Spoon-billed Sandpiper |
The other major target species here is Nordmann's Greenshank, classified as Endangered by BirdLife International with a reputed 330 - 670 mature individuals. They are always difficult to get close too but this year we had our best views ever of several groups and enjoyed watching them on repeated occasions.
Nordmann's Greenshanks and Great Knots at distance |
Nordmann's Greenshanks by Nick Upton |
Asian Dowitchers by Nick Upton |
The sandpit of Laem Pak Bia holds White-fronted Plover (Charadrius Dealbatus) and you can read about this fascinating species here. There's also Malaysian Plovers, Chinese Egrets, and a good selection of terns and gulls, which this year held Pallas's, Heuglin's and this Steppe Gull (Larus barabensis) - a new bird for Thailand and previously found by Nick Upton some 6 weeks earlier.
Steppe Gull at Laem Pak Bia by Nick Upton |
Chinese Egret |
White-faced Plover (right hand bird) |
Great Knots |
Long-toed Stint |
More Great Knots |
Oriental Pratincole |
Temminck's Stint |
Curlew Sandpiper |
Broad-billed Sandpiper |
But it's not just about shorebirds and the nearby rice fields, pools and marshes also produced Baillon's, Ruddy-breasted and White-browed Crakes, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Slender-billed Gull, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler, White-shouldered and Purple-backed Starlings, Asian Golden Weaver and so much more.
Spot the Slender-billed Gull |
Thailand never disappoints and our tours seem to get better and better every year. Take a look a Nick Upton's blog here. And his Thai Birding website here.
Eared Pitta by Nick Upton |
So I can't wait to return. Next year's tour is already full, but looks like I will be back in June for our Thai Pita tour where we hope to see Blue, Blue-winged, Hooded and hopefully the ever elusive Eared Pitta. We might also make a detour to get Mangrove and Malayan Banded Pittas as well. If you fancy joining us then take a look at our itinerary - click here.
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