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| A Report from birdtours.co.uk | 
NEPAL: Langtang & Gosainkund Trek 26th April - 17th May 1997,
Itinerary
26/4/97 : Arrived Kathmandu around 3pm. Took taxi to the Kathmandu Guesthouse and made a brief visit to Nagarjung from 5pm - 7pm.
27/4/97 : Took a jeep to the summit of Phulchowki leaving the Guesthouse at 4.15am and arriving at the summit at 5.50am. Walked slowly down the road exploring several short side trails until reaching the huts around half way down at 3pm. Drove down to the ravine at the base of Phulchowki and spent an hour along the trail in the ravine.
28/4/97 : Left Kathmandu at 7.30am taking a Land Rover to Trisuli arriving at 11am where we stopped for an hour. Continued in Land Rover to c.8km short of Dhunche where we walked the road towards Dhunche for 3 hours. Camped at Dhunche.
29/4/97 : Left Dhunche at 6am and walked to Sing Gompa (Chandan Bari) arriving at 4pm the trail leading up a superb forested valley the entire way.
30/4/97 : At dawn walked towards Gosainkund for 4 hours and then returned to Sing Gompa from where we walked to the Prayer Flags in the forest above Syabru. In the afternoon we walked back towards Sing Gompa for an hour and then concentrated in the forest around the Prayer Flags in the evening. Camped at Prayer Flags.
1/5/97 : Left prayer flags at dawn and walked down to the Stone Blocks by 5am. Continued to Syabru arriving at 9am and walked to Lama Lodge arriving at 4pm.
2/5/97 : Spent from 5.30am to 8am in the forest beyond Lama Lodge and then walked slowly on to Ghore Tabela arriving at 2.30. Heavy rain the rest of the day prevented birding.
3/5/97 : Left Ghore Tabela at dawn in fine weather and walked to Kyanjin arriving at 2.30pm. Walked to Ibisbill flats and back in afternoon.
4/5/97 : At dawn walked towards Yala Hill. In late morning returned to Kyanjin and walked to the Birch Forest on the opposite side of the valley. In the afternoon we again walked to the Ibisbill flats.
5/5/97 : Left Kyanjin at 5.30am and walked to Lama Lodge arriving at 3pm. Late afternoon spent birding forest towards Syabru.
6/5/97 : Left Lama Lodge at dawn and walked slowly to Syabru arriving at 5pm having spent a couple of hours in the vicinity of the bridge below Syabru.
7/5/97 : Left Syabru at 6am and in an attempt to walk through good forest climbed up through unfortunately mainly cleared areas to a lodge between Sing Gompa and Gosainkund.
8/5/97 : Left lodge at dawn and climbed up to Gosainkund lakes (which were frozen) by 9am. Spent an hour birding the edges of the lake and then continued over the Laurebina Pass (>15,000 feet) and on to Phedi arriving at 4pm .
9/5/97 : Left Phedi at dawn and slowly walked to Gapte arriving just after midday. Spent afternoon in the forest below Gapte.
10/5/97 : Spent all day in the vicinity of Gapte.
11/5/97 : Spent all day in the vicinity of Gapte.
12/5/97 : Left Gapte at 5am and slowly walked to Thare Pati arriving 1pm.
13/5/97 : Left Thare Pati at 6am and walked to Magengoth arriving at 11am. In the afternoon birded a trail at the back of the army checkpoint.
14/5/97 : Early morning spent in the forest back towards Thare Pati and then walked to Kutumsang arriving 1pm.
15/5/97 : Walked to Chisa Pani arriving at 3pm.
16/5/97 : Walked over the Sheopuri ridge and descended to Sundarijal arriving at 1pm. Jeep ride back to Kathmandu Guesthouse arriving at 2pm.
17/5/97 : Spent morning at the lower slopes of Phulchowki and the afternoon sightseeing in Kathmandu.
18/5/97 : Left Kathmandu on 8am flight.
Systematic List:
Black-crowned Night Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax 
  
  At least 6 adults were seen at Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu on the 27th. 
Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis 
  Up to 20 were seen in trees near Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu on the 27th, 1 was 
  seen on the drive to Trisuli on the 28th and 6 were seen on the drive from Sundarijal 
  to Kathmandu on the 16th and finally 30 were seen on the drive to and from Phulchowki 
  on the 17th. 
Black Kite - Milvus migrans 
  Around Kathmandu 5 were seen on the 26th and 10 on the 16th and 6 were seen 
  on the drive to Trisuli on the 28th. However of greater interest were a flock 
  of 9 seen heading north east over Kyanjin on the 4th. 
Lammergeier - Gypaetus barbatus 
  An adult was seen along the road c.5km before reaching Dhunche on the 28th, 
  a pair of adults were seen together along a ridge below Sing Gompa on the 29th, 
  an adult was seen over Langtang and 2 adults were seen just below Kyanjin on 
  the 3rd, a pair of adults were seen from the Ibisbill flats on the 4th, 1 subadult 
  was seen whilst making the ascent at Landslide on the 6th and finally an adult 
  was seen above Syabru on the 7th. Some quite superb views were obtained. 
Himalayan Griffon Vulture - Gyps himalayensis 
  Up to 15 were seen between Langtang and Kyanjin on the 3rd, 6 around Kyanjin 
  on the 4th, 1 near the Lama Hotel on the 6th and 1 at Magengoth on the 14th. 
Crested Serpent Eagle - Spilornis cheela 
  A single adult was seen along the road around 5km short of Dhunche on the 28th. 
Hen Harrier - Circus macrourus 
  A single female was seen above Kyanjin on the 3rd. 
Besra - Accipiter virgatus 
  A single adult was seen at Phulchowki on the 27th. 
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 
  A pair were seen between Sing Gompa and Gosainkund on the 30th and singles were 
  seen above Gapte on the 11th and above Thare Pati on the 12th. 
Black Eagle - Ictinaetus malayensis 
  Singles were seen along the cliffs above the ravine 1km above Langtang on the 
  5th and over the Sheopuri ridge on the 16th. 
Golden Eagle - Aquila chrysaetos 
  A single immature was seen above Kyanjin on the 4th. 
Bonelli's Eagle - Hieraaetus fasciatus 
  Superb views were obtained of a pair along the road between Trisuli and Dhunche 
  on the 28th. 
Common Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus 
  Singles were seen just below Sing Gompa on the 29th and above Sing Gompa on 
  the 30th and  2 were seen between Kutumsang and Chisa Pani on the 15th.
Eurasian Hobby - Falco subbuteo 
  A single individual was watched taking Dragonflies near Kutumsang on the 15th. 
Snow Partridge - Lerwa lerwa 
  Flight views were obtained of a pair two ridges beyond Kyanjin on the 4th, 6 
  were seen both on the ground and in flight just below the Gosainkund lakes on 
  the 8th and 1 was seen in flight at Phedi on the 9th. 
Black Francolin - Francolinus francolinus 
  A single male allowed superb views whilst calling alongside the road to Trisuli 
  on the 28th and another individual was heard calling just before the Mineral 
  Water Plant at Dhunche on the 29th. 
Hill Partridge - Arborophila torqueola 
  DC had brief views of a female walking away in the dense scrub above Syabru 
  on the 7th. 
Blood Pheasant - Ithaginis cruentus 
  A pair were seen in the Birch Forest on the opposite side of the valley to Kyanjin 
  on the 4th, a male was seen in the forest below Gapte on the 9th, a superb pair 
  allowed good views to be obtained in the forest below Gapte in the vicinity 
  of the first ridge on both the 10th and 11th, 2 males and a female were seen 
  in forest at Magengoth and a male was seen along the trail behind the army checkpoint 
  on the 13th and a single male was seen in forest above Magengoth on the 14th. 
  Quite superb.
Satyr Tragopan - Tragopan satyra 
  A single male showed down to 15 yards along the first ridge in the forest below 
  Gapte on the 10th and a female was flushed from the same area the following 
  day and was seen to fly down the ravine. Although JFC obtained superb views 
  of the male DC was left disappointed as his views were largely obscured by a 
  fallen tree. This species is listed as Near Threatened by Birdlife International 
  (Collar et al. 1994). Rather depressingly when our guide asked local villagers 
  about the presence of this species in the area he was repeatedly told that they 
  were common up until ten years ago but have since been widely shot for food. 
  In addition to this he was told that they are being snared around Thare Pati. 
  Along with the degradation of the habitat above Syabru principally by grazing 
  goats, sheep and cattle the future looks bleak for this species in this area 
  and no doubt others throughout Nepal. 
Himalayan Monal - Lophophorus impejanus 
  A male was seen just below Sing Gompa on the 29th, a superb male was seen at 
  close range above Sing Gompa on the 30th and a pair were seen near the Prayer 
  Flags above Syabru the same day, a male was seen on slopes above Ghore Tabela 
  on the 3rd, a female was seen at the ravine 1km beyond Langtang on the 5th, 
  2 males were seen on slopes surrounding Phedi on the 9th and finally 1 male 
  was seen between Gapte and Thare Pati on the 10th. Superb. 
Kalij Pheasant - Lophura leucomelana 
  DC saw a single male in a clearing in bamboo just beyond the bridge below Syabru 
  on the 1st but unfortunately JFC only saw the bird when walking into cover. 
Ibisbill - Ibidorhyncha struthersii 
  A pair of these superb birds were enjoyed on the gravel flats above Kyanjin 
  on the 3rd and 4th. 
Wood Snipe - Gallinago nemoricola 
  Singles were flushed from the Birch Forest on the opposite side of the valley 
  to Kyanjin on the 4th and from between the Upper and Lower Caves at Gapte on 
  the 9th. This species is listed as Vulnerable by Birdlife International (Collar 
  et al. 1994) who state that the loss of habitat in the wintering range is likely 
  to be an important factor in its decline. 
Rock Pigeon - Columba livia 
  A single individual was seen on the cliffs opposite the Landslide Lodge on the 
  1st. 
Snow Pigeon - Columba leuconota 
  Up to 300 were seen between Ghore Tabela nad Kyanjin on the 3rd, 8 at Kyanjin 
  on the 4th and 100 between Kyanjin and Langtang on the 5th. 
Speckled Woodpigeon - Columba hodgsonii 
  A single individual was seen along the road around 5km before reaching Dhunche 
  on the 28th, 6 were seen between Dhunche and Sing Gompa with some good perched 
  views being obtained and finally 12 were seen between Syabru and Lama Lodge 
  on the 1st. 
Eurasian Collared Dove - Streptopelia decaocto 
  JFC saw 2 at Kutumsang on the 14th. 
Oriental Turtle Dove - Streptopelia orientalis 
  Small numbers were seen at Phulchowki, near Dhunche, near Sing Gompa, Syabru, 
  Ghore Tabela and were seen displaying at the Sheopuri Ridge on the 16th. A daily 
  maximum of 6 was recorded on the 7th. 
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis 
  A pair were seen at Nagarjung on the 26th, 1 was seen on the drive to Trisuli 
  on the 28th and 1 was seen below the ravine at Phulchowki on the 17th. 
Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon - Treron sphenura 
  A single individual was seen in a fruiting tree in the ravine at the base of 
  Phulchowki on the 17th. 
Large Hawk-Cuckoo - Hierococcyx sparverioides
  A single individual was seen in flight with several others heard between Dhunche 
  and Sing Gompa on the 29th with others heard in the Syabru area on both the 
  6th and 7th and above Kutumsang on the 14th with 1 seen and others heard between 
  Kutumsang and Chisa Pani on the 15th and 1 seen well whilst calling on the Sheopuri 
  Ridge on the 16th. 
Eurasian Cuckoo - Cuculus canorus 
  Heard daily apart from between the 2nd and the 6th and on the 8th when at high 
  altitudes. Seen on six dates with a daily maximum of 3 seen between Dhunche 
  and Sing Gompa on the 29th. 
Oriental Cuckoo - Cuculus saturatus 
  Heard on eleven dates being absent in the same areas as the previous species 
  but also not heard between the 10th and 13th. Calling birds were seen well at 
  Phulchowki on the 27th and just after leaving Kutumsang on the 15th. 
Lesser Cuckoo - Cuculus poliocephalus 
  Singles were seen just above Lama Lodge on the 2nd and above Syabru on the 7th 
  and a calling bird (the first we heard) was seen above Kutumsang on the 14th. 
Common Koel - Eudynamys scolopacea 
  A single bird was seen at Nagarjung on the 26th with others heard in the area, 
  heard near Syabru on the 1st and at the Monkey Temple in Kathmandu on the 17th. 
Spotted Owlet - Athene brama 
  A single individual was seen perched in a solitary tree behind the Bus Stop 
  at Sundarijal on the 16th. 
Brown Wood Owl - Strix leptogrammica 
  A single bird perched on a low branch around half an hours walk down from the 
  summit of Phulchowki was an early highlight of the trip on the 27th. 
Nightjar sp. - Caprimulgus sp. 
  A single individual was seen briefly at dusk at the entrance gate to Nagarjung 
  on the 26th. 
Himalayan Swiftlet - Collocalia brevirostris 
  Seen on twelve dates in fair numbers although apart from 2 seen on the 5th not 
  recorded from the 3rd to the 10th. A daily maximum of at least 250 were seen 
  feeding low over the forest between Gapte and Thare Pati on the 12th. 
White-throated Needletail - Hirundapus caudacutus 
  
  Two were seen at close range over the first ridge below Magengoth on the 14th. 
  Superb. 
Fork-tailed Swift - Apus pacificus 
  A flock of around 25 were seen feeding low over the fields at Syabru on the 
  1st and 2 were seen feeding over Thare Pati on the 12th. 
House Swift - Apus affinis 
  A flock of around 20 were seen over the town of Trisuli on the 28th, 1 was seen 
  around the cliffs opposite Landslide Lodge on the 6th, up to 60 were seen over 
  Kutumsang on the 14th with 6 there the next morning and around 30 were seen 
  at Kathmandu on the 17th. 
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis 
  A single individual was seen perched on telegraph wires on the drive to Trisuli 
  on the 28th. 
Chestnut-headed Bee-Eater - Merops leschenaulti 
  JFC saw 2 on the drive to Trisuli on the 28th. 
Great Barbet - Megalaima virens 
  A single individual was seen around 5km before reaching Dhunche on the 28th. 
Grey-headed Woodpecker - Picus canus 
  A superb male was seen on the upper slopes of Phulchowki on the 27th. 
Scaly-bellied Woodpecker - Picus squamatus 
  A single individual was seen at close range in the few trees just above the 
  lodge situated just below the forest above Syabru on the 1st and 2 were seen 
  in the scattered large trees fringing the lower edge of the forest above Syabru 
  on the 7th. 
Darjeeling Woodpecker - Dendrocopos darjellensis 
  A single individual was seen just before we left the forest and entered the 
  clearing at Ghore Tabela on the 2nd. 
Crimson-breasted Pied Woodpecker - Dendrocopos cathpharius 
  
  A pair were seen in roadside forest around 5km short of Dhunche on the 28th. 
Rufous-bellied Woodpecker - Dendrocopos hyperythrus 
  
  Singles allowed superb views on the upper slopes of Phulchowki on the 27th and 
  in the forest just below the Prayer Flags above Syabru on the 30th. The latter 
  individual was watched for around half an hour as it visited its small holes 
  to take the sap. 
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica 
  Up to 10 were seen flying along the streets of Kathmandu on five dates and 2 
  were seen at Chisa Pani on the 15th. 
Red-rumped Swallow - Hirundo daurica 
  Around 15 were seen along the road between Kathmandu and Dhunche on the 28th, 
  2 were seen at Kutumsang on the 14th, around 20 were seen at Chisa Pani on the 
  15th and 4 there the following morning. 
Nepal House Martin - Delichon nipalensis 
  A flock of around 50 were seen between Dhunche and Sing Gompa on the 29th, a 
  feeding flock of around 30 were seen in the vicinity of the bridge below Syabru 
  on the 1st and 8 were seen between Lama Lodge and Ghore Tabela on the 2nd. 
Asian House Martin - Delichon dasypus 
  Around 30 were seen near Syabru on the 1st and a single individual was seen 
  at the Upper Gapte Cave on the 11th. 
Olive-backed Pipit - Anthus hodgsoni 
  Seen on eight dates during the trek at scattered locations although not recorded 
  from the 8th to the 13th. A daily maximum of 10 was recorded on the 1st. a bird 
  was seen carrying nesting material on the Sheopuri Ridge on the 16th. 
Rosy Pipit - Anthus roseatus 
  Generally only seen at higher altitudes with 3 around Sing Gompa on the 29th, 
  40 seen between Ghore Tabela ad Kyanjin on the 3rd, 12 around Kyanjin on the 
  4th and 6 seen on the walk back to Ghore Tabela on the 5th, 10 seen at the Gosainkund 
  Lakes on the 8th and finally up to 6 seen around Thare Pati on two dates. 
Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea 
  Around 6 were seen along the river between Dunche and Sing Gompa on the 29th 
  with smaller numbers seen daily from the 3rd to the 7th and finally 1 was seen 
  on the lower slopes of Phulchowki on the 17th. 
White Wagtail - Motacilla alba 
  Only seen on the gravel flats above Kyanjin where 5 were seen on the 3rd and 
  2 were seen the next day. Appeared to be of the race M.a.alboides. 
Black-winged Cuckoo-Shrike - Coracina melaschistos 
  
  Around 4 were seen at the start of the trek not far from Dhunche on the 29th 
  and 1 was seen above Syabru on the 7th. 
Scarlet Minivet - Pericrocotus flammeus 
  Surprisingly only 3 were seen at the start of the trek not far from Dhunche 
  on the 29th. 
Short-billed Minivet - Pericrocotus brevirostris 
  A pair were seen not far from Dhunche on the 29th and a single male was seen 
  near Syabru on the 1st. 
Long-tailed Minivet - Pericrocotus ethologus 
  Around 8 were seen on Phulchowki on the 27th and 1 was seen on the Sheopuri 
  Ridge on the 16th. 
Striated Bulbul - Pycnonotus striatus
  Pairs were seen near the huts on Phulchowki on the 27th and along the stretch 
  of road before reaching Dhunche on the 28th. 
White-cheeked Bulbul - Pycnonotus leucogenys 
  At least 3 were seen on the drive to Trisuli on the 28th, around 8 were seen 
  around Dhunche on the 29th, 1 was seen at Syabru on the 6th, 1 was seen on the 
  15th and around 4 were seen at Kathmandu on the 17th. 
Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer 
  Around 20 were seen on the drive to Dhunche on the 28th, and 2 were seen at 
  Kathmandu on the 16th and 17th. 
Mountain Bulbul - Hypsipetes mcclellandii 
  A party of 4 were seen at Nagarjung on the 26th and 2 were seen between Dhunche 
  and Sing Gompa on the 29th. 
Black Bulbul - Hypsipetes leucocephalus 
  A single individual was seen at Nagarjung on the 26th, up to 5 were seen near 
  Dhunche on two days, 2 were seen near Syabru on the 1stand 2 were seen on the 
  15th. 
Orange-bellied Leafbird - Chloropsis hardwickii 
  A single male was seen in a fruiting tree on the lower slopes of Phulchowki 
  on the 17th. 
Brown Dipper - Cinclus pallasii 
  A single individual was seen between Dhunche and Sing Gompa on the 29th, 3 were 
  seen between Lama Hotel and Ghore Tabela on the 2nd with the same number in 
  the same area on the walk back on the 5th and surprisingly 1 was seen around 
  the small reservoir on the Sheopuri ridge on the 16th. 
Northern Wren - Troglodytes troglodytes 
  Around Kyanjin 2 were seen on the 4th and 1 on the 5th and around Phedi 2 were 
  seen on the 8th and 1 on the 9th. 
Rufous-breasted Accentor - Prunella strophiata 
  A single individual was seen on the upper slopes of Phulchowki on the 27th, 
  and up to 10 were seen daily between the 3rd and 13th with the exception of 
  the 6th and 7th. 
Altai Accentor - Prunella himalayana 
  A pair were seen along the banks of the first river the trail crosses above 
  Kyanjin on the 3rd and 1 was seen the next day around the old ruined houses 
  next to the gravel flats. 
Alpine Accentor - Prunella collaris 
  Around 20 were seen in the vicinity of Gosainkund on the 8th. with some extremely 
  tame individuals being seen. 
Gould's Shortwing - Brachypteryx stellata 
  A stunning singing male was seen at the last boulder strewn moraine before reaching 
  Thare Pati on the 12th. We feared we may be too early for this altitudinal migrant 
  so it put us on a high to see one, let alone obtain such good views. Our thanks 
  go to Craig Robson for giving us the break we needed with this species. This 
  species is listed as Near Threatened by Birdlife International (Collar et al. 
  1994).
White-tailed Rubythroat - Luscinia pectoralis 
  A superb male allowed good views to be obtained in the ravine around 1 km above 
  Langtang on the 5th. 
Indian Blue Robin - Luscinia brunnea 
  A superb species which proved much commoner than expected with fine views often 
  obtained of singing males perched high on dead trees etc. Recorded as follows 
  : 3 on the upper slopes of Phulchowki on the 27th, 25 between Dhunche and Sing 
  Gompa on the 29th, 5 seen around Sing Gompa on the 30th, 1 seen near Syabru 
  on the 1st, 1 seen near Syabru on the 6th and 7th, 1 seen near Kutumsang on 
  the 15th and finally 1 seen on Sheopuri Ridge on the 16th with others heard 
  on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th. 
Orange-flanked Bush-Robin - Tarsiger cyanurus 
  Seen on six dates with 8 seen in the vicinity of Sing Gompa on the 30th, 1 on 
  the 1st, up to 5 seen between Ghore Tabela and Kyanjin both times we walked 
  this stretch, around 4 seen in the birch forest on the opposite side of the 
  valley to Kyanjin and 4 seen above Syabru on the 7th. Several obliging males 
  were enjoyed. 
Golden Bush-Robin - Tarsiger chrysaeus 
  Around 6 were seen above Sing Gompa walking towards Gosainkund on the 30th, 
  1 was seen above Ghore Tabela on the 3rd and up to 10 were seen daily from the 
  8th to the 13th with some superbly obliging males being present around Gapte. 
White-browed Bush-Robin - Tarsiger indicus 
  A pair were seen on the walk from Phedi to Gapte as well as a male in the forest 
  below Gapte on the 9th, a female was seen in the forest below Gapte on the 10th, 
  a male was seen outside the checkpoint at Magengoth on the 13th and finally 
  an obliging male was seen climbing the first slope having left Magengoth on 
  the 14th. 
Rufous-breasted Bush-Robin - Tarsiger hyperthrus 
  Another superb species with 2 superbly obliging males seen between Phedi and 
  Gapte on the 9th and another obliging male seen near the Upper Gapte Cave several 
  times on the 11th. This species is listed as Near Threatened by Birdlife International 
  (Collar et al. 1994). 
Asian Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis
  A single bird was seen at Nagarjung on the 26th, 4 were seen on the drive to 
  Dhunche on the 28th, 3 were seen between Chisa Pani and Kathmandu on the 16th 
  and 1 was seen on the lower slopes of Phulchowki on the 17th. 
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros 
  A single male was seen near the summit of Phulchowki on the 27th. Presumably 
  a migrant. 
Blue-fronted Redstart - Phoenicurus frontalis 
  Up to 8 were seen daily on ten dates between the 30th April and the 14th May. 
Plumbeous Redstart - Rhyacornis fuliginosus 
  Only seen on seven dates on the drive to Dhunche, on the walk to Sing Gompa, 
  between Syabru and Ghore Tabela and on the Sheopuri Ridge with a daily maximum 
  of 5 seen on both the 1st and 2nd. 
Grandala - Grandala coelicolor 
  This superb species was only seen on the 8th with a pair before reaching Gosainkund, 
  around 15 feeding on an outbreak of insects on the around the edges of the frozen 
  Gosainkund lake and a loose flock of around 25 being seen between Laurebina 
  Pass and Phedi 
Common Stonechat - Saxicola torquata 
  On the drive to Dhunche 2 were seen on the 28th, 1 was seen in Dhunche on the 
  29th, 2 were seen at Syabru on the 1st and again on the 6th. 
Pied Bushchat - Saxicola caprata 
  Around 10 were seen on the drive to Dhunche on the 28th. 
Grey Bushchat - Saxicola ferrea 
  Seen in fair numbers on thirteen dates although not from the 8th to the 13th 
  with a daily maximum of 10 recorded on the 29th and 7th. 
White-capped Redstart - Chaimarrornis leucocephalus 
  
  Seen on eleven dates between the 29th and the 11th with a daily maximum of 8 
  seen on the 2nd. 
Blue-capped Rock-Thrush - Monticola cinclorhyncha 
  
  A superb male was seen around Dhunche on the 29th singing from telegraph wires 
  and roofs. 
Blue Whistling Thrush - Myiophoneus caeruleus 
  Seen on sixteen dates being very widespread with a daily maximum of 20 seen 
  on the 1st. 
Plain-backed Mountain Thrush - Zoothera mollissima 
  
  A single individual was seen between Bamboo Lodge and Lama Lodge on the 1st, 
  2 were seen before reaching Gosainkund on the 8th, 1 was seen in the forest 
  below Gapte on the 9th, 1 was seen carrying nesting material in the forest before 
  reaching Thare Pati on the 10th and 1 was seen in the forest below Gapte on 
  the 11th. 
Long-tailed Mountain Thrush - Zoothera dixoni 
  An obliging individual was seen adjacent to the trail leading through the good 
  rhododendron forest just below Sing Gompa heading towards Syabru on the 30th. 
Scaly Thrush - Zoothera dauma
  On the upper slopes of Phulchowki 2 allowed superb views to be obtained along 
  a trail leading away from the road on the 27th. 
Long-billed Thrush - Zoothera monticola 
  This outrageous species was encountered around 30yards beyond the bridge below 
  Syabru on both the 1st and 6th with some fine views being obtained. This species 
  is listed as Near Threatened by Birdlife International (Collar et al. 1994). 
Pied Ground Thrush - Zoothera wardii
  A stunning male was watched for a quarter of an hour virtually at our feet at 
  the first small ravine having past the mineral water plant at Dhunche on the 
  29th proving to be an early highlight of the trek. This species is listed as 
  Near Threatened by Birdlife International (Collar et al. 1994). 
Orange-headed Ground Thrush - Zoothera citrina 
  A stunning individual was watched a close range on a scrub covered hillside 
  between Kutumsang and Chisa Pani on the 15th. Having showed well for several 
  minutes it then flew off strongly down the hillside for a considerable distance. 
  Both its chosen habitat and its behavior leads us to think that it must have 
  been a migrant. 
Tickell's Thrush - Turdus unicolor 
  A single individual was seen around 5km short of Dhunche on the 28th, 2 were 
  seen between Dhunche and Sing Gompa on the 29th and an obliging individual was 
  seen on the Sheopuri Ridge on the 16th. 
White-collared Blackbird - Turdus albocinctus 
  A loose party of around 20 presumed migrants were seen in the rhododendron forest 
  below Sing Gompa heading towards Syabru on the 30th with 1 being seen in the 
  forest above Syabru on the 1st and then small numbers were seen daily between 
  the 9th and the 14th with a bird carrying nesting material seen on the 11th 
  and a daily maximum of 3 being seen in this period on the 13th. 
Grey-winged Blackbird - Turdus boulboul 
  A single male was seen on the walk to Sing Gompa on the 29th. 
Red-throated Thrush - Turdus ruficollis 
  A pair including a full plumaged male were seen near the Prayer Flags above 
  Syabru on the 30th. 
Little Forktail - Enicurus scouleri 
  A pair were seen around 5km short of Dhunche on the 28th and a single individual 
  was seen near Bamboo Lodge on the 6th. 
Spotted Forktail - Enicurus maculatus 
  Singles were seen just above Ghore Tabela on the 3rd and just below Landslide 
  Lodge on the 6th. 
Chestnut-headed Tesia - Tesia castaneocoronata 
  This superb species was only seen on three dates with singles on the upper slopes 
  of Phulchowki on the 27th, around 5km short of Dhunche on the 28th and just 
  below Lama Lodge on the 5th with superb views obtained of all three. 
Aberrant Bush Warbler - Cettia flavolivacea 
  A single bird was seen just above the huts on Phulchowki on the 27th, another 
  single bird was seen above Sing Gompa on the 30th, around 4 were seen between 
  Phedi and Gapte on the 9th and 2 were seen near the Upper Gapte Cave on the 
  11th. 
Grey-sided Bush Warbler - Cettia brunnifrons 
  A single individual was seen above Sing Gompa on the 30th and the species was 
  seen daily between the 9th and the 14th with a daily maximum of 20 recorded 
  between Phedi and Gapte on the 9th. 
Striated Prinia - Prinia criniger 
  Only seen in the fields at Syabru where 2 were seen on the 1st and 1 was seen 
  on the 6th. 
Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius 
  A single individual was seen on the drive between Kathmandu and Dhunche on the 
  28th. 
Golden-spectacled Warbler - Seicercus poliogenys 
  Seen on twelve dates between the 28th and the 13th only being absent at the 
  highest altitudes reached. A daily maximum of 15 was recorded on the 6th. 
Chestnut-crowned Warbler - Seicercus castaniceps 
  A pair were seen between Dhunche and Sing Gompa on the 28th and 4 were seen 
  near Bamboo Lodge on the 6th. 
Grey-hooded Warbler - Seicercus xanthoschistos 
  Seen at Nagarjung, Phulchowki and at lower elevations on the trek in fair numbers 
  with a daily maximum of 6 recorded on both the 15th and 16th. 
Black-faced Warbler - Abroscopus schisticeps 
  A pair of these superb warblers was seen near Bamboo Lodge on the 6th. 
Blyth's Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus 
  Seen on seven days during the trek with what seemed to be a habitat preference 
  for the flowering rhododendron forests where its song being a high pitched trill 
  was a give away of its presence. Seen as follows with 5 in the rhododendron 
  forest below Sing Gompa heading towards Syabru on the 30th, 2 in rhododendrons 
  above Ghore Tabela on the 3rd, 6 seen in the forest below Gapte on the 9th with 
  8 and 4 being seen in the same area on the 11th and 12th and finally seen in 
  the rhododendron forests around Magengoth with 5 on the 13th and 3 on the 14th. 
Western Crowned Warbler - Phylloscopus occipitalis 
  
  Looking at the distribution of this species in Inskipp 1991 we did not expect 
  to see this species but found it to be rather common presumably coinciding with 
  the peak passage period for this spring migrant (although many were heard singing) 
  with numbers decreasing during our stay. A single individual was seen on Phulchowki 
  on the 27th, around 15 were seen along the road  walking the final stretch 
  to Dhunche on the 28th, 8 on the walk to Sing Gompa on the 29th, 2 around Sing 
  Gompa on the 30th, 6 on the walk to Lama Lodge on the 1st, 20 between Lama Lodge 
  and Ghore Tabela on the 2nd, 10 between Ghore Tabela and Kyanjin on the 3rd, 
  4 between Kyanjin and Lama Lodge on the 5th,6 between Lama Lodge and Syabru 
  on the 6th, 6 above Syabru on the 7th and finally 1 seen on the Sheopuri Ridge 
  on the 16th. This species seemed not to have a specific habitat preference although 
  most were seen in broad-leaved forests. On the first three dates they were encountered 
  we misidentified them as the previous species as we were expecting to see that 
  species !
Green Warbler - Phylloscopus nitidus 
  Another species we did not expect to see but between Langtang and Ghore Tabela 
  2 were seen (although not together) on the 5th, 1 was seen above Syabru on the 
  7th and JFC saw 1 at the Upper Gapte Cave on the 10th. 
Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides 
  Only seen during the later part of our stay with what appeared to be a notable 
  passage on the 11th being recorded as follows 2 around the clearing at the Upper 
  Gapete Cave on the 9th, 10 in the area between the Lower and Upper Gapte Caves 
  on the 11th, only 2 in the same area on the 12th, 2 between Kutumsang and Chisa 
  Pani on the 15th and 1 on the lower slopes of Phulchowki on the 17th. 
Large-billed Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus magnirostris 
  
  This impressive species was only seen on two dates with 1 seen between Lama 
  Lodge and Ghore Tabela on the 2nd and 2 just below Lama Lodge on the 6th. 
Grey-faced Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus maculipennis 
  
  This delightful Warbler was seen on seven dates at Phulchowki, near Dhunche, 
  between Lama Lodge and Ghore Tabela, between Phedi and Gapte, near Magengoth 
  and near Kutumsang in small numbers with a daily maximum of 4 recorded on the 
  2nd. 
Pallas's Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus proregulus 
  Seen on eleven dates virtually throughout the trek although absent at the highest 
  elevations with a daily maximum of 30 seen on the 2nd. An individual was seen 
  constructing its nearly finished nest in the forest below Gapte on the 10th. 
Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler - Phylloscopus humei 
  
  Surprisingly only seen on two dates with 3 seen on the upper slopes of Phulchowki 
  on the 27th and 1 seen around 5km short of Dhunche on the 28th. 
Smoky Warbler - Phylloscopus fuligiventer 
  A superb individual was seen feeding on the insects emerging along the edges 
  of the frozen lake at Gosainkund on the 8th. 
Tickell's Warbler - Phylloscopus affinis 
  Only seen in the vicinity of Kyanjin where 2 were seen on the 3rd, 6 on the 
  4th and 10 on the 5th with some seen as low as the ravine around 1km above Langtang 
  on the 5th. 
Small Niltava - Niltava macgrigoriae 
  A female and 2 males were seen on the walk to Sing Gompa on the 29th, a male 
  was seen near Bamboo Lodge on the 6th and a pair were seen in the ravine at 
  the base of Phulchowki on the 17th. 
Rufous-bellied Niltava - Niltava sundara 
  Males were seen near the Bamboo and Lama Lodges on the 1st, a pair were seen 
  just above Lama Lodge on the 2nd with the same numbers seen on the walk back 
  through the area on the 5th and 6th and a male was seen on the Sheopuri Ridge 
  on the 16th. 
Verditer Flycatcher - Muscicapa thalassina 
  At Phulchowki around 10 were seen on the upper slopes on the 27th but only 1 
  was seen on the lower slopes on the 17th with only 2 being seen on both dates 
  in the Sing Gompa area and 4 around Syabru on the 1st and 2 in the same area 
  on the 7th being the only records from the trek. 
Asian Sooty Flycatcher - Muscicapa sibirica 
  Around Lama Lodge 3 were seen on the 1st and 2 on the 2nd and near Magengoth 
  1 was seen on the 14th. 
Rufous-tailed Flycatcher - Muscicapa muttui 
  JFC saw a single individual in the rhododendron forest just below Sing Gompa 
  on the 30th. 
Slaty-blue Flycatcher - Ficedula tricolor
  Rather disappointingly the only individual seen was a female in the forest below 
  Gapte on the 12th. 
Ultramarine Flycatcher - Ficedula superciliaris 
  An outstanding species seen during the early part of our stay with 2 pairs seen 
  in the vicinity of the huts on Phulchowki on the 27th, 2 males and a female 
  seen on the walk up to Sing Gompa on the 29th and a single male seen near Sing 
  Gompa on the 30th. Superb. 
Snowy-browed Flycatcher - Ficedula hyperythra 
  JFC saw a pair just above the Prayer Flags above Syabru on the 30th and 1 nearby 
  the following day. DC failed on both occasions. 
Orange-gorgetted Flycatcher - Ficedula strophiata 
  
  Seen on fifteen dates during the trek being absent from only the highest elevations 
  and Phulchowki. A daily maximum of 15 was recorded on the 30th. 
Grey-headed Flycatcher - Culicicapa ceylonensis 
  On Phulchowki 4 were seen on the 26th and 2 on the 17th with 2 seen on the walk 
  to Sing Gompa on the 28th, 1 near Syabru on the 1st and 2 in the same area on 
  the 6th. 
Yellow-bellied Fantail - Rhipidura hypoxantha 
  At Phulchowki 4 were seen on the upper slopes on the 27th and then on the trek 
  up to 6 were seen daily from the 29th to the 2nd and up to 4 were seen daily 
  from the 9th to the 12th. 
 Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler - Pomatorhinus 
  ruficollis 
  A pair were seen on a scrubby hillside between Kutumsang and Chisa Pani on the 
  15th and a single individual showed well on the Sheopuri Ridge on the 16th. 
Greater Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler - Pnoepyga albiventer 
  
  A superb species only seen between the Upper Gapte Cave and Thare Pati with 
  1 seen on the 9th, 1 on the 10th, 3 on the 11th and 5 on the 12th. 
Nepal Wren-Babbler - Pnoepyga immaculata 
  A couple were heard just above the Lama Lodge on the 1st when JFC obtained a 
  brief glimpse but the next morning a single individual performed superbly on 
  large rocks covered in low foliage for around half an hour virtually walking 
  over JFC's feet at one point. This species is listed as Near Threatened by Birdlife 
  International (Collar et al. 1994). 
Lesser Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler - Pnoepyga pusilla 
  
  After very poor views of a single bird in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki 
  we were pleased to obtain better views of a pair in a ravine close to the start 
  of the trek near Dhunche on the 29th. 
Great Parrotbill - Conostoma aemodium 
  A single male was watched singing from an exposed branch high in a bush for 
  around quarter of an hour just below Phedi on the 9th. 
Black-throated Parrotbill - Paradoxornis nipalensis 
  
  A pair were seen just below the summit of Phulchowki and a flock of around 14 
  was seen around 2 hours walk further down on the 27th. 
White-throated Laughing-thrush - Garrulax albogularis 
  
  On Phulchowki 1 was seen on the 27th and 8 on the 17th and on the trek only 
  seen around Sing Gompa on both dates, above Syabru and at the Sheopuri Ridge 
  in small numbers. 
Striated Laughing-thrush - Garrulax striatus 
  Pairs were seen near the Bamboo Lodge on both the 1st and 6th and 5 were seen 
  in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 17th. 
Variegated Laughing-thrush - Garrulax variegatus 
  Seen on six dates on the trek between the 29th and the 7th in small numbers 
  with a daily maximum of 8 seen above Ghore Tabela on the 3rd. 
Spotted Laughing-thrush - Garrulax ocellatus 
  This superb Laughing Thrush proved commoner than expected being seen on six 
  dates with 2 just above Sing Gompa on the 30th, 4 seen just above Ghore Tabela 
  on the 3rd, 2 above Syabru on the 7th, 2 in the forest below Gapte on the 11th 
  , 1 in forest before Thare Pati on the 12th and 1 beyond Thare Pati on the 13th. 
Streaked Laughing-thrush - Garrulax lineatus 
  Seen on ten dates in fair numbers during the trek although not from the 8th 
  to the 14th. A daily maximum of 12 was recorded on the 3rd. 
Black-faced Laughing-thrush - Garrulax affinis 
  Seen on seven dates between the 30th and the 11th in fair numbers with a daily 
  maximum of 6 recorded on both the 30th and the 9th. 
Chestnut-crowned Laughing-thrush - Garrulax erythrocephalus 
  
  Seen on seven dates from scattered locations with a daily maximum of 12 being 
  recorded on Phulchowki on the 27th. 
Fire-tailed Myzornis - Myzornis pyrrhoura 
  A pair were seen in rhododendrons just below the Upper Gapte Cave on the 11th. 
Cutia - Cutia nipalensis 
  A stunning party of 6 were seen just above the huts on Phulchowki on the 27th 
  proving to be one of the highlights of the trip. 
Green Shrike-Babbler - Pteruthius xanthochloris 
  Two were seen in coniferous forest before reaching Sing Gompa on the 29th and 
  1 was again seen in coniferous forest below Gapte on the 12th. 
Hoary Barwing - Actinodura nipalensis 
  A single bird was seen just above the huts on Phulchowki on the 27th, JFC saw 
  1 near Sing Gompa on the 30th and a pair were seen in the oaks above Kutumsang 
  on the 14th. 
Chestnut-tailed Minla - Minla strigula 
  Seen on eleven dates in fair numbers although none were seen from the 4th to 
  the 8th. A daily maximum of 10 was recorded on both the 27th at Phulchowki and 
  the 30th. 
Red-tailed Minla - Minla ignotincta 
  A single individual was seen with a small birdflock on the Sheopuri Ridge on 
  the 16th. 
Rufous-winged Fulvetta - Alcippe castaneceps 
  Around 4 were seen on the Sheopuri Ridge on the 16th. 
White-browed Fulvetta - Alcippe vinipectus 
  Widespread being seen on eleven dates in good numbers with a daily maximum of 
  20 being recorded on the 27th. 
Black-capped Sibia - Heterophasia capistrata 
  Widespread being seen on fifteen dates with a daily maximum of 15 being recorded 
  on the 1st. 
Whiskered Yuhina - Yuhina flavicollis 
  Seen on six dates at Phulchowki, on the walk to Sing Gompa, around Lama Lodge 
  and on the Sheopuri Ridge with a daily maximum of 6 recorded at the latter site 
  on the 16th. 
Stripe-throated Yuhina - Yuhina gularis 
  Only seen on two dates being on the edge of the forest above Syabru where 4 
  were seen on the 10th and on the walk between Magengoth and Kutumsang where 
  10 were seen on the 14th. 
Rufous-vented Yuhina - Yuhina occipitalis 
  Near Sing Gompa 4 were seen on the 30th and 1 was seen on the 5th between Kyanjin 
  and Lama Lodge and then up to 6 were seen daily from the 9th to the 13th. 
Black-browed Tit - Aegithalos iouschistos 
  A pair were seen when we walked towards Gosainkund from Sing Gompa on the 30th 
  and later that day a flock of around 12 were seen just above the Prayer Flags 
  above Syabru. 
Black-throated Tit - Aegithalos concinnus
  On Phulchowki 4 were seen on the 27th and 6 were seen on the 17th, elsewhere 
  seen on four dates - near Dhunche, on the walk to Sing Gompa and above Syabru 
  with a daily maximum of 6 on a couple of those days. 
Yellow-browed Tit - Sylviparus modestus 
  On Phulchowki 2 were seen on the 27th, 2 were seen on the 1st and 3 on the return 
  walk in the same areas on the 6th. 
Grey-crested Tit - Parus dichrous 
  Around 6 were seen above Sing Gompa on the 30th, and in the forests near Gapte 
  and Thare Pati 3 were seen on the 9th, 1 on the 11th, 2 on the 12th and 4 on 
  the 13th. 
Rufous-vented Tit - Parus rubidiventris 
  Around 10 were seen in the Sing Gompa area on the 30th, 4 were seen above Ghore 
  Tabela on the 3rd and up to 6 were seen daily from the 9th to the 14th. 
Coal Tit - Parus ater 
  Around 4 were seen above Sing Gompa on the 30th and up to 4 were seen daily 
  from the 9th to the 14th. 
Green-backed Tit - Parus monticolus 
  Up to 8 were seen daily from the 28th to the 2nd,  2 were seen on the 6th 
  and 4 the next day, 2 were seen between Kutumsang and Chisa Pani on the 15th 
  and 4 were seen on the Sheopuri Ridge on the 16th.
Black-lored Tit - Parus xanthogenys 
  Around 7 were seen on Phulchowki on the 26th with 1 before reaching Dhunche 
  on the 27th and 2 seen on the 1st. 
White-tailed Nuthatch - Sitta himalayensis 
  Seen on seven dates with 3 on Phulchowki on the 27th, 1 the following day on 
  the way to Dhunche, 4 between Syabru and Lama Lodge on the 1st and 10 on the 
  return walk on the 6th with 2near Kutumsang on the 15th and 16th and 1 0n the 
  Sheopuri Ridge on the 16th. 
Rusty-flanked Treecreeper - Certhia nipalensis 
  A superb individual was watched for a quarter of an hour as it investigated 
  mossy trees never climbing high and also mossy rocks in the forest below Gapte 
  on the 12th. 
Eurasian Treecreeper - Certhia familiaris 
  In the clearing at Sing Gompa 3 were seen scaling the dead trees on the 30th. 
Mrs. Gould's Sunbird - Aethopyga gouldiae 
  A stunning male was seen not far from Dhunche on the trail leading towards Sing 
  Gompa before crossing the bridge on the 29th. 
Green-tailed Sunbird - Aethopyga nipalensis 
  Seen on nine dates often in good numbers with a daily maximum of 20 seen on 
  Phulchowki on the 27th. 
Fire-tailed Sunbird - Aethopyga ignicauda 
  Between Langtang and Kyanjin 2 males were seen on the 3rd and 1 on the 5th and 
  between Phedi and Gapte 30 were seen on the 9th with 7 at Gapte on the 10th 
  and 15 on the 11th and finally 3 were seen just below Thare Pati on the 13th. 
  Superb. 
Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker - Dicaeum melanoxanthum 
  
  A female and a pair were seen just above the huts on Phulchowki on the 27th. 
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker - Dicaeum concolor 
  Around 4 were seen just above the huts on Phulchowki on the 27th5 were seen 
  between Lama Lodge and Syabru on the 6th and 2 were seen on the Sheopuri Ridge 
  on the 16th. 
Oriental White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus 
  A party of 4 were seen at Nagarjung on the 26th, 2 were seen above Syabru on 
  the 7th and 2 were seen on the Sheopuri Ridge on the 17th. 
Maroon Oriole - Oriolus traillii 
  A pair were seen not far from Dhunche on the trail to Sing Gompa on the 29th, 
  1 was seen near Kutumsang on the 14th and 2 were seen on the lower slopes of 
  Phulchowki on the 17th. 
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach
  Surprisingly only seen on three dates with 4 seen on the drive to Dhunche on 
  the 28th, 2 seen at Dhunche on the 29th and 1seen near Chisa Pani on the 15th. 
Grey-backed Shrike - Lanius tephronotus 
  Only seen between Langtang and Kyanjin where 2 were seen on the 3rd and 10 on 
  our return on the 5th. 
Black Drongo - Dicrurus macrocercus 
  Only seen around Kathmandu and on the drives to and from either end of the treks 
  with a daily maximum of 6 recorded on three dates. 
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus 
  Seen on eight dates in good numbers from the lower elevations with a daily maximum 
  of 10 seen on the 1st. 
Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo - Dicrurus remifer 
  A pair were seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 17th. 
Yellow-billed Blue Magpie - Urocissa flavirostris 
  
  A pair were seen near the summit of Phulchowki on the 27th, up to 2 were seen 
  around Syabru on three dates and 4 were seen near Kutumsang on the 15th. 
Red-billed Blue Magpie - Urocissa erythrorhyncha 
  A single individual was seen at Nagarjung and a pair were seen below the small 
  resevoir when descending from the Sheopuri Ridge on the 16th. 
Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda 
  A single individual was seen at Nagarjung on the 26th. 
Grey Treepie - Dendrocitta formosae 
  A pair were seen at Nagarjung on the 26th. 
Spotted Nutcracker - Nucifraga caryocatactes 
  The distinctive race 'hemispila' was seen on seven dates with 2 just short of 
  Dhunche on the 28th, 2 on the walk to Sing Gompa on the 29th, 2 in the forest 
  above Syabru on the 1st, 5 between Lama Lodge and Ghore Tabela on the 2nd with 
  6 at Gapte on the 11th, 2 beyond Thare Pati on the 13th and 1 below Magengoth 
  on the 14th. 
Alpine Chough - Pyrrhocorax graculus 
  Only seen between Langtang and Kyanjin where 100 were seen on the 3rd, 40 were 
  seen on the 4th and 20 were seen on the 5th. 
Red-billed Chough - Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 
  Only seen between Langtang and Kyanjin where 15 were seen on the 3rd, 2 were 
  seen on the 4th and 2 were seen on the 5th. 
House Crow - Corvus splendens 
  Up to 25 were seen daily around Kathmandu and on the drives to and from the 
  ends of the trek. 
Jungle Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos 
  Up to 20 were seen daily from the 27th to the 17th regardless of altitude. 
Common Raven - Corvus corax 
  At least 2 were present around Kyanjin on the 4th. 
Chestnut-tailed Starling - Sturnus malabaricus 
  Only 2 were seen on the drive from Kathmandu to Trisuli on the 28th and 10 were 
  seen around the town of Sundarijal presumably nest prospecting under the eaves 
  of houses their on the 16th. 
Common Mynah - Acridotheres tristis 
  Up to 40 were seen daily around Kathmandu and on the drives to and from the 
  ends of the trek. 
Jungle Mynah - Acridotheres fuscus 
  Up to 6 were seen daily around the Kathmandu Guesthouse. 
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus 
  Up to 15 were seen daily around Kathmandu and on the drive to Dhunche. 
Eurasian Tree Sparrow - Passer montanus 
  Seen on seven dates at Dhunche, Syabru, Chisa Pani Sundarijal and Godaveri with 
  a daily maximum of 40 recorded on the 29th. 
Tibetan Serin - Serinus thibetanus 
  JFC watched a party of 6 at Lama Lodge - unfortunately DC had disappeared for 
  a crap ! 
Yellow-breasted Greenfinch - Carduelis spinoides 
  A flock of around 50 were seen in a large tree at Syabru on the 1st and 10 were 
  seen in the fields at Syabru on the 6th. 
Plain Mountain-Finch - Leucosticte nemoricola 
  A flock of around 25 were seen around the ruined buildings near the gravel flats 
  above Kyanjin on the 3rd and a single individual was seen the Phedi side of 
  the Laurebrina Pass on the 8th. 
Dark-breasted Rosefinch - Carpodacus nipalensis 
  Only seen in the forest below Gapte where 6 were seen on the 9th, 1 on the 10th 
  and 2 on the 11th. 
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus pulcherrimus 
  Only female type plumage birds were seen with 2 near Dhunche on the 29th and 
  3 on the Sheopuri Ridge on the 16th. 
Beautiful Rosefinch - Carpodacus pulcherrimus 
  Only seen around Langtang and Kyanjin with 20 seen on the 3rd, 6 on the 4th 
  and 6 on the 5th. 
Pink-browed Rosefinch - Carpodacus rhodochrous 
  At least 8 were seen around Sing Gompa on the 30th, 1near Ghore Tabela on the 
  2nd, 1 in the same area on the 5th and 1between Phedi and Gapte on the 9th. 
Dark-rumped Rosefinch - Carpodacus edwardsii 
  A single male was watched perched low in a bush for around 10 minutes alongside 
  the trail leading through the forest before reaching Thare Pati on the 12th. 
Spot-winged Rosefinch - Carpodacus rhodopeplus 
  A male was seen above the Prayer Flags above Syabru on the 30th and 2 males 
  and a female were seen between Phedi and Gapte on the 9th. 
White-browed Rosefinch - Carpodacus thura 
  Just above Sing Gompa 3 females were seen on the 30th, a pair were seen above 
  Syabru on the 7th, 6 were seen above Phedi on the 8th, 3 were seen in a clearing 
  in the forest below Gapte on the 9thwith 2 in the same area on the 11th and 
  finally 4 were seen between Thare Pati and Magengoth on the 13th. Tame and confiding 
  with their wings making a fluttering sound when in flight. The male is a splendid 
  bird. 
Red-fronted Rosefinch - Carpodacus puniceus 
  Unfortunately the only individual seen was a female at Gosainkund on the 8th. 
Gold-naped Finch - Pyrrhoplectes epauletta 
  A superb male was seen along the trail behind the checkpoint at Magengoth on 
  the 13th tearing the flower heads off a rhododendron. 
Red-headed Bullfinch - Pyrrhula erythrocephala 
  A party of 3 were seen just below Lama Lodge on the 6th and a male was seen 
  in the forest below Gapte on the 12th. 
Collared Grosbeak - Mycerobas affinis 
  Around 6 were seen above Sing Gompa on the 30th and 4 were seen in the forest 
  before reaching Thare Pati on the 10th. 
White-winged Grosbeak - Mycerobas carnipes 
  Seen on eight dates between the 30th and the 13th with a daily maximum of 12 
  seen on the 8th. 
Crested Bunting - Melophus lathami 
  Around 10 were seen on the drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche on the 28th. 
Bibliography:
Birds to Watch 2 - The World List of Threatened Birds - N.J. Collar, M.J. Crosby and A.J. Stattersfield 1994.
A Guide to the Birds of Nepal - Carol and Tim Inskipp - Second Edition 1991.
A Birdwatcher's Guide to Nepal - Carol Inskipp - 1988.
A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent - B.N.H.S. - 1983.
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