Funny that I hadn’t visited this particular temple earlier as it’s not very far away. I mustn’t have been thinking about Alexandrine Parakeets as it would have guided me straight here. Undoubtably the best place to see Alexandrines around these parts. Time to see them!
These temples in Nonthaburi seem to have specific species of parrot congregating. In Pak Kret it’s Rose-ringed Parakeets, Chaloem Prakiat is primarily Red-breasted Parakeets and here at Suan Yai it’s arguably the most special: Alexandrine Parakeets.
I decided to scout the place in the early afternoon, it’s a compact location but the bird life is very good. The Parrots weren’t present as it was too early in the afternoon but there were a lot of birds on show including Yellow-bellied Prinia (not ‘on show’ but heard from the reeds) and Lineated Barbet. I headed back home, to return in the late afternoon.
When I returned there was a man who I assume is one of the main people behind the project with the Alexandrine Parakeets. It wasn’t long until birds arrived back at the tree. I was also notified of the resident temple Spotted Owlets, seems they are common at the temples – new common name, Temple Owlet, perhaps!
My primary purpose was, of course, seeing the Alexandrine Parakeets but the numerous Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) chicks really stole the show. They were groups at various stages of development, with the typical tiny chicks and also more grown-up ‘teenager’ chicks.
23rd April 2022.
Coming back to the wild birds, as the Alexandrine Parakeets returned to roost there were many good photo opportunities to catch them in flight or posing nicely on the tree. I didn’t bother trying any flying photos today as handling the 600 when the sight-lines and distances are relatively short is a hassle.
This afternoon the sky seemed to have contained mainly Asian Openbill, Germain’s Swiftlet and Ashy Woodswallow – nothing out of the ordinary. The Openbills were having their evening meal in the klong, peaking at ~15 individuals. Alongside the Alexandrines there are the more widespread Red-breasted Parakeets.
Stork-billed Kingfisher, one of my favourites, was on my mind and later in the visit we were alerted to it by it’s panicking calls. It perched high in the tree for a couple of minutes at maximum before flying off. I managed to get a photo.
Looking around the grounds, the 2nd Spotted Owlet had turned up and they were having a preening moment on their perch. At one point, one of them had their foot up against the other. Something that reminded me of some parrots behaviour I have witnessed before.
Given it was technically one visit, recording 37 species was very good. The likely species number at my local park is around 25. Overall, a surprisingly great birding location close to home. We will end with a nice Chicken photo.
23rd April 2022.
All images © 2022 hamsambly
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