When I visit Kaeng Krachan national park in Thailand I usually stay for three or four days which allows me time to show people a really good number of amazing bird species. However, I found myself with just a single day at Kaeng Krachan in May 2023 to show someone as many birds as I could and all I can say is that this location always delivers!
In the lowland forest we were greeted, on arrival, by a Malayan Blue-banded Kingfisher which photographers were watching from a hide that had been rigged up by some of the forest rangers and this was followed shortly after by a female Banded Kingfisher. The wet season is always good for broadbills at Kaeng Krachan and we were treated to great views of Silver-breasted Broadbill and Dusky Broadbill, both looking after their nests while species like Black-crested Bulbul, Sultan Tit, Green-billed Malkoha and many others were abundant.
Higher up the mountain birds were a bit more quiet but we were patient and found a superb Rufous-browed Flycatcher singing in the low undergrowth as well as a Grey-breasted Spiderhunter that scolded us from high in a tree. This latter species is rather uncommon at Kaeng Krachan so it was one of those moments that made the afternoon.
However, on our way out for a shower and a cold beer, I heard the screeching of Tickell's Brown Hornbill so we stopped the car and found a group of around ten birds feeding on caterpillars in the high trees above us. A great ending to another great day at Kaeng Krachan.
A full checklist of the birds of Kaeng Krachan is available for use by birders here - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nickuptonbirds/e/97842
Pictured are Tickell's Brown Hornbill, Malayan Blue-banded Kingfisher, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Dusky Broadbill, Blue-throated Barbet, Black-crested Bulbul, Grey-breasted Spiderhunter and Rufous-browed Flycatcher.