Talk about disguise!

The first time I saw this species I was with Peter Ericsson in Kaeng Krachan. Peter took some photos of the bird resting on the warm blacktop, after which he started the van and drove over the bird.

- Accidentally of course.

The happy ending to the story is that regardless of that fact, the bird was not harmed and did not actually get flattened by the tyres. What a relief.

This photo was taken by Ian at Khao Nor Chuchi, and we can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Peter’s van was nowhere near this bird.

The Common Kingfisher is an all too common bird. This tiny thing can be found in territories spanning from Asia to Europe. The amazing structure of this bird was no doubt the inspiration behind some of the revolutionary designs which translated into some of the most potent fighters of WW II such as the P-51 Mustang, the Spitfire and Yak 5.

While some people have grown accustomed to seeing this bird, one has to appreciate the amazing blend of colors which make this bird and the other species that make up the kingfisher family some of the most attractive of all birds.

Thanks to Peter Ericsson of use of his photos.

Even the simple things in life are beautiful.

The White rumped Munia ranks as one of the most common birds in Thailand. This little finch is so common that in parts of the northeast they are routinely trapped and sold as “nok tamboon” for merit-making. These little creatures build nests in trees in gardens and plantations and can raise up to four chicks per clutch. -Not bad! 

Birders are often bored of these little birds since they are so common, yet as you can see from this shot, each and every one of them is a unique individual.

And God thinks the same as well. “Not one bird falls to the ground that your Heavenly Father is not aware of.”

Thanks to Peter Ericsson for permission to use his photos.