The rice fields around the town of Petchaburi always play host to a good number and variety of raptors in the dry season. The areas known as Nong Pla Lai and Tung Bang Jak are just a collection of rice fields and other mixed agriculture just a few kilometres north of Petchaburi and can be reached by turning left of the highway just as the temples on the hill in Petchaburi becomes visible – a distance of about 2-3 kilometres north of the town.

In the last few weeks I have seen large numbers of Black-eared Kites (100+) as well as 4 or 5 Greater Spotted Eagles. At least 2 Eastern Imperial Eagles are also currently in the area and at least 1 juvenile Steppe Eagle has been seen by myself and other observers and I have seen at least 2 different Booted Eagles. Another interesting raptor that is present in the area is Pied Harrier, although I have only seen juveniles recently, but the fantastic adult males do turn up sometimes.

Black-eared Kites by Alex Vargas

Black-eared Kites can frequently be seen sitting around in trees and other perches or soaring around looking for food. Other raptors which are commonly seen in this area are Eastern Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Brahminy Kite, Osprey and Black-shouldered Kite.

Rarer raptors do also show up in this area from time to time with a Slender-billed Vulture recently being photographed and last winter a Cinereous Vulture and 2 Himalayan Griffons were seen. A juvenile Amur Falcon was also photographed nearby in recent weeks.

For those birders who are raptor enthusiasts, the rice fields around Petchaburi are a must-visit location between mid November and mid March.