Birding in Khao Yai had been superb, I enjoyed the forest birds so I asked Tony if he would guide us in Kaeng Krachan once his Japanese clients had departed. He agreed and his wife Lisa drove us across country on the four hour journey from Khao Yai. Kaeng Krachan is the largest National Park in Thailand and forms part of a huge continuous rain forest complex stretching deep into Myanmar covering 30,000 sq km. It is possibly Thailand's top bird and butterfly watching location with over 420 species of bird, 57 known species of mammals and around 300 butterflies.
Streaked Weaver female - ploceus manyar We made a stop on the way to see some weaver colonies at a small marshy area. Streaked Weavers and Asian Golden Weavers were busy nesting, their nests quite different but equally intricate and well crafted.
 Streaked Weaver male - ploceus manyar |  Streaked Weaver nest |
Other birds here included a rather fine looking Javan Pond Heron in full breeding plumage. I post also a Chinese Pond Heron, also present, for comparison. There were also Asian Openbills (Storks) which are aptly named as their bills have gaps even when "closed".
Javan Pond Heron - ardeola speciosa
 Asian Openbill - mycteria leucocephala  Great Egret, breeding plumage - casmerodius albus |  Chinese Pond Heron - ardeola bachus  Black Collared Starling - sturnus nigricolis |
European birders might be interested to see a Great Egret in breeding plumage. The bill is black and the facial skin is cobalt blue. Note also the legs are reddish. This Black Collared Starling is the only one we saw on our trip so obviously not really common. Not a great shot but worth posting for the record.
