Thailand 2019 - Week 4

The majority of the week was about the spectacular shorebirds of the Gulf of Thailand. Some of the highlights included Spoon-billed Sandpiper (at least 3 birds), Nordmann's Greenshank, Terek Sandpiper (over 250), Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Asian Dowitcher, Malaysian Plover, White-faced Plover, Chinese Egret and all the other usual and expected suspects. Curlew Sandpipers are common out here at this time of year, however seeing one in full summer plumage was spectacular - check out the photo of it below...

One of the major highlights involved the finding of a Thai rarity in the form of a drake Falcated Duck. What a stunning bird! Really pleased to find it. The bird was associating with a female Gadwall, itself uncommon in the area. Lots of other birds seen included a wide range of wildfowl (lots of Garganey, a few Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler), and Black-headed Ibis. We also found African Sacred Ibis, an introduced species from Africa into Thailand. After the rare starlings earlier in the tour I was on it was great to see 4 Rosy Starlings, also uncommon birds in Thailand.

Here are a few pics:

Falcated Duck - one of my better finds this year (Phone-scoped record shot!)

Asian Dowitchers

Black-headed Ibis and African Sacred Ibis

Curlew Sandpiper in full breeding plumage! 

Green Bee-eater giving some nice views

Malaysian Plover

Painted Stork

Rosy Starling - another rare bird in Thailand

Spoon-billed Sandpiper

Part of the Terek Sandpiper flock

White-faced Plover