A Thai Anniversary: Where Love and Lifers Aligned

My wife and I recently celebrated our tenth anniversary with a much-anticipated trip to Thailand. The main agenda? Pure, unadulterated relaxation and soaking up some crucial time together. But as any birder knows, even the most romantic of getaways can quickly turn into an impromptu expedition when a flash of feathers catches your eye. And my wonderful wife? She's come to gracefully accept that a significant portion of my vacation time will involve my eyes, and often my camera, pointed skyward or deep into a shrub.

It’s a funny dynamic, really. We’ll be enjoying a leisurely breakfast, the aroma of exotic fruits and strong coffee filling the air, and then suddenly I’ll blurt out, “Did you see that! A hummingbird!” and point wildly at a tiny blur zipping past. She’ll genuinely look, sometimes even offering her own sightings. Her interest isn't quite at my obsessive level, of course, but she knows the sheer joy and peace that birdwatching brings me, and for that, she's willing to partake. It's one of those beautiful compromises you learn to make in a long marriage, isn't it? Finding joy in each other's passions, even if one involves slightly more craning of the neck and whispering about “lifer” sightings.

Our first few days in Thailand were a perfect blend of city exploration and unexpected avian encounters. From the vibrant, almost impossibly green Common Sunbirds flitting around the hotel gardens, sipping nectar with a frenetic energy that mirrored my own excitement, to the more elusive calls from the dense foliage, every moment felt like a gift. There was a particular afternoon when I slipped away for a solo walk, drawn by the promise of Lumphini Park. I wandered through the lush greenery, feeling that familiar thrill of discovery, and there it was – a Brown Shrike. It wasn't the most flamboyant bird, with its subtle browns and grays, but its distinct mask and confident perch made it a glorious find for me. I spent a good while observing it, delighted by its quiet intensity, and came back to tell my wife all about my glorious find, practically bursting with the news. She just chuckled, already used to my sudden transformations from relaxed husband to stealthy bird photographer, and listened patiently as I recounted the day’s finds.

These aren't always grand, planned expeditions. Sometimes, the most memorable sightings happen in the everyday, woven into the fabric of our travels. It’s a testament, I think, to the beauty of being present, even when you're also looking for a rare wagtail. It also reminds me that life, much like birding, is full of unexpected treasures if you only keep your eyes open – and maybe (always?) bring your binoculars along, just in case.

Sunbird

Brown Shrike