The new year started off well on the birding front, even though for most people, 2010 was rocky from the onset.

A pair of Barhminy Starling were seen at Thai Muang Golf Course on the evening of the 9th, along with White shouldered, Chestnut cheeked, Purple backed and Rosy Starling. On the 12th a White bellied Sea Eagle was seen in flight over the fresh market near the Kings Park and on the following day a Black Kite was spotted near the Recycle Center at Sapan Hin. Three Crested Honey Buzzards were seen hovering around Muang Chao Fah near the Honda showroom on the 14th and on the 17th a single Eyebrowed Thrush was seen at the Kings Park around noon, braving the strong winds as it was flushed from a thicket. Other birds seen included White shouldered and Purple backed Starling, Indian Roller, and Black naped Oriole.

The Reddish Scops Owl showed briefly in front of my house for less than ten minutes after a heavy rain on the night of the 6th.

Two pairs of Yellow Vented Bulbul built nests near the front entrance of the house and our of four eggs, three have hatched and are now being fed by the parents. They will probably be flying by the second week of February. Two young Spotted Doves also were raised in the mango tree in front of the house, but only one lived to take to the skies as the other was killed by my dog, Fido.

A Chinese Goshawk was seen near Central Department store on the evening of the 24th and a Japanese Sparrowhawk was seen there on the evening of the 31st.

A trip to Sri Phang Nga on the 29th revealed a few treats. Nesting Great Hornbill was reported by the rangers although we did not have time to make the trek to visit the nest. Also further up the mountain was a nesting pair of Helmeted Hornbill. An Emerald Cuckoo and Hairy backed Bulbul were highlights of the trip and the large number of fruiting trees proves this site is worth a visit during this time of plenty.

A single Chinese Egret was seen at Laem Pakarang on the same day.

A Steppe Buzzard was seen at Laem Mum Nai on the 31st.

Special thanks to Ian Dugdale for his tips on the starlings at Thai Muang.