Eared we go again September 21, 2015
A quick call to Luung Sin on Wednesday confirmed that the eggs had hatched at the Eared Pitta nests and they were busy feeding the chicks. We had already booked a place in the hide for Saturday, so this time it looked like I would finally get the pictures I'd been waiting for... Leaving at about 3:30am, I arrived just after 6 and met up with Ray Pearce. We headed along to the site and just as we were about to walk in Guide A came out telling us the Pittas had gone. They had been there the previous day, but again had mysteriously disappeared. We decided to take a look anyway and checked both sites but sadly, no Pittas.
Not much really showed up after that, just more squirrels and more chickens...... Then, just as Ray had predicted, out popped two Scaly-breasted Partridges. I had never seen these before, so they were an excellent tick for me. Definitely another well plumaged bird. Funnily enough I wanted to re-name it as the Eared Partridge...... Those "ears" definitely resembled that Pitta we came to see!!!
And then, another big surprise for me, a pair of Kalij Pheasants strolled out, seemingly without a care in the world. In fact it was really difficult to get shots as they were so close. It almost felt like I was at the zoo, I couldn't help thinking that these birds seemed somewhat out of place strolling around, 5ft away from me.
The Pheasants and Partridges showed up around 3 times during the morning, with a few other nice birds too. Black-naped Monarchs are always pleasant to see as was the Yellow-rumped Flycatcher. Other birds of note were, Abbot's and Puff-throated Babblers, Black-crested and Streak-eared Bulbuls.
Overall a pleasant trip, the weather held and it was good to meet up with Ray. Just a shame we didn't get the Pitta....... but that's birding for you... Look out for the next episode of 'Brian and Ray's Birding Adventures' when we head to Mae Wong for the Rusty-naped Pitta and Crested Kingfisher....