Saturday, January 1, 2011

Thailand Birding: Year List 2010

As an avid keeper of bird lists I have just tallied up my Thai year list for 2010. Whilst at 623 species for the year, it was short of 2009's total, I did see some species that were long-awaited in 2010.

Highlights for me were two Himalayan Griffons circling low over the summit of Doi Inthanon and a four sightings of Silver Oriole - all in the same tree over the space of 11 months at Kaeng Krachan.

Two night birds were very satisfying too; Mountain Scops Owl at Nam Nao and 2 Hodgson's Frogmouths at Doi Ang Kang. These were both species that I had heard so many times and come so close to seeing on several occasions.

Other highlights included Masked Finfoot, Golden Bush Robin, Java Sparrow and Rufous-throated Fulvetta.

Off to start my 2011 year list right now!