BIRDING
The Indian region with over 1250 of the world's 8650 species of birds, Is incredibly rich in bird life. Due to the variety of habitats and
climate, this number rises to over 2000 with sub species included.
the Indian avifauna Is largely oriental with a good mixture of palearctic elements. About 150 Of the species found in India are endemic to altitude ranges from sea level to the high Himalayas, rainfall from its lowest in Rajasthan desert conditions to its highest in Cherapunji in the North east, one of the wettest places in the world. The climate in large Parts on India encourages plant growth hence insect activity increases, This provides ample stock and abundant sources for avian nourishment throughout the year.
India is truly a land of contrasts, which never fails to surprise and
fascinate the visitor. The birdwatcher will find plenty to search for and study and will realize that more than a few trips are necessary to do justice to The indigenous birding.
The most important things to bring with you are an open mind, a sense of
humour and a flexible attitude as a trip to India is always an
adventure. your birding and travel experiences will always be successful
and enjoyable, If you come armed with these attributes.
Corbett national park is a birdwatcher's paradise. The park, with its
rich bio geographic diversity, is home to more than 600 species of birds - about Half of the total species found in the entire Indian subcontinent! It is Considered one of the true bird parks of the world. Raptors are of infinite Variety and occasionally species of hawks and eagles appear. You can see Eagles, vultures, buzzards, parakeets, owls, orioles, drongos, thrushes, Babblers, bulbuls, cuckoos, doves, bee eaters, rollers, flycatchers, warblers, Robins, chats, finches, forktails, hornbills, kingfishers and many many More. The numerous water bodies provide an ideal habitat for ducks and Waders which are migratory. The park forms a natural crossroad and meeting ground for avian species from high altitude areas, plains and eastern and Western regions. Because of this unique location, the bird population is Pretty high throughout the year, with winter visitors, summer visitors, Altitudinal migrants, passage migrants and local migrants. The park is An avid birdwatcher's destination.
Here is a sampler Of what you can see within a few hours.
Ibisbill
Pin-tailed green pigeon
Long-tailed broadbill
Black-throated jay
Blue-headed redstart
Red-headed thrush
White-throated laughing thrushes
Grey-winged blackbirds
Red-flanked bluetails
Streaked laughing-thrush
Hill partridge
Himalayan woodpecker
Rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler
Golden bush-robin
Scaly-breasted wren-babbler
Himalayan griffon vulture
Lammergeier
Black eagle
Koklas pheasant
Great hill barbet
White-browed shrike-babbler
Fire-capped tit
Sample Tour Plan
[Nine Days and Eight Nights- Nov to April]
Day
One [Delhi-Bhimtal]
Drive in the morning to Bhimtal (7 hours). Afternoon birding with a guide
near the lodge. This habitats offers different species like White-crested
Laughing Thrushes, black winged kite, Red-billed Leothrix, Himalayan Ruby
throat, crested and rock bunting. This scattered and deliberately undeveloped area is one of the most pleasant destinations. Overnight
stay.
Day
Two [Bhimtal- Nainital]
Half day birding in and around Bhimtal. Look for laughing thrushes,
accentors, woodpeckers etc.You will be transferred to Nainital (1 hr.), a journey that takes you on
one of the world's more spectacular mountain roads as we climb up into
the Kumaon Hills on our way to this delightful "lake city."A long trail leads up to Cheena Peak, which at 2610 metres offers views
of the Garhwal Himalayas including Nanda Devi.
The viewpoint is alive with Grey headed Canary flycatchers, White-throated Laughing thrushes, Grey-winged Blackbirds and green backed tits.
We can also look for Hill Barbet, Slaty grey Woodpecker, black chinned
babbler, black headed and maroon orioles. Nearby mountains could include
Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Lammergeier and Chukar,Khalij Pheasant, crimson Sunbird and the Fire-capped Tit.
Day
Three [Nainital- Ranikhet]
Early start for a 3.5-hour drive to Ranikhet through the Himalayan roads.
Rest of the day birding in the surroundings. One can see fire-tailed or
green tailed sunbirds, sultan tits, scaly breasted wren-babbler, Black
bulbul, Black capped Sibia, Black Eagle, King Vulture, Black breasted
sunbird, Blue throated Barbet etc.
Day
Four [Ranikhet-Corbett National Park]
Half day birding in Ranikhet and surrounding areas. You could come across
Blue whistling thrush, Booted Hawk Eagle, Broad billed roller, green,
gold or rose finch, Brown crested tit etc. Arrive at the Corbett Camp by sundown for campfire barbecue. Dinner and
overnight at Camp
Day
Five [Corbett
Camp-Corbett National Park ]
At Corbett Camp wake up at leisure, after breakfast walk in the surrounding
forest and Riverside to observe the flora and fauna of the area. Corbett Camp makes an ideal base for
birding in Corbett National Park, India. Post lunch game drive to the
Jhirna range to observe the wildlife of the area. Back
to camp for Campfire. Dinner and overnight at Camp.
Corbett National Park india
has a spectacular avifauna diversity. About 580
species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded in and around
the reserve and 49 species of diurnal raptors are found here forming a
characteristic element of the avifauna. Great pie hornbill, Pallas's
fishing eagle, lesser grey headed fishing eagle, red- thighed falconet are
some of the endangered birds found in Corbett. More birds include Tawny
Fish Owl, Great Hornbill, scaly bellied woodpecker, red breasted Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, grey headed Fish Eagle, Stork-billed
Kingfisher and Himalayan Ruby throat.
Day
Six [Dhikala Forest Lodge (Corbett National Park)]
Drive early morning to Dhikala tourism zone. Arrive at the main tourist
complex, Dhikala check in. Afternoon visit to the grasslands for birding.
Overnight stay at Dhikala Forest Lodge. Birding in the lower jungle track
along the Ramganga river is very rewarding for water birds such as river
lapwings, waders, mergansers and other waterfowl. While relaxing at the
lodge or visiting the grasslands one can see large-tailed nightjar, jungle owlet, spot-bellied owlet, grass owl, common and white-tailed
stonechat, black francolin, purple and crimson sunbird, golden-fronted
leafbird, black-shouldered kite, hen harrier, changeable hawk-eagle etc.
Day
Seven [Corbett National Park]
Morning elephant safari through the grasslands and dense forests. This is
the best mode of transport for wildlife viewing. Return at 0900 hours for
breakfast and then spend time till lunch on a watchtower overlooking a
water hole. Drive to Corbett Camp. Arrive Corbett Camp for dinner. Overnight
stay.Some of the best birding areas of Dhikala are Sambhar Road and
Khinanauli. One can expect to see great slaty woodpecker, great hornbill,
puff-throated babbler, white-rumped shama, pallas's fish eagle etc.
Day
Eight [Corbett National Park]
Full day at Corbett with a morning or evening elephant / jeep ride into
the park. You may search the boulder-strewn river for the rare and elusive Ibisbill as well as brown dipper. The best birding areas are in
the buffer zone along the Kosi River near Corbett Camp. You can also bird-watch across the river from the resort which can be crossed by a bridge a
short distance upriver from the hotel or by wading across the Kosi. It
can be fairly rewarding as one can see mergansers, crested kingfisher,
green heron, egrets and cormorants etc.
Day
Nine [Corbett National Park-Delhi]
You will explore the river edge at Kumeria for Brown Fish Owl, barred
owlet, Plumbeous Redstart, brown dipper and the three species of
forktails. Many new species are possible in the forest and could include
Crested Tree Swift, Spangled Drongo and Blue-bearded Bee-eater. Drive
back to Delhi at noon. Arrive Delhi in the evening (6 hour drive).
Best time to visit Corbett National Park India is between mid-October to April.
Bird sightings depend greatly on season, timing, and patience.
Sightings mentioned in the itinerary are only a guide and cannot be
guaranteed.
Cost of the package: USd 75 per
pax/per day on a twin share.
Single supplement rates on request.
NOTE: This is combination trip including game drives by 4X4 jeeps, elephant rides and nature hikes. The whole trip would be escorted with our
resident naturalist, and camp staff. The costs include all boarding
and lodging as mentioned and all activities as mentioned in the tour plan.
Mineral water and alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost.
|
|
