Thailand Trip Day 1: Broadbill Bonanza (and then some)

Ever since I became a bird nut in August 2012, I have dreamt of going on a foreign birding trip but somehow the opportunity never presented itself.  Though I have gone birding for a day in Penang and for a few hours in Beijing (because we got lost), these were sorties squeezed in a business trip. So when word came out that super Thai guide Wittawat Noulin (a.k.a. Guide K), agreed to accomodate two groups of Filipino birders, I wasted no time in asking for a visa from higher authority. Once granted, I joined the first group.  With me were: Rey Sta Ana, Ed Santos, Conrad Olayres, Homer Pialda and Alex Ting.

We boarded a PAL flight on the evening of June 4 (Day 0).  The flight was supposed to leave at 7:00pm but since we were at NAIA, we were slightly delayed (what else is new). We finally took off a little before 8pm. Knowing we will have a long night ahead, we all dozed off after consuming our in flight meal. 

We landed in Bangkok's vast Suvarnabhumi airport at approximatley 9:45pm local time (which was 10:45 our time).  After walking through the long airport (good thing they have walkalators), we reached immigration. Somehow we got separated from Rey and as it turned out all five of us wrote Samarn Bird Camp in our arrival cards (one of us even wrote Samar, but I won't say who).  And of course the Immigration officers (we were in tow separate but adjacent lines), wouldn't accept just Samarn Bird Camp.  Soon Ed and Alex (who were the first to approach the counters) were looking back at us asking for details.  Being behind Ed, I approached as said Kaeng Krachan Park which was also denied.  We are kinda panicking at this point.  The ever resourceful Conrad went off and looked for Rey and came back to us with the info that we will be going to Phetchaburi Province.  Whew...

After being welcomed into Thailand, we searched for the stall selling SIM cards.  I was proudly proclaiming that I brought along a spare phone only to realize that my spare phone was locked to Globe. Haaay! So while the others were loading their local SIMS, I could only look.  Then we set out to look for our driver whom we found with no difficulty but it turned out that our long-haired and pony-tailed driver didn't really speak English.  We were at the elevators already when we told him we were hungry and asked where we could eat.  Not really understanding what he was saying, we decided to play it safe and go back inside the terminal and get Burger King. And after getting our food we finally reached our van, loaded our considerable luggage and settled in the van, a Toyota Grandia with customized interiors that somebody remarked was like a KTV. Another said it looked like a motel with it's mirror like ceiling. And soon we were off.  After finishing our burgers, we all drifted into dreamland only to be jolted awake two hours later when the van made a sudden swerve.  After going a few minutes, our driver made a U-turn (naligaw pa ata kami), and after a few more stops and another U-Turn, we finally reached Samarn Bird Camp where Guide K welcomed is heartily.  It was around 2am local time, which meant 3am in our body clocks.  Breakfast was to be at 6:30am.  So we trudged to our rooms.  I was paired with Conrad and after quickly unpacking and dressing up, we were asleep.

I set the alarm at 5am but both Conrad and I were up and dressed before that.  While dressing up, there was a knock on the door and Ed's head popped in.  He was also dressed.  I guess we were all excited, to put it mildly.  While at the breakfast table, we saw several perches with bananas stuck in "pins".  And soon we saw our first bird in Thailand, a Streak-eared Bulbul - Thailand Lifer # 1 for me.  I ran back to my room to get my camera and was able to snap a few shots but they were all docu shots so I won't post them here yet. On the way back from the room, I spotted an Oriental Magpie Robin on a tree near our room but it flew away before I could take a photo.  Since our own Magpie has been split and proclaimed an endemic, (Philippine Magpie Robin), I am listing this as lifer # 2 in Thailand.

After a quick breakfast, we got our gear and loaded up.  

Locked and loaded. About to leave for KKC. Photo courtesy of Alex Ting.

After stopping at the gate to sign in (and pay entrance fee of Thb 300 or about Php 450), we proceeded inside Thailand's largest National Park.  And immediately I noticed that the roads were well paved.  After about 10 minutes into the park, we stopped and Guide K said we look for the Banded Kingfisher and within minutes he was signaling us to go to him.  And just like that we saw one of the major targets, the Banded Kingfisher. Lifer #3

Banded Kingfisher, male

After several minutes the female made an appearance but either it stayed high or in a backlit position. But being a lifer, we did the best we could.

Banded Kingfisher, female

There was also a Black-thighed Falconet high up in a tree.  I aimed my camera just to document it but Guide K said we will go back for it in the afternoon when it goes to the nest.  Alex and I also saw a Hair-crested Drongo which is also present in Palawan. 

While shooting the Banded Kingfisher

Guide K soon called us and said it was time to go. On the way we encountered several Red-wattled Lapwings and we frantically banged on the roof of the pick up.  Only for Guide K to tell us, "later, easy!". So we meekly said okay. Soon we stopped and in Guide K pointed to a branch hanging over the middle of the road.  It was a nest of a Red and Black Broadbill.  So we got down and set up our tripods. While waiting we saw a small bird flitting on the bushes. Common Tailorbird, Thai lifer # 4 for me.

Docu shot of a Common Tailorbird

Before long, one, then, two Red and Black Broadbills showed up and we had a photo session. Lifer # 5. 

Red and Black Broadbill

After a reasonable time, Guide K herded us into our vehicle and after a short drive we saw another nest hanging over the middle of the road. And before long two Yellow and Black Broadbills showed up for another photo session.  Lifer # 6.

Black and Yellow Broadbill

By this time, we were all sporting ear to ear grins.

Again, after a reasonable time, (our guides in Coron should learn this), Guide K was signaling us to mount up already when one of the Black and Yellow Broadbills, perched in front of him with a moth and he excitedly pointed to it then ran to get his camera.

After another few minutes, Guide K brought us to another tree by the road.  Here we saw a Pied Hornbill, lifer # 6, (but no really good photos).  After the Hornbills flew away, we went to the camping area to have coffee. It was at this site that we saw a nesting Hair-crested Drongo.

Hair-crested Drongo

We then mounted up again and headed deeper into the park.  We suddenly stopped in the middle of the road (again), and Guide K got out looked around and then instructed us to set up our cameras and tripods.  We asked him what it was because we could not see any bird.  He said "secret".  He then positioned Rey's camera and then told the Rey not to say what he saw, just shoot.  Then he aimed my camera and upon looking through my viewfinder, I saw my 7th lifer in Thailand. And another photo session ensued.

Blyth's Frogmouth

After having our fill of the Frogmouth, (and continuing to sport ear to ear grins), we headed back to the cafeteria for lunch. 

After lunch we again went into the forest and stopped by the 3rd stream (by my count).  By this time, we have noticed the presence of so many different kinds of butterflies on the ground.  In fact we saw several "butterfly watchers" taking photos.  Guide K, went to one side of the road where a female bird photographer was seated on a stool, camera mounted on a tripod and pointing at something in the dim forest.  It took me a few seconds before my eyes locked in on the target. A nesting Black-naped Monarch.

  

After shooting this bird, we turned around and drove a short distance.  Guide K scouted around while we were dismounting.  Then he motioned for us to go to him.  Since my companions were still setting up, I was the only one who was able to go near him.  We descended on a trail and found ourselves on a riverbank.  Then a small red bird flew by but did not perch.  Guide K, ran back up the trail to look where the bird might have perched.  I was going to follow but I saw some movement in the bushes.  I quietly moved a bit to my left and saw my 8th lifer, Occhraceous Bulbul.

Occhraceous Bulbul (with prey!)

I went back to the road and rejoined the group.  Guide K was still craning his neck and looking for something.  He pointed at something through a gap in the leaves.  I think I was the only one who saw it and was able to snap a very distant and docu shot of the Black-backed Kingfisher, Thailand lifer # 9.

A blurry and partially covered Black-backed Kingfisher

We boarded the pick up again and drove a very short distance to look for the Silver-breasted Braodbill.  And after only a short wait, it was there but it kept to the trees that getting a clear shot was a bit difficult. Lifer # 10.

Silver-breasted Broadbill

While waiting for the Broadbill to perch in the open, Guide K suddenly (and excitedly!), pointed at a nearby tree and we all swung our cameras in that direction.  Lifer # 11, Orange-breasted Trogon.

Orange-breasted Trogon

After the Trogon flew away, we went back to waiting for the Silver-breasted Broadbill near its nest (also on a low branch hanging in the middle of the road).  And before long, our target birds showed up. (If only birds everywhere are these friendly).

During a lull, I saw Guide K point at something high up.  I went to where he was and angled my camera almost straight up and saw another Broadbill, and my 12th lifer, Banded Broadbill. 

Banded Broadbill

The Banded Broadbill stayed high up so after some minutes, we repositioned for the Silver-breasted Braodbill and while doing so, another bird showed up, Red-throated Barbet. Unfortunately, I was not in a good position for this so this is my only decent shot.  I believe Alex and Ed were able to get good ones with a melted green background. Nevertheless, it is Lifer # 13 for the day.  

Red-throated Barbet

Before long another photo session with the Silver-breasted Broadbills (there were four of them), ensued. This time, the birds didn't mind our presence.  They perched on a low tree beside the road allowing us really close captures.

Silver-breasted Broadbill

It was also at this time that our group was joined by the "mysterious and alluring" Mikaela, also a birder. When we mounted up to go to the Falconet, our newfound companion rode with us at the back of the pick-up.  We learned that our new friend was from Switzerland, and was on a two week holiday in Asia.  When we reached the campsite, the pick-up stopped to let Mikaela down but our new companion asked to go with us but Guide K said it will be dark by the time we finish and to dangerous to walk back to the camp grounds because the area had elephants, especially at night.  Mikaela reluctantly dismounted.  :-(.  Perhaps to make the parting less painful, one of us told our new found friend, "see you tomorrow".  And that is how the legend of Mikaela started. (😀😀😀)

We proceeded to the Falconet, where we waited and waited and waited for it to come down to the nest.  While waiting for it, my companions got good photos of the Common Flameback, Hair-crested Drongo and Oriental Dollar Bird. I was kinda tired and since these birds weren't lifer for me anyhow, I waited near the nest area. Meantime, I saw this Malkoha high up in a distant tree.  I believe it is a Green-billed Malkoha, Lifer #14.

Green-billed Malkoha

It was getting dark and we were all getting tired and impatient.  Some wanted to go back to Samarn already but Guide K said wait awhile...and in Guide K we trust! When the sun was starting to go down, about seven Falconets swooped down one by one to the nest (a hole in a tree trunk). Lifer #15 for the day.

 Black-thighed Falconet

While we were shooting the Falconets, about three to four Pied Hornbills gracefully glided into a nearby tree.  I repositioned myself and attempted to get photos of the Hornbills. It was not easy because the birds kept on going moving.

Pied Hornbill, adult

Pied Hornbill, juvenile

And with that, Day 1 ended...we were exhausted, but really contented with what we saw and was able to photograph.  Thank you Lord!  Thank you Guide K!

  

Territorial Dispute

One of the side lights of our recent birding trip to Camella Homes in Bulakan was a dispute between two birds over a stick.  I was shooting the Jacanas when I overheard Cynthia say "nag-aaway".  I looked up and saw that the Blue-tailed Bee Eater that I was shooting a few minutes prior was engaged in a battle with a Whiskered Tern.  Actually, the first one to occupy the said perch is this bird, which I believe is a Clamorous Reed Warbler.  

Soon, the Blue-tailed Bee Eater arrived.

This is mine now!

True to its nature, the Bee Eater would perch for a several seconds then fly away and then return to the same perch.  It would do this over and over.

During one of the times that it left the perch, a Whiskered Tern usurped the perch...and I will let the photos tell the rest of the story...

Now it's mine...

Ang hirap pala bumalanse dito...

Bee Eater: Akin yan!  Tern: Bakit, may titulo ka?

Alis!

Alis, sabi eh!

Bee Eater: Pag di ka umalis, kakagatin kita!

Tern: Aalis na!

Lalaban ka?!

Hindi ako takot sa 'yo kahit malaki ka!

Pangit!  Mas pangit ka!

This went on for several minutes until the Tern, gave up... perhaps realizing that the bamboo pole was not worth all the stress and aggravation...

Bee Eater: babay!

A weekend of quickies

Peak season, my mother's hospitalization, responsibilities to CATE (our tourism org in Coron), my driver/spotter in Coron getting arrested in a buy-bust operation (na-tokhang), and a few other obligations have prevented me from doing much birding. Last Friday morning, I decided to scratch the birding itch by squeezing in a quickie sortie in between errands.  After dropping my boys to their schools, I headed to La Mesa Ecopark (LMEP). I arrived at 8:15am and gave myself until 10:00am.  My targets for the day were the Pechora Pipit (a would be lifer), Red-bellied Pitta (which I have not seen since 2014), Ashy Ground Thrush (which I also have not seen since 2014) and lastly the Black-hooded Pitta (an all time favorite but only 4th on the list because we have this bird in Coron).

As I walked up the trail near the Orchidarium, I saw one of my targets in the middle of the road. Luckily my camera was already attached to my tripod but the tripod legs were not yet extended.  So I quickly fumbled with the knobs, knelt on the ground and started clicking. 

Ashy Ground Thrush with a deformed leg

A couple of minutes later another Ashy Ground Thrush landed a couple of feet away. And it stayed a few seconds and posed for me in different positions...

Ashy Ground Thrush putting on a show

Then it flew away.  Meanwhile the crippled bird perched on a fallen log as if to say, "ako naman...". So I obliged. Target # 3 check!

Knowing I had limited time, I soon left "Ashy" in search of the Pipit.  I entered the forest and walked slowly while consulting the directions given by birder friends Ed Santos, Dong Gales and Mhark Gee. A few meters after the large acacia, I detected movement on the ground up ahead and froze. It turned out to be the Hooded Pitta but it was too far to get a good shot.  So I walked on, passing the rotunda (which is actually a triangle ;-) ). Not seeing anything, I turned around and again detected some movement on the ground somewhere inside the forest. My heart started beating faster when I saw that it was a small brownish bird with cream streaks but it was constantly moving (!) and it blended well with the dried leaves (!!!).  I waited, tripod and camera poised, shot a couple of bursts and got blurry and partially blocked photos (#@%$&, yawa...).  Slowly and quietly repositioned myself and waited a several seconds until the bird darted on a bit of open space and fired another burst. Got a bit luckier this time... Target # 1, big check!

Pechora Pipit, not the sharpest of shots but it is Lifer # 276

After this short sequence of shots, the bird went behind a bush. While waiting for it to come out in the open, I saw it stretching and doing various movements.  I flicked the switch to video and was able to record a short clip.

The Pechora doing some cardio exercises

It then disappeared inside the bushes.  I walked around a bit and then saw a Hooded Pitta hopping inside the forest.  I stayed in place and soon, it crossed the trail and stopped at the edge of the trail as if to say, "o kunan mo na ako...".  Who am I to refuse? Target # 4 check

Black-hooded Pitta

After the Pitta went inside the forest, I glanced at my watch and saw that it was already 10:05am so I decided to call it a day and started walking back to the parking lot. Getting three out of four targets within the alloted (and limited) time isn't bad :-).  But on my way done, I passed by a couple of Lowland White-eyes so I snapped a few as well.

Lowland White-eye

A satisfactory quickie (birding), if I may say so.

The following morning, Saturday, I hitched with Bob ad Cynthia Kaufman, birder friends and neighbors, for an early morning trip to Camella Homes, Bulakan, Bulacan, one of the "playgrounds" of ace birder Jonet Carpio.  Our main target for the day was the White-winged Tern with the Pheasant-tailed Jacanas a close second. 

We left St. Ignatius at 4:10am and was soon cruising the NLEX.  After a quick stop at McDonalds Bocaue and we were in Camella Homes in no time. And soon we were at the roadside pond and the Jacanas were running and flying (more like hopping about).  There were Terns as well but alas, no White-winged, only Whiskered.  We quickly set up our tripods and cameras and began clicking away. Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Whiskered Terns, White-browed Crake, Common Moorhens, and a Clamorous Reed Warbler were present.  

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

Whiskered Tern

A pair of Pheasant-tailed Jacanas

A mommy Common Moorhen and her brood

Mommy Moorhen chasing away a White-browed Crake who came too close to her babies

A Clamorous Reed Warbler uncharacteristically perched in the open

A pair of Chestnut Munias flitted about.  One of them perched close enough for a photo.

After about an hour and a half, we explored the other pond as well as the "back" of the pond we were at.  Bob saw four bitterns on some branches over the side of one pond but it was backlit so he went over to one side to get a better shot.  We also saw a Black-crowned Night Heron in flight, again backlit.  Not finding anything shot worthy in the other areas, we went back to the original pond hoping for the White-winged Tern and better shots of the Jacanas.

Upon our return to our original spot, we saw a Blue-tailed Bee Eater perched on a pole which later because a battleground of sorts (but that will be the subject of another post).  

Blue-tailed Bee Eater

A few minutes later, Bob pointed at something quite close to us. A pair of Painted Snipes!  Unfortunately, the male was partially covered by the tall grass in front of us and I could not get a clear shot.  I moved a bit closer but they both flew away shortly after. Most likely spooked by me :-) 

Female Painted Snipe

The a White-breasted Waterhen made a brief appearance followed by a Black Bittern quick fly-by.

White-breasted Waterhen

All the while the Whiskered Terns and Jacanas kept flying about.

Whiskered Tern

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

By approximately 8:30am, with the White-winged Tern a no show and the heat of the sun becoming unbearable, we decided to call it a day.  We were lucky that there was no Manila bound traffic (except for a short stretch approaching the Bocaue Interchange).  We reached St. Ignatius a little after 9:30am which is early for a Saturday morning birding.  The second quickie of the weekend.

While on the way home from Bocaue, I saw an FB post showing birder friends Gilbert Go and Loel Lamella at LMEP.  I sent them both a message asking if the Red-bellied Pitta was there. Their reply came a little after lunch saying that said bird showed up.  I messaged back asking up to what time they will be there and both said until 5pm.  So I immediately applied for another birding "visa" from higher authority.  Visa immediately granted but I couldn't use the car because said higher authority was going to get a haircut (my own car is temporarily not in use).  So I had to call Grab which took forever.  It was past 3:00pm when I got to LMEP.  Trudged to the mini forest as fast as I could all the while praying that my efforts will be rewarded by a good photo.  

I found Loel and Gilbert staking out the Pechora Pipit. Also at LMEP was Patty Adversario who was also there for the Pipit.  (I met Patty in Coron in 2014).  I was standing with them when I heard a call that I thought was the Red-bellied Pitta.  It was repeated a couple of times and Gilbert who was one of the first to photograph it (this year), confirmed that that was the RBP.  Loel went with me to show me where it perched that morning.  But when the Pitta called again it was on a different location.  We went to where we thought it was and started scanning the trees.  I saw it high up on a tree in front of me.  Told my friends, and positioned my camera and just fired away.  It did not stay very long though.  Showing two of the images I was able to create.

Philippine Pitta or Blue-breasted Pitta (formerly Red-bellied Pitta)

I got these shots within fifteen (15) minutes of my arrival at LMEP. We waited a little longer for it to appear again but it did not do so anymore. Target #2 check! 

I was also hoping that the Pechoa Pipit would appear again. It actually did but didn't present any good photo opportunities. Gilbert decided to go a little before five (5) pm and I hitched with him.  Thus endeth the third quickie of the weekend.

Thank you Lord.  May all birding sorties be this quick. :-) 

   

A Lifer on the Fly

I was scheduled to take the M/V St. Augustine of Hippo (2Go Ferry), yesterday afternoon.  The normal boarding time is a little after lunch.  So I was frantically giving instructions, writing memos, answering some inquiries, checking Expedia and Agoda and sneaking a peak in my FB page.  I called my friend Noy Pinoon, Coron 2Go agent, to check if there was any change in the boat's schedule.  Mercifully, Noy said, the boat is delayed a bit and will arrive 3:30pm and I should be at the pier 2:45-3:00pm to be safe. A couple of minutes after talking to Noy, Alan Coucher, another friend, sent a photo of a bird in his resort, that has not left the area for the past three days.  Here is the photo:

Photo taken by a phone camera (I assume)

I couldn't see it very clearly, even if I enlarge it.  So I asked Alan for a description - does it look like a raptor - hawk or eagle (but why would a raptor be in the ground), a water bird (I thought it looked like some sort of heron).  Alan messaged back, it looks like a Grouse.  (Me, in my mind: how the heck does a grouse look like?). Clicked google and check Grouse images, also opened my iPad (where I have a soft copy of the Kennedy Guide), to look at waterbirds. But I told him, I was booked on the Ferry and won't have time to scoot over to his island. 

But I decided to forward the image to three experts to ask for initial ID. I sent the photo to: Lisa Paguntalan, Executive Director of Philippine Biodivesity Conseravation Foundation, Inc., Rommel Cruz, professional Birdguide, and Desmond Allen, British Ornithologist. 

Rommel and Lisa answered that it could be a Japanese Night Heron which is rare and endangered or it could be a Malayan Night Heron, which is also rare in Palawan (though not endangered).  Either bird will be a lifer for me.  I sent a message to Alan asking if his small boat can come into town by 1:30pm and bring me back by 2pm or thereabouts. He said yes. So I continued plowing through the papers in my desk. Then my phone rings and Alan said, can you meet my boat in 10 mins because it it just left to pick up guests in town. The time was 12:55. I looked at the papers on my desk, scooped them up, brought them to my room, dumped them in my suitcase, put on my shoes, birding cap, got my camera backpack and tripod, went out and asked one of the FO staff to flag me a trike to Sirenetta (the waterfront restaurant where Alan's boats dock).  You can imagine the look of surprise on the faces of Iza, Ai and Von (FO staff on duty) upon seeing my get up and hearing my request for a trike.

Fifteen or Twenty minutes later, we arrived at the Discovery Island Resort (owned by Alan and Merly Coucher).  And within three minutes, the bird was in front of me but covered by grass and bushes! As soon as I had my camera pointed at it, my phone vibrated and rang!  I fumbled with my left hand and put it to silent.  I fired a few shots, all the while the phone was vibrating. After going around looking at different vantage points, I was able to take several shots both handheld and using a tripod.  Here are some of the images I was able to create.

Malayan Night Heron, # 264 in my lifelist, 1st for 2017. 

All images were captured within four to five meters (4m to 5m).  After several minutes, I decided to shoot a short video.

After about fifteen (15) minutes, I decided to quit because it was time to go.  Using my cellphone, I hurriedly took a photo of one of the images in my camera LCD, and sent it to Lisa, Rommel and Desmond asking for confirmation of ID.  The first response was Japanese which in my excitement, I immediately posted when I got back to Darayonan. 

After a quick shower, I was off to the pier. I was in a tricycle enroute to the pier when Desmond Allen answered to say that it is a Malayan Night Heron and not a Japanese NH.  So when I got to the boat, I corrected my initial post.

It is not often that one is presented with a lifer, rare migrant at that, in a resort setting, in good lighting, 4-5 meters away, in the middle of the day, and not even a scheduled birding trip!  I am eternally grateful to Riza Almeres, staff of Discovery Island Resort, who informed Alan about the bird, to Alan for informing me and allowing me to go to his place, free of charge (!!!), and to Lisa, Rommel and Desmond, for the identification.  And most of all to the Almighty for creating such wonderful creatures and directing one of them to land at Discovery Island Resort in January 2017, while I was still in Coron.