Early Start at the Reservoir

Rain Quail

Coturnix coromandelica

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Huay Mai Teng Reservoir, Ratchaburi Province, 22.03.12

I made it to Huay Mai Teng reservoir for a dawn start this morning and I managed to see lots of good birds but none of them came close enough to give me that really outstanding shot. Today's birds were most unco-operative indeed! Rain quail was present but they are incredibly difficult to shoot as they rarely stand up and pose. The above shot really doesn't do the bird's intricate neck markings and colouration any favours.

White-breasted Waterhen

Amaurornis phoenicurus

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Huay Mai Teng Reservoir, Ratchaburi Province, 22.03.12

The White-breasted Waterhen is a much more common bird than the quail but they have a similar propensity for constant movement. I wouldn't have got this close to the water hen or the quail without the hide. Maybe I need to put out some worms to draw them nearer.

Oriental Darter

Anhinga melanogaster

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Huay Mai Teng Reservoir, Ratchaburi Province, 22.03.12

Small Pratincole numbers were very low once more, no more than two in the usual area. However I had a look around and saw a few more flying about near the reservoir edge. I also saw these birds land on a small gravel island in the reservoir and I am wondering if this is where the action is. 

Finally this beautiful Oriental Darter, presumably a juvenile on account of the extensive light markings. It too doesn't like people getting close! There was also an Osprey who got away just in time. Nice few hours in the reservoir this morning.