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Although it is necessary to be out very early for the best birding in Thailand, my girlfriend Srasri and I couldn't drag ourselves out of bed until about 7.30 am after a long week dealing with rowdy students.

Not wanting to stay in I suggested a trip to Bang Pra Non-hunting area, easily reached in a little over an hour from our home in Bang Na. Srasri needed a little convincing, but was persuaded with the promise of a seafood lunch at nearby Bang Saen beach.

On arrival, at about 9am, we parked at the small lake at the South Eastern end, where the usual Little Cormorants sat perched in a tree with a few Cattle Egrets for company.However, we noticed that the water level of the main reservoir was very low, and headed towards the water's edge. On our way through the dry grassland a number of colourful birds revealed themselves; Green Bee-eaters hunting from their perches; an Indian Roller on a telegraph pole and one of my favourite species- a Hoopoe feeding on the ground.

As we neared the water, Srasri pointed to some large birds overhead; apair of Spot-billed Pelicans soaring. A fantastic sight, even when one knows that they originate from the nearby Khao Khieo open zoo. Another bird originating from the zoo was a single Painted Stork amongst the numerous Little, Great and Intermediate Egrets. It is worth remembering that although the storks here come from the zoo, they do breed outside of the zoo's bounds.

In the shallows of the main lake a number of waders were feeding. I was hoping to find something unusual, but only small numbers of common species were present; Kentish and Little Ringed Plovers, Greenshank, Marsh, Wood and Common Sandpipers, Temminck's and a lone Long-toed Stint amongst the ever present Red-wattled Lapwings and Black-winged Stilts.

The late morning sun was taking its toll on us so we decided to walk back to the car. Searching the grassy areas as we went, numerous Indochinese Bushlarks revealed themselves, their wide rufous wings were obvious as they flew away. Also of interest were a small party of Chestnut Capped Babblers in reeds, a species less often seen than one might expect.

Back at the car the air-conditioning was a life-saver, but a splendid Greater Racket-tailed Drongo complete with tail plumes excited Srasri enough to get her out of the car again. revitalised by the car's air-con. I was ready to take a look around some of the wooded areas, however, Srasri reminded me of my seafood obligations, so we left.

There was time though for one more bird; a fish-catching Osprey at the dam, observed at close quarters after a screeching halt. A great spectacle to prepare us for barbecued prawns and crab!