Surinder Kaul
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Picture
Lesser Whistling-ducks in Chiang Mai

​​It is not common to see large flocks of birds in Chiang Mai. The only big flocks that I have observed in my bird watching for the last three years have been big number of Little Green Bee-eaters and the Large flocks of Openbill storks, in the recently ploughed paddy fields and soaring in the skies.
However, recently on my routine evening cycling, I happen to notice a large number of ducks in an old quarry lake. About four Kms. from Hangdong, Chiang Mai, Farm Hug cafe has a beautiful view through large glassed windows of this artificial lake, full of hundreds of Lesser Whistling-ducks. It was fascinating to hear their whistling calls and watch them fly high up in the sky and then land in groups on the water.
It seems, they spend most of the day time on shore, frequently getting into the water. Apparently, they are night feeders and feed on mostly plants, but do not shy away from small fish and other water creatures.
Apart from the ducks, there were a few other birds. Red-wattled lapwings were often perched on the shore behind the rows of the ducks. Common kingfisher, bee-eaters, swallows, were also seen in the evenings. A pair of male and female white-tailed robins, next to the café were also sited. 
I have been observing this flock since mid February and plan to continue watching them over the rainy season when they breed. I will keep on posting any new pictures as I get them.

Update on 14 Jan 2021 & Few weeks later (2 Feb 2021)
See lower box of pictures
The ducks had disappeared by the end of July last year. Obviously they chose some other site for breeding and I missed the opportunity see the ducklings swimming along with mothers. They appeared only mid October. On 20 Oct 20 there were over 50 Whistling Ducks - have been observing them regularly Nov, Dec, and January 2021 in large numbers. It is a fascinating site to see them swimming in the afternoons Sun shining on them. The ducks are shy and it is difficult to get near without disturbing them. 
Will continue to update on their presence at Farm Hug Café water body.
I have always seen many Lapwings on the far shores of the waters and they seem to permanently stay there.
  • Home
    • Old Items 2020
    • Old Items 2019
    • Old Items 2018
  • About
  • My Public Health
    • School Health Education
  • Primary Health Care
    • Astana Declaration 2018
    • General Practice and Public Health
  • Maternal & Child Health
    • Maternal Health
    • Child Health >
      • Immunisations
  • Other Personal Interests
    • My Evening Walks
    • Bird Watching >
      • Birds from my window
      • Spring is here
      • Beautiful Guest in our balcony
      • Lesser Whistling Duck
    • Photography >
      • Wild Himalayan Cherry Blossum
      • Urban Skies - by Trisha Das
      • Beauty of Chiang Mai
      • Down Memory Lane
      • Chiang Mai - Orchids
      • Chiang Mai - Water Lilies
      • Chiang Mai - Ratchaphruek Gardens
      • Chiang Mai - 43rd Flower Festival
    • Reading
    • Culinary Interests >
      • Breads and Cakes >
        • Travelling >
          • Feel of Srilanka
          • Mae Sariang
          • North Sumatra
          • Langkawi & South Thailand
          • A recent visit to Lesotho
          • Long Weekend in Krabi
          • Dussehra in Kullu
          • Turkey January 2009
          • Ledakh India 2015
          • Mesmerizing Mekong
          • A short trip to Doi Inthenon
      • Machine broke down
      • My favorite recipes
    • Get in Touch