Checking out of the Nana Resort our drivers drove us to Khao Yai where we'd be staying at the Recall Isaan Resort hotel for three nights. We stopped a couple of times on the way and at one spot for a particular bird - Indochinese Bushlark. It wasn't long before Jay heard one singing and before long we'd found two feeding on the ground. They were very reminiscent of our own Woodlarks
Later we checked out a site for Alexandrine Parakeet at the Wat Luang Royal Temple. Unfortunately Rose-ringed Parakeets, a non native species, had invaded the area and all we saw was a possible hybrid Alexandrine x Rose-ringed Parakeet.
Slightly deflated we had one more surprise in store when Jay took us to an unassuming industrial site where we stopped right next to a Fire Station to look for Spot-bellied Eagle Owl and a roost of Red-breasted Parakeets.
The parakeets were easy to see as they came into the roost site squawking and generally behaving in the raucous manner that all parakeet species seem to enjoy. Flying around in nosy groups and sittign at thetops of trees calling.
Just round the corner from the roost and right alongside the fire station we enjoyed fantastic views of a pair of Great Hornbills displaying and passing food to each other.
Jay pointed out the nest hole the owls had previously used and we started scanning the trees around us to see if we could pick up an owl roosting. Our search was temporarily brought to a halt by the appearance of millions of Wrinkle-lipped bats flying out of their roosts. An amazing sight as swarm after swarm passed overhead.
Wrinkle-lipped bats
By now it was becoming quite dark but suddenly a movement caught Jays eye in the hole in which the owls had nested in previous years and a female Spot-bellied Eagle Owl appeared and flew to a nearby tree and stayed in full view for at least 20 minutes!
Owl watchers
A great result and it was a happy group that arrived soon after at Recall Isaan Resort where we'd be spending the next three nights whilst exploring the Khao Yai National Park. As soon as we arrived I picked up a new bird when a Brown Boobok started calling near my room. There was only one thing to do and the next morning Jay, Howard, Alan, Marc and myself went out with the thermal camera whilst it was still dark and found it sat in the top of a tree.
We also found an endangered Mainland Serow in the thermal. A rare treat indeed as this gloat like species of antelope is classed as globally threatened due to habitat loss and poaching.
As daylight broke it was time for breakfast before heading into the national park.
Patch list (walking distance from house): 136. Garganey
What this blogs about.
This is my blog about birding on the Wirral, in Cheshire and beyond. Its basically an online diary of my sightings and trips. It'll be updated regularly to include photographs of birds (and other wildlife) I've photographed both in the UK and abroad. Why a blog? It's a way of keeping memories of good birds. good trips and interesting ringing sessions for me to look back on when I get to old to be bothered going out in the cold and wet anymore!!#
All photo's are taken by me unless specified and I retain the copyright. Photos shall not be used for any other purpose without express permission.
Moved to Cheshire in 1983 and settled there after marrying in 1986. I've been birding since I was 7 or 8 - it was that long ago I can't remember!
My formative years were spent in Suffolk and birds became a passion in my teens. Started twitching when still at school but began seriously whilst at University in the late 70's and early 80's. I am old enough to remember Nancy's cafe!
Took a bit of a break due to other committment but now able enjoy getting out birding both locally and for long distance twitches and trips.
Married to my beautiful wife Janet since 1986 and have two grown-up children and 4 gorgeous grandchildren.
Trained as a ringer firstly in the 1970's but let it lapse after leaving University in 1982. Re-trained again a few years ago and now a regular with Hilbre Bird observatory and SCAN ringing group.
I first became interested in photography whilst still at school and used an old Zenith SLR with a Tamron 300 mm lens. I've rediscovered my earlier interest and have graduated to digital - much easier to use for an amateur like me!
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