There are two birds that are at the top of every birdwatchers list when visiting Thailand. One is the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, a migrant from Eastern Russia and classified as a threatened species.
The other one is Gurney's Pitta in Southern Thailand. Gurney's Pitta has received a lot of attention and is a sort of a 'holy grail' that all birders dream of one day seeing. It is critically endangered.

The numbers of the Pittas in Thailand has dwindled down to 10 pairs, all in a small area of lowland forest at the province of Krabi. (However, the good news is that a substantial population has been 'discovered' in Southern Myanmar)
People come here and often spend a whole week looking for it without success. In order to assure success many opt to employ a local guide who knows the bird’s whereabouts.

These birds have been monitored closely by researchers and been photographed from behind blinds extensively.

This morning I went for a walk. As usual it was very hard to see any birds. It took me over an hour to see my first species for the day.
After a couple of hours birding I didn't know whether to continue the trail or walk back to the beginning. I stopped and took a few quiet moments. I sent up a prayer asking for advice. I felt led to walk back.
Shortly I stopped again and sensed 'there is a Pitta nearby, look to your left'. I looked but nothing there. I decided that I must have gotten my 'wires crossed' and so continued walking.
Only 30 meters further along my eyes caught view of this charming male Gurney's Pitta hopping along the trail some 30-40meters in front of me. I tried to stalk it but it was in a hurry.
I managed only 3 shots before it disappeared into the forest.

My camera settings had been bumped to Program priority. Meaning I was shooting at 1/100s. I normally can not manage a clear shot at this speed with the 400mm prime lens and the equipment being handheld. First two shots were blur. Then the miracle happened. The 3rd frame was relatively sharp!