“To every thing there is a season;” and the season of the Banded Pitta is now past.
It seems like the pittas were early to start their breeding program this year, as evidenced by the nine individuals which resulted in three known breeding pairs at both Tamnang and Ton Deuy Waterfalls at Sri Phang Nga National Park. I saw the last pair around the 20th of March although the rangers suspect is has only disapeared from the stakeout in the last week.
However, the good news is that another pitta has come to take its place.
Hooded Pitta has showed up at the campsite at Sri Phang Nga National Park and ws heard calling on the morning of the 6th. No doubt the bird will soon be taking up residence at Sa Nang Manora in Phang Nga Town as well, the usual stakeout for this bird for the past few years now.
Blue winged Pitta has yet to be reported but will most likely show in a few weeks or so.
Mangrove Pitta is getting ready for the breeding season as well with birds calling at Ao Phang Nga (almost too easy to see in the trees as it calls in the morning and evenings), Baan Bang Phat and (with more difficulty) at the Mangrove Park near Phang Nga town.
-Happy hunting everyone!
Posted on April 9, 2012
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