Sitting in a hide all day

It was my first time sitting in a hide all day during the dry season at Kheang Krachang but Loong Sin's pond (Uncle Sin) came highly recommended. When we reached the hides at 7 am, the birds were already busy even though Uncle Sin had not dropped in to tend to his pond yet.

Grey-cheeked Fulvettas quenching their thirst

We saw mouse deers, and birds of all sizes drop in while we set-up our gear and made ourselves comfortable in the hides.

Upon settling in we waited for the wildlife to drop-in (literally). Three species of squirrels kept us entertained with their acrobatic antics.

Himalayan Striped Squirrel

Grey-bellied Squirrel

Three-striped Ground Squirrel

There were birds of all sorts but our main targets were the Scaly-breasted and Bar-backed partridges, and the Silver Pheasant. Meanwhile other birds kept us busy. The Black-naped Monach never sits by the pond to drink. Instead this bright blue bird makes quick dives from their perch into the water to drink and bath.

Black-naped Monach (male) taking aim at the pond

This is the action you will see

The small birds such as the Tikell's Blue Flycatcher and the Siberian Blue Robin are just so delightful to watch as they fly in for their turn at the watering hole.

Tikell's Blue Flycatcher (male)

Tikell's Blue Flycatcher (female)

Siberian Blue Robin (male)

Siberian Blue Robin (female)

There were babblers of all sorts too and laughingthrush. My favorites were the rather loud White-crested and Greater Necklaced. They were just so rambunctious.

The great pile up of Greater Necklaced Laughingthrushes

We did get our target birds as well on the two days that we were there and many more.

Scaly-breasted Partridge

Bar-backed Partridge

Silver Pheasant