Thaibirds and more

I was approached for 3 days of target birding. A list of 12 birds were given me. As you can understand it is not easy to space out these things logistically but always worth a try. 1. Eared Pitta 2. Spot-bellied Eagle Owll 3. Streak-breasted Woodpecker 4. Freckle-breasted Woodpecker 5. Mangrove Whistler 6. Asian Dowitcher 7. Slaty-breasted Rail 8. Black-headed Woodpecker 9. Tickell's Brown Hornbill 10. Red-legged Crake 11. Asian Golden Weaver 12. Indian Nightjar Why such a narrow target list? Well the person had seen most birds realistically possible in surrounding countries and decided to spend 3 days looking for lifers after a job assignment in Thailand. Day 1. Drove to Petchaburi and quickly got on to Asian Golden Weavers....many of them. Asian Dowitcher a remote chance but no waders present at the mudflats. Mangrove Whistle we tried for an hour but no response. Indian Nightjar didnt take to long as I knew their daytime roost. Afternoon off to a friend'

Eared Pitta, female Female  This is the time of year when one has a chance to photograph Eared Pitta. The bird is very secretive and seldom seen. It also doesnt call much  adding to the level of difficulty. Outside of Kaengkrachan National Park the bird seem to thrive in suitable habitat. But it faces a lot of nest predation as it is a ground nester and rather easy prey for snakes, mongooses etc. This pair was feeding 2 almost full grown chicks. Jim George, Australian bird photographer living in Vietnam came over to enjoy the bird with me. These images were with very high ISO and slow shutter speeds. I had to work quite a bit in PS to get some presentable pix. Female Male Female