Living as a Single Farang in the Jungle: Khao Nok Kin See or Dinsor Hill Chumphon (Pathiu)

We are writing September 26, 2016. Today I observe the first raptors (birds of prey) above my home in the jungle of Pathiu. They are back, like every year, a true natural phenomenon.

A first group of about 20 birds of prey circles in the air here. There will be more to come, many more in the coming days. Why right here? Their gathering place is a hill with a height of about 500m overlooking the bay of Saphli, Thung Wualean. The hill is surrounded by mainly palm oil plantations, far in the periphery, especially Ta Sae is very rich in palm oil plantations.

We are now two months further and it has not been as expected. Every time I pass the hill I look up to see if there are birds of prey circling… nothing, but almost nothing to see. What is going on? Why aren't the birds of prey here this year? However, the local government had paid special attention to the staging area for these birds of prey. Down at the foot of the hill, along road 3201, a large parking lot has been built. A small building was erected on the ridge that the bird watchers could use as a shelter when it rained. Sanitary facilities were installed….

A very large group was spotted in mid-October. There was talk of 2000 birds, but this was probably a bit exaggerated or counted in Thai style. However, the group did not land on Dinsor Hill but just flew on.

Perhaps this change in the natural environment is the reason why the birds have stayed away and are they now living elsewhere, where they will receive less attention? The local government intended to make it pleasant and easy for people, but nature may have thought otherwise.

A link to a wonderful website: www.thaibirding.com/features/khao-dinsor-raptor-migration.htm