry and reused the same ticket thereafter. Not sure which system is correct but it is also worth noting that the on 3 of the 5 mornings the gate staff at KY attempted to charge us the wrong amount (always higher) or gave us the wrong change (always lower).
We stayed at the Khao Yai Garden Lodge some 15km from the park gates. Cost
was 900Baht per night for a huge room and bathroom. It was fine but if we
were going again we would stay at the simpler Wan
Huai Kong Krai Royal Project
It was not at all clear what purpose this Royal Project serves, but it seems
to be a zoo/aviary containing, amongst others, many of Thailand's most beautiful
pheasants either in dismal cages or more open enclosures. It is not therefore
a great natural birding experience but it does contain free flying Green Peafowl
attracted to the calls of the "caged birds" and may be readily seen. These
fantastic birds are supposedly more likely to be seen in the early morning
but we had stellar views of several males in late afternoon. (They are certainly
easier to see here than at
The Project is located on Rt.118, 24km north of the ring road around Chiang Mai and has a large sign at the entrance on the right. From the gate drive 4km past several lakes and over a dam/causeway and park at the fenced area on the right. The Peafowl, both caged and wild are found beyond the fenced area.
Accommodation at the Star Hotel in Chiang Mai which was good, central and close to the lively night market. Cost 800 Baht.
Doi Inthanon
Thailand's highest mountain DI offers a range of varied habitats from dry deciduous forest in the foothills to montane forest at higher levels and sphagnum bog and rhododendron forest at the summit. There is good birding throughout the c45km road that runs from the entrance to the summit. Going up the mountain the major birding sites are:
Km 06 From the road Red-billed Blue Magpie and Rufous-winged Buzzard.
Km 12 Turn off to the right to a parking area, cross the suspension bridge and follow the trail that meanders through the open deciduous forest. Birds here include, Collared Falconet, White-rumped Falcon, and Black-headed Woodpecker. Just downstream from the suspension bridge another small stream joins the main stream and is a traditional site for the shy Black-backed Forktail.
Km 20 Vachiratharan Waterfall. Turn off to this signposted waterfall and park in the large car park. White-capped and Plumbeous Water Redstart are seen regularly here.
Km 30 Just beyond Km 30 is a road to the right that leads to the
Km31 Just before Km 31 on the right is the park HQ situated on a circular road enclosing a large lawn. Driving anti-clockwise park at the first buildings that you come to (the interpretive centre??). Behind this building is a toilet block and slightly further on is a stream which flows under the main road. Both Scaly and Dark-sided Thrush were seen here.
Km37 Just beyond the checkpoint is the famous Jeep Track which is the place for Purple and Green Cochoa, neither of which we saw. We did see Slaty-bellied Tesia, Eyebrowed Wren Babbler and Spectacled Barwing.
Km45 The Summit Marsh is the traditional site for Dark-sided Thrush. Although we did not see this species here we did see Eyebrowed and Grey-sided and Dusky Thrush was seen by others. Other birds at the marsh include Rufous-throated Partridge, Ashy Wood-Pigeon, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Lesser Shortwing, Mrs. Gould's Sunbird and a variety of warblers.
In addition to the above we were advised that there is a traditional roost for speckled Wood Pigeon 11km beyond the temples.
DI is located about 80km south-west of Chiang Mai on Rt.108. At the town
of Chom Tong turn right onto a road signposted for DI and drive straight to
the park. The park opened at
We stayed at the somewhat upscale Inthanon Highland Resort in its own grounds in the village at 1km before the park gates. Comfortable with good food it cost 1600Baht per night for 2 including breakfast which they were prepared to make early. The Americans we met stayed in some small lodges in the same village but ate at the Highland Resort.
Doi Chiang Dao
There are really 2 sites at DCD, the area around the monastery at Wat Tham Pha Phlong close to Mallees Nature Lovers Bungalows (see below) which is where most birders stay and the pine forested ridge some 25kms from the main road. Mallee has copies of a booklet "Birds and Other Wildlife around DCD" by Jurgen Beckers which is useful. In addition we birded the steep road to Meung Kong which had some scrubland at its base and nice forest above. From Mallees head back towards Chiang Dao, turn hard left at the first intersection and follow this road to a Checkpoint and beyond to the forested slopes.
Site1 - At the monastery there are number of trails some of which are easily
seen and walked, e.g. Temple
Site2 - The road leading up the mountain to the pine forest ends at the Den Ya Khat substation where there is a campground. The last 2-3kms of the road are the place to look for the specialties such as Hume's Pheasant, Giant Nuthatch and Hodgson's Frogmouth.
To access DCD you first need to obtain a permit from the Forestry HQ just beyond Mallees. To get to DCD and the DYK substation from Mallees return the 6.9 kms to the main road, turn right heading back towards Chiang Mai and after 5kms on your left you will see a green bus/rest shelter and a small lane on your right. Drive up the (unconvincing) lane, there is a Wat on the left and continue for 20kms until you reach the checkpoint where you will be asked for your permit. Drive a further 5kms to DYK substation. The road is steep and washed out in places - we made it in 2WD although we had a 4WD vehicle. The journey from Mallees takes c2hours.
Accommodation at Mallee's Nature Lovers Bungalows. Most birders stay here;
it is pleasant, relaxing and good value. 500Baht for a two-person bungalow
with hot showers, 400Baht for one with cold showers, 100Baht for a simple
dormitory room (hot showers are available in separate building). To reach
Mallees from Chiang Mai drive 67.5km to the village of
Doi Angkang
DAK is a traditional site which used to support localised rarities including, Giant Nuthatch, Spot-breasted Laughingthrush, Red-faced Liocichla, Spot-breasted and Black-browed Parrotbills as well as other commoner species such as Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Silver-eared Mesia, Spectacled Barwing. Hume's Pheasant, Rusty-naped Pitta and Cutia have also been recorded here. Most of the forest around DAK has been destroyed but some species still persist although Giant Nuthatch seems unlikely. Thai birders we met said that Hume's Pheasant could still be found and we saw Cutia here.
From the Chiang Mai -Thaton Road at Km 137 (or 68km from the exit from the
road to Mallees) turn left and follow the very steep road signposted to DAK
for 19km until you reach a checkpoint. Turn right at the checkpoint and after
a further 6km you will reach the end of the road at the village of
Accommodation at the upscale Doi Ang Kang Nature Resort at 2300Baht for double room excluding breakfast.
E-mail angkhang@amari.com Tel 66 (0) 53 450 110
Doi Pha Hom Pok.
This site close to Thaton and to the Burmese border used to hold Red-tailed Laughingthrush but was reputed still to hold a good variety of species. We did see Crested Finchbill, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Crimson and Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Spectacled Barwing and Whiskered Yuhina and are sure there is more there.
Our trip here was speculative as we had little information to go on. The basic information we had was that 400 metres before Thaton heading north turn left on to Rt.1314 and drive 33km to the summit, passing 5 manned army checkpoints. This was fine but we never found the summit, drove through a 6th checkpoint at c37km, continued to drive and bird up to Km 44 before turning back when we became concerned that we might have inadvertently crossed into Burma.
Accommodation as for Thaton.
Thaton
The target here is Jerdon's Bushchat found in what remains of the native
elephant grass that borders the
Accommodation at the Garden Home Lodge in Thaton. Drive over the bridge into Thaton, take first left and drive 300 metres to GHL. Great little chalets in pleasant grounds and nice people.
Where to Watch Birds in Asia.Wheatley. 1996. Helm Books
A Guide to the Birds of Thailand.Boonsong, Lekagul and Round. 1991 Saha Karn Bhaet[ISBN 974 85673 62]
A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
|
The Birds of Thailand
|
Pittas, Broadbills & Asities. Lambert & Woodcock.1996. Pica Press [ISBN 1-873403-24-00]
Thrushes. Clement & Hathaway. 2000. Helm
Lonely Planet Guide to Thailand.
There is any number of other trip reports available on the net. The following addresses may be useful:
Worldtwitch http://www.worldtwitch.virtualave.net
Surfbirds http://www.surfbirds.com
Birdtours http://www.birdtours.co.uk
OBC, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL, United Kingdom, E-mail address: mail@orientalbirdclub.org, Web site http://www.orientalbirclub.org.
We obtained copies of tapes from other birders and commercially from the British Library of Sound.
Thanks to Australians Harry and Eleanor Zawacki for their assistance in locating Eared Pitta, Americans Mark Lewis and George Wagner for their companionship and Brits Clide Carter and Chris Lodge for their humour over dinner and on the trails. Finally thanks to Phil Round and the Wings group who left a note on our windscreen with "gen" on their sighting of Crested Finchbill at DAK.
19/1 Edinburgh to Paris CDG to Depart for Bangkok.
20/1 Arrive Bangkok 13.15. Met by Budget representative; picked up car
and began drive south at 15.00. Despite it being Sunday roads and traffic
in Bangkok a nightmare and only thanks to Nature Trails excellent directions
did we have a relatively straightforward drive out of the city. Once free
of Bangkok the drive was uneventful; arrived at A&B Bungalows at 17-15.
Dinner in Chad Hai restaurant by reservoir.
Highlights; Large-tailed Nightjar on the roof of our chalet.
21/1 06.30 Birded around bungalows waiting for the Park HQ to open
at 08.00. Managed to purchase 5 days tickets date stamped in advance thus
avoiding the hassle of having to return each evening in prime birding time
before the Park HQ office closed to buy a ticket for the following day. Drove
to KK and arrived at Bankrang Campground by the lower barrier at 10.15. Birded
around campground and drove to top gate and eventually to Km 36. Descended
at 17.00 stopping at Km 27 pull-off.
Highlights; Grey-headed Lapwing, Siberian Blue Robin, Silver Pheasant, White-throated
Rock Thrush.
22/1 04.45 Left A&B and drove to KK arriving at Km16 stream at
06.00 but still dark. 06.30 light enough to bird. Birded around Km16-18 all
day before departing at 15.00 to get back in time to get petrol.
Birding highlights; Brown Hawk Owl, Great Hornbill, Black-thighed Falconet, Red-bearded
Bee-eater (h)
23/1 05.00 Left A&B stopping at Km10 to play Javan Frogmouth tape
- no response. Birded 1st to 3rd streams until 11.00
and then drove to the top gate and on to the viewpoint at Khao Phanoen Thung
and back to Km27 at 17.00.
Highlights; Great Slaty Woodpecker, Silver-breasted & Long-tailed Broadbill,
White-hooded Babbler, Orange-breasted Trogon.
24/1 05.00 Left A&B reaching the Km16 stream at 06.30. then to
Km27 at 11.00 and on to top gate.
Highlights; Chinese Francolin, Spot-necked Babbler, White-rumped Shama, Green-eared
Barbet;
25/1 06.00 Arrived Km16 stream but very quiet so drove to Km27-also
quiet. Birded slowly back down hill seeing Silver-Pheasant at Km 25; hung
around Km 18 and back to 1st stream late afternoon. This being
Friday it was party time back at A&B with several portable karaoke machines
seeing heavy duty action
Highlights; Silver Pheasant, Asian Barred Owlet, Wreathed Hornbill, Orange-breasted
Trogon, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Blue Pitta.
26/1 Checked out 06.00 and drove to SS and, thanks to the unknown biker
turned guide, eventually to KhK where Mr. Tii soon had us looking at 3 Spoon-billed
Sandpiper. Birded all morning in the blazing heat before leaving KhK for Bangkok.
Arrived at Rama Gardens Hotel at 16.00 and bumped into Phil Round in the elevator.
Highlights; Black-capped Kingfisher, Spoon-billed and Broad-billed Sandpiper,
Lesser Sand Plover.
27/1 07.00 Drove to Rangsit marsh which as expected was disappointing.
10.00 drove to KY arriving at hotel at 11.30; checked in and went to the park
at 12.45 meeting a Swedish birder who had just seen Eared Pitta.!! Walked
some of Trail 6 and then up to Radar Rd. but all seemed horribly quiet.
Highlights; Plaintive Cuckoo.
28/1 06.00 Entered park and went to Radar Rd, which again seemed quiet
and then Trail 6 returning to food stalls at 12.00. Afternoon birded Golf
Course area.
Highlights; Silver Pheasant, Green Magpie, White-rumped Shama.
29/1 06.00 Entered the park and birded Radar Rd, until breakfast at
08.30 and then Trail 6 returning to food stalls at 13.00. Met Aussie couple
who had seen Eared Pitta on Trail 6 and marked the site. Drove to Wan Jumpi
and walked up Trail 7 to Trail 6, found site but no pittas.
Highlights; Asian Fairy Bluebird, Red-headed Trogon, White-crested Laughingthrush,
Slaty-backed Forktail.
30/1 07.00 Entered park and drove to Radar Rd which was very quiet
and then to the road beyond golf course at Km43 at 09.00 went to Trail 5 (Haew
Suwat Waterfall) returning at 11.45 to find a sleepy Sun Bear in a tree by
the car park. Drove a long way up Radar Rd. and back to food stalls at 13.45.
Drove to Wan Jumpi and back up Trail 7 to Trail 6 seeing Blue-Pitta on the
way and then fantastic views of a pair of Eared Pitta.
Highlights; Blue-bearded Bee eater, Red-headed Trogon, Great Hornbill, Blue and
Eared Pitta.
31/1 08.00 Trail 4 behind the Pha Kluai Mai campground. Afternoon went
with Aussies and Brits to the Heow Narok Waterfall some 20kms along the road
to Prachin Buri where Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo had been seen feeding on
the tip behind the café. Found the tip but no Ground Cuckoo. Back to Trail
6 at 16.00
Highlights; Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Large Scimitar Babbler, Blue Pitta, Great-eared Nightjar.
01/2 06.45 Entered park and went to Wan Jumpi; walked Trail 6 and Trail
7 returning to food stalls at 13.00. From 14.00 to dusk walked Trail 1.
Highlights; Eared and Blue Pitta, Red-breasted Parakeet and Coral-billed Ground
Cuckoo (h) which we heard on the lower section of Trail 6 but could not tape
it in.
02/2 07.00 Birded around hotel and drove back to Bangkok, miraculously
finding the Budget office (which is located in the central reservation of
the 6-lane highway) and caught the 12.50 flight to Chiang Mai arriving 13.50.
Picked up the car from Avis and drove to the city to discover closed roads
and traffic chaos due to the annual flower festival. Eventually reached Star
Hotel.
Highlights; Asian Openbill
03/2 06.30 Checked out and drove to DI. Checked in at DI Highland Resort
hotel and drove the short distance to the park arriving 09.15. Went straight
to Km13 Trail, then Km21 Vachiratharn Waterfall, stopped at Mr. Daengs (Km31)
for lunch and drove to Summit Marsh (2565metres) arriving 14.30. Pretty quiet
so drove to Black-tailed Crake site for 16.00 (failed) and birded our way
back .
Highlights; White-rumped Falcon, Plumbeous and White-capped Water Redstart, Eyebrowed
Thrush.
04/2 06.45 Arrived at cold and misty Summit Marsh, birded here and
drove to Km37 Trail at 11.30. Left at 15.15 for Black-tailed Crake site (succeeded)
at 16.00 and birded our way back down.
Highlights; Rufous-throated Partridge, Eyebrowed Wren Babbler, White-browed Shortwing,
Green-tailed and Mrs. Gould's Sunbird, Black-tailed Crake.
05/2 06.30 Km 13 Trail until 09.30 by which time it was already hot
and activity died down, 10.45 stream behind HQ at Km 30.5, along the road
at Km 38, the temple area with lunch stop and Summit Marsh at 14.00. Birded
our way back down concluding at the Fire Tower at Km 34 at 18.15.
Highlights; Scaly Thrush, Spectacled Barwing, Ashy-headed Woodpigeon, Snowy-browed
Flycatcher and Large Hawk Cuckoo.
06/2 07.30 Summit Marsh, then birded the road at Km37, the
trail at Km34 ending up for the last hour at Km12.
Highlights; Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Asian Emerald Cuckoo,
Silver-eared Mesia, Red-billed Blue Magpie.
07/2 07.20 Summit Marsh, then to Km37 Trail and to HQ area at Km30
at 11.30 to try for the Dark-sided Thrush that had been reported there (succeeded).
Down to the Km13 Trail to try for Black-backed Forktail (failed) and then
back to Km 37 trail and road until 18.00.
Highlights; Grey-sided Thrush, Collared Falconet, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Chestnut-tailed
Minla, Dark-sided Thrush. Also 3 Hog Badger crossing the road at Km 37 late
afternoon.
08/2 06.45 One member of the party very sick. The other tried to find
the Speckled Wood Pigeon roost but failed and continued to for a last look
at the Summit Marsh, returning to the hotel at 11.00 and birding the grounds
departing for Chiang Mai at 13.00 arriving at the Star Hotel mid afternoon.
Drove to the Royal Project at HKK for the Green Peafowl.
Highlights; Green Peafowl, Hoopoe, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Ashy Wood Swallow.
09/2 Departed Chiang Mai 09.45 and drove to Mallees at Chiang Dao arriving
11.30. Read the log book, went to the Forestry Dept to obtain permits for
DCD and (at the second attempt) found the road to DCD and drove up the hill.
The road while poor and steep in places was dry and manageable in 2WD.
Lowlights; Sadly untickable views of Hume's Pheasant as it flew off.
10/2 06.45 Birded the temple steps returning to Mallees at 9.20 with
the other member of the party ill.
Highlights; Scaly-breasted Partridge (h), Streaked Wren Babbler, Mountain Imperial
Pigeon, Violet Cuckoo.
11/2
Highlights; Green Magpie, Asian Stubtail, Blue Rock Thrush, Lesser Necklaced
Laughingthrush, Drongo Cuckoo (h), Siberian Rubythroat.
12/2 Left Mallees at 05.45 and drove to DCD arriving DYK at 07.00.
Birded along the road which seemed quiet and then birded the "Nuthatch Ridge
"Trail beyond DYK substation that produced no Nuthatch. Spent the remainder
of the day walking the road trying to find the Nuthatch but retired at 17.000
somewhat disheartened.
Highlights; Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Chestnut Bunting, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar
Babbler, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush.
13/2 06.45 Temple steps and a flowering tree on the hillside until
08.00, then the Gulley Trail and back to the Temple steps. In the afternoon
drove back up the road to Meung Kong and watched birds coming to a flowering
tree.
Highlights; White-tailed Robin, Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Emerald Dove,
Long-tailed Broadbill.
14/2 Left Mallees at 05.30 arriving DYK 06.50. Parked at firebreak
500metres before DYK and walked up and along ridge. Very quiet. Walked the
road until 11.00 finally obtaining a poor view of one Giant Nuthatch. Returned
to Mallees departing 14.30 and drove to DAK arriving 16.00. Birded the road
and abandoned orchard.
Highlights; Giant and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Speckled Piculet, Grey Nightjar.
15/2 08.00 birded along the road until 10.00 and then walked over the
"Trekkers Route" until 13.00 and then the scrubby area by the exit from the
Trekkers route. Thunderstorm suspended birding until late afternoon when we
returned to the abandoned orchard.
Highlights; Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Silver-eared Mesia, White-browed Scimitar
Babbler, Blue-winged Minla; Spot-breasted Parrotbill.
16/2 07.10 On a cool misty morning birded the abandoned orchard and
the road between Km21-22 and then at 10.00 the scrub at Km 21. Ban Khoom for
lunch at 12.30;then drove to the Km26 checkpoint on the Chiang Dao Road where
we heard Rusty-naped Pitta (unfortunately well down the hillside), and then
a further 8km to an area where the Chiang Mai birders said Hume's Pheasant
had been seen (we didn't).
Highlights; Red-faced Liocichla, Rusty-naped Pitta(h), Rusty-cheeked Scimitar
Babbler, Common Rosefinch, Spectacled Barwing.
17/2 07.15 Scrubby area at 21.3km where we were joined by Phil Round
and the Wings group who kindly offered to share their picnic breakfast! Later
in the morning we birded the track through a nice wooded valley to the left
as you enter from the road at 21.3km. To our astonishment we found a single
male Cutia. Birded around the scrubby area for the rest of the day looking
for the Crested Finchbill that Wings had see earlier.
Highlights; Red-faced Liocichla, Large Niltava, White-browed Laughingthrush,
Cutia, Spotted Bush Warbler.
18/2 Checked out and birded around scrub area until 09.00, drove to
Thaton checked in to Garden Home and birded fields around until 13.00 when
we hired a boat for 2 hours to drift down the Nam Mae Kok River birding the
sandbars. Back to Thaton and the Jerdon's site for the rest of the day.
Highlights; Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Jerdon's Bushchat (f), Black-winged Kite
19/2 06.00 Drove up DPHP and stopping randomly along the road. We finally
turned back at Km44 well past the 6th army checkpoint, concerned
that we might have strayed across the border. Gunfire from the other side
of the valley also suggested it was time to go back down. Returned to Thaton
at 14.30. 15.30-18.00 At the Jerdon's stake out and finally along the river.
Highlights; Crested Finchbill, Crimson-breasted and Stripe-breasted Woodpecker,
Grey-headed Parrotbill; Spectacled Barwing, Whiskered Yuhina.
20/2 Departed Thaton 08.15 and drove to Chiang Mai arriving 11.50. Dropped
off rental car and caught 14.15 flight to Bangkok. Overnight in
A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
|
2 Chinese Francolin (Francolinus pitadeanus)
2 males seen at Km 27 pull-off at KK on 24/01.
10 Rufous-throated Partridge (Arborophila rufogularis)
A pair seen at very close quarters at the Summit Marsh at DI on 04/02 and
again on 07/02.
17 Scaly-breasted Partridge (Arborophila chloropus)
Heard throughout the trip particularly at KY and at the monastery at DCD
but never seen.
20 Ferruginous Partridge (Caloperdix oculea)Near Threatened
A group of 5 birds taped across the road at the first stream crossing at KK.
22 Mountain Bamboo-Partridge (Bambusicola fytchii)
Excellent views on 3 dates at DAK. 3 birds in the abandoned orchard on
15/02 and a group of 5 males among the trees and scrub at the exit from the
Trekkers Route at Km 21.3 on 17&18/02.
28 Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus)
Common and seen easily at all lowland sites.
29 Khalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos)
The taxonomy of Khalij and Silver Pheasant varies depending upon which authority
you follow. Following Robson who states that Khalij is only to be found west
of the Irrawaddy (and thus does not occur in Thailand) the males with dark,
silver grey upperparts seen by us on 21&25/01 around Km 26/27 at KK must
be subspeciesof Silver Pheasant L.n.crawfurdii.
30 Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera)
No doubt about the magnificent silver male and 2 females seen on Trail
6 at KY on 28/01.
42 Grey Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum)
Heard only on 22&23/01 around Km 16 at KK.
46 Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)
Several free flying males and females of this magnificent species seen
on 08/02 in the grounds of the Huai Hong Krai Royal Project.
88 Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)
2 birds seen along the bank of the Nam Mae Kok river near Thaton on 19/02.
89 Speckled Piculet (Picumnus innominatus)
This proved to be the only piculet of the entire trip seen on 14/02 in
the firebreak neat the DYK substation at DCD.
93 Grey-capped Woodpecker (Dendrocopos canicapillus)
Several birds seen on Km 13 trail at DI on 04&05/02 and on the ridge beyond
the DYK substation at DCD on 12/02.
95 Stripe-breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos atratus)
Single seen on the ridge trail at DCD on 12/02 and again at Km 40 on the DPHProad
on 19/02.
98 Crimson-breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos cathpharius)
A pair seen at Km 40 on the DPHP road on 19/02.
106 Greater Yellownape(Picus flavinucha)
Seen daily at KK and DCD.
109 Laced Woodpecker (Picus vittatus)
Seen only once at Km 17 at KK on 25/01
112 Black-headed Woodpecker (Picus erythropygius)
Seen only once about 1.5km along the Km 13 trail at DI on 05/02.
113 Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)
Seen only once at Km 17 at KK on 25/01.
116 Common Flameback (Dinopium javanense)
Seen on 25/01 at KK and heard daily at KY.
118 Greater Flameback (Chrysocolaptes lucidus)
Seen daily at KK and on a couple of dates at KY.
122 Bay Woodpecker (Blythipicus pyrrhotis)
Seen on two dates at DI where a pair were nesting in the grounds of the upper
temple.
128 Heart-spotted Woodpecker ( Hemicircus canente)
This much sought after species kept us waiting until the last afternoon at
KK where a single bird observed at length feeding low in a tree at Km 16.
129 Great Slaty Woodpecker (Mullerpicus pulverulentus)
A pair of these great woodpeckers seen on 23&24/01 around Km 16 at KK.
131 Great Barbet (Megalaima virens)
Seen at very close quarters in the grounds of the bungalow at Km32 at KK and
heard every day we were beyond Km 27.
133 Lineated Barbet (Megalaima lineata)
Seen only once in the scrubby area across the road from the Garden Lodge at
KY.
134 Green-eared Barbet (Megalaima faiostrica)
Common and seen daily at KK.
138 Golden-throated Barbet (Megalaima franklinii)
Heard daily at DI and seen at Km 34 trail on 06/02.
140 Blue-throated Barbet (Megalaima asiatica)
Seen almost daily at KK and DCD.
141 Moustached Barbet (Megalaima incognita)
Seen on 23&24/01 at KK.
143 Blue-eared Barbet (Megalaima australis)
Seen on 22&24/01 at KK.
144 Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
Seen on three dates at KK and heard but never seen at DI.
146 Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracocerus albirostris)
Seen regularly at KK and KY.
149 Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)Near Threatened
This fantastic bird was seen daily at KK and KY with several great perched
views. Fabulous!
151 Brown Hornbill (Annorhinus tickelli)Near Threatened
Much more difficult than the previous species but observed on 29&30/01
at KY, once on the ridge section of Trail 6 and at the edge of the old golf
course.
156 Wreathed Hornbill (Aceros undulatus)
Seen daily at KK but despite careful scrutiny could not find Plain-pouched.
158 Hoopoe (Upapa epops)
Seen only once in the grounds of the Doi Inthanon Resort.
163 Orange-breasted Trogon (Harpacte oreskiosi)
Heard daily at KK and single males seen on 23&25/01.
164 Red-headed Trogon (Harpactes erythrocephalus)
Heard daily at KY and seen on a number of occasions, particularly on Trail
6.
166 Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
Seen regularly in open country throughout the trip.
167 Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis)
Seen on three dates at KY but this was the only site where we saw it.
169 Common Kingfisher (Alcedo athis)
Not so common; seen only at SS and in the grounds of the hotel at DI.
178 White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
Seen at KK and several birds around SS.
179 Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata)
Having managed to miss this species on other trips to SE Asia it was good
to have great views of several of these handsome birds at SS.
180 Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris)
Seen only once at SS on 26/01.
184 Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
Seen only once, on 20/01 along the canal on the road that leads to KK.
186 Blue-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis athertoni)
A much wanted bird that lived up to expectations. Seen well on a couple of
occasions at Km43 by the abandoned golf course at KY.
190 Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.
193 Large Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx sparveroides)
The "brain fever bird" heard constantly at DI/ DAK but only seen at the fire
tower at Km34 at DI.
197 Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus)
Heard only at KY on 23/01.
203 Plaintive Cuckoo (Cacomantis merulinus)
An immature bird seen at Rangsit Marsh on 27/01
207 Asian Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx maculatus)
Seen only once, a male perched in a tree just beyond the Km37 checkpoint at
DI.
208 Violet Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus)
A male, probably the same bird, seen on 10&12/02 from the rest point on
the temple steps at DCD.
209 Drongo Cuckoo (Surniculuslugubris)
Heard daily at DCD and eventually seen on 13/02.
210 Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea)
Heard daily at KY and DI and seen on 30/01&02/02.
213 Green-billed Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus tristis)
Single birds seen at KK on 23/01, KY on 30/01 and DAK on 16/02.
217 Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo (Carpococcyx renauldi)
Heard only, and then only once with a single bird responding to tape along
the streambed section of Trail 6 at KY on 01/02.We also tried the rubbish
tip behind the restaurant at the Heow Narok Waterfall some 20kms from the
HQ, where the bird had been seen but to no avail. During our week at KY none
of the dozen or so birders we met had any luck although we know that the bird
was seen a few days later at the waterfall site.
219 Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)
Singles seen on 21/01 at KK and 31/01&01/02 at KY.
223 Vernal Hanging Parrot (Loriculus vernalis)
Heard often as they whiz overhead but good scope views on 23&25/01 at
KK and 31/01 at KY.
229 Red-breasted Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri)
A small flock seen one morning from the road about 5km before the park gates
at KY.
233 Himalayan Swiflet (Collacalia brevirostris)
A few seen flying low over DAK on 01/02 were the only record.
241 Asian Palm-Swift (Cypsiurus balasiensis)
Seen daily at KK and on a couple of dates at DI.
242 Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus)
Seen daily in good numbers at DAK.
244 House Swift (Apus affinis)
Only seen at Thaton where large flocks flew over the river.
245 Crested Treeswift (Hemiprocne coronata)
Seen around the temple at DCD on 11/02.
247 Whiskered Treeswift (Hemiprocne comata)
Great scope views of a perched by the 3rd stream at Km 18 at KY
on 23/01.
253 Mountain Scops Owl (Otus spilocephalus)
Heard only calling in the forest above the hotel at DAK on 17/02.
255 Collared Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena)
Heard almost daily at KK.
267 Collared Owlet (Glaucidium brodiei)
Heard only but almost daily throughout the trip.
268 Asian Barred Owlet (Glaucidium cuculoides)
Heard regularly throughout the trip and well seen at Km 17 at KY on 25/01.
271 Brown Hawk Owl (Ninox scutulata)
One of the great pre-dawn calls most mornings at KY and 2 birds observed at
close quarters on 22/01.
279 Great Eared Nightjar (Eurostopodus macrotis)
Only at KY where, at dusk, they could be heard calling and seen flying around
the abandoned golf course.
280 Grey Nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus)
Seen on an early morning drive up to the DYK substation at DCD and, regrettably,
one freshly dead bird killed by an army truck at the Summit Marsh at DI.
281 Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus)
Fantastic views of these birds nightly at the A&B bungalows at KK.
284 Rock Pigeon (Columbia livia)
For the record at KK.
287 Ashy Wood-Pigeon (Columba pulchricollis)
Small groups of 3 or 4 birds seen around the Summit Marsh at DI on 04&05/02.
290 Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.
295 Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)
Seen almost daily at KK and regularly throughout.
296 Peaceful Dove (Geopelia striata)
Amazingly only recorded once at Rangsit on 27/01.
303 Thick-billed Green Pigeon (Treron curvirostra)
Pairs seen between Km16-18 at KK on 21&22/01.
306 Pin-tailed Green Pigeon (Treron apicauda)
Two birds seen c 500 metres before the DYK substation at DCD on 13/02.
312 Mountain Imperial Pigeon (Ducula badia)
Seen around the upper barrier at KK on 23/01and around HQ at KK on 28&30/01.
326 White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus)
Single bird in a marshy area on the abandoned golf course at KK was the sole
record.
328 Black-tailed Crake (Porzana bicolor)
A single adult seen at the "stake out" site by the degraded marshy area adjoining
the park guesthouses at Km 30.5 at DI.
352 Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus)
At KhK where several in abandoned salt pans c2km along the road from the
cafe.
354 Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
Very common wader with large numbers in the salt-pans at KhK on 26/01.
355 Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
A few at KhK on 26/01.
358 Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Single on a sandbar on the Nam Mae Kok river downstream from TT on 18/02.
360 Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Single on a sandbar on the Nam Mae Kok river downstream from TT on 18/02.
362 Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
Several on the saltpans at KhK on 26/01.
367 Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Two birds at KhK on 26/01.
368 Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Calidris pygmeus) Vulnerable
Prolonged scope views of three birds seen in the salt pans at KhK on 26/01
370 Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficolis)
The commonest wader at Samut Sakhon with 100+ on 26/01.
372 Long-toed Stint (Calidris subminuta)
Several birds seen at Samut Sakhon on 26/01.
376 Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferrugina)
Another common wader with 30+ at KhK on 26/01.
378 Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus)
We observed only one at KhK on 26/01.
389 Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
At KhK where several in abandoned salt pans c 2km along the road from the
cafe.
391 Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva)
Several at KhK on 26/01.
392 Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
Several at KhK on 26/01.
395 Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
2 seen on a sandbar in the Nam Mae Kok river at TT on 18/02.
396 Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)
Another common wader at KhK with 70+ on 26/01
398 Lesser Sandplover (Charadrius mongolus)
Good numbers in winter plumage at KhK; Greater were probably there as well
but we did not specifically identify any.
403 River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii)
Only one seen on sandbanks in the Nam Mae Kok river at TT on 18/02.
404 Grey-headed Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus)
3 birds greeted us most mornings shortly after entering the park at KK.
405 Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)
Single birds observed most days at KK and on 30/01 at KY.
418 Brown-headed Gull (Larus brunnicephalus)
A large flock at KhK on 26/01.
423 Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)
A few birds <10 seen at KhK on 26/01.
431 Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Large numbers at KhK on 26/01.
444 Jerdon's Baza (Aviceda jerdoni)
This uncommon raptor seen once from the picnic area above the upper barrier
at KK on 23/01.
446 Oriental Honey-Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus)
Seen only once at KK on 20/01.
463 Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela)
Seen at DCD on 11/02 and again at DAK on14/02.
465 Eastern Marsh-Harrier (Circus spilonotus)
3 birds seen over fields from backroads 6km south of TT on 18/02.
471 Shikra (Accipiter badius)
A single bird around the HQ at KY on 28/01 was the only record.
479 Grey-faced Buzzard (Batastur indicus)
A single bird at Km33 at DAK on 16/02.
480 Common Buzzard(Buteo buteo)
Two birds circling low over Mr Daeng's cafe at Km 31 at DI on 03/02.
495 White-rumped Falcon (Polihierax insignis)Near Threatened
Excellent views of a pair on our first walk up Km 13 Trail at DI on 03/02.
The pair were c200 metres beyond the suspension bridge and were observed there
again on 08/02.
496 Collared Falconet (Microhierax caerulescens)
A pair perched on a dead tree from the bridge over the river at Km 13 at
DI on 07/02.
497 Black-thighed Falconet (Microhierax fringillarius)
A pair seen from the road between Km15-18 at KK on 22&24/01.
517 Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger)
Several seen at the saltpans at KhK on 26/01.
520 Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
Several seen at the saltpans at KhK on 26/01.
529 Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx intermedia)
Several seen at the saltpans at KhK on 26/01.
530 Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Seen in fields around KK.
532 Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus)
Non-breeding plumaged birds seen at KK and KY were presumed to be this species
and not Javan.
534 Little Heron (Butorides striatus)
Seen once in the stream at Trail 4 in KY and at DI at the Vachiratharn Waterfall.
555 Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans)
A flock of 150 circling low over fields between KY and Bangkok.
572 Eared Pitta (Pitta phayeri)
Fantastic views of a pair foraging along the ridge section of Trail 6 at KY
on 30/01 and 01/02. We eventually found 2 other pairs along that section of
the trail. The birds did not fly when approached relying on camouflage.
575 Rusty-naped Pitta (Pitta oatesi)
Heard only, below the checkpoint on the road from Ban Khoom to Chiang Dao.
577 Blue Pitta (Pitta cyanea)
Single male seen briefly at KK on 24/01; single birds seen 30&31/01 on
Trail 6 at KY.
588 Long-tailed Broadbill (Psarisomus dalhousiae)
These beautiful birds seen on 23&24/01 in mixed flocks aroud Km27 at KK
and at DCD 10 Km along the road to Meung Kong.
589 Silver-breasted Broadbill (Serilophus lunatus)
Great views of a flock of of these exquisite birds at around the stream at
Km 17 at KK.
594 Asian Fairy Bluebird (Irena puella)
Regularly seen throughout the trip.
597 Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis)
Fairly common at KK and KY where seen almost daily.
598 Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons)
Seen on 03&05/02 around the start of the Km13 Trail at DI and later on
two dates on a flowering tree above the Gulley Trail.
599 Orange-bellied Leafbird (Chloropsis hardwickii)
Only seen once at DCD from the temple above the Gulley Trail on 11/02.
602 Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus)
Seen at KK 21&26/01 and TT on 18&19/02.
604 Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach)
Seen at one date each at DCD, DAK, TT and DPHP.
605 Grey-backed Shrike (Lanius tephronotus)
Seen regularly at higher elevation sites DI, DCD and DAK.
612 Red-billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa erythroryncha)
Regrettably seen only once,and then briefly, at Km12 at DI on 06/02.
614 Common Green Magpie (Cissa chinensis)
Small parties seen on various dates at KK,
616 Rufous Treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda)
Seen only once on the lower slopes of DPHP around Km 17 on 19/02.
617 Grey Treepie (Dendrocitta formosae)
Seen only once on the Trekkers route at DAK on 15/02.
619 Racket-tailed Treepie (Crypsirina temia)
This common bird only seen once at KY in scrub opposite the hotel on 06/02.
621 Ratchet-tailed Treepie (Temnurus temnurus)
At KK the regular site at the campground just above the upper barrier yielded
nothing but a group of 5 or 6 birds seen in a mixed flock at Km27 on 23/01.
627 Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos)
Common at KY.
629 Ashy Wood Swallow (Artamus fuscus)
Seen only once from the grounds of the hotel at DI on 08/02.
632 Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis)
Only at KY on30/01.
633 Slender-billed Oriole (Oriolus tenuirostris)
At DCD along the "Nuthatch Ridge" beyond the DYK sub station on 12/02.
634 Black-hooded Oriole (Oriolus xanthornus)
Relatively common around the Temple at DCD. Also on Km 13 Trail at DI on 05/02.
638 Large Cuckooshrike (Coracina macei)
Seen on the Km13 Trail at DI on 03/02.
641 Indochinese Cuckooshrike (Coracina polioptera)
Seen on 12/02 near the DYK station at DCD.
642 Black-winged Cuckooshrike (Coracina melaschistos)
Also seen on 12 &13/02 on the last 1km of the road to DYK substation.
648 Ashy Minivet (Pericrocotus divaricatus)
Seen daily at KY.
649 Small Minivet (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus)
Seen at DCD on 12/02.
652 Grey-chinned Minivet (Pericrocotus solaris)
Seen at higher elevation sites; DI and DPHP.
653 Long-tailed Minivet (Pericrocotus etholugus)
Seen almost daily at DAK, also at DPHP.
654 Short-billed Minivet (Pericrocotus brevirostris)
At DI on 06&07/02 and DCD on 10/02.
655 Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus)
Recorded daily at KK and DI.
656 Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike (Hemitpus picatus)
Seen on several dates at KK,
658 Yellow-bellied Fantail (Rhipidura hypoxantha)
Daily at DI near the summit.
659 White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis)
Seen on a couple of dates at DI and also on 2 dates at the temple at DCD.
661 Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica)
Seen on a couple of dates at KY.
663 Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus)
Common at KY and KK but less so in the north.
664 Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus)
Common throughout.
665 Crow-billed Drongo (Dicrurus annectans)
One bird closely observed around the temple at DCD on13/02.
666 Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus)
Regular at KK and also observed at DI and DCD.
667 Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus remifer)
Seen regularly at all the sites visited in the north.
668 Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus hottentotus)
Fairly common throughout.
670 Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus)
Seen regularly throughout.
671 Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea)
At KK on 23/01, KY on 01/02 DI on 05/02 and daily at DCD, often in mixed flocks.
672 Asian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi)
This elegant species seen at KY on 31/01, and from the temple at DCD 11&13/02.
674 Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia)
Not so common (or overlooked) and seen only once at KK on 21/01.
679 Large Woodshrike (Tephrodornis gularis)
Only at DCD in the last 2km before the DYK substation on 09&12/02.
680 Common Woodshrike (Tephrodornis pondicerianus)
At DI on 04/02.
684 White-throated Rock Thrush (Monticola gularis)
Great views of a male at the Km 15 lower barrier at KK on 21/01.
685 Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush (Monticola rufiventris)
Good views of a male on "Nuthatch Ridge" at DCD on 12/02.
686 Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius)
Singles at the picnic area at KK on 23/01, at KY on 29/01 and DCD on 11/02.
688 Blue Whistling Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus)
Seen daily at KY; and at DI and in the temple gulley at DCD.
694 Scaly Thrush (Zoothera dauma)
Great views of a single bird which seemed to be wintering around the stream
behind toilet block at the Park HQ at Km 31 at DI. Seen on 05/02.
696 Dark-sided Thrush (Zoothera marginata)
Despite being first at the Summit Marsh on 3 mornings we never saw this species
at its traditional site, nor did any other birder we spoke to. However at
the 3rd attempt we obtained great views of a single bird flushed
from the stream into a tree in the same location as the previous species.
704 Grey-sided Thrush (Turdus feae)Vulnerable
3 or 4 birds in a fruiting tree at the Summit Marsh at DI on 07/02.
705 Eyebrowed Thrush (Turdus obscurus)
Up to 15 birds at the same location as the previous species on 03,06&07/02.
711 White-browed Shortwing (Brachypteryx
Great views of a male under our feet at the Summit Marsh at DI on 04/02.
717 Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica)
Daily at KK but this was the only place we saw it.
724 Slaty-backed Flycatcher (Ficedula hodgsonii)
A pair at the Summit Marsh at DI on 05/02.
725 Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher (Ficedula strophiata)
Great views of a single male beyond the DYK substation at DCD on 12/02.
726 Red-throated Flycatcher (Ficedula parva)
Seen regularly throughout at all sites visited.
729 Snowy-browed Flycatcher (Ficedula hyperythra)
Seen on three dates; at the Summit Marsh at DI on 08/02&11/02 and at DCD
on 11/02.
731 Little Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula westermanni)
Only at DCD on the "pheasant firebreak" 0.5km before the DYK substation.
736 Verditer Flycatcher (Euymias thalassina)
Seen at KK on 23&25/01 and at DAK on 16/02.
737 Large Niltava (Niltava grandis)
Same bird seen on 17&18/02 at in the scrubby area at DAK.
740 Rufous-bellied Niltava (Niltava sundara)
Great views of a male on the Km 37 trail at DI on 07/02.
746 Pale Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis unicolor)
On 28&30/01 on the higher levels of KY.
748 Hill Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis banyumas)
Seen at DI on 07/02 and DCD on 10&13/02.
750 Tickell's Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis tickelli)
Regularly seen at KK and KY.
753 Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonsis)
Regularly seen throughout the trip.
756 Siberian Rubythroat (Luscinia calliope)
Great views of a bird in scrub near Mallees at DCD on 11/02 and another at
DAK on17/02.
763 Siberian Blue Robin (Luscinia cyane)
A "tail quivering"male by the stream at the Km 15 lower barrier at KK on 21/01.
764 Orange-flanked Bush Robin (Tarsiger cyanurus)
4 birds seen at the Summit Marsh at DI on 08/02 and in the scrubby area at
DAK.
768 Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis)
Only seen in the hotel grounds on 21/01 at KK and at DI on 08/02.
769 White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.
776 White-capped Water Redstart (Chaimarrornis leucocephalus)
This wonderful bird seen at the Vachiratharn Waterfall on 03&04/02.
777 Plumbeous Water Redstart (Rhyacornis fuliginosus)
Seen on the same dates and places as the previous species.
779 White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucura)
Finally seen after waiting 1.5 hours at the gulley behind the monk's kitchen
at DCD. Had we remembered that we had a tape of the call we could have saved
1 hour and 14 minutes because when we finally played the tape the bird shot
into immediate view.
785 Slaty-backed Forktail (Enicurus schistaceus)
On successive dates at the Wan Jumpi pool at the lower end of Trail6 at KY.
786 White-crowned Forktail (Enicurus leschenaultii)
Only once on 13/02 in the gulley in the temple at DCD.
790 Common Stonechat ((Saxicola torquata)
Seen in most locations and common around DAK and TT
792 Pied Bushchat (Saxicola caprata)
Seen regularly at all the northern sites visited.
793 Jerdon's Bushchat (Saxicola jerdoni)
Despite 4 attempts failed to find the male that had been "showing brilliantly"
at the edge of the onion fields just downstream from TT and had to be satisfied
with a female from the boat as we drifted downriver on 18/02.
794 Grey Bushchat ((Saxicola ferrea)
Common at the northern sites particularly DAK and TT.
807 Asian Pied Starling (Sturnus contra)
By the cafe at SS on 26/01.
808 Black-collared Starling (Sturnus nigricollis)
Only once on 18/02 as in fields at the foot of DAK.
810 Common Mynah (Acridotheres tristis)
Regular throughout.
816 Hill Mynah (Gracula religiosa)
Seen daily at KY but this was the only site.
817 Chestnut-vented Nuthatch (Sitta nagaensis)
Not common and seen only once at DAK on 17/02.
818 Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch (Sitta castanea)
A couple of birds on 08/02 on Km13 Trail at DI and later at DCD on 09/02.
821 Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis)
At KK on 25/01 and on the ridge at DCD on 14/02.
824 Giant Nuthatch (Sitta magna)Vulnerable
Finally, after almost 15 hours over 3 days, a single bird seen briefly on
the ridge section of the road at DCD before the DYK substation.
837 Great Tit (Parus major)
On a couple of dates at DAK.
839 Yellow-cheeked Tit (Parus spilonotus)
From the road at Km 37 Trail at DI on 07/02.
841 Sultan Tit (Melanochlora sultanea)
Several birds seen at KK on 21/01 at Bangkrang Camp
842 Black-throated Tit (Aegithalos concinnus)
Several birds in small groups between Km38-44 on DPHP on 19/02.
848 Dusky Crag-Martin (Hirundo concolor)
Seen at DAK on 17/02.
849 Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Common throughout.
852 Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica)
A few birds a DI on O7/02.
855 Asian House-Martin (Delichon dasypus)
Almost daily at all sites in the north.
858 Crested Finchbill (Spizixos canifrons)
Several birds seen well at Km40 on the DPHP road on 19/02.
861 Striated Bulbul (Pycnonotus striatus)
Only at DAK where we saw it daily from the roadside.
863 Black-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus atriceps)
Seen regularly at KK,
864 Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus)
Abundant resident.
867 Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)
Common throughout.
868 Brown-breasted Bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthorrhous)
Seen daily in the scrubby area at the exit from the Trekker's route at DAK.
871 Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster)
Only in the north where seen almost daily at DCD, DAK and TT.
873 Stripe-throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus finlaysoni)
Fairly common throughout.
874 Flavescent Bulbul (Pycnonotus flavescens)
Only in the north where seen daily at DI and DAK.
875 Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier)
This common bird seen only once at Rangsit on 27/01 reflects the fact that
it is not found in the north and that we birded almost exclusively in forest
which it does not favour.
877 Streak-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus blanfordi)
This nondescript bird was common at KK and KY.
883 Puff-throated Bulbul (Alophoixus pallidus)
Common at KY and also seen at DCD.
884 Ochraceous Bulbul (Alophoixus ochraceus)
Common at KK.
889 Grey-eyed Bulbul (Iole propinqua)
Seen on 29&31/01 at KY and 08/02 at DI.
890 Buff-vented Bulbul (Iole olivacea)Near Threatened
Seen on 22&24/01 at KK.
892 Ashy Bulbul (Hemixos flavala)
Seen daily at DCD.
894 Mountain Bulbul (Hypsipetes mcclellandii)
Only seen at higher elevations of DI on 03&05/02.
895 Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus)
Seen daily and often at DCD.
897 Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)
Seen at Rangsit on 27/01.
901 Hill Prinia (Prinia atrogularis)
Seen on each of the 3 trips up to the ridge at DCD and at DAK.
902 Rufescent Prinia (Prinia rufescens)
Seen around the DYK substation at DCD on 12/02 and in the scrubby area at
DAK.
903 Grey-breasted Prinia (Prinia hodgsonii)
At KY on30/01 and in scrub near Mallee's at DCD.
904 Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris)
Seen in grassland by the Nam Mae Kok river at TT.
905 Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata)
3 or 4 seen at Rangsit on 27/01.
906 Chestnut-flanked White-eye (Zosterops erythropleurus)
Seen first at KY on 28/01 and then regularly at all of the sites in the north.
907 Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus)
Seen 10&11/02 at DCD.
908 Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus)
Seen regularly at DCD and DAK.
909 Everett's White-eye (Zosterops everetti)
Seen daily at KK.
911 Slaty-bellied Tesia (Tesia olivea)
Heard only. Despite taping this bird in on a couple of occasions Km37 Trail
at DI we never managed to see it.
913 Asian Stubtail (Urosphena squameiceps)
Two birds in the Temple
921 Spotted Bush Warbler ( Bradypterus thoracicus)
A skulking pair in the scrubby area at DAK on 17/02.
932 Oriental Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis)
A single seen in the marsh at Rangsit on 27/01.
935 Mountain Tailorbird (Orthotomus cuculatus)
On DPHP on 17/02.
936 Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius)
At KK on 21/01 and subsequently at DI and in the temple area at DCD.
940 Dusky Warbler (Phylloscopus fuscatus)
Seen at KK on 24/01 and Rangsit on 27/01.
942 Buff-throated Warbler (Phylloscopus subaffinis)
Only seen at DAK on 16/02.
944 Radde's Warbler (Phylloscopus schwarzi)
Seen on 27/01&01/02 along Radar Rd at KY.
945 Buff-barred Warbler (Phylloscopus pulcher)
Seen on every vist to the Summit Marsh at DI.
946 Ashy-throated Warbler (Phylloscopus maculipennis)
Common on the upper slopes of DI.
950 Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornata)
Seen regularly at KK,
952 Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis)
Seen only once around Km40 at DPHP.
953 Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides)
Seen on 28&30/01 at KY;11/02 at DCD.
954 Two-barred Warbler (Phylloscopus plumbetairsus)
Seen on 14&16/02 at DAK.
955 Pale-legged Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus tenellipes)
Only at KY on 31/01.
957 Eastern Crowned Warbler (Phylloscopus coronatus)
Seen only once at KY on 28/01.
959 Blyth's Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus reguloides)
Seen daily at DI and DAK
960 White-tailed Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus davisoni)
Around the Summit Marsh at DI on 03&04/02.
964 Grey-crowned Warbler (Seicercus tephrocephalus)
Up to 3 birds seen at KY on 28&30/01.
971 Chestnut-crowned Warbler (Seicercus castaniceps)
Only once at DI around Km37 Trail on 03/02.
976 Yellow-bellied Warbler (Abroscopussuperciliaris)
Seen on 21&23/01 at KK and 28/01 at KY.
977 Striated Grassbird (Megalurus palustris)
In long grass on the banks of the Nam Mae Kok river at TT on 18/02.
981 White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus)
Seen almost daily at KY and DI.
982 Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax monileger)
Seen on 13/02 in the fruiting tree at the temple at DCD.
983 Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax pectoralis)
Up to 20 birds seen on 22&23/01 in a fruiting tree at Km16 at KK.
993 Black-throated Laughingthrush (Garrulax chinensis)
Up to 4 birds in a mixed flock at Km 27 at KK on 23/01.
1005 White-browed Laughingthrush (Garrulax sannio)
2 birds seen at Km 21.3 scrubby area at DAK on 17/2.
1011 Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush (Garrulax erythrocephalus)
Common at the summit of DI.
1016 Red-faced Liocichia (Liocichla phoenicea)
Contrary to other trip reports we did not find this bird to be common at DAK
seeing only one pair (probably the same pair) in the scrub area at DAK on
16&17/02.
1019 Abbott's Babbler (Malacocincla abbotti)
Seen on 28&29/01 and 01/02 on Trail 6 at KY.
1022 Buff-breasted Babbler (Pellorneum tickelli)
Seen only once in the Gulley Trail at DCD.
1024 Puff-throated Babbler (Pellorneum ruficeps)
A pair seen foraging along the ridge section of Trail 6 at KY on 01/02.
1031 Large Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus hypoleucos)
Several birds in a mixed flock at Heow Narok Waterfall at KY on 31/01.
1033 Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus erythrogenys)
A pair seen at the firebreak at DCD , also at Km 26 on the road from DAK to
DCD on 16/02 and in the scrubby area at DAK on 17/02.
1034 White-browed Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus shisticeps)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.
1046 Streaked Wren-Babbler (Napothera brevicaudata)
Up to 3 birds on successive dates around the "rest area" on the temple steps
at DCD.
1047 Eye-browed Wren-Babbler (Napothera epilepidota)
Heard on several dates but one taped in just off the Km 37 Trail at DI on
04/02.
1049 Pygmy Wren-Babbler (Pnoepyga pusilla)
Fantastic views of this tiny creature on 06 to 08/02 at the Summit Marsh at
DI.
1054 Rufous-fronted Babbler (Stachyris rufifrons)
Seen on the trail beyond the DYK substation at DCD on 12/02 and at in the
scrub at DAK on 15/02.
1056 Golden Babbler (Stachyris chrysaea)
Only seen once at Km 37 trail at DI on 03/02.
1058 Grey-throated Babbler (Stachyris nigriceps)
Seen on 11&13/02 along the road to DYK substation at DCD.
1061 Spot-necked Babbler (Stachyris striolata)
2 or 3 birds around the first stream at cKm 16 at KK on24/01.
1066 Striped Tit-Babbler (Macronous gularis)
Seen regularly throughout.
1070 Yellow-eyed Babbler (Chrysomma sinense)
Only once in the long grass on the banks of the Nam Mae Kok river at TT on
19/02.
1076 Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris)
Only in the north at DI on 06 &07/02 and daily at DAK. Also at Km 40 at
DPHP on19/02.
1078 Cutia (Cutia nipalensis)
A surprise sighting of a single male seen along the track that descends to
the left as you walk in to the "scrubby area" at DAK on 17/02.
After about 200metres the trail is enclosed by the forest but at about 300
metres down the track it opens out and there are several moss and epiphyte
covered trees on the right; the bird was foraging quietly along the branches
in mid to high canopy and was in the company of White-browed Shrike Babbler,
Blue-winged Minla and Chestnut-vented Nuthatch. The bird called twice in response
to tape.
1080 White-browed Shrike-Babbler (Pteruthius flaviscapis)
Seen regularly at higher elevation of all sites in the north.
1084 White-hooded Babbler (Gampsorhynchus rufulus)
On successive date with 3 to 4 birds in a mixed flock at Km 27 at KK on 23&24/01
1086 Spectacled Barwing (Actinodura ramsayi)
Great views of this much wanted bird from the road at Km 37 at DI on 05&07/02.
1090 Blue-winged Minla (Minla cyanouroptera)
Daily at DAK.
1091 Chestnut-tailed Minla (Minla strigula)
This attractive species was seen daily in numbers on the upper elevations
at DI.
1095 Rufous-winged Fulvetta (Alcippe castaneceps)
Seen daily at DI.
1102 Brown-cheeked Fulvetta (Alcippe poioicephala)
Only identified on one date,11/02 at DCD.
1105 Grey-cheeked Fulvetta (Alcippe morrisonia)
Seen regularly at all the northern sites.
1108 Rufous-backed Sibia (Heterophasia annectens)
2 birds seen in a mixed flock along the road at Km 37 at DI on 07/2.
1110 Dark-backed Sibia (Heterophasia melanoleuca)
Also seen regularly at all the northern sites.
1114 Striated Yuhina (Yuhina castaniceps)
Only on 13/02 where several seen 10kms from the checkpoint along the road
to Meung Kung
1116 Whiskered Yuhina (Yuhina flavicollis)
20+ birds at Km 42 on DPHP was the only record.
1122 White-bellied Yuhina (Yuhina zantholeuca)
Verycommon at KY.
1126 Grey-headed Parrotbill (Paradoxornis gularis)
At the last gasp 3 of these much wanted birds at Km 40 on the DPHP road.
1127 Spot-breasted Parrotbill (Paradoxornis guttaticollis)
3 birds at dusk in the margins of the abandoned orchard at DAK on 15/02.
1151 Yellow-vented Flowerpecker (Dicaeum chrysorrheum)
Only once at KY on 29/01.
1157 Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum)
Seen regularly at KK,
1161 Ruby-cheeked Sunbird (Anthreptes singalensis)
At KK on 21/01 and KY on 28/01.
1166 Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis)
Common, seen almost daily at KK and KY and DI.
1168 Mrs Gould's Sunbird (Aethopyga gouldiae)
On 04&07/02 at the Summit Marsh at DI and daily at DAK.
1169 Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis)
Common at the summit of DI.
1171 Black-throated Sunbird (Aethopyga saturata)
DI on 07/02, DCD on 11&13/02 and daily at DAK.
1172 Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja)
Surprisingly only once at KK on 21/01.
1180 Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera affinis)
Seen only once at KK on 24/01.
1181 Streaked Spiderhunter (Arachnothera magna)
Again, surprisingly only once at DI on 06/02.
1184 Plain-backed Sparrow (Passer flaveolus)
This attractive sparrow seen in the grounds of the hotel at DI on 08/02.
1185 Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
Only seen in the gardens of the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok on 02/02.
1187 White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
On rocks at the Vachiratharn waterfall at DI on03/02.
1190 Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
Common throughout.
1191 Richard's Pipit (Anthus richardii)
In fields around the hotel at KY on 31/01.
1196 Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni)
On the abandoned golf course at KY on 05&06/02.
1210 White-rumped Munia (Lonchura striata)
Common in the scrub at the checkpoint near Mallees at DCD.
1211 Scaly-breasted Munia (Ponchura punctulata)
Common in the scrub at the checkpoint near Mallees at DCD.
1225 Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus)
Only once at Km10 on the road to Meung Kung at DCD.
1246 Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola)
A small flock seen at the lower end of the Trekkers Route at DAK on 16/02.
(This record probably controversial because of the altitude of the sighting)
1247 Chestnut Bunting (Emberiza rutila)
Huge flock in the long grass beyond the DYK substation at DCD on 12/02 and
at DAK on 16&17/02.
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