Chiang Mai and Hot Springs

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus

After Sukhothai we took a bus 4-5 hours north to Chiang Mai. Three nights at the Bau-Tong Lodge hotel just outside the city walls close to really excellent eateries. And being in a town does not mean the birding stops. I even managed a lifer; the fairly common Red-whiskered Bulbul, and another 22 species showed from this hotel room. With Crested Treeswift and Yellow-browed Warbler at the springs that made 25 species for the three days (list below).

Our only trip out of the town here was to Sankamphaeng Hot Springs. Organised tours were possible to here but we didn't fancy the cost of these and had heard that a public bus went. A lot of asking around and some very helpful locals eventually found us catching just about the only songthaew going that day. A great trip packed with local people taking everything from incense to barrels of live fish up into the hill villages.

The springs are thoroughly recommended. Beautiful setting in extensive gardens tucked among the hills. Not masses of birds but rich insect life and very relaxing. Fun seeing how hot you bear you feet in the water as it cooled coming down the channels from the springs and of course we had to try boiling an egg. If you do this I'd double the recommended times on this board though!

Finally the naturally heated swimming was just brilliant. All that was left then was to get back to the city. We'd been told there would only be one songthaew leaving that afternoon so we were there in good time. The truck was there but no sign of a driver. The posh coaches in the rest of the carpark suddenly looked a lot more appealing. The driver did arrive though. Staggering across the tarmac drinking beer through a straw! We then noticed all the other cans strewn in the truck. What to do? Take the ride from the drunken songthaew or remain stranded an hour's drive from our hotel.

He may have been three sheets to the wind but at least this guy knew his limitations. He took it so slowly we were holding up scooters and to be honest we felt perfectly safe. Probably not recommended though!

Crimson-tailed Marsh Hawk Orthetrum pruinosum

Fulvous Forest Skimmer Neurothemis fulvia

Rock Dove
Spotted Dove
Zebra Dove
Greater Coucal
Asian Koel
Himalayan Swiftlet
House Swift
Asian Palm-Swift
Crested Treeswift

Coppersmith Barbet
Ashy Woodswallow
Barn Swallow

Common Tailorbird
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Sooty-headed Bulbul
Streak-eared Bulbul
Yellow-browed Warbler
Common Myna
Great Myna
Oriental Magpie-Robin
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker
Olive-backed Sunbird
Scaly-breasted Munia
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
White Wagtail