Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Hooded Treepie |
 Small Pratincole |
 Jerdon's Bushchat |
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Introduction
We decided that we would give the Pacific Islands a break this year and visit somewhere closer to home. Myanmar immediately sprang to mind as it held some great endemics, a number of very limited range species and also some great cultural sites. Despite the political situation I had no hesitation in going as it would have been hypercritical of me to have visited Tibet and not Myanmar.
As usual I was joined by Chris, and also Mike Turnbull a fellow Hong Kong birder.
Logistics
Myanmar is a big country, but much of it is off limits to foreigners. Fortunately the areas where the endemics occur can be visited, although special permits are required for Mount Victoria. Usually we organise our own trips; however, on this occasion, due to the limited infrastructure and the fact that special permits are required for Mount Victoria it soon became obvious that we needed help. Selecting a ground agent was easy as everybody we contacted recommended using Wild Bird Adventure Travel and Tours run by Tony Htin Hla (wildbirdtt@mptmail.net.mm). We were not disappointed, as they were excellent. They were very responsive to our initial enquiries, helped devise a tailor-made itinerary, and organised everything from accommodation to transport. They understood that our main aim was to see the birds and they made every effort to ensure that happened. Tony, the “Bird Man of Burma”, was an excellent guide and has extensive experience of birding in Myanmar. Needless to say the trip ran like clockwork and we had no hassles or problems, not even a puncture!
Accommodation/Food/Health
All the accommodation was organised by Tony. At Bagan we stayed at a spiffy resort that overlooked the Ayeyarwady river. It even had a swimming pool, which was most welcome during the intense heat of the day. At Mount Victoria we stayed at Tony’s lodge, which was rustic but very comfortable, and at Kalaw we again stayed in a spiffy resort.
One usually loses a bit of weight during trips, but on this occasion there was no chance of that as every night we had wonderful meals and during the day picnics were provided so that birding time could be maximised.
None of us suffered any health problems.
Weather
Our visit was timed so that we could make maximum use of Hong Kong public holidays and hence it was probably not the absolutely ideal time to go, not because of the birds, but because of the weather. It was extremely hot at Bagan, where temperatures reached 38°C during the day, and even at Mount Victoria, where at almost 3,000m asl it was still hot. We encountered no rain, and in fact we had clear sunny days every day.
Sites
All the endemic birds and limited range species can be seen by visiting four sites. Each site was unique and held a different avifauna.
Bagan
A ‘must visit’ site, if not for the birds for the pagodas. Although none of them are very big compared with Angkor Wat, the sheer number makes up for it. The area is almost totally underdeveloped and the 3,000 plus pagodas are dotted across the dry savannah landscape. Burmese Bushlark and White-throated Babbler are common, but Jerdon’s Minivet and Hooded Treepie are very localised and require some local knowledge and luck. Although we saw the Treepie relatively easily, it took us a further five hours to locate the Minivet. The area is bordered to the west by the slow moving Ayeyarwady river, which contains a number of good birds. As we had problems finding the Minivet we cancelled our boat trip along the river and hence missed a few species that most other people see.
Whilst we were there it was extremely hot with temperatures hitting 38°C, which forced us to take a break for a few hours during the heat of the day.
Mount Victoria
Located in the Chin Hills, which form the border between Myanmar and both Bangladesh and Mizoram State in India, Mount Victoria rises to 3,000m. It takes approximately seven hours from Bagan by four-wheel drive to get there mainly along dirt roads, even though it is not a lot more than 100km! It was noted that a lot of the road was being upgraded, no doubt paid for by the logging companies. We passed a number of lorries loaded with huge trees as well as two log depots. The road initially passes through dry savannah, which changes to dry dipterocarp forest as it climbs into the Chin foothills. We birded in the forest area but it was the middle of the day and incredibly hot, and hence very little was seen.
Mount Victoria has three distinct habitats:
· 1,500–2,300m asl - scrubby habitat where the forest has been degraded due slash and burn. This area holds Striped Laughingthrush and Hodgson’s Frogmouth.
· 2,300-2,500m asl - evergreen forest that is the best area to look for Cutia, and for Kalij and Hume’s Pheasants.
· 2,500-3,000m asl – oak-rhododendron forest with a few open areas with scattered pines. This is the area for White-browed Nuthatch.
The road only goes as high as 2,700m before it starts descending. There is apparently a footpath to the summit.
We spent all our time birding from the road. In two and half days we saw as few as four other vehicles.
Although birding is good, it is a bit depressing as all day long you can smell wood burning as the villagers expand the slash and burn further up the mountain.
Lake Inle
A shallow lake approximately 23km long situated between two low mountain ranges. The Lake is popular with tourists. Although not an endemic, the main species is Jerdon’s Bushchat, which appears to be relatively common in the tall elephant grass at the northern end of the lake. The lake and surrounding wet paddy fields are also good for waterbirds.
Kalaw
Situated about two hours west of Inle at 1,300m asl, Kalaw is an old colonial hill station. Although most of the forest has now gone, a small patch of evergreen forest remains in a valley that leads to a reservoir supplying the town’s water supply. Although the forested area is not very extensive, it holds a good variety of birds, including Burmese Yuhina.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank all the people who took the time to do a report and post it on the web, especially Bjorn Anderson for yet another excellent report that we made extensive use of.
Thanks must also be extended to Tony, for organising everything and for his excellent birding skills, and also to his assistants, Moses and Gideon, both excellent birders.
Finally I would like to thank all the Burmese people we met during our trip who, despite the difficult conditions they live under, were always very friendly and helpful, making it a trip that we will all remember for a long time.
References
Trip Reports
· Birdtours Asia - Burma Custom Tour, 26th Dec - 7th Jan 2006 – Rob Hutchinson
· Birdquest Burma (Myanmar), Dec 2003 - Jan 2004 – Dave Farrow
· Myanmar (Burma), 25th Jan - 5th Feb 2006 – Bjorn Anderson
· Myanmar Burma, 1st - 19th March 2003 – Ian Burrows
Field Guides
· Craig Robson - A Field Guide to the Birds of South East Asia
Travel Guides
· The Lonely Planet Guide to Myanmar (Burma)
Itinerary
Friday 7th April
Departed on a 2045h flight to Bangkok and despite our late arrival managed a few beers in our usual haunts.
Saturday 8th April
After only a few hours’ sleep, as always seems to be the case in Bangkok, departed on the 0800h flight to Yangon, arriving an hour later. We were soon through the surprisingly straightforward and efficient immigration control, and were met by Tony’s wife, Ohnmar, who drove us to their house, where we checked the logistics and settled the bill. Ohnmar drove us back to the airport and we departed on what was supposed to be the 1030h flight to Bagan. In fact it left 20 minutes early, which was a bonus, and which turned out to be quite the norm on these internal flights. Once we arrived at Bagan we took a taxi to the Bagan Thande Hotel, passing by numerous pagodas en route, a stunning sight, to say the least. As we were shown our rooms, White-throated Babblers were seen hopping around the hotel gardens. Well, that was easy and we hoped, a sign of things to come. It was now almost midday and extremely hot. Bird activity was low so what else was there to do but get a round of golf in? Returned to the hotel at 1800h and spent the last hour of light birding the banks of the Ayeyarwady River. After a quick evening meal we met Tony who organised the logistics for the following day.
Sunday 9th April
Up before first light, managed to have breakfast before six o’clock and left the hotel for the 15-minute drive to the Minivet site. Tony had arranged Moses, his assistant, to accompany us for the day. Arrived at the site just as the sun was rising and started to explore the surrounding scattered trees. Within an hour we had found one of the target birds, Hooded Treepie.
However despite an extensive search of the area we failed to locate the hoped-for Jerdon’s Minivet, although we did flush two Rain Quails, another of our target birds. At 1100h we decided to visit another site where Moses had seen a pair of Minivets building a nest two weeks before. However again an extensive search of the area failed to produce the goods. We checked out another site but by now it was nearly 1300h and was very hot so we decided to take a break from the intense midday heat. We had planned to take a boat ride along the Ayeyarwady river in the afternoon. However, we decided to alter the plans and continue our search for the Minivet. We had a quick lunch and then Chris retired to the pool, Mike rested and I decided to explore the riverbanks where Sand Lark was found feeding along the river’s edge and a number of Small Pratincoles were seen sitting on the sandy banks.
We reconvened at 1500h and headed for the Minivet site again. After about an hour of searching, we eventually found a pair in exactly the same place that we had looked during the morning. That’s birding!
The sun was now beginning to set and so we headed to a pagoda that we could climb and watch the sunset. An amazing sight.
Returned to the hotel, had dinner and retired early as we had another early start the following morning.
Monday 10th April
Left the hotel after an early breakfast and headed south along the edge of the Ayeyarwady river, eventually crossing it on one of the very few bridges. The sealed road soon finished and we continued along a dirt road, first through open country, and then, as we started to ascend the lower slopes of the Chin Hills, through dry dipterocarp forest, where we stopped for an hour and birded along the road. It was very hot and our efforts produced little reward. As we continued our journey we passed a number of trucks carrying logs, a depressing sight. We also noted that the road was being improved, almost certainly financed by the logging companies. How much forest will be left in ten years’ time is anybody’s guess.
After seven hours of driving and a few roadside stops, we eventually arrived at Tony’s lodge, known as Pinewood Villa and located a 1,700m asl, roughly half way up Mount Victoria. His staff welcomed us with cold face towels and drinks, which were much appreciated. After we had settled in, we walked down from the lodge and explored a small area of plantation, which produced Striped Laughingthrush without too much trouble. We returned and had dinner and had planned to look for Hodgson’s Frogmouth, but by now the wind had got up, dashing any hopes of locating the birds. Yet another early night was called for.
Tuesday 11th April
Up before first light and were rewarded with a breakfast of excellent homemade pancakes. The wind was still quite strong as we set off for the 50-minute drive to the oak-rhododendron forest. As we were driving up the track a Kalij Pheasant was flushed from in front of the vehicle. We stopped and although we could hear it walking around in the undergrowth, this proved just too dense to get any views. We carried on and arrived at the highest point of the road just as the sun was making an appearance. The wind was still strong and any hopes of seeing White-browed Nuthatch at this stakeout were dashed. We left the pick-up and slowly walked along the track as it gently descended through the oak forest. As the day progressed the wind subsided and very soon we had started to pick up our target birds, including Streak- throated Barwing, Brown-capped Laughingthrush and Chin Hills Wren-Babbler. By lunchtime we had descended to 2,500m asl and the oak forest had started to thin out. Just as we were starting our picnic lunch, Tony heard a White-browed Nuthatch calling and very soon we were rewarded with excellent views, as it appeared to be exploring a nest hole in a tree adjacent to the road. After lunch we retraced our steps in the pickup and explored another area of oak forest. As it began to get dark we slowly drove down the mountain stopping just above the lodge to listen for Frogmouths, but again the wind had got up and nothing was heard. Yet again it was an early night.
Wednesday 12th April
Up before first light again and, fortified again on homemade pancakes, we headed up the mountain. As on the previous day we came across a pair of Kalij Pheasants but this time they decided to stay on the track and gave excellent views. A great start to the day. We headed up to a clearing at 2300m asl, where we found Black-throated Prinia but, despite much effort, failed to lure out Spot-breasted Parrotbill. We then slowly descended through the evergreen forest, encountering a new set of birds, but unfortunately no Cutia. By late afternoon we left the evergreen forest and spent the last couple of hours birding around 2,300m asl in degraded forest. We managed to pull in a Blue-winged Laughingthrush, but apart from brief flight views as it flew across the road it remained hidden in thick cover.
As dusk approached we headed to an area just above the resort in the hope that the Frogmouth would start calling, since by now the wind had died down. Just after dark it responded once briefly to playback.
We returned to the lodge and had dinner and then we headed down the track below the lodge and tried another site for the Frogmouth. Almost immediately it responded but despite our best efforts over the next two hours it remained hidden, the only sighting being a silhouette as it flew from a tree.
By now it was midnight and so we retired, as we had an early start.
Thursday 13th April
Up just before dawn, pancakes again for breakfast. We walked along a small track near the lodge and soon found our two target birds, Rusty-capped Fulvetta and Nepal Fulvetta plus a number of other good birds, including a stunning male Indian Blue Robin and brief views of a female White-bellied Redstart. We decided to spend the last two hours of our stay in the evergreen forest, but despite extensive searching we failed to find Cutia.
At midday we returned to the lodge for lunch, said our goodbyes to the staff at Pinewood Villa and began the long hot drive back to Bagan. A brief stop in the Chin foothills produced some trip ticks, but it was very hot and birding time was limited.
Eventually arrived back at Bagan just after dark. Had a welcome shower and then dinner, again overlooking the Ayeyarwady river.
Friday 14th April
Again up before dawn and after a quick breakfast we drove towards the airport stopping en route to watch the sun rise over the many pagodas, a stop well worth making. Caught the 0800h flight to Heho via Mandalay, arriving at 1030h. It took about an hour to drive to Lake Inle where we boarded a small motorised boat and began exploring a number of the reed-fringed creeks. It was not long before we found our target bird, Jerdon’s Bushchat, perched on top of the reeds. Further exploration produced up to ten more birds.
We then headed to a reserve area and birded from a platform picking up a number of waterbird trip ticks. Lunch beckoned and so we headed across the lake and dined on local fish at a restaurant on an island in the lake.
Headed back to the reed-fringed creeks and spent some time slowly drifting down them, again seeing a number of Jerdon’s Bushchats. Returned to the jetty and headed by road towards our next destination, the hill station of Kalaw, hoping to find Collared Myna en route. Despite a number of roadside stops it was not until the very last stop just before dusk on the outskirts of Kalaw that we eventually found a party of Collared Mynas feeding in a dry paddy field. Whilst watching them a male Pied Harrier flew over, probably one of SE Asia’s best looking raptors.
Arrived at Kalaw as it was getting dark and checked into yet another spiffy hotel.
Saturday 15th April
Up before first light and drove the short distance to the start of the track to the evergreen forest valley. Spent the first two hours of light birding the open sparsely covered hills and light scrub adjacent to the track, as we made our way along it. Just as we were approaching the evergreen forest a Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler was coaxed out and gave superb views. Birded the evergreen forest, walking as far as the reservoir, where we had lunch but no sign of Burmese Yuhina. After lunch retraced our steps through the forest and eventually Moses found a Yuhina, which gave brief views to one of us only. It took us another two hours of searching the same area before we all managed to see it. By now it was getting late and so we slowly walked back to where we parked the pickup and we headed back to the hotel.
Sunday 16th April
As the birding was good in the evergreen forest, we decided to spend our last morning there. This time we headed straight there, arriving just after the sun made its first appearance. Spent the morning covering the same area as yesterday, seeing at least three more Yuhinas.
At 1100h we left the forest and headed back to the pickup, returning to the hotel to get our bags and then on to Heho Airport, stopping at a small wetland en route. Our flight was due to leave at 1430h, but was delayed by an hour. Said our goodbyes to Tony and Moses and instead of hanging round the sparse terminal we birded the approach road again picking up a few more trip ticks.
The flight eventually arrived and we headed to Yangon, yet again via Mandalay. Mandalay was not on the trip itinerary, yet we ended up going there twice. Eventually arrived in Yangon and caught a taxi to our hotel in the central area. The annual water festival (Thingyan in Burmese, Songkran in Thai) was in full swing and every possible receptacle, as well as specially built grandstands equipped with batteries of hosepipes, were being used to throw water at the passing traffic.
The evening was spent visiting the Shwedagon Paya pagoda, an impressive site. Despite an extensive search we could find no sign of any real nightlife so an early night was called for.
Monday 17th April
Returned to Hong Kong via Bangkok.
Systematic List
Chinese Francolin Francolinus pintadeanus
Two heard at Bagan 9th April. Up to two heard at Kalaw 14th - 16th April
Rain Quail Coturnix coromandelica
Two flushed from short grass at Bagan 9th April. Also two heard calling, and one seen at a roadside stop between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola
One head calling distantly at Mount Victoria 11th April
Mountain Bamboo Partridge Bambusicola fytchii
Mount Victoria. Two 13th April
Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos
Mount Victoria. One ran across the track in front of the car in the evergreen forest 11th April. A pair seen feeding on the track in the evergreen forest 12th April
Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygnida javanica
Inle. Five hundred from the boat 14th April
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Bagan. 25 on 8th, 65 on 9th and four on 10th April, all seen on the Ayeyarwady River
Cotton Pygmy-Goose Nettapus coromandelianus
Inle. Seven seen from the boat in open water Lake Inle 14th April
Burmese Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
Bagan. Six 8th and 15 on 9th April on the Ayeyarwady River
Inle. 15 on 14th and 20 seen at wetland between Kalaw and Heho 16th April
Garganey Anas querquedula
Inle. One hundred seen from boat 14th April
Barred Buttonquail Turnix tanki
Bagan. Three on both 9th and 14th April
Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla
Bagan. Two 9th April. One Heho Airport approach road 16th April
Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus
Kalaw. Three in the evergreen forest 15th April
Stripe-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopus atratus
Mount Victoria. Singles seen daily 11th - 13th April
Grey-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopus canicapillus
Kalaw. Two seen on both 15th and 16th April in the evergreen forest
Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Dendrocopus hyperythrus
Mount Victoria. Two seen one heard oak forest 11th April. One seen, one heard evergreen forest 12th April
Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha
One between Bagan and Mount Victoria in the Chin foothills 10th April
Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus
One between Bagan and Mount Victoria in the Chin foothills 10th April
Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrbotis
Mount Victoria. Heard daily but not seen 11th - 13th April. Kalaw. One heard 15th April in evergreen forest
Great Barbet Megalaima virens
Mount Victoria. Up to five heard each day with singles being seen on two days, 10th - 13th April. Kalaw. Up to six heard in the evergreen forest 15th and 16th April
Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata
Ten heard and five seen between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii
Mount Victoria. Up to five heard each day with singles seen twice 11th - 13th April
Blue-throated Barbet Megalama asiatica
Kalaw. One seen 15th and 16th April and up to five heard in the evergreen forest
Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala
Five between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Common Hoopoe Upupa epops
Bagan. One flew over hotel 10th April. Two seen on journey from Bagan to Mount Victoria 10th April
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
One Bagan 10th April, a total of ten on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April. Three on the journey between Mount Victoria and Bagan 13th April and one on journey from Inle to Kalaw 14th April
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyo smyrnensis
Bagan. One 9th April. Two on journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
Bagan. Up to four on the Ayeyarwady River 8th - 10th April
Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
Bagan. Ten 8th and twenty 9th April. A total of 30 seen on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus
Bagan. Two 9th April
Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Cuculidae coromandus
Kalaw. One seen and one heard 15th April. One heard at roadside stop between Kalaw and Heho 16th April
Large Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varitus
Mount Victoria. One heard from the lodge 10th April. One seen and one heard in the evergreen forest 12th April
Eurasian Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
Mount Victoria. One heard from the lodge 13th April. Kalaw. Heard from the hotel 15th and 16th April
Plaintive Cuckoo Cuculus merulinus
Mount Victoria. One heard from the lodge 13th April. Inle. One heard 14th April. Kalaw. One heard 16th April
Asian Emerald Cuckoo Cuculus maculinus
Kalaw. A stunning male seen in evergreen forest 15th April. A female seen in the same location 16th April
Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris
Kalaw. One in evergreen forest 15th April
Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaces
One heard between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis
Kalaw. Singles seen on both 13th and 14th April
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
One between Mount Victoria and Bagan 13th April. Two heard Lake Inle 14th April
Grey-headed Parakeet Psittacula finschii
A total of 50 seen between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Himalayan Swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris
Only seen at Kalaw flying over the evergreen forest. One hundred 15th and 40 16th April
Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
Up to 50 seen in the Bagan area 9th April. A total of 40 recorded on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April. 30 on the return journey 14th April
House Swift Apus affinis
Bagan. Ten 9th April and five 14th April
Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata
Two between Mount Victoria and Bagan 13th April. One between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Collared Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena
One heard Mount Victoria 12th April
Spotted Owlet Athene brama
Bagan. A total of five including one in the hotel gardens 9th April. Kalaw. One seen 15th April and one heard 16th April
Hodgson's Frogmouth Batrachostomus hodgsoni
Mount Victoria. One responded briefly to the tape above the lodge. One responded very well to play back below the lodge but despite being in a tree above us we could not see it except for a silhouette as it flew 12th April
Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus
Mount Victoria. Two heard 12th April
Savannah Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis
Bagan. Two birds flushed on a number of occasions in daylight 9th April
Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis
Kalaw. Two 15th and one 16th April
Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
Recorded at all lowland sites being commonest around Bagan
Red Turtle-Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica
Bagan. Ten 9th April
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Bagan. Two seen well at Bagan 9th April. Two seen on the journey between Mount Victoria and Bagan 13th April
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera
Kalaw. Six in the evergreen forest 15th April
Pin-tailed Pigeon Treron apicauda
Kalaw. Up to two seen in fruiting tree on both 15th and 16th April
Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenura
Mount Victoria. Five seen in a fruiting tree in the evergreen forest 13th April
Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula bodia
Kalaw. One on 15th and two on 16th April seen flying over the evergreen forest
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
Inle. One seen and one heard 14th April
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Twenty on wetland between Kalaw and Heho 16th April
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra
Inle. Twenty 14th April
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Bagan. One 8th, three 9th and one 10th April
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Bagan. One 8th and four 9th April
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Inle. A total of 200 seen on and around Lake Inle 14th April
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Bagan. One 8th and three 9th April on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River
River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii
Bagan. Two on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River 8th April
Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
Kalaw. Two from the track leading to the evergreen forest 15th and one seen in the same location 16th April
Small Pratincole Glareola lactea
Bagan. One 8th and nine 10th April on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River
Brown-headed Gull Larus burnnicephalus
Inle. Seventy five seen from boat 14th April
Black-bellied Tern Sterna aurantia
Bagan. One seen flying along the Ayeyarwady River 9th April
Oriental Honey-Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus
Mount Victoria. One over the evergreen forest 12th April
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
Bagan. One 9th April. Two on the journey between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Black Kite Milvus migrans
One over Yangon as we drove to the airport 17th April
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Mount Victoria. One heard 11th and 12th April. One seen 13th April
Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos
One male seen during the journey between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Shikra Accipiter badius
One seen between Mount Victoria and Bagan 13th April. A total of three seen between Inle and Kalaw 14th April. Three seen Kalaw area 15th April
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus
Mount Victoria. One 13th April. Singles seen 15th and 16th April at Kalaw
White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa
Bagan. One perched on top of a tree 9th April. One between Mount Victoria and Bagan 13th April
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Mount Victoria. Singles seen 11th and 13th April
Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis
Mount Victoria. One 12th April
Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus
Mount Victoria. Two 12th April
Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus
Kalaw. One in evergreen forest 15th April
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Kalaw. One flew over as we walked back from the evergreen forest to the car 15th April
Lagger Falcon Falco jugger
Bagan. Two seen chasing pigeons around a pagoda 9th April
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Lake Inle. Four seen from boat 14th April
Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger
Lake Inle. Fifteen seen from boat 14th April
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
A single bird seen on the Ayeyarwady River 9th April. Up to 50 seen Lake Inle and surrounding area 14th April
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Bagan. Six 8th and one 9th April. Lake Inle. One 14th April
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Lake Inle. One 14th April
Great Egret Casmerodius albus
Bagan. Two 9th April. Good numbers recorded at Lake Inle and surrounding wetlands
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Lake Inle. Good numbers recorded at Lake Inle and surrounding wetlands
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Bagan. Four 9th April. Lake Inle common in surrounding fields and wetlands 14th April
Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
Lake Inle. Three summer plumaged birds 14th April
Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus
Lake Inle. Two summer plumaged birds 14th April
Pond Heron Sp. Ardeola sp.
Winter plumaged birds not specifically identified were recorded at Bagan with three 8th and one 10th April. Lake Inle at least 20 on 14th April
Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons
Four on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii
Kalaw. Two 15th and three 16th April in the evergreen forest
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
Bagan. One 8th April. Ten on the journey between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
Kalaw. One on the approach to the evergreen forest 15th April
Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus
Kalaw. One on the approach to the evergreen forest 15th April
Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius
Mount Victoria. One in evergreen forest 12th April. One on journey between Inle and Kalaw 14th April. Kalaw. Singles on 15th and 16th April
Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris
Mount Victoria. Three in oak forest 11th April
Red-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa erythrorhyncha
A total of ten on the journey from Bagan to Mount Victoria 10th April. Kalaw. Two in evergreen forest 15th April
Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda
Two on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Hooded Treepie Crypsirina cucullata
Bagan. Five birds seen moving through the acacia scrub 9th April
House Crow Corvus splendens
Common at Bagan and small numbers in Yangon
Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos
Mount Victoria. Singles 10th and 11th April. Kalaw. Two 16th April
Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus
Two on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April. And one on the return journey. Kalaw. Four 15th April
Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis
Ten on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus
One on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii
Mount Victoria. One heard on 12th and one seen on 13th April. Kalaw. Ten 15th and four 16th April in the evergreen forest
Large Cuckoo-shrike Coracina macei
One on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April. Kalaw. One 15th and two 16th April in the evergreen forest
Indochinese Cuckoo-shrike Coracina polioptera
Two on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike Coracina melaschistos
Kalaw. Two in the evergreen forest 15th April
Jerdon’s Minivet Pericrocotus erythropygius
Bagan. A pair eventually seen after an extensive search 9th April
Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris
Two on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris
Mount Victoria. Four 10th and three 12th April. Both sightings near the lodge
Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus
Kalaw. Six 15th and sixteen 16th April in the evergreen forest
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus
Two on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April. Kalaw. Four seen each day on 15th and 16th April in the evergreen forest
Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha
Mount Victoria. Seen on all days at all elevations. Maximum of twenty 12th April
White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis
Mount Victoria. Singles seen 11th and 13th April. Kalaw. A total of twenty 15th and one 16th April in the evergreen forest
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
Bagan. Five 8th and ten 9th April. Lake Inle. Up to one hundred seen 14th April
Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus
Two on the journey between Bagan to Mount Victoria 10th April. Mount Victoria. Four 11th and two 12th April. Six on the journey between Inle and Kalaw 14th April. Kalaw. Five in evergreen forest 15th April
Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus
Two on the journey between Mount Victoria and Bagan 13th April. Kalaw. A total of ten seen each day 15th and 16th April
Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer
One on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April. Kalaw. Four in evergreen forest 15th April
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus
A total of 30 on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
Two on the journey between Mount Victoria and Bagan 13th April. Kalaw. Two 15th and one 16th April in the evergreen forest
Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi
Kalaw. One in evergreen forest 16th April
Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
Only seen at Bagan where relatively common and on the journey to Mount Victoria. Maximum twenty 9th April
Common Wood-shrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus
Two on the journey between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris
Mount Victoria. A total of 15 in the oak forest 11th April. One in the evergreen forest 12th April
Long-tailed Thrush Zoothera dixoni
Kalaw. One in evergreen forest 15th April
Grey-sided Thrush Turdus feae
Mount Victoria. At least one in a party of Thrushes in the evergreen forest 12th April
Eye-browed Thrush Turdus obscurus
Mount Victoria. At least twenty in a party of Thrushes in the evergreen forest 13th April
Dark-sided Flycatcher Musciapini sibirica
Mount Victoria. Two 11th and one 12th April
Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii
Mount Victoria. Singles 11th, 12th and 13th April
Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata
Mount Victoria. Up to ten seen each day 11th and 12th April and a single seen 13th April
Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla
Kalaw. Two on both 15th and 16th April. One Heho Airport approach road 16th April
Verditer Flycatcher Muscicapa thalassina
Mount Victoria. Two 12th April and one heard singing 13th April. Kalaw. One 15th and two 16th April
Large Niltava Niltava grandis
Mount Victoria. Singles seen daily 11th - 13th April
Rufus bellied Niltava Niltava sundara
Mount Victoria. Two 13th April in evergreen forest. Kalaw one 15th April in the evergreen forest
Pale Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor
Mount Victoria. Twenty 11th, five 12th and ten 13th April. Birds were nesting in the roadside banks
Hill Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis banyumas
Kalaw. Singles on 15th and 16th April
Grey-headed Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
Kalaw. One seen, two heard 15th, three seen 16th April, all in evergreen forest.
Indian Blue-Robin Luscinia brunnea
Mount Victoria. One near the lodge 13th April
Orange-flanked Bush-Robin Tarsiger rufilatus
Mount Victoria. Ten in oak forest 11th April. Six in evergreen forest 12th April
Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis
One on journey Bagan to Mount Victoria 10th April and one on the return journey 13th April. Kalaw. One en route to evergreen forest 15th April, one in hotel grounds 16th April
White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
One on the journey Mount Victoria to Bagan 13th April
Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis
Mount Victoria. Three seen and five heard 11th April on edge of oak forest. Two seen in evergreen forest edge 12th April
White-bellied Redstart Hodgsonius phaenicuroides
Mount Victoria. One near lodge 13th April
White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucura
Mount Victoria. One seen on roadside as we drove up the mountain 11th April. Two seen on the roadside 12th April. Kalaw. Two in evergreen forest 16th April
White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti
Kalaw. Two on a small stream in evergreen forest 16th April
Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura
Lake Inle. Two 14th April. Kalaw. One 15th April en route to the evergreen forest. One Heho airport approach road 16th April
Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata
Seen daily except whilst at Mount Victoria. Maximum of 30 seen on the journey between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Jerdon’s Bushchat Saxicola jerdoni
Lake Inle. At least ten in areas of elephant grass at the north end of the lake 14th April
Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea
Only seen on Mount Victoria where fairly common. Maximum of ten seen 13th April
Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnus lalabaricus
Twelve between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Black-collared Starling Sturnus nigricollis
Ten between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Vinous-breasted Starling Sturnus burmannicus
Bagan. Fifty near hotel 8th and ten in the same location 9th April. A total of twenty between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
Bagan. Ten on both 9th and 10th April. Fifteen between Mount Victoria and Bagan
Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus
Bagan. Six near hotel 8th April
White-vented Myna Acridotheres grandis
Two in paddy field with Collard Mynas between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Collard Myna Acridotheres albocinctus
Four in paddy field between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
Hill Myna Gracula religiosa
One between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Chestnut-vented Nuthatch Sitta nagaensis
Mount Victoria. Four 10th, five 11th and six 12th April
White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis
Mount Victoria. One in evergreen forest 12th April
White-browed Nuthatch Sitta victoriae
Mount Victoria. Two on edge of oak forest seen exploring nest hole in pine tree 11th April
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis
Two between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April. Two seen on the return journey 13th April. Kalaw. Two in evergreen forest 15th April
Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana
Mount Victoria. Two each day 11th and 12th April
Brown-throated Treecreeper Certhia discolor
Mount Victoria. Three on 10th, one 11th and four 12th April
Black-bibbed Tit Parus hypermelaena
Mount Victoria. One on edge of evergreen forest 12th April
Great Tit Parus major
One between Mount Victoria and Bagan 13th April. Kalaw. Three 15th and four 16th April in evergreen forest
Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus
Mount Victoria. Five 10th, one 12th and one 13th April
Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus
Mount Victoria. One in evergreen forest 12th April
Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus
Mount Victoria. Three 11th, four 12th and two 13th April
Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus
Mount Victoria. Ten on edge of evergreen forest 12th April. Kalaw. 20 in evergreen forest 15th April
Black-browed Tit Aegithalos bonvaloti
Mount Victoria. Two on edge of evergreen forest 12th April
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Lake Inle. Twenty 14th April
Plain Martin Riparia paludicola
Bagan. One over Ayeyarwady River 8th April
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Bagan. Small numbers seen daily 8th - 10th April. Lake Inle thirty over lake 14th April
Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
Three Heho airport approach road 16th April
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica
Lake Inle. One 14th April. One Heho approach road 16th April
Crested Finchbill Spizixos canifrons
Mount Victoria. Twelve 11th, fifty 12th twenty 13th April. Commonest below 2,300m asl
Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus
Mount Victoria. Five 11th, four 12th and one 13th April
Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus
Six between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus
Kalaw. Two 15th April. Six between Kalaw and Heho 15th April
Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer
Bagan. Six 9th April. Common between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April. Up to 20 seen daily in the Lake Inle and Kalaw area 14th - 16th April
Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster
Kalaw. Two 15th April
Flavescent Bulbul Pycnonotus flavescens
Mount Victoria. Two 13th April
Streak-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus blanfordi
Bagan. Common in scrub 8th - 10th and 14th April
Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala
Kalaw. Two in evergreen forest 15th April
Mountain Bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandii
Mount Victoria. Three 12th April
Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus
Kalaw. Up to forty seen daily 15th and 16th April
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
One Heho airport approach road 16th April
Hill Prinia Prinia atrogularis
Kalaw. One at hotel and three Heho approach road 16th April
Black-throated Prinia Prinia atrogularis
Mount Victoria. Two in clearing at 2,500m asl 12th April
Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii
Bagan. Common in acacia scrub on 8th, 9th and 14th April.
Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris
Inle. Fifteen 14th April
Plain Prinia Prinia inornata
Bagan One 8th and two 9th April. Lake Inle. Six 14th April
Chestnut-flanked White-Eye Zosterops erythropleurus
Mount Victoria. One in evergreen forest 12th April
Oriental White-Eye Zosterops palpebrosus
Kalaw. Four 15th and two 16th April in evergreen forest
Chestnut-headed Tesia Tesia castaneocoronata
Mount Victoria. Three seen and ten heard 10th April. One seen and three heard 12th April and one seen two heard 13th April
Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler Cettia fortipes
Mount Victoria. Two heard 10th and 12th April
Aberrant Bush-Warbler Cettia flavolivacea
Mount Victoria. Three 11th and two seen, ten heard 12th April
Brown Bush-Warbler Bradypterus luteoventris
Mount Victoria. One seen and one heard 10th April, one seen and three heard 12th April
Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus
Lake Inle. A total of twenty 14th April
Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus
Mount Victoria. One heard 12th April
Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius
Bagan. Five 9th April. One heard between Bagan and Mount Victoria
Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus
Kalaw. One seen 15th and two heard 16th April
Yellow-streaked Warbler Phylloscopus armandii
Bagan. Three 9th April. Mount Victoria. Two 10th and one 13th April
Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher
Mount Victoria. Very common at all elevations. At least 500 seen and heard daily 11th - 13th April
Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis
Mount Victoria. Two 11th and one 12th April
Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
Four between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
Two-barred Warbler Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus
Kalaw. Up to fifty seen daily 15th and 16th April
Blyth's Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides
Mount Victoria. One seen two heard in oak forest 11th April. One heard singing in evergreen forest 12th April
White-tailed Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus davisoni
Kalaw. Twenty 15th and four 16th April
Grey-crowned Warbler Seicercus tephrocephalus
Mount Victoria. Three in evergreen forest 12th April
Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos
Mount Victoria. One in evergreen forest 12th April
Whistler’s Warbler Seicercus whistleri
Mount Victoria. One seen and up to ten heard in oak forest 11th April. Three heard in evergreen forest 12th April
Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicerus castaniceps
Mount Victoria. One 13th April
Broad-billed Warbler Tickellia hodgsoni
Mount Victoria. One seen and three heard in evergreen forest 12th April
Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps
Mount Victoria. Six in evergreen forest 12th April
Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris
One between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April. One on the return journey 13th April
Striated Grassbird Mehalurus palustris
Bagan. One 9th April. Lake Inle five 14th April and two between Inle and Kalaw 14th April
White-browed Laughingthrush Garrulax sannio
Two between Inle and Kalaw 14th April. Kalaw. Two 15th and four 16th April
Striped Laughingthrush Garrulax virgatus
Mount Victoria. One near the lodge on both 10th and 13th April
Brown-capped Laughingthrush Garrulax austeni
Mount Victoria. Eight in oak forest 11th April. Two heard in evergreen forest 12th April
Assam Laughingthrush Garrulax chrysopterum
Mount Victoria. Seen at all elevations. Eight 11th, one seen and five heard 12th and three 13th April
Blue-winged Laughingthrush Garrulax squamatus
Mount Victoria. One heard and seen briefly as it flew across the track just below the evergreen forest 12th April
Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus
Kalaw. One 15th April
Red-faced Liocichla Liocichla phoenicea
Mount Victoria. One near the lodge 13th April. Kalaw. One in the evergreen forest 15th April. The bird seen at Kalaw was a much brighter bird and had a different call
Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorbinus erythrogenys
Kalaw. One on edge of evergreen forest 15th April
White-browed Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps
Kalaw. Three 15th and two 16th April in scrub on walk to Kalaw forest
Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis
Mount Victoria. Eight in evergreen forest 12th April
Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer
Mount Victoria. One seen and four heard in oak forest 11th April
Chin Hills Wren-Babbler Spelaeornis oatesi
Mount Victoria. One in oak forest 11th April. Two near lodge 13th April
Rufous-fronted Babbler Stachyris rufifrons
Kalaw. One seen two heard in evergreen forest 15th April. One seen at same location 16th April
Golden Babbler Stachyris chrysaea
Mount Victoria. One seen five heard evergreen forest 12th April. Kalaw. Eight in evergreen forest 15th and four at the same location 16th April
Striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis
Five between Mount Victoria and Bagan 13th April
Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense
Bagan. Two 8th, ten 9th and two 14th April. Four between Bagan and Mount Victoria 10th April
White-throated Babbler Turdoides gularis
Bagan. Common up to 50 seen daily
Mount Victoria Babax Babax woodi
Mount Victoria. Two seen on both 11th and 12th April
Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris
Mount Victoria. Two near lodge 13th April. Kalaw. Six in evergreen forest 15th and five seen and five heard at same location 14th April
White-browed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis
Kalaw. Two on both 15th and 16th April in evergreen forest
Green Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius xanthochlorus
Mount Victoria. One in the oak forest 11th and three in evergreen forest 12th April
Black-eared Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius melanotis
Mount Victoria. Two in evergreen forest 12th April
Rusty-fronted Barwing Actinodura egertoni
Mount Victoria. Four 11th, three 12th and four 13th April
Spectacled Barwing Actinodura ramsayi
Kalaw. Two in evergreen forest 15th and one at same location 16th April
Streak-throated Barwing Actinodura waldeni
Mount Victoria. Two in oak forest 11th April
Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera
Mount Victoria. Three in oak forest 12th April. Three in evergreen forest 13th April
Chestnut-tailed Minla Minla strigula
Mount Victoria. Thirty in oak forest 11th April. Two in evergreen forest 12th April
Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta
Mount Victoria. Twelve 11th, seven 12th and five 13th April
Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps
Mount Victoria. Four in oak forest 11th and two in evergreen forest 12th April
White-browed Fulvetta Alcippe vinipectus
Mount Victoria. Ten in oak forest 11th and four in evergreen forest 12th April
Rusty-capped Fulvetta Alcippe dubia
Mount Victoria. Two near lodge 13th April
Brown-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala
Mount Victoria. Four near lodge 13th April
Nepal Fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis
Mount Victoria. One 12th and five 13th April
Grey Sibia Heterophasia gracilis
Mount Victoria. Heard at all elevations. Five seen many heard 11th, six seen many heard 12th, ten seen 13th April
Black-backed Sibia Heterophasia melanoleuca
Kalaw. Eight in evergreen forest 15th April
Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis
Mount Victoria. Seen at all elevations. Four 11th, six 12th and four 13th April
Burmese Yuhina Yuhina bumilis
Kalaw. Up to two seen in evergreen forest 15th and three 16th April
Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis
Mount Victoria. Seen at all elevations. Two 11th, six 12th and two 13th April
White-bellied Yuhina Yuhina zantholeuca
Kalaw. Two in evergreen forest 15th April
Grey-headed Parrotbill Paradoxornis gularis
Kalaw. One in mixed feeding flock in evergreen forest 15th April
Burmese Bushlark Mirafra microptera
Bagan and journey to and from Mount Victoria. Very common in the dry savannah. Up to 50 seen daily
Sand Lark Calandrella raytal
Bagan. Seven on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River 9th April
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus
Mount Victoria. Up to two seen daily 11th - 13th April
Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica
Bagan to Mount Victoria. A total of twenty seen on the journey 10th and three seen on the return journey 14th April
Mrs Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae
Mount Victoria. One near the lodge 13th April
Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis
Mount Victoria. Only seen in evergreen forest. Six 12th and two 13th April
Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata
Kalaw. Fifteen in evergreen forest 15th and one 16th April
Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda
Mount Victoria. Seen at higher elevations. Twenty in oak forest 11th, ten in evergreen forest 13th April
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Only seen at Bagan where it was common on 9th, 10th and 14th April
Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans
One seen at roadside stop near Kalaw 14th April
Plain-backed Sparrow Passer flaveolus
Common at Bagan 9th - 10th April up to fifty seen daily. Twenty seen on the journey between Mount Victoria and Bagan 14th April
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
Fourteen seen between Inle and Kalaw 14th April. Four at Heho airport 16th April
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
Inle. Six in wet paddy fields 14th April
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Inle. Ten in wet paddy fields 14th April
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Kalaw. One 15th April
Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus
Bagan. One 8th April. Inle. One 15th April
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni
Mount Victoria. Up to twenty seen daily 10th - 13th April. Kalaw Up to 10 seen daily 15th and 16th April
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
Inle. One in wet paddy field 15th April
Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus
Bagan. A small flock 8th April
Spotted Munia Lonchura punctulata
Kalaw. Thirty in fields en route to evergreen forest 15th and twenty at same location 16th April
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
Mount Victoria. Five in evergreen forest 12th April. Four near lodge 13th April
Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis
Mount Victoria. One in evergreen forest 12th April
Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthos
Mount Victoria. One on edge of evergreen forest 12th April. One heard 13th April
Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
Mount Victoria. One 12th April
Graham Talbot
Hong Kong
gtalbot(at)netvigator.com