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3 days of target birding, 26-28th July

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's hide near Kaengkrachan. He has set up a hide for a nesting Eared Pitta. We got to see the female in the nest at close range.
Then we visited a waterhole where we waited till almost dusk as a Red-legged Crake came to bathe with 2 chicks. Quite a haul for one day I must say.

Day 2. Went inside the park with only 3 birds in mind. It took a lot of patience but we eventually were rewarded with cracking views of an immature Spot-bellied Eagle Owl.
We heard but didnt see Tickell's Hornbills. We got to see the hard to find Bamboo Woodpecker but it wasnt until the very last minute that Streak-breasted Woodpecker showed up. So amazing to see. Like scoring a goal in overtime!

Day 3. Saw us work very hard at 4 different sites for 2 different woodpeckers and the Dowitcher but nothing to show for.

I personally thought the great haul of rare birds and other wildlife we saw in such a short time was a real success. Of course we missed a couple of touch targets, but that is to be expected on a short tour with many rare species being sought.

Quality sightings is worth more then birds for bucks, no?......8 out of 12 isn't bad, is it?

Anyhow, I enjoyed it as we saw some good birds, got out of the heat in Bangkok, shared common experiences and dined well.
Green Magpie

Spot-bellied Eagle Owl

Streak-breasted Woodpecker

Crested Serpend Eagle

Red-legged Crake

Eared Pitta

Bamboo Woodpecker

Asian Golden Weaver

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