Birding Chiang Dao, Doi Lang, Doi Angkhang and DYK 11-16 Feb 2012

This trip we joined Linda & Lioe and 2 other friends for birds in North Thailand.  We arrived Changmai at 11:30pm on 10th Feb and spent the night at the Airport Greenery Apartments, a 10 minute drive by hotel minibus. Next morning at 6:30am our guide Uthai came with the 8 seater minivan that Linda had booked. Soon the six of us were on our way to Chiang Dao.

Arriving at 8:30am, we birded for a couple of hours at the temple carpark, then dropped by Malee’s, where we would be returning later. We left for Thaton with birding stops along the way in some villages and rice fields. We stayed the night at The Thaton Garden Resort Hotel.

On 12th at 6:30am we set off for Doi Lang in the back of a pickup truck fitted with benches. It was a rough 1.5 hours ride before we arrived at the military post at the mountain top. The soldiers were friendly and preparing their breakfast in the open kitchen where nearby we saw Dark-backed Sibia, the male and female Large Niltava, Orange-flanked Bush-robin, and Greenish Warbler. We birded further moving slowly downhill and by lunchtime we had seen many species of Bulbuls. After eating our packed lunch the truck drove us down and at the foothills we got good views of 2 Indian Rollers.

Back at Thaton, we transferred back to our minivan and were soon on our way to Doi Angkhang.

On the way we birded in the pine forest next to the military camp and managed glimpses of Nuthatches and good views of the Grey Bushchat. By 4pm we arrived at the Ban Luang Resort, which was nestled in a valley with beautiful flowers growing on the slopes. It was colder than we had expected and we woke next morning to a temperature of 4º C in our chalet. We spent 2 nights here where we had good views of White-capped Redstart, Black-headed Greenfinch and Little Bunting and many more birds that seemed to be residents here. We also spent a day birding at the King’s Project where the gardens and flowers were the draw to the city folks. There were many birds at the back of the kitchen area apart from among the tall trees and garden grounds.

From Doi Angkhang we back-tracked to Chiang Dao and checked into Malee’s Resort where we had a nice chalet in their garden. We walked to the temple where we had visited on our first morning and this time we had more time to seek out the birds. The next morning another early packed breakfast and another truck came to bring us up to Den Ya Kat (DYK), this ride was more bumpy than the one we had at Doi Lang. After 1.5 hours we reached the top where a park station is located. While the driver proceeded to grill his fish for his breakfast we had our packed breakfast on the picnic benches with 3 hungry but friendly dogs looking forward to some scraps.  After a quick bite we set off to the pond area and the pine forest area, somehow the Nuthatches are so far up it was difficult to get a good shot. We went back to the bench waiting for the bird waves.  In one of the waves, a yell of "Hoopoe" got us jumping off our seats.  While the bird did not stay long most of us got a shot of it.  We then spent time wandering around the park.  Someone called the group back as the driver who had been to DYK many times had found an interesting bird perched on a tree, a Grosbeak and later its mate came along, making this pair the highlight of our DYK visit.

In the afternoon we descended stopping at another park station midway but by then it was hot and not many birds were seen. We returned to Malee’s and in the late afternoon we walked to the temple again to see if the Asian Paradise Flycatcher seen the previous evening was back.  It did not show up although we had good views of the Grey headed Canary Flycatcher. 

On 16th, our last morning we started 6.30am and walked to the temple and this time we walked up the 100 steps to the top.  The first bird that greeted us on the flight of steps was the Streak Wren Babbler. Unfortunately the 2 dogs from Malee’s came along and rushed up spooking the birds off before anyone could get a shot. We returned to Malee’s for a late breakfast and checked out at 10.30 am for Chiangmai airport.  Our 6 days of birding yielded 136 species and stoked our interest to return to check out the birds of another mountain, Doi Inthanon.

Fraser's Hill 5-8 March 2012

Our recent trip gave another the opportunity to relax with more birds. Weather was a little wet, usually in the afternoon, so still lots of birding in the morning and evenings.

Fraser's Hill, a set on Flickr.

Chinese New Year (CNY) in Japan 18-26 Jan 2012

Rather than our usual CNY at home, we decided to visit our friends in Japan for a taste of winter weather. We were prepared for the cold weather but were lucky to have beautiful sunny dry and snow covered vistas when we were at Hakodate, our first port of call.

We hit the tourist spots of Mount Hakodate, Goryokaku Tower and Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, and had a great time hopping on and off the old tram using our 1-day pass exploring the old district, walking to the churches and gardens albeit snow-covered. We also enjoyed the many small family run restaurants with a variety of food and very friendly people. After an all too short visit we were soon on our way to Tokyo.

From Haneda we took the airport bus to Fujisawa where Philip and Nariko met us and took us to their home in Tsujido. Even though we were not on a birding trip, the next morning we were happy to record a few lifers just a few minutes walk from their apartment. 

A 10 minute walk from P & N's place, is Shonan beach, a popular place with surfers,  In fact surf boards are seen outside most apartments and on the customised racks on most bicycles. On our morning walks along the beach there were always several surfers searching for their wave in the 2 degree weather.

Black-eared Kite

White Wagtail

Brown-eared Bulbul

Enoshima Island was very close by and we spent an afternoon visiting the shrines and gardens. No visitor would miss the Black-eared Kites flying overhead that sometimes dive very low and an intriguing warning sign explaining their behaviour reminded us of our Macaques at home. These Kites are also in the habit of snatching food from unwary visitors.

Enoshima

Enoshima Causeway

Enoshima

Kamakura Daibutsu

On another day we visited Kamakura, easily reached by train from Ofuna which is one stop away from Fujisawa.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

As we bid goodbye to our friends, we were already planning another visit to experience a different season next year.

Sri Lanka 4-16 Oct 2011

As with our previous trip to Sri Lanka, we arrived at Colombo airport at about 2 am and were met by Upali our guide from Starron Tours

Our group consisted of Bee, Gerard and ourselves who made the trip last year plus Janet, on her 1st visit. Upali had guided the four of us previously in August last year. As always Upali was full of energy and without much delay he had our group of five, plus luggages, loaded into our bus, helped by our driver Ranjan.

Then we were on our way to Habarana, our first stopover. During the 4-hour ride we all tried to grab a nap. We arrived at The Other Corner in time for breakfast. We were welcomed by the “brothers” who we had met during our stay last year. the food and service was, as usual, excellent. Sunrise is early at 5:45am and sunset before 6pm

For the next 4 days we birded around the area, taking in some of the tanks. One morning at breakfast a rare Blue-breasted Quail was spotted  but too quick a visit for photos except for “quick-draw” Bee who had some good shots.  There was a visit to Sigiriya Rock Citadel, where the fitter members, Gerard & Bee, climbed to the summit while we explored the vicinity. Highlight was a Crested Serpent Eagle 10 metres away perched on a low tree, and an even closer Coucal.

 

 

 

Our next stop was Kandy, where we stayed at the Tree of Life for 2 nights and visited Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Udawattakele Forest Reserve and an evening visit for a cultural show. The weather was very dry and some migratory birds we had hoped to see seemed to be absent. One morning we did experience a bird wave that included some Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, minivets and other species.

It was then on to Nuwara Eliya, staying at Galway’s Forest Lodge for 2 nights. We birded around the Galway’s Forest National Park in the afternoon, followed by a pre-dawn trip to Horton Plain with a picnic breakfast. On arrival at Horton we saw the Indian Black Robin. Last year’s visit to Horton had been a short one due to mist and rain. We were glad we had the opportunity to enjoy the place. The weather could not have been better this time.

The afternoon was spent at Bomuru Ella Forest Reserve and a couple of evening waiting for a Thrush. 

Next morning was off to Embilipitiya and a jeep safari in Uda Walawe National Park.  We had visited Uda Walawe last so were prepared for a dusty bouncy ride. The water levels were very low but we saw many migratory birds including the Caspian Tern. It was an overnight at the Centauria Tourist Hotel where an Indian Scops Owl was roosting in one of the trees in the garden.After breakfast on to Tissamaharama and Hibiscus Garden Hotel, and another jeep safari, this time in Yala National Park, where catching a glimpse of a mother leopard crossing the track carrying a small wild piglet, and later, very good views of the juvenile leopard waiting patiently for its meal to arrive, with several jeep-loads of tourists, including ourselves, clicking away. Next morning as we had been lucky enough to have had excellent views of the Yala leopards, we decided on a jeep safari in Bundala National Park, a much less dusty and smoother ride. A Hoopoe was seen more than once skimming along in front of the jeep.

A couple of nights at Hibiscus and next day a long drive to the south through Galle where the devastation of the December 26, 2004 tsunami could still be seen in some abandoned houses which some owners could not afford to repair. There was a memorial to the lives lost when the train derailed and a mural of the incident was put up. Upali explained that Galle had its origin in the Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus) the Portuguese had first seen on landing.

Our last evening was spent at the Hotel Tamarind in Katunayake near Colombo.

The following day the birding, in the hotel garden, went on right to the last minute and at lunchtime it was time for a quick drive to the airport and farewells to our guide and mentor, Upali and our excellent driver Ranjan, who was always in good spirits throughout the 13 days with us. Ranjan had been a radio officer at sea so has visited many countries including a couple of trips to Singapore many years ago.

Another excellent trip and we thank everyone for making it so. Ayubowan.

Link to Sri Lanka Birds

Revisit Mauritius 4–11 Aug 2011

Our previous visit was in July of 1993, so quite a bit of water has passed under the bridge since then.  Therefore we jumped at this opportunity to revisit when a birding buddy, PB, said she was arranging a trip with a friend, EK, and had room for two more.  We stayed at La Plantation hotel on the North West coast, not far from Port Louis. 

On arrival at the hotel PB arranged a rental car and the following morning we were ready to go with PB doing the driving.

The weather was mostly cool and dry with a little rain, mainly in the highlands.

Over the next 6 days we covered most if not all of the island.

The highlights were L’Aventure du Sucre, where we sampled all kinds of flavoured Rum, and of course, ended up taking some home, 

and a morning coffee with Rum, what else. The birds joined us for coffee although they seemed to be only interested in the different types of sugar on offer.

We followed up with a visit to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens where a Striated Heron was making full use of the Giant Amazon Lily pads to hunt on the lake surface.

We drove to Grand Baie for a late lunch and a bit of shopping.

The Black River National Park was our destination the next day where we were lucky to see the endemic Mauritius Kestrel as well as the Tropicbirds,usually,far away in the valleys.

Next day was Chamarel, the Falls and the Seven Coloured Earth then on the to Gris Gris to see the Roche qui Pleure

A “must see” was next: We drove down to Mahébourg for a visit to Ile Aux Aigrettes and were lucky to be shown around by Hugo, a volunteer, on his last tour before returning the UK for Uni.

He showed us the endemic Mauritius Fody as well as the Aldabran Giant Tortoise, Gunther’s GeckoMauritius Ornate Day Gecko, Pink Pigeon and also the Mauritius White Ebony.

It was a very good, if somewhat short visit. We continued on to Kestrel Valley which was previously called  le domaine d'Anse Jonchée.

We found it in the middle of renovations, but by good luck we ran into the manager, Dominique, http://www.mauritiusfishingandhuntingsafaris.com/Mauritius_Fishing_and_Hunting_Safaris/Home.html.  Dominique, being extremely hospitable, drove us around the area and explained their future plans, and even invited us in for a cup of tea before we left.

Our next day was spent at Labourdonnais & The Black River Gorges.

The last day was a drive to Cap Malheureux and  Trou aux Biches, with a quick stop-off at L’Aventure du Sucre on the way.

It was a very full and enjoyable 8 days and some new birds were seen, Tropicbird, Fody, Kestrel and the ubiquitous Village Weaver were some of the 16 bird species seen on this “birding” trip.

From Pantai to Gunung – 3rd and 4th July

An early start on Sunday morning and a quick drive to the rice fields of Sungai Balang for our first stop. After a short delay due to driving down the wrong track we were delighted to see the weavers and munias next to the ricefield. More than twenty species were spotted quickly as we moved along the bunds during the 2 hours that were interrupted by a rain shower.

A short drive then took us to Parit Jawa jetty where, in between looking at shore birds and the fish being unloaded from the fishing boats, we managed to relax and have lunch.

Later we drove on to Seremban, checked into our hotel and proceeded to check out Telapak Buruk.

As it was late afternoon,when we arrived at the base of Telapak Buruk, we only had time for a quick trip to the “near summit” at about 1150m.

As it turned out it was well worth the effort as we spotted a pair of Orange-breasted Trogons. The following morning we returned to Telapak Buruk for a more leisurely ascent. We heard many different birds calling but sightings were unusually sparse.