Today I took a trip to Phutthamonthon, in the morning it looked very sunny but there were huge looming black clouds as I arrived. The benefit of this were pleasant temperatures and a cool breeze but the downside was lack of light.
Nowadays, I enjoy the prospect of birding around this large park. Before it felt like a marathon but now with my trusty bicycle, getting around is a breeze. I was thinking about Thick-billed Green-Pigeons and Black-crested Bulbuls. The former had a slight chance; the latter likely long gone now. I found the fig tree but no sign of the Green-Pigeons.
Surprisingly, I found a lifer, in the form of a Blue-throated Bee-eater. It was exciting to stumble upon, with its vibrant colours contrasting the gloomy grey day. I kept watching it and noticed a raptor flying high above, it was a Peregrine Falcon, always an exciting observation!
After those exciting encounters the rain started to fall and I was ready to call it a day. In terms of raptors, apart from the Peregrine, I encountered another Oriental Honey-buzzard which seems to be a rather consistent sighting at this time of year. It had a mobbing Crow in-tow.
Earlier in the visit I heard a sound which I though was a Common Flameback, later I realised it may have been a Ruddy-breasted Crake. I know the Crake’s call but it had been a long while before hearing it so it wasn’t fresh in my mind. I tried to re-investigate the area but the rain was falling now and it turned torrential, soaking me on the ride back to the car!
All images © 2022 Sam Hambly.
All your support is greatly appreciated! If you like any of the photos feel free to contact me for a print.
largeblueflycatcher.com 