Thailand Birding 2023: Day 3: Wednesday 22 February 2023

18-28 degrees. Fine.

An early start as we headed into Kaeng Krachan National park. Today we birded along the road of the montain section. In the afternoon we spent some time enjoying birding around a fruiting fig which was a hive of activity.

Our first of two days in Kaeng Krachan National Park, the largest National Park in Thailand. This is possibly Thailand's premier forest birdwatching location due the quantity and quality of species that have been found there. Most of the forest here is in an excellent condition and consists of evergreen tree species, although deciduous species are also present, particularly in the lower elevations of the park. Kaeng Krachan's location on the border with Myanmar means it is part of a much larger forest complex than just the National Park and an excellent refuge for a huge number of species, including many of Asia's rarest mammals and birds; indeed, Kaeng Krachan is part of one of the largest remaining stretches of forest in Southeast Asia and as such this location is of international conservation importance. Kaeng Krachan National Park is home to a huge number and range of species.

Dusky Langur

This is where many southern species have their northernmost outposts as well as being where many other species are at their southernmost extremity. Kaeng Krachan is also the only place in Thailand where Ratchet-tailed Treepie can be seen, this species normally being found in Indochina (Unfortunately we missed finding this one). A number of exciting ground-dwelling species inhabit the lush forests here but are extremely hard to find, with Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Ferruginous Partridge, Blue Pitta and Eared Pitta seen by only a lucky few. The mid and upper stories of the forest are also very productive with many species from a wide range of bird families occurring. Orange-breasted Trogon and Hornbills, some of the most memorable birds in Thailand, are represented in Kaeng Krachan by Great, Oriental Pied, Wreathed and Tickell's Brown Hornbills (We managed to find the first two).

Dark-sided Flycatcher

Scarlet Minivet - female

Orange-breasted Trogon

There is also a good range of more common birds found here with bulbuls, leafbirds, laughing thrushes, flycatchers, babblers, warblers and woodpeckers all well represented. With such extensive, high-quality forest there is still a good mammal population here. Many species of squirrel can be found including the amazing Black Giant Squirrel which looks more like a dog in a tree with Dusky Langurs, Banded Langurs and White-handed Gibbon often seen leaping around in the canopy. Tigers, tapirs and elephants are still present in Kaeng Krachan, although seldom seen.