And the bush has friends to meet him, and their kindly voices greet him, In the murmur of the breezes and the river on its bars,
And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended, And at night the wonderous glory of the everlasting stars.

Banjo Paterson (1889)

Monday, January 10, 2011

Christmas Birding in Thailand - Chiang Mai


After some full on birding in southern Thailand, it was time for a couple of days relaxing at Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. A visit to a few of the temples is a must when visiting the area.




Chiang Mai is a very colourful city in many ways!




A visit to the Wat Phra Singh temple complex is a must do. Interesting scaffold work, but I don't think it would pass the health and safety rules back in Australia!




Wonderful colours and carvings.









Very fine art inside.




Tree Sparrows chase each other over the ancient roofs.




When we came in, we thought this monk was real....




But no, just a wonderful wax statue of a famous monk. Excellent work!




Most of the city's temples are very colourful relaxing places.








Small bells on the temple roofs ring in the slightest breeze.

























I was a very naughty boy growing up, always in trouble. I remember my poor mom often looking like this! Sorry mum.




Lots of gold at Wat Phra Doi Suthep on the mountain above Chiang Mai.




The temple complexes often have lush gardens, which are home to these nice black and white Variable Squirrels.




Relaxed and ready for birding in the northern mountains. Some fried cockroaches and worms for lunch! Well, not really, just a nice bean and sago dessert.

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