26 Dec 13 - New Day, Same Stuff

After Santa failed to deliver the hoped for Andaman Crake, then it was back to Chiriya Tapu to try to again. We spent some time in the area where Dave Willis had seen a pair the previous week. While we had no joy with the Crake, there was an very showy Orange-headed Ground Thrush in the same area.

Orange-headed Ground Thrush: Whilst not uncommon in Indian forests, they can be hard to see well

Orange-headed Ground Thrush: A great forest Thrush to see

Long-tailed Parakeet

Vernal Hanging-parrot: Infernal Hanging-parrots are commonly seen in flight, once the call is learnt. But they generally live up to their nickname as they are usually high up in tall trees & difficult to photograph. So it was a surprise when this curious bird came to check us out & pose for the camera

What I've enjoyed about having the camera is seeing fine details I would never have noticed in the field. Here are a few examples.

White-bellied Swiftlet: Showing the darker patch around the eye

White-bellied Swiftlet: Showing the pale rump

Andaman Woodpecker: Look at that yellow eye ring

Andaman Treepie: Another yellow eye ring

Finally, it was time to knock the Andaman Crake search on the head, until another failed attempt in the afternoon (when we briefly heard a different individual, but again which would show itself). But before we headed off to Port Blair for lunch, there was time for a quick drink stop near the coast.

Coastal mangroves: Guess this was another area devastated by the tsunami

Stork-billed Kingfisher: Nearby in better mangroves was this great Kingfisher

Seaplane: This looks like a practical way to move around the islands

22 Dec 13 - A Cracking Flowerpecker

Back to Gandhi Park hoping that the Daurian Starlings might be feeding in the park, but looks like the park is only a roost site. But more opportunities for bird photography of non forest species.

Vernal Hanging-parrot: Checking he has still got his 4 toes. A Sparrow sized Parrot with a lot of character

White-bellied Swiftlet: A widespread Asian species also known as Glossy Swiftlet

Blue-tailed Bee-eater: I'm always happy to watch Bee-eaters

Blue-tailed Bee-eater

 Pacific Swallow: Smaller & more compact than Swallows without the bluish lower throat band

Brown Shrike: 'Philippine Shrike' lucionensis race

Small Minivet

Red-whiskered Bulbul: A common successful species found throughout the main island, except in the best forests

 Common Myna: A widespread species that has successfully been introduced to many countries

Brown Flycatcher: This would be great to see on Portland

Brown Flycatcher

Finally, the first endemic photographed: Andaman Flowerpecker. Flowerpeckers are predominately an Asian Family and most are barely bigger than a Wren. To make them harder to see well, a number like to feed around the tops of flowering trees. Therefore, it was great to find that there is only 1 species on the Andamans, so no problems with identification & also they were often feeding in low scrubby trees. Flowerpeckers have a lot of character for such a small bird, so it's great to see them well.

Andaman Flowerpecker

Andaman Flowerpecker: Enjoying breakfast

Andaman Flowerpecker: Checking what else is going on

Finally, it was time to head back to the hotel & wait for Brian Field to arrive, along with the bird guide, Vivek, & driver, Gophal.