Local

The most striking aspect of a brief sortie to the local rice paddy here in Ratchaburi late this afternoon was the huge numbers of Wood Sandpipers. Hundreds of them were taking advantage of the feeding opportunities from the wet rice paddy. They are quite difficult to photograph.  The highlight, however,  was a pair of juvenile Black-shouldered Kites. First time I have been aware of their quite distinct features notably the white fringing on their upper feathers and the streaking on their foreheads. I doubt if mature adults would have allowed me to get so close. The light was just against me as these shots were taken after 1800h. There were four Black-shouldered Kites in total. As you can see they were perched on wires and having a good look around for prey but fortunately didn't seem to bothered by my presence.

Huge numbers of Black-winged Stilts and Cattle Egrets; many of the latter sporting breeding plumes. But no harriers. As always a pleasure to be out in the sun-drenched late afternoon.