The raptor migration in Chumporn seems to be going very well this year.

Thousands of raptors are moving through the province this month, at astonishing rates. So far no vultures have come through, but a few Aquila eagles (Greater Spotted) have come through, according to Dr. Robert DeCandino, a visiting professor from New York who is monitoring the migration at Radar Hill.

My contribution is to watch for raptor movement in Phuket, and so far it’s been quite … dull. No movements have been seen, although the small groups I’ve encountered give credence that the birds are passing through. Four Japanese Sparrowhawk, tailed by a pair of Booted Eagle were spotted near Baan Nam Kem, Phang Nga on the 18th, while three Grey Faced Buzzards were seen over open fields north of British International School, Sapam, on the afternoon of the 23rd.

Two more Japanese Sparrowhawk were sighted in the Muang Chao Fah area on the 27th but other than that, all raptor sightings have been Brahminy Kites or White belled Sea Eagle, both of which are resident.

15 Grey faced Buzzards were seen circling over the municipal park in Phuket town on the 29th and later headed off in a northeastern direction.

Blue Tailed Bee Eater has arrived in small numbers throughout the island, and so far no major migration group has been encountered. Three are regulars in a field near my home.

Last year the migration hit Phuket in November, so we’re anticipating that the time will be coming soon. According to data from the past two years, the migration should come from the northwest, come over Muang Chao Fah and head off in the direction of Khao Khat and Laem Panwa before heading off over the sea enroute (presumably?) towards Phi Phi and Krabi.

Khao Khat seems to be the best place to observe the migration and hopefully we’ll be able to cash in on it this year.

The roosting sites for the last two years have been Muang Chao Fah, Bang Waad Dam, (2008) and Klong Mudong (2007), which seem to be the prime places to keep an eye on when the birds come through.