Wetland and Himalayan Birding

This is a diverse birding holiday, covering wetlands, arid scrub forests, river valleys, jungle, and foothill Himalayas. The Haiderpur Wetland lies between the Ganga and the Solani river on the Bijnor-Muzaffarnagar border. The wetland boasts biodiversity that attracts birds and animal species. It is home to over 30 plant species, more than 300 bird species, including 100 waterfowl species, and 40 fish types. migratory birds can be found here as they arrive, crossing the hills of Mongolia. There are also several species of deer, butterflies, Gharial, turtles, and Gangetic Dolphins. Haiderpur Wetland supports over 25,000 waterbirds and offers a breeding site for rare species like the Indian grassbird and a shelter to some northern species during their migration. The wetland also supports over 15 globally threatened species, including Black-bellied Tern, Indian Skimmer, steppe eagle and the Barasingha. From this landscape we head north to the Shivalik foothills to the broad-leafed forest of Corbett Tiger Reserve where one of the most experienced wildlife naturalists will guide us to this wildlife-rich reserve, other than being home to the largest concentration of wild tigers anywhere in the world, Corbett is home to a diverse range of about 500 species, including an incredible 50 species of birds of prey. A welcome break from the drives will be at the Vanghat Lodge where we will explore on foot along the Ramganga for a diverse range of species including the Tawny Fish Owl, Lesser Fish Eagle etc. A whopping 242 species are reported in and around the lodge. From here we gain altitude and head up to the conifers of Manila Devi. At an altitude of 1820 meters with the finest views of the icy Nandadevi range, Manila is today considered as one of the best place in the Western Himalayas to observe the Cheer and Koklass Pheasants. A scenic hill drive will bring us to the seven lakes or Sattal and the well-protected oak forest of the Sattal Christian Ashram, this place is home to over 320 bird species like Rufus throated Partridge and Brown Fish Owl. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary has one of the richest bird diversities in the mid to high altitudes of the Western Himalayas, with a checklist of over 240 bird species, and is listed as an Important Bird Area (BNHS & Birdlife International). Altitudinally it varies between 1160 and 7070 metres. The finest bird spots are at Mandal, Deoriya Taal (2387 m), Chopta (2,680 m), Tungnath (3580 m)and Chandrashila (4000 m). Oak and Rhododendron as well as conifer forests clothe the hill slopes at mid to high altitudes, while bugyals (alpine meadows) exist at the higher altitudes. Birds expected – Snow & Chukar Partridges, Cheer, Koklass & Monal Pheasants, Eurasian Woodcock, Great Parrotbill, Spotted Laughing Thrush, Long-billed & Pied Thrushes, Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, White-throated Tit, Black-throated Sunbird, Scarlet Finch and Spot-winged Rosefinch are easy to spot in a multi-day tour of the region. Mammals expected – Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral Goat Antelope, Indian Crested Porcupine, Common Smooth-coated Otter, Barking and Sambar Deer, Himalayan Langurs, Numerous Bat Species and Asian Elephant etc.

Itinerary