Monday 28 May 2012

Huay Mai Teng ...... for a Change!

Blue-throated Bee-eater
Merops viridis
นกจาบคาคอสีฟ้า
Huay Mai Teng Reservoir, Ratchaburi Province
27.05.12

I managed to spend some time in each of Saturday and Sunday afternoon at Huay Mai Teng Reservoir this weekend. The undoubted highlight for me was seeing a pair of Yellow-eyed Babblers on Sunday. I was fearful that human disruption might have impacted on this bird's continued presence at the site. No or not yet.

Green Bee-eater
Merops orientalis
นกจาบคาเล็ก
Huay Mai Teng Reservoir, Ratchaburi Province
27.05.12


On Saturday I noted one River Lapwing at the main staging area but none elsewhere or on Saturday. No Rain Quail either but I must confess that the ease with which I have been able to see this species over the last few months means I am disinclined to work for it! A cursory glance in the usual area drew a blank. However Nick Upton advised me he saw about eight on Friday afternoon so they are alive and well.
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficolis
นกเป็ดผีเล็ก 
Huay Mai Teng Reservoir, Ratchaburi Province
27.05.12


The site is a hive of breeding activity at the moment so there are a lot of recently fledged birds; notably Black-winged Stilts which really look very adorable. I also saw a fair number of juvenile Black-winged Stilts and good numbers of juvenile Oriental and Small Pratincoles. I have to say there were good numbers of Small Pratincoles. I doubt whether their cycle has changed. I rather suspect that they have been more dispersed in view of having more suitable habitat than in each of the previous two years on account of the high water level. The level this year is very low.

Small Pratincole
Glareola lactea
นกแอ่นทุ่งเล็ก
Huay Mai Teng Reservoir, Ratchaburi Province
27.05.12


It would appear that a further consequence of the low water level is a human fishing frenzy. Nets and rods  are abundant and people seem to be having great fun pulling out large numbers of fish with comparative ease. Of course this means disruption so it can present some difficulties in respect of birdwatching.
Small Pratincole - juvenile
Glareola lactea
นกแอ่นทุ่งเล็ก

Huay Mai Teng Reservoir, Ratchaburi Province
27.05.12


Late Saturday afternoon I also had good views of a Pied Kingfisher, a favourite bird but a species I have not seen a lot of recently. I would really like to get in close with the camera. Also some good views of a Barred Buttonquail, although I am really on the look out for Small and Yellow-legged Buttonquail.
Black-winged Stilt - juvenile
Himantopus himantopus 
นกตีนเทียน 
Huay Mai Teng Reservoir, Ratchaburi Province
27.05.12


On Sunday, frustrated by a lack of recent, decent shots, I decided to concentrate on photography so my movements were governed by the sun's position. It is actually a a difficult place for photography as it is open with little natural cover. I use the truck for cover but it is not exactly satisfactory. Anyhow I love this Blue-throated Flycatcher.
Blue-throated Bee-eater
Merops viridis
นกจาบคาคอสีฟ้า
Huay Mai Teng Reservoir, Ratchaburi Province
27.05.12


Almost as an afterthought there were two Chinese Francolin calling to each other and I suspect I might be able to draw one or both of these out; a pair of Oriental Skylarks dropped dramatically out of the sky and as always plenty of Indochinese Bushlarks and Paddyfield Pipits.

Pied Kingfisher
Ceryle rudis
นกกะเต็นปักหลัก 
Huay Mai Teng Reservoir, Ratchaburi Province
27.05.12


1 comment:

  1. Gerry, Thanks for sharing the information in Hua Maiteng Reservoir.
    Song

    ReplyDelete