.....and In with The New

Greater Spotted Eagle

Wat Norng Blah Lai

Phetchaburi 01.01.11

A Very Happy New Year to you all! My first bird of 2011 was a White-breasted Waterhen at the local rice paddy and my first lifer was a Cinereous Vulture at Wat Norng Blah Lai about 30 minutes from home in Phetchaburi province. I have no pictures as I was too busy looking in awe at this magnificent creature as it gently hovered overhead. It is a sensational bird, huge with its tiny little head sticking out from the mid-point of its incredible wingspan. Talk about barn doors!


I haven't seen them but there has also been a definite sighting in the same area of 2 Himalayan Griffons possibly three. I was chatting wth a Thai birder/photographer, Pornrapee Abhakorn, at the vulture site and he was telling me that he can recall seeing vultures on a regular basis in and around Bangkok as recently as 40 years ago. Porn reckons the Vietnam War and the concomitant deployment of deadly chemicals has had a large part to play in the drastic decline of these birds, due to the consumption of poisoned carrion. Anyway from a contemporary perspective it is a raptorologist's heaven in the Wat Norng Blah Lai area at present with significant numbers of aquila eagles present plus many harriers and black kites.

Greater Spotted Eagle

Wat Norng Blah Lai

Phetchaburi 01.01.11

The good news is that these birds have come down in a very bird aware area due to the strong association with wintering eagles. There is excellent coverage in the area and this should reduce the possibility of harm coming to the birds. My friend Parn of www.discoverythai.com is on the case and he and the Thai Raptor Group are co-ordinating coverage and have set up feeding stations with carrion. So if you are likely to be in the area over the next few weeks keep tuned in as these birds look as if they may settle for a while. I have added some photos to give you a flavour of what is on offer. I must say the birds are coming in close and offering great opportunities for watchers and photographers alike.

Black Kite

Wat Norng Blah Lai

Phetchaburi 01.01.11

Eastern Marsh Harrier

Wat Norng Blah Lai

Phetchaburi 01.01.11

Eastern Marsh Harrier 

Wat Norng Blah Lai

Phetchaburi 01.01.11

Black Kite

Wat Norng Blah Lai

Phetchaburi 03.01.11

So for the moment it is a wonderful time to be birding in Thailand. Sadly all good things must come to an end! I am back at work tomorrow and I have three consecutive weekends in January where I shall be busy with work-related activities so I am afraid to say my time in the field will be very restricted. But I am not complaining. I have had a charmed existence these last few months as far as birds are concerned.

Once more a Very Happy New Year and Happy Birding to You in 2011.