Khao Sok

Another trip out last week found us at Khao Sok National Park. After reading about the park on Nick Upton's  Thaibirding site we just had to check it out in the hope of getting some pictures of the  Blue Banded Kingfisher and The Banded Pitta to name a few... Well after arriving in Surathani, downing a few well deserved beers and staying overnight at the sister in law's, we set our at first light. The drive was spectacular, nice roads and fantastic scenery. After arriving at the park I was a bit disappointed to see how many resorts, bars and guest houses there were just outside the park. Camping looked out of the question as we could only pitch the tent next to the restaurant. Definitely not a tent friendly park... First we checked out Trail 1. All I can say is  after a 4 or 5 km hike we all felt a bit disappointed as not only did we not see anything, the trail was silent apart from that strange species of (very noisy)foreign backpackers. On the walk back we did manage to see a pair of Fairy Bluebirds.... Back at the park there was a little shop selling beer!! (thought that was against the rules). Sitting having a quick bevvie a pair of Orange Bellied Flowerpeckers flew down to join us.. At least we got a few nice pictures.

Orange Bellied Flowerpecker

Orange Bellied Flowerpecker

We only checked out a little of Trail 2 and decided to make the trip back to Surat that evening. No camping, no birds, but still a nice place to visit and I'm sure on another day we would have done better on the birding side.. Shall chalk this one up as one of those days!!!!