A new school term meant I would have little or no time for birding. After spending almost two whole months without a single outing, I came to the realization that birding trips were never going to materialize unless I made scheduled them. Armed with that mindset, I scheduled my first outing for the month on the first day of the month. –What better time to start than right at the beginning, eh?
Sunday afternoon I decided to make a trip over to Laem Panwa to see what could be found. The kids could enjoy the sea and visit the turtles and I could take a look around and see what had transpired since my last visit almost a year ago.
It felt good to have a pair of binoculars around my neck once more, and the binos appreciated it too. –They had been packed off in the trunk of the car for so long they were a little stiff around the focus rings!
At the parking lot I found a pair of Brown throated Sunbirds foraging in the trees and the usual culprits were seen around the aquarium: Streak eared Bulbul, Common and White Vented Myna, Pacific Reef Egret and Pacific Swallow. A group of seven Pink necked Green Pigeons flew by, as did a single Brahminy Kite in full splendor.
Down by the turtle tanks a pair of Orange breasted Green Pigeons were seen roosting in the tall casuarinas. I remember the old days when this bird was present in flocks of 50 or more birds, and it was good to see this uncommon species once again.
Near the reservoir I spotted a large bird in the tree and to my surprise it was a Pied Imperial Pigeon! These are not very commonly seen in this part of the island and are absolutely magnificent birds. They are by far my favorite of the imperial pigeons and to get such a good look at one was definitely the highlight of my day.
With my two boys in tow I made a quick visit to the viewpoint behind the guest houses at the far southeast side of the cape. Here I found a Grey faced Buzzard perched on a dead tree and heard a Blue winged Pitta calling. –Pitty I forgot to bring the bird calls!
On the open seas I saw a pair of dark terns (assumed to be Bridled) and a number of large terns which were to far away to be identified. On a buoy in the ocean were a number of terns roosting, presumably Common Terns.
A single Pied Imperial Pigeon was seen flying out towards one of the islands off the coast.
On the way back to the car we spotted other good birds, highlights being Collared Kingfisher and White bellied Sea Eagle.
A total of 34 species were seen, a good way to warm up for a busy month and hopefully there will be better things to come in the near future.
Hi. If ever you need a birdwatching partner, I am looking for someone to go out with occationally for birding trips, anywhere in Phuket. I live at Ao Yon, Panwa. miss my birding pals in the UK and don’t feel confident enough to go out on my own. Please get in touch if you are interested or know any other birders I could get in touch with. Many thanks.
-Sounds great! Perhaps we can work out a few trips around the island so you can familiarize yourself with some of the sites around here. Would you mind sending me your phone number at my email address? (ikeandrosie@gmail.com)