Kaeng Krachan (The Final Week)

 Well the school holidays have finally come to a sad end!! So, there just had to be one final trip to KK before getting back to work.. After 7 weeks of KK, Chiang Dao, Doi Inthanon, Mae Wong, Chaloem Phrakiat, Sri Phang Nga plus quite few local trips (over 6000km!!) KK seemed the only place......... I really think this is my favourite place in Thailand.. No sooner had we got to Ban Krang many birds were showing. Top of my list for this this trip were Black Backed Kingfisher and Hooded Pitta, so I was happy to be informed the BB was showing well at stream 1. Stream 1 was buzzing with activity and I soon got some of my best ever pics of the BB. Also two more lifers for the morning a Crimson Winged Woodpecker and Dusky Broadbill showed well.....

Black Backed Kingfisher

Black Backed Kingfisher

Dusky Broadbill

Crimson Winged Woodpecker

 






















The following morning we returned for some more shots and to try to get the Hooded Pitta. Unfortunately it didn't show, but  I did manage a single Blue Pitta and a Blue Winged Pitta.

Blue Pitta

Blue Winged Pitta

There were still plenty of Broadbills about,but we didn't manage to get up to PT for the Long Tailed this time.A nice Silver Breasted was doing some construction work near the damn and the Black and Red was in and out by the crossing at Ban Krang

Black and Red Broadbill

Silver Breasted Broadbill

The final morning turned up Green Eared Barbets, a Crested Serpent Eagle and a Laced Woodpecker.
On the way back down we sat for an hour in the hide waiting for the Blue Bearded Bee-Eater that was feeding young.. Although they were heard they didn't want to show... next time!.
Overall, a rewarding 3 days. KK never disappoints.....................

Mae Wong

Koons!! Dammit!!

A trip to Mae Wong had been on the cards for a long time now and since we had a few days spare we finally got there a few weeks back.. I had researched about the resident Koon flies there, so extra protection was in order. A beautiful place to visit with some stunning scenery, but those flies!!! really a damn nuisance... So the birding... Not too much about, no signs of any Pittas or the Hornbills was a bit of a disappointment. Birds seen included; Black Throated and White Necked Laughingthrush, Buff Breasted, Streaked Wren and White Browed Shrike Babbler, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Grey Backed Shrike, Grey Cheeked Fulvetta, Grey Headed Flycatcher, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Maroon Oriole, Speckled Piculet, Velvet Fronted Nuthatch, White Throated Fantail and Yellow Cheeked Tit.

Black Throated Laughingthrush

Speckled Piculet

Velvet Fronted Nuthatch

Yellow Cheeked Tit.

 

 

White Necked Laughingthrush

The drive back down from Chong Yen was pleasant but we only managed a couple of Blue Bearded Bee-Eaters. Sadly another dip for the Crested Kingfisher !!!

Blue Bearded Bee-Eater

I'm sure we will be back there soon, maybe October this time.. Just hope not so many flies around then......scratch scratch scratch scratch scratch !!!!!!!!!!!!