Thailand September 2012. Khlong See Yat and Leam Pak Bia

It was great to get back to Thailand  birding although I enjoyed both UK and USA.  A trip to the east of Bangkok took us to a very promising area around Khoa Ang Ruenai next to which is reservoir called Khlong See Yat.  At this location there were numerous Oriental Skylark, Oriental Pratincole,  Lesser Whistling Duck and huge numbers of Egrets.  We arrived at the wrong time of the day but it was still full of birds and more time would produce great results I am sure.  Unfortunately we could find a hotel of any kind so will have to have another exploratory day.  If anyone knows of anywere please let me know. The forests around Khoa Ang Ruenai looked promising too with lots of Blue-throated Bee Eater  and a reasonable smattering of the expected birds.

A view of the Khlong See Yat

 

We counted at least 25 Blue-throated Bee Eater.

 

There was also a flock of Grey-rumped Treeswift that flew over in the evening.

 

Two weeks ago we went over to Leam Pak Bia and had a very successful few days.  The star bird was Great Thicknee but there was a good supporting cast with 2+ Asian Dowitcher, lots of Terek Sandpiper, Temminck's Stint, Purple-backed Starling and a flock of eight Spot-billed Pelicans. 

 

Great Thicknee

 

Malaysian Plover

 

                                      

Asian Dowitcher with one of twenty Bar-tailed Godwit

 

Purple-backed Starling

 

Spot-billed Pelican

 

Adult and immature Brown shrikes battling it out on the rubbish tip.  the fight was surprisingly long-lasting and violent but both birds seemed unharmed