The major stop for today that we have planned is in Huben, we want to get to a specific spot where supposedly you can see Fairy Pittas. These birds are very skulky and quite difficult to see but supposedly here there is a good chance so we have to try. Finding the right spot can be quite difficult so there is a cafe, called Pitta Cafe, where you can stay overnight and get guides during the day. However as we pass it the gate is closed and anyway we hope we know the right spot to find these elusive birds.
We go on a one lane road till a beautiful temple which has a large parking lot and decide to park there and then explore the road on foot, supposedly there usually are Fairy Pittas here. However we are very early in their season, first day really, and there are no sightings yet as far as we can tell so who knows if they are already here.
We start on the paved one way road, there are no cars here, and try to listen for pittas. It is quite difficult with dogs barking and car noises from the main street so we move on further in hoping for more quiet to be able to listen for the distinctive call of the pittas. Unfortunately is is also quite hot after the couple days in the mountains and there are some mosquitoes too, fun.
And then we hear the call, we cannot believe it, but it is the call that we are listening for. And then one of us whisper/shouts there it is. But turning around the bird is already gone after just one glimpse and then decides to never return even though we try and try to find it.
We assume it might have been going up the road but no luck and then we arrive at a plantation on one side of the road. And with the plantation comes a barking dog that seems threatening so we retreat back to the original section. And here we find a different bird, a black-naped blue monarch, a beautiful one but not the pitta that we are looking for.
As we approach the temple and the parking it seems to us that we hear the pitta sound again in the distance. We listen and listen and agree that it is worth a try especially as there is a side road going in that direction.
And surprinsingly, and very fortunately for us, quite soon we catch a glimpse of this beautiful and special bird. We enjoy the great views of the bird and take photos, we really did not believe it that we will be able to find it. Completely satisfied we now return to the parking and it is time to drive to our accomodations back into the highlands and cooler temperatures.
