A real surprise down on the pans
A real surprise down on the pans
We find a rarity for Thailand
We were back at the saltpans next morning.
Salt production is big here.
Empty salt warehouse, guess sales are going well?
Mind-blowing numbers of waders out here.
We toured the area checking each saltpan and soaking up the bird spectacle.
Two Temminck's Stints taking it easy in the sunshine.
Two of these huge Spot-billed Pelicans dropped in.
Great to see familiar birds, like this Wood Sandpiper
with less familiar species, here a Pacific golden Plover.
Common Redshank and more PGP's.
A flock of Long-toed Stints were great to study, just in case.
Long-toed Stint goes his own way.
More than waders out here, Collared Kingfisher was new for us.
We were driving slowly along a track between saltpans when Alan spotted a wader that looked different and we stopped instantly. Binoculars up and Alan was shouting "Long-billed Dowitcher!". But we were in Thailand, surely not? But there it was, a Long-billed Dowitcher roosting on the edge of the pan here in Thailand, a very long way from home!
At first this American vagrant was asleep
Luckily the Long-billed Dowitcher woke up and gave great views.
As luck would have it as we watched the mega rarity another car load of birders rolled up. Out jumped Peter Erikkson, one of Thailands top listers, unfortunatly Peter slammed his car door and the waders all took flight, including the Dowitcher! Nick was well aware that the bird would be a new bird for Peter's huge Thai list and explained that we had just found a Long-billed Dowitcher. At first Peter thought it was a joke, until we showed him the pictures on the back of Ruth's camera. His face was a picture! He had just flushed a Thai life tick without seeing it. Luckily the Long-billed Dowitcher had not gone far, dropping on to the next pan and a very relieved Peter got his lifer, thanks to The Biggest Twitch.
This little fella was crossing the track.
Some birds are just stunning where ever you see them!
Very few gulls here, a Heuglin's Gull with Brown-headed Gulls.
Intermediate Egrets are coomon here, odd posture these birds have.
Marsh Sandpiper looks alert and ready for take-off.
An Asiatic Dowitcher hiding amongst Black-tailed Godwits.
There is a Far-eastern Curlew in this flock, honest!
Lots more images from Thailand to come, please check back soon.