“I was prompted by YC Wee’s August 16th BESG observations LINK to dig out some photos I took a few months ago of the Scaly-breasted Munias (Lonchura punctulata) that regularly bathe in my swimming pool in Koh Samui.
“The light chlorination doesn’t appear to bother them at all. Indeed, they (and other birds) often drink the water too (as does our cat) without any apparent negative repercussions.
“The flock of munias live and feed in the grassy areas outside my property and since 2012 when I first started observing them, has grown from less than 10 to about 20 (counted yesterday on the pool edge).
“The munias are often joined by:
“Yellow-vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus goiavier) (below),
“Oriental Magpie-robins (Copsychus saularis) (below)
“and Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis) (below).
“Indeed a few days back all four species were happily coexisting in their communal bath. Sometimes the mynas do intimidate the munias, however, while
the bulbuls don’t seem too bothered, and the magpie-robins seem to keep to themselves and ignore everyone else.
“My house is part of a development of maybe 20 properties, all of which have swimming pools that may possibly contribute to the local success of some of these species. Although they are to be seen at the water throughout the year, they are all much more active in their bathing when there is a lack of rain and when temperatures are particularly high.”
Howard Banwell
Koh Samui, Thailand
25th August 2018
One Response
beautiful pictures and description..