White-browed Fantail

Just a couple of days ago I received my new yearly visa. It is always so much paper work and one just never know what will be required. I was very relieved when it all came through, meaning, Thailand has to put up with me for another year!

So, to celebrate I decided to do a 2nd try for the White-browed Fantail at Sapsadao. This is a very difficult bird in Thailand and though present in fragmented areas of dry dipterocarp forest, apparently best seen at Sapsadao.

I had dipped on my 1st attempt. Got to the site in the late afternoon after an almost 5 hour drive (traffic runs slow over the forested mountains that leads into the NorthEast). Lots of birds were showing but not the Fantail.

Spent the night in a small hotel by the main road warding off the charming little ladies frequenting the neighbourhood.

All morning in potential habitat but NO bird! Well, I decided to go for lunch and on the way out simply sat in the car while recording some bird songs and hoping for a picture or two.

I normally don't rely too much on playback though I use it. I seldom play it for long. Anyhow, this time I thought I'd leave it on play and put it on the roof of the car while I remained inside. After less then 2 minutes it had called the attention of 2 White-browed Fantails that were incredibly inquisitive! This was at 11:55 and not what I had expected.
Big smiles, camera out , sound to be recorded!

As they say: God's delays are not denials!

Recording: http://www.xeno-canto.org/214234

Comments

John Holmes said…

It's always great to get the paperwork sorted out !

Nice photos.

February 26, 2015 at 11:52 PM

Liz Frances said…

Your blog is lovely! Perhaps you are the one to answer my questions. I have searched all over the internet and cannot find the answer. Recently moved to Pattaya and would like to identify a beautiful bird - medium-size, black with an almost-neon blue breast and brilliant blue bands that appear in flight. Any idea?

March 9, 2015 at 9:20 PM

Thaibirder said…

Most definitely Indian Roller!

March 19, 2015 at 2:15 AM

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