Ian and Mike just got back from KNCC with terrific news:

“Our first morning we found a Red-crowned Barbet nest. We were very happy with it but didn’t know how big a deal it was until we later told Yotin. He’s only ever found two and neither was as accessible as ours.”

This is a rather rare bird and finding a nesting pair is not only good news for birders (for those who desperately want the tick, like myself) but also for the status of the bird, which hopefully repopulating at a higher rate than it was in previous times.

-Good find Ian!

Yesterday I had to send my mother to the airport so Rosie and I took the kids and decided to make an excursion out of it. Continue Reading

Fairy Pitta, a new bird for Thailand, was discovered in Puttamonthol Park in Thonburi during the Songkran week. Continue Reading

A trip to Coral Island off the coast of Laem Panwa led to a few interesting discoveries. Notable sightings of birds inhabiting the island included Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Osprey, Crested Goshawk and Brahminy Kite. Continue Reading

Mr. Phillip Round, co-author of Birds of Thailand and the country’s foremost ornithologist, visited Phuket during the Songkran Holiday. Continue Reading

Pitta season begins this month and already we’ve had our share of goodies.

Two species: Banded and Mangrove Pitta were spotted on the same day in Phang Nga, albeit in two separate locations. Sri Phang Nga currently seems to be the easiest place to find the Banded Pitta, and the mangrove walkway outside Phang Nga town is still the best location in Thailand to see the Mangrove Pitta.

The key to finding the Mangrove Pitta is to come when the tide is on its way out. Playing the call is another option but beware that you don’t overdo it. –These birds are fast learners and after a few minutes will refuse to show interest in the playback.

Next month we should be expecting the breeding season to start up, and with it will come two more species: Hooded and Blue Winged Pitta.

Those still seeking to tick their first Gurney’s Pitta should also make a serious attempt sometime between now through May.

Birders on the hunt for these birds should also remember to wear cool clothing; April is the hottest month of the year and the humidity will be at an all time high!

Ashy Woodswallow, a bird well-known from continental Thailand, has now been sighted as far south as Phuket. Ian Dugdale photographed two birds near the windmills at Nai Harn beach. According to him, up to six individuals were present, bringing to question as to whether or not this species have started colonizing this island. Continue Reading