''Easy'' Day

Wednesday February 15

Our easy day to recover from jetlag and the journey, started with breakfast at 6.00. Well, that was the designated time. The Bridges and Pam and I were the only ones there. Neil overslept and breakfast began at 6.20. Two fried eggs on two small pieces of toast. Plenty and very welcome.

The day began with a 40 metre - and very slow - walk up the road to the Monastery, birding as we went. Pam's photo.

 
It was the first time we got left behind. We were busy looking at everything - before realising that the other members of the party were way up the road and we'd missed some birds being named. Highlights were : Taiga Flycatcher, Brown Shrike, Light Blue Flycatcher and a White-rumped Shama. (The following was added on Thursday). 
An hour in the car park was very productive. Three varieties of Green Pigeon, Yellow-naped Woodpecker and so many Butterflies. Pam and I spent a considerable time trying to photograph the latter whilst Neil took Dave and Jacquie up the 500 steps to the Temple. I was advised to stay in the car park and was happy to do so.

Entry gate to the temple steps

Spotted Chocolate Soldier

A very small blue butterfly - closed most of the time. Prosotas sp

Same blue butterfly, wings open - I caught it as it landed.

???

Time dragged a bit as bird activity was low, the insects kept us going. As did two Crested Serpent-eagles, gaining height high above the trees on the hillside. We also managed to see the Blue-bearded Bee-eater we'd missed earlier.

 A splendid looking motorbike, looking and sounding worthy of being a Harley, was not. We couldn't read the letters on the side.
Back to the resort, where we enjoyed the butterflies and birds on the flowering shrubs beside the dining area before - and whilst -  eating a sandwich lunch.  

Black-crested Bulbul

We then drove to a rice paddy area. A short walk for Pam and I, to a shaded area overlooking a paddy, where we set up our stools. The others then went off on a longish walk around the paddyfields.

We saw Little, Cattle and Intermediate Egrets,  Chinese Pond Heron and a White-breasted Waterhen. Wire-tailed and Striated Swallows hawked a distant paddy, which held several workers. The latter's movement must have disturbed the insects for them. The herons were very active, frequently changing paddies. One Pond Heron appeared to land on top of a White-breasted Waterhen, which then legged it into the open for us before disappearing again. When Neil, J and D returned, Neil had a brief glimpse of it before it disappeared . Typical Waterhen. Choom, our driver, did not help by walking out into the paddy in front of us. A Thai of very little brain.
Another stop, up the hill from our resort, in search of an Eagle Owl. Beckoned by Neil and the Bees who had just seen it, Pam and I made our way across a dry ditch , immediately seeing the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl in flight and then, perched on top of a bare tree. Excellent. The bird hadn't been seen for three weeks........
It was four very tired, sleep-deprived, jet-lagged Brits who returned late to the resort. A good meal and then the log made it even later.