Back to Keang Krachan

Been away so long I hardly knew the place, boy it's good to be back home!  At last the wait for the park is over and it is open once more.  It is such a special place and, even though we have been there a dozen times or more, it never loses its interest.  It was good to catch up with Rachet-tailed Treepie, a range of flycatchers and usual cast of suspects!  The bird of the weekend was White-throated Rock Thrush which was a surprise and good views of Wreathed Hornbill, which wasn't.

White-throated Rock Thrush at Km 20.

Four Wreathed Hornbill over.  This was one of two flocks of four and a great view of a single at Km 28
The Sunday saw a bit of a migrant fall with Olive-backed Pipit, Hoopoe and two Vinous-throated Starling all putting in an appearance.  Ian and Games had a Blue and White Flycatcher on the previous day.

The previous week had been our half term and we wnet south, firstly to Chumpon and Khao Dinsor to watch fanastic raptors and meet up with the equally fantastic Bob and Debra.  As always it did not disappoint with Short-toed, Booted and Greater Spotted Eagle over plus thousands of Black Baza with the odd Jerdon's Baza amongst them and some Pied and Eastern Marsh Harrier to test our identification skills.
A trip to the park at Chumphon turned up some White-shouldered Starling as well as this Daurian Starling.  I pretty sure it isn't Chestnut Cheeeked although seperation doesn't seem easy in some birds.

We then continued further south on the main road  4 to Laem Son where we had a large flock of Jungle Mynas and some Asian Glossy Starling.

 

     There were also good numbers of Red-breasted Parakeets as well as Forest Wagtails.
We continued south until we reached Sri Phang Nga which is another part of the Khoa Sok complex.  The reserve is very well cared for and the accomodation is fine.  Highlight birds for us included a couple of Siberian Blue Robin, Yellow Breasted Flowerpecker and Lots of Moustached Babblers.  We missed the main highlights of Javan Frogmouth, Helmeted Hornbill and Buffy Fish Owl and only saw Common Kingfisher.  We should have talked to the rangers more so that is our tip for next time.  I think we will return again at some point.

Not a great photo of Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker but a record shot.