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Visit your favourite destinations |
| A Report from birdtours.co.uk |
Nepal 1st - 28th January 1989,
rubythroat@beachyhead500.freeserve.co.uk
Itinerary:
1/1/89: Left Heathrow with Bangladesh Airways with the flight costing £470 return.
2/1/89: Arrived Dhaka with 4 hour wait in the Airport before leaving for Kathmandu arriving 2pm local time.
3/1/89: Pashupatinath Woods then to sort out trekking permit before a walk along the Manora and Bagmati Rivers near Kathmandu Airport.
4/1/89: Early morning tourist bus to Pokhara taking 8 hours. Found a small lodge at Lakeside.
5/1/89: Walked from the Shining Hospital on the northern outskirts of Pokhara to Naudanda taking 8 hours - we got lost !
6/1/89: Walked from Naudanda to Birethanti which took us 7 hours.
7/1/89: Walked from Birethanti to Ulleri taking 7 hours. A shattering climb.
8/1/89: Torrential rain so we stayed in the lodge only getting out birding for an hour.
9/1/89: It finally stopped raining after 36 hours but we could see a lot of snow at higher elevations - we took the risk of heading up. Conditions were dangerous walking through deep snow up to our waists. Ended up soaking wet due to large amounts of snow falling off the trees. Fell over many times due to the layer of ice beneath the snow. Finally made it to Ghorepani after 8 hours feeling absolutely shattered. Partially revived by some tomatoes crushed in boiling water. After dark some Australians arrived from Tatopani (with some of them suffering from frostbite) having walked through deep snow all the way, telling of 3 people killed in an avalanche along their route.
10/1/89: Made the difficult decision to turn back, walking to Tirkedhungha taking 9 hours. Conditions had hardly improved as now walking on sheets of ice instead of in thick snow. Again kept falling over.
11/1/89: Walked from Tirkedhungha to Birethanti. Somewhat relieved to have turned back as the weather had again closed in with more snow falling at higher elevations.
12/1/89: Walked from Birethanti to Phedi and caught a jeep to Pokhara. Caught a taxi back to Lakeside. Went to a travel agent and booked a lodge at Chitwan.
13/1/89: Spent most of the day in the forests to the south of Phewa Tal and then spent some time in some fields at Lakeside. Told that Jomosom was snowed in.
14/1/89: Rowed across Phewa Tal to the northern fields. Rowed back again spending the rest of the day in the same area of forest as the previous day.
15/1/89: Spent all day in the forest to the south of Phewa Tal.
16/1/89: Caught a local bus which took 6 hours to reach the Chitwan Jungle Lodge drop-off point at Daduwa. The Lodge's jeep finally arrived and we were transported to the Lodge. Our initial disappointment of arriving too late for an elephant ride was quickly dispelled when on a short walk a Tiger appeared on the track in front of us. We quickly clambered on top of a passing jeep from where we watched the Tiger walking along the track ahead of us.
17/1/89: Day spent birding the variety of habitats close to the Lodge including a memorable Elephant ride seeing Sloth Bear, a canoe trip along the Rapti River and flushing a Rhino whilst on foot in dense vegetation - enough to set the pulse racing !
18/1/89: Walked all day to and from the Churia Hills.
19/1/89: After some early morning birding hitched a lift with some Australians back to Kathmandu with the journey taking 6 hours. No buses were using the Hetauda route so missed a chance at seeing Ibisbill.
20/1/89: Visited the area opposite the Botanical Gardens at Godaveri, then a look in the Gardens themselves before a quick look along the road leading up Phulchowki.
21/1/89: Spent 4 hours in the superb ravine at the base of Phulchowki with the rest of our time spent walking up the road leading to the summit.
22/1/89: Spent all day on Phulchowki reaching the huts half-way to the summit.
23/1/89: Spent the morning at Gokarna Safari Park with the afternoon spent along the Manora River close to Kathmandu Airport.
24/1/89: Spent all day in the scrub along the track starting opposite the Botanical Gardens with a brief look in the Gardens in the afternoon.
25/1/89: Spent virtually all day in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki.
26/1/89: Spent our last full day at Gokarna Safari Park.
27/1/89: Left Kathmandu at midday and flew along the Himalayas getting spectacular views and seeing Mt. Everest.
28/1/89: Arrived at Heathrow after a 27 hour journey with the plane spending prolonged intervals at Dhaka, Dubai and Paris.
Systematic List:
Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis
Two were seen at the northern end of Phewa Tal on the 14th.
Great Crested Grebe - Podiceps cristatus
On Phewa Tal 6 were seen on the 13th and 12 the next day.
Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo
Near Mugling 4 were seen from the bus on the 4th and 1 on the 19th
and around 50 were seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.
Indian Pond Heron - Ardeola grayii
Seen on twelve dates in fair numbers with a maximum of 15 seen at Chitwan on
the 16th but was also present around Kathmandu and Pokhara. A single
bird was seen at Birethanti on the 11th.
Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis
Very common around Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan being seen on sixteen dates.
Little Egret - Egretta garzetta
Present around Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan being seen on thirteen dates with
a daily maximum of 50 seen flying to roost with Cattle egrets at the Royal Palace,
Kathmandu on the 2nd.
Intermediate Egret - Egretta intermedia
Around 25 flew into roost over Lakeside on the 4th, 1 was seen at
Phewa Tal on the 13th with 8 seen there the next day and 2 were seen
near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.
Great Egret - Egretta alba
At the northern end of Phewa Tal 8 were seen on the 14th and at Chitwan
up to 4 were seen on three dates.
Asian Openbill Stork - Anastomus oscitans
A single individual was seen near Tadi (near Chitwan) on the 16th
with 3 seen there on the 19th and 1 was seen just outside Chitwan
NP near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th. This species is listed
as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).
Black Stork - Ciconia nigra
On the 17th around 80 moved over high at the Chitwan Jungle Lodge
and 1 was seen along the Rapti River.
Woolly-necked Stork - Ciconia episcopus
Near Mugling 1 was seen from the bus on the river on the 4th and
2 were seen along the same stretch on the return journey on the 19th.
Lesser Adjutant - Leptoptilos javanicus
We saw 2 near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th. This species
is listed at Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state that 'its numbers
appear to be much reduced throughout , as a result of habitat loss, hunting
and human disturbance'.
Black Ibis - Pseudibis papillosa
Around 20 were seen along the Rapti River near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the
17th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al.
(1994).
Ruddy Shelduck - Tadorna ferruginea
Up to 35 were seen along the Rapti River near to the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on
the three dates we spent there.
Common Teal - Anas crecca
Around 10 were seen on Phewa Tal on the 14th.
Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos
Around 150 were seen on Phewa Tal on the 14th and 15th.
Spotbill - Anas poecilorhyncha
A single individual was present with Mallard on Phewa Tal on the 14th.
Red-crested Pochard - Netta rufina
A party of 6 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
Ferruginous Duck - Aythya nyroca
We saw 6 on Phewa Tal on the 14th. This species is listed as Vulnerable
by Collar et al. (1994) who state that 'the various populations have apparently
undergone massive declines, attributed to wetland drainage compounded by high
hunting pressure'.
Goosander - Mergus merganser
Two pairs were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
Crested Honey Buzzard - Pernis ptilorhyncus
A single individual was seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.
Black Kite - Milvus migrans
Very common in most areas although none were seen to the north of Birethanti.
Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus
Up to 12 were seen on six dates in the Pokhara area and 1 was seen at Gokarna
on the 26th.
Lammergeier - Gypaetus barbatus
A total of 5 adults were recorded between Pokhara and Ghorepani with some allowing
superb close views.
Oriental White-backed Vulture - Gyps bengalensis
Singles were seen at Chandrakot on the 6th, Pokhara on the 13th
and 15th and at Narayanghat on the 16th. This species
is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).
Long-billed Vulture - Gyps indicus
A single individual was seen between Godaveri and Kathmandu on the 22nd.
This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).
Himalayan Griffon Vulture - Gyps himalayensis
Seen on six dates between Pokhara and Ghorepani with a maximum of around 30
seen at a carcass near Ulleri on the 10th.
Eurasian Griffon Vulture - Gyps fulvus
Seen on eight dates from Pokhara to Ulleri where a daily maximum of 10 was recorded
on the 10th.
King Vulture - Sarcogyps calvus
Seen on five dates between Pokhara and Ghorepani with a daily maximum of 3 recorded
on the 6th near Chandrakot.
Eurasian Black Vulture - Aegypius monachus
Around 10 were seen near Mugling on the 4th and a total of 4 were
seen between Pokhara and Ghorepani. This species is listed as Near-threatened
by Collar et al. (1994).
Crested Serpent Eagle - Spilornis cheela
Singles were seen near Suiket on the 5th, between Ghorepani and Ulleri
on the 10th, at the forest on the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the
15th and up to 4 were seen on three dates near the Chitwan Jungle
Lodge.
Eurasian Marsh Harrier - Circus aeruginosus
A single female was watched hunting over the fields at the northern end of Phewa
Tal on the 14th.
Hen Harrier - Circus cyaneus
Single males were seen at Naudanda on the 5th, Pokhara on the 13th,
Chitwan on the 19th and a female was seen at Phulchowki on the 22nd.
Besra - Accipiter virgatus
A male was watched hunting and then perched whilst feeding on what appeared
to be a Magpie Robin at the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 20th
and was again seen there on the 24th.
Shikra - Accipiter badius
Singles were seen at the Manora River near Kathmandu Airport on the 3rd,
just above Ulleri on the 9th and a pair were seen at Gokarna Safari
Park on the 26th.
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo
Seen on six dates in the Kathmandu and Pokhara areas.
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus
Singles were seen at Lumle on the 12th and at Daduwa near Chitwan
on the 16th and 19th.
Upland Buzzard - Buteo hemilasius
An extremely well-marked individual was seen at the Manora River near Kathmandu
Airport on the 3rd.
Black Eagle - Ictinaetus malayensis
A single individual was seen at Phulchowki on the 20th and 22nd.
Lesser Spotted Eagle - Aquila pomarina
An immature was seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.
Steppe Eagle - Aquila rapax nipalensis
Around 10 were seen at Gokarna Safari Park on the 23rd and 5 there
on the 26th and 1 was seen between Kathmandu and Godaveri on the
25th.
Imperial Eagle - Aquila heliaca
An immature and a fine adult were seen at the Gokarna Safari Park on the 23rd
with the immature seen again there on the 26th and an immature was
seen at the Manora River on the 23rd.
Bonelli's Eagle - Hieraaetus fasciatus
A single individual was seen at Chandrakot on the 6th and 4 were
seen at Birethanti on the 11th.
Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Spizaetus cirrhatus
A single individual was seen near Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 18th.
Mountain Hawk-Eagle - Spizaetus nipalensis
On Phulchowki 2 were seen on the 20th and 1 was seen on the 22nd.
Osprey - Pandion haliaetus
A single individual was seen at Chitwan on the 19th.
Red-thighed Falconet - Microhierax caerulescens
A party of 5 were watched hunting butterflies near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge
on the 18th.
Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus
Seen on ten dates in small numbers at widespread localities.
Peregrine - Falco peregrinus
A single individual was seen on the hill above Birethanti on the 6th
and the 12th and another was seen at Gokarna Safari Park on the 26th.
Red Junglefowl - Gallus gallus
A male ran across a trail and was subsequently flushed in woodland near the
Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.
Kalij Pheasant - Lophura leucomelana
A male was seen well in the scrub leading up Phulchowki along the track starting
opposite the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.
Blue Peafowl - Pavo cristatus
Around 40 were seen just outside the Chitwan NP near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge
on the 17th.
Yellow-legged Buttonquail - Turnix tanki
A single individual was seen feeding in the middle of a track leading through
the forest near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 16th. It quickly
ran into the forest.
Brown Crake - Amaurornis akool
A single individual was seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.
White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus
A single bird was seen at the northern end of Phewa Tal on the 14th
and 2 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus
At the northern end of Phewa Tal 3 were seen on the 14th and 4 were
seen at Chitwan.
Coot - Fulica atra
Around 35 were seen at the northern end of Phewa Tal on the 14th.
Great Stone-Plover - Esacus recurvirostris
A single individual was seen along the edge of the Rapti River near the Chitwan
Jungle Lodge on the 17th. One of the highlights of the trip.
Little Pratincole - Glareola lactea
Present on the Rapti River near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge with 60 seen on the
16th but just 4 the following day.
Little Ringed Plover - Charadrius dubius
Up to 6 were seen along the Manora River near the Kathmandu Airport on the 3rd
and the 23rd and 6 were seen on the Rapti River on the 17th
with 2 seen there on the 19th.
River Plover - Hoplopterus duvaucelii
A pair were seen along the Rapti River near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the
16th and another pair were seen along another section of the river
the following day.
Grey-headed Plover - Hoplopterus cinereus
A party of 4 were located in fields at the northern end of Phewa Tal on the
14th - they were presumably wintering there.
Red-wattled Plover - Hoplopterus indicus
A single individual was seen from the bus between Mugling and Pokhara on the
4th, around 20 were seen in the northern fields at Phewa Tal on the
14th and up to 6 were seen at Chitwan on three dates.
Temminck's Stint - Calidris temminckii
Around 12 were seen along the Manora River near Kathmandu Airport on the 3rd
with 4 seen there on the 23rd and up to 10 were seen on the Rapti
River on both the 16th and 17th.
Pintail Snipe - Gallinago stenura
A total of 5 were seen in the fields at the northern end of Phewa Tal on the
14th.
Greenshank - Tringa nebularia
Up to 12 were seen on the Rapti River near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on three
dates.
Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus
We saw 10 on the Rapti River and smaller streams in the area on the 17th
and a single bird along the Manora River on the 23rd.
Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola
We saw 3 on the Rapti River on the 17th.
Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos
Seen on six dates being seen at the Rapti and Manora Rivers and at Phewa Tal
in small numbers.
Redshank - Tringa totanus
We saw 3 near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.
Hill Pigeon - Columba rupestris
A flock of 20 were seen between Ghorepani and Ulleri on the 9th.
Woodpigeon - Columba palumbus
Only recorded in flocks with 60 at Suiket on the 5th, 60 at Naudanda
on the 6th, 250 above Birethanti on the 7th and 30 near
Naudanda on the 12th.
Speckled Woodpigeon - Columba hodgsonii
Around 15 were seen at Phulchowki on the 21st with 3 seen there on
the 25th and we saw 3 at Gokarna on the 23rd.
Ashy Woodpigeon - Columba pulchricollis
We saw 6 in the forests at Ghorepani on the 9th and up to 5 at Gokarna
on the 23rd and 26th.
Collared Dove - Streptopelia decaocto
A single bird was seen in Kathmandu on the 2nd and 3rd
and 4 were seen on the bus ride to Pokhara on the 4th and 1 was seen
whilst we were leaving Chitwan on the 19th.
Oriental Turtle Dove - Streptopelia orientalis
Seen on eight dates at Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan with a daily maximum of
20 being seen at Godaveri on the 24th.
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis
Only seen around Kathmandu and Chitwan with a daily maximum of 30 seen at Chitwan
on the 17th.
Emerald Dove - Chalcophaps indica
We saw just 3 in woodland not far from Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.
Alexandrine Parakeet - Psittacula eupatria
Seen on all four dates at Chitwan with a daily maximum of 30 seen on the 17th.
Ring-necked Parakeet - Psittacula krameri
A flock of 18 were seen at Kathmandu on the 2nd with 2 seen there
the next day and up to 12 were seen daily during our stay at Chitwan.
Slaty-headed Parakeet - Psittacula himalayana
A flock of 80 were seen at Birethanti on the 7th with 25 seen there
on the 11th and 30 the next day. A flock of 25 were seen in the forest
bordering the southern shore of Phewa Tal on the 15th.
Blossom-headed Parakeet - Psittacula cyanocephala
Around 40 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
Rose-breasted Parakeet - Psittacula alexandri
Around 25 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
Green-billed Malkoha - Phaenicophaeus tristis
A single individual was seen in the Churia Hills at Chitwan on the 18th.
Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis
A single individual was seen at Chitwan on the 16th and 17th.
Brown Fish Owl - Ketupa zeylonensis
A single individual was seen at the edge of the forest bordering the southern
edge of Phewa Tal on the 13th and on another visit on the 15th
we found 2 roosting together there.
Jungle Owlet - Glaucidium radiatum
Singles were seen at Chandrakot and Birethanti on the 6th and 2 were
seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
Asian Barred Owlet - Glaucidium cuculoides
Singles were seen in the forest to the south of Phewa Tal on four dates and
on Phulchowki on the 20th.
Jungle Nightjar - Caprimulgus indicus
Around 10 appeared at dusk over the river just downriver from the main bridge
at Birethanti enlivening the potato curry that evening.
Himalayan Swiftlet - Collocalia brevirostris
A single individual was seen at Kathmandu on the 2nd but they proved
common at Pokhara and Chitwan with a daily maximum of c.2,000 seen feeding low
over Phewa Tal on the 14th.
White-throated Needletail - Hirundapus caudacutus
At Birethanti 3 joined the Jungle Nightjars over the river on the 11th.
Alpine Swift - Apus melba
Singles were seen at Lakeside on the 13th and over the forest at
the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 15th.
Little Swift - Apus affinis
We saw 2 near Suiket on the 5th and around 40 over Lakeside on the
13th.
Crested Tree Swift - Hemiprocne coronata
Up to 200 were seen on the three dates spent at Chitwan.
Red-headed Trogon - Harpactes erythrocephalus
A pair were seen on the walk up to the Churia Hills in Chitwan on the 18th.
White-breasted Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
Seen on thirteen dates being seen at Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan with a maximum
of 8 being seen on the 17th.
Stork-billed Kingfisher - Pelargopsis capensis
A single individual was seen along a stream close to Chitwan Jungle Lodge on
the 17th.
Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis
Seen at Phewa Tal, along the trek and at Chitwan being recorded on six dates
with a daily maximum of 4 seen on the 17th.
Pied Kingfisher - Ceryle rudis
A single individual was seen at Phewa Tal on the 4th and up to 4
were seen at Chitwan.
Crested Kingfisher - Ceryle lugubris
A pair were seen at Birethanti on both the 6th and the 11th
and 5 were seen between Birethanti and Tirkedhungha on the 7th.
Blue-bearded Bee-eater - Nyctyornis athertoni
A single individual was seen feeding at beehives at Gokarna on the 23rd.
Green Bee-eater - Merops orientalis
Around 12 were seen near Chitwan Jungle Lodge on an Elephant ride on the 17th.
Indian Roller - Coracias benghalensis
Seen on five dates but only around Pokhara or from the bus between Pokhara and
Kathmandu with a maximum of 7 seen on the 4th.
Hoopoe - Upupa epops
Singles were seen along the Manora River near the Kathmandu Airport on the 3rd
and at Chitwan on the 17th.
Great Pied Hornbill - Buceros bicornis
A party of 3 were seen on the Elephant ride near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on
the 17th.
Great Barbet - Megalaima virens
Seen on eight dates being recorded at Naudanda, Ulleri, Pokhara, Phulchowki
and Gokarna with a daily maximum of 5 seen at the last site on the 23rd.
Lineated Barbet - Megalaima lineata
Around 12 were seen on the walk to the Churia Hills at Chitwan on the 18th.
Golden-throated Barbet - Megalaima franklinii
We saw 2 between Ghorepani and Ulleri on the 10th.
Blue-throated Barbet - Megalaima asiatica
Seen at the Pashupatinath Temple Groves, the forest bordering the southern edge
of Phewa Tal, Chitwan and Phulchowki with a daily maximum of 5 being seen on
the 15th.
Orange-rumped Honeyguide - Indicator xanthonotus
Singles were seen in the ravine leading northwards reached after crossing the
second bridge just beyond Tirkedhungha and in the forest just north of Birethanti
on the 11th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar
et al. (1994).
Speckled Piculet - Picumnus innominatus
A party of 4 were seen near the entrance to the ravine at the base of Phulchowki
on the 20th and a single individual was seen at Gokarna on the 26th.
Lesser Yellow-naped Woodpecker - Picus chlorolophus
A single was seen in the forest at Phewa Tal on the 15th, up to 2
were seen at Chitwan on two dates and 2 were seen at Phulchowki on the 20th.
Greater Yellow-naped Woodpecker - Picus flavinucha
We saw 2 in the forest at the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 15th
and 1 on Phulchowki on the 22nd.
Grey-headed Woodpecker - Picus canus
Seen on a total of five dates being seen at Pokhara, Chitwan and Phulchowki
with a daily maximum of 4 seen in forest at Pokhara on the 13th.
Himalayan Golden-backed Woodpecker - Dinopium shorii
We saw 3 at Chitwan on the 16th and another 3 there the following
day.
Bay Woodpecker - Blythipicus pyrrhotis
A single individual was seen at the entrance to the ravine at the base of Phulchowki
on the 21st.
Crimson-breasted Pied Woodpecker - Dendrocopos cathpharius
A single individual was seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the
25th.
Fulvous-breasted Pied Woodpecker - Dendrocopos macei
Seen on six dates in the Kathmandu and Pokhara areas with a maximum of 2 seen
at Gokarna on the 23rd.
Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker - Dendrocopos canicapillus
A single individual was seen just north of Birethanti on the 11th
and up to 4 were seen at Chitwan on three dates.
Long-tailed Broadbill - Psarisomus dalhousiae
JFC saw a single individual in a mixed species flock in the forests bordering
the southern shore of Phewa Tal on the 15th.
Rufous-winged (Bengal) Bush Lark - Mirafra assamica
Just 2 seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
Short-toed Lark - Calandrella brachydactyla
A flock of 40 were seen along the Manora River near Kathmandu Airport on the
3rd and 12 were seen in the same area on the 23rd.
Sandlark - Calandrella raytal
Around 8 were seen on sandbanks in the Rapti River at Chitwan on the 17th.
Oriental Skylark - Alauda gulgula
A flock of 70 were located in fields bordering the Manora River near Kathmandu
Airport on the 23rd.
Brown-throated Sand Martin - Riparia paludicola
Seen on thirteen dates being seen at the Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan sites
with a daily maximum of 30 seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
Crag Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Seen on five dates at Pokhara or along the trek with a daily maximum of 15 seen
between Birethanti and Ulleri on the 7th.
Swallow - Hirundo rustica
Seen on sixteen dates being common in most areas although it was not seen along
the trek to the north of Birethanti.
Red-rumped Swallow - Hirundo daurica
Seen on seven dates around Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan with a daily maximum
of 30 seen at the last site on the 17th.
Nepal House Martin - Delichon nipalensis
Seen on ten dates at Pokhara and along the trek with a daily maximum of 1,000
seen feeding low over Phewa Tal on the 14th.
Asian House Martin - Delichon dasypus
At least 2 accompanied Nepal House Martins over Lakeside on the 13th.
Paddyfield Pipit - Anthus rufulus
Seen on seven dates around Kathmandu and Pokhara with a maximum of 40 in the
fields to the north of Phewa Tal on the 14th.
Olive-backed Pipit - Anthus hodgsoni
Seen on eighteen dates proving common in most areas visited with a daily maximum
of 100 seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
Rosy Pipit - Anthus roseatus
A single individual was seen in fields bordering the Manora River near Kathmandu
Airport on the 23rd.
Water Pipit - Anthus spinoletta
We saw 5 along the Manora River on the 3rd with around 50 seen there
on the 23rd, 20 were seen at Lakeside on the 13th and
around 10 were seen in fields to the north of Phewa Tal the next day and finally
6 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
Upland Pipit - Anthus sylvanus
A single individual was seen near Lumle along the trek on the 6th.
Yellow Wagtail - Motacilla flava
A single individual was seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea
Seen on thirteen dates proving widespread if not common in most areas.
Pied Wagtail - Motacilla alba
Seen on fourteen dates proving common in most areas.
Large Pied Wagtail - Motacilla maderaspatensis
A few were seen poorly from the bus between Mugling and Kathmandu on the 19th
but good views were obtained at Gokarna where up to 4 graced the lawns being
seen on both our visits there.
Common Woodshrike - Tephrodornis pondicerianus
A single individual was seen in woodland not far from Chitwan Jungle Lodge on
the 17th.
Large Woodshrike - Tephrodornis gularis
A flock of around 15 were seen on the walk back from the Churia Hills at Chitwan
on the 18th.
Pied Flycatcher Shrike - Hemipus picatus
Seen at Chitwan where 6 were seen on the 17th, 8 on the 18th
and 22 on the 19th.
Large Cuckoo-shrike - Coracina novaehollandiae
A single individual was seen in the forests bordering the southern edge of Phewa
Tal on the 15th.
Scarlet Minivet - Pericrocotus flammeus
Recorded on seven dates being seen around Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan although
not on the trek. A daily maximum of 15 were seen in the forests bordering the
southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 15th.
Long-tailed Minivet - Pericrocotus ethologus
Seen on the trek on four dates with a daily maximum of 8 seen in the Birethanti
area on both the 11th and 12th.
Small Minivet - Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
A flock of around 10 were seen at Chitwan on the walk up to the Churia Hills
on the 18th.
Striated Bulbul - Pycnonotus striatus
A flock of around 35 were seen near the entrance of the ravine at the base of
Phulchowki on the 25th.
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus
Around 10 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.
White-cheeked Bulbul - Pycnonotus leucogenys
Seen on twenty dates proving very common in most areas.
Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer
Seen on seventeen dates proving fairly common although not seen along on the
trek
Rufous-bellied Bulbul - Hypsipetes mcclellandii
Around 7 were seen in the ravine to the north of Tirkedhungha on the 11th
and up to 12 were seen on five dates whilst at Phulchowki.
Black Bulbul - Hypsipetes madagascariensis
Seen on thirteen dates proving common in forest around Kathmandu, Pokhara and
along the trek with a daily maximum of 60 seen between Ghorepani and Tirkedhungha
on the 10th.
Common Iora - Aegithina tiphia
Up to 8 were seen on three dates at Chitwan and 1 was seen on both trips to
Gokarna.
Golden-fronted Leafbird - Chloropsis aurifrons
At Chitwan 1 was seen on the 17th and 2 the following day.
Orange-bellied Leafbird - Chloropsis hardwickii
We saw 3 in a fruiting tree in the forests at the southern edge of Phewa Tal
on the 15th.
Brown Dipper - Cinclus pallasii
Seen on six dates whilst on the trek with a daily maximum of 10 seen between
Tirkedhungha and Birethanti on the 11th.
Wren - Troglodytes troglodytes
A single individual was seen at Ghorepani on both the 9th and 10th.
Rufous-breasted Accentor - Prunella strophiata
A single individual was seen just above Ulleri on the 9th.
Altai Accentor - Prunella himalayana
A flock of around 30 were seen just above Ulleri on the 9th.
White-browed Shortwing - Brachypteryx montana
A single male was seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st.
Siberian Rubythroat - Luscinia calliope
We saw 1 to the north and 3 to the south of Birethanti on the 11th
and logged 9 over three dates in the forests bordering the southern edge of
Phewa Tal including a full plumaged male (on the 13th). Finally we
saw 1 near the temple opposite the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens.
Bluethroat - Luscinia svecica
A single individual was seen near the bridge to the south of Phewa Tal on the
13th.
Himalayan Rubythroat - Luscinia pectoralis
A male was seen along the edge of a river near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the
19th and another male was seen near the temple opposite the entrance
to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th. Superb.
Red-flanked Bluetail - Tarsiger cyanurus
Proved to be common in forest areas with over 60 logged during the trip. Seen
on the trek, around Pokhara, at Phulchowki and at Gokarna with a daily maximum
of 12 seen in the forests at Ghorepani on the 10th.
Golden Bush-Robin - Tarsiger chrysaeus
A female was seen in the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 20th and
around 4 were seen (including some immature males) in the scrub along the trail
starting opposite the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens leading up
Phulchowki on the 24th.
Magpie Robin - Copsychus saularis
Seen on seventeen dates proving common in most areas although not recorded to
the north of Birethanti. A maximum of 20 were seen around Pokhara on the 14th.
White-rumped Shama - Copsychus malabaricus
An immature was seen at Chitwan on the 17th and an adult was seen
there the next day.
Blue-capped Redstart - Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus
Along the trek 2 were present near Lumle on the 6th and 1 was seen
there on the 12th, 1 was seen near Ulleri on the 10th.
A single individual was seen at the forest at the southern edge of Phewa Tal
on the 15th.
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros
Seen on seven dates along the trek, around Pokhara and on Phulchowki with a
daily maximum of 6 seen at the last site on the 20th.
Hodgson's Redstart - Phoenicurus hodgsoni
Only seen in or around the Godaveri Botanical Gardens where 4 were seen on the
20th and 3 on the 24th.
Blue-fronted Redstart - Phoenicurus frontalis
Seen on ten dates being recorded along the trek, on Phulchowki and at Gokarna
with a daily maximum of 30 seen between Ghorepani and Tirkedhungha on the 10th.
Plumbeous Redstart - Rhyacornis fuliginosus
Seen on fifteen dates proving to be a common bird along rivers although absent
at Chitwan. A daily maximum of 30 were seen between Tirkedhungha and Birethanti
on the 11th.
Stonechat - Saxicola torquata
Seen on eighteen dates proving common at most sites visited.
Pied Bushchat - Saxicola caprata
Seen on nine dates with a few being seen in most areas except on the trek where
it was absent. A daily maximum of 6 was recorded at Pokhara on the 15th.
Dark-grey Bushchat - Saxicola ferrea
Seen on seven dates being seen along the trek and in the scrub along the track
starting opposite the Godaveri Botanical Gardens with a daily maximum of 4 seen
between Tirkedhungha and Birethanti on the 11th.
White-capped Riverchat - Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
Seen on thirteen dates along most rivers except from at Chitwan. A daily maximum
of 8 was recorded between Birethanti and Ulleri on the 7th.
Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush - Monticola rufiventris
A single male was seen near Lumle on the 12th.
Blue Rock-Thrush - Monticola solitarius
A single individual was seen near the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the 5th
and another was seen near Birethanti on the 11th.
Blue Whistling Thrush - Myiophoneus caeruleus
Seen in most areas visited on a total of eighteen dates with a maximum of 10
seen between Tirkedhungha and Birethanti on the 11th.
Plain-backed Mountain Thrush - Zoothera mollissima
Only seen around Ulleri where 2 were seen in fields above the village on the
9th with 1 seen there again the next day and another being seen just
below Ulleri.
Long-tailed Mountain Thrush - Zoothera dixoni
A single individual was seen just south of Birethanti on the 12th
and singles were seen in the forest bordering the southern shore of Phewa Tal
on the 13th and 15th.
White's Thrush - Zoothera dauma
In the forest bordering the southern shore of Phewa Tal 3 were seen on the 13th
and 2 were seen there on the 15th and at Gokarna 7 were seen on the
23rd and 2 were seen there on the 26th.
Long-billed Thrush - Zoothera monticola
A single individual was seen in a small ravine between Hille and Tirkedhungha
on the 7th. Another was seen briefly in the ravine at the base of
Phulchowki on the 25th. This species is listed as Near-threatened
by Collar et al. (1994).
Tickell's Thrush - Turdus unicolor
A single male was seen near the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the 5th.
White-collared Blackbird - Turdus albocinctus
On Phulchowki 1 was seen between the ravine and the huts half-way up on the
21st with 4 seen there the next day and 1 was seen in the Godaveri
Botanical Gardens on the 24th.
Grey-winged Blackbird - Turdus boulboul
We saw 4 in the forests to the south of Phewa Tal on the 15th and
up to 6 in the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on both the 20th and 24th.
Dark-throated Thrush - Turdus ruficollis
Seen on ten dates with a few being seen at most areas visited. A flock of 80
seen flying south over Naudanda on the 6th proved the largest gathering.
A single 'Red-throated' form was seen at Gokarna on the 23rd.
Little Forktail - Enicurus scouleri
Seen on four dates along the trek with 1 seen near Phedi on the 5th,
3 at Birethanti on the 6th, 2 between Birethanti and Tirkedhungha
on the 7th and 3 seen along the same stretch on the 11th.
Black-backed Forktail - Enicurus immaculatus
We saw 3 on the stream in the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.
Slaty-backed Forktail - Enicurus schistaceus
A single individual was seen at Birethanti on the 6th with 3 seen
beyond Birethanti but before Tirkedhungha on the 7th and 1 along
the same stretch on the 11th.
Spotted Forktail - Enicurus maculatus
Seen on eight dates with a total of 18 logged being seen at Phedi, Birethanti,
Phulchowki and in the Godaveri Botanical Gardens. A daily maximum of 6 was seen
between Tirkedhungha and Birethanti on the 11th.
Chestnut-headed Tesia - Tesia castaneocoronata
Seen at the ravine at the base of Phulchowki where 1 was seen on the 20th,
2 on the 22nd and 6 on the 25th. A single individual was
seen along the track starting opposite the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the
24th. Proved far less skulking than expected often seen hopping around
on moss-covered rocks.
Grey-bellied Tesia - Tesia cyaniventer
A single individual was seen in a dark ravine at Gokarna on the 23rd
with 2 being seen at the same site on the 26th. More skulking than
the previous species although continually vocalising.
Rufous-capped (Grey-sided) Bush Warbler - Cettia brunnifrons
A single individual was pished into view in scrub along the track starting opposite
the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.
Brown Hill (Striated) Prinia - Prinia criniger
A single individual was pished into view in scrub along the track starting opposite
the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.
Jungle Prinia - Prinia sylvatica
A party of 10 were seen in woodland on the walk to the Churia Hills, Chitwan
on the 17th.
Plain Prinia - Prinia inornata
A party of around 40 were seen at Chitwan on the 16th. Other species
of Prinia were seen but were left unidentified.
Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius
Seen on ten dates proving widespread if not common.
Thick-billed Warbler - Acrocephalus aedon
We saw 1 in the fields near the dam at the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the
13th and another individual in the same general area the following
day.
Golden-spectacled Warbler - Seicercus burkii
Absent from Chitwan but fairly common in other areas being seen on twelve dates
with a daily maximum of 8 seen on two dates whilst on the trek.
Chestnut-crowned Warbler - Seicercus castaniceps
Around 6 were seen in the forest bordering the southern shore of Phewa Tal on
the 15th, 1 was seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the
21st and 24th and 1 was seen at Gokarna on the 23rd.
Grey-headed Flycatcher Warbler - Seicercus xanthoschistos
Very common in all areas visited with it being seen on nineteen dates with a
daily maximum of an estimated 40 on Phulchowki on the 25th.
Black-faced Flycatcher Warbler - Abroscopus schisticeps
Seen on a total of six dates being seen at various locations on the trek and
around Kathmandu with a daily maximum of 4 seen on Phulchowki on the 22nd.
Blyth's Crowned Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus reguloides
Absent from Chitwan but elsewhere proved to be common being seen on thirteen
dates. Probably under-recorded but the daily maximum was an estimated 30 at
the forest on the southern shore of Phewa Tal on the 14th.
Western Crowned Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus occipitalis
A single individual was seen in the forest at the southern shore of Phewa Tal
on the 15th, 8 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th with 15
there on the 18th and 1 on the 19th, 2 were seen on each
visit to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens and 1 was seen at Gokarna on the 26th.
Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides
Seen on the trek, at Pokhara and at Chitwan with a daily maximum of 15 being
seen in the forests at Phewa Tal on the 13th.
Orange-barred Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus pulcher
Very common on the trek and on Phulchowki with a daily maximum of 50 being seen
at Phulchowki on the 21st.
Grey-faced Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus maculipennis
Common on the trek and a few were seen on Phulchowki being seen on a total of
eleven dates with a daily maximum of 20 being recorded on two dates whilst on
the trek.
Pallas's Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus proregulus
Very common virtually everywhere being seen on over twenty dates with a daily
maximum of 80 being seen in a single flock in the forests along the southern
shore of Phewa Tal on the 15th.
Yellow-browed Warbler - Phylloscopus inornatus
Seen on the trek, around Pokhara and Kathmandu on a total of nine dates with
a maximum of 40 being seen in the Phewa Tal forests on the 13th.
Dusky Warbler - Phylloscopus fuscatus
A single individual was seen near the dam at the southern end of Phewa Tal on
the 14th and another was seen at Lakeside the next day.
Smoky Warbler - Phylloscopus fuligiventer
A single individual was seen in low bushes next to the river near the Chitwan
Jungle Lodge on the 19th.
Tickell's Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus affinis
We saw 3 at Chitwan on the 19th, 1 near the quarry at Phulchowki
on the 20th and 4 were seen in the scrub along the track starting
opposite the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.
Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita
Seen on four dates around Pokhara with a daily maximum of 5 recorded between
there and Phedi on the 5th. A single individual was seen at Chitwan
on the 19th.
Small Niltava - Niltava macgrigoriae
Seen on eight dates in small numbers on the trek, around Pokhara and on Phulchowki.
Rufous-bellied Niltava - Niltava sundara
Seen on a total of seven dates being seen at Phulchowki, Gokarna and proving
to be fairly common in the forests at the southern shore of Phewa Tal where
it was encountered on every visit with the daily maximum of 5 recorded there
on the 15th.
Pale-chinned Flycatcher - Cyornis poliogenys
A single individual was seen on the walk to the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the
18th.
Verditer Flycatcher - Muscicapa thalassina
A single individual was seen in woodland near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the
17th.
Snowy-browed Flycatcher - Ficedula hyperythra
A single male was seen on the 13th in the forests bordering Phewa
Tal with another male seen in the same area on the 15th.
Orange-gorgetted Flycatcher - Ficedula strophiata
Common and widespread being seen on fifteen dates with a daily maximum of 15
being seen in the Phewa Tal forests on the 15th.
Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva
Common around Pokhara and at Chitwan with a few seen around Kathmandu being
seen on a total of eleven dates with a daily maximum of 15 being seen at Chitwan
on the 17th.
Grey-headed Flycatcher - Culicicapa ceylonensis
Fairly common at Pokhara and Chitwan being seen on a total of seven dates. Also
2 were seen on Phulchowki on the 24th.
Yellow-bellied Fantail - Rhipidura hypoxantha
Seen on a total of twelve dates being absent at Chitwan. It was fairly common
with our daily maximum being 6 seen in the Phewa Tal forests on the 15th.
White-throated Fantail - Rhipidura albicollis
Seen on five dates being recorded from the trek, at Chitwan and on Phulchowki
but the daily maximum was only 2.
Spotted Babbler - Pellorneum ruficeps
A single individual was seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.
Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler - Pomatorhinus erythrogenys
We saw 2 in the Phewa Tal forests and up to 3 were seen on three visits to Phulchowki.
White-browed Scimitar-Babbler - Pomatorhinus schisticeps
A single individual was seen briefly just below Ulleri on the 10th.
Rufous-necked (Streak-breasted) Scimitar-Babbler -
Pomatorhinus ruficollis
Pairs were seen on Phulchowki on the 21st, 22nd and 24th.
Wren-Babbler sp. - Pnoepyga albiventer / pusilla
Several were seen on the lower slopes of Phulchowki especially in the ravine
at the base of the mountain but due to not vocalising and the poor views obtained
we left them unidentified.
Black-chinned Babbler - Stachyris pyrrhops
Around 10 were seen near Tirkedhungha on the 11th, 1 was seen at
Chitwan on the 18th and 1 was seen on Phulchowki on the 25th.
Grey-throated Babbler - Stachyris nigriceps
Around 5 were seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st.
Striped Tit-Babbler - Macronous gularis
Around 8 were seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th with
1 seen there on the 19th.
Red-capped Babbler - Timalia pileata
Near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge 2 were seen in open woodland on the 19th.
Yellow-eyed Babbler - Chrysomma sinense
Around 10 were seen on the walk to the Churia Hills at Chitwan on the 18th.
Spiny Babbler - Turdoides nipalensis
A single individual was seen near Tirkedhungha on the 11th and 2
reacted to pishing in the scrub along the track starting opposite the Godaveri
Botanical Gardens on the 24th.
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striatus
Up to 30 were seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the four dates spent there.
White-throated Laughing-thrush - Garrulax albogularis
A party of 20 were seen just above Ulleri on the 9th and up to 80
were seen on four dates spent on Phulchowki.
White-crested Laughing-thrush - Garrulax leucolophus
We saw 4 between Chandrakot and Birethanti on the 6th with 3 seen
there on the 11th, 4 were seen in the Phewa Tal forests on the 14th
and up to 12 were seen on four dates whilst on Phulchowki.
Striated Laughing-thrush - Garrulax striatus
A single individual was seen above Ulleri on the 9th and it proved
common on Phulchowki where up to 40 were seen on five dates there.
Rufous-chinned Laughing-thrush - Garrulax rufogularis
Only seen on Phulchowki where 6 were seen on the 20th and 3 on the
25th.
Grey-sided Laughing-thrush - Garrulax caerulatus
Only seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki where 2 were seen on the 22nd
and 6 on the 25th.
Streaked Laughing-thrush - Garrulax lineatus
Only seen near Ulleri where 2 were seen on the 8th and 6 on the 10th.
Black-faced Laughing-thrush - Garrulax affinis
A party of around 6 were seen just above Ulleri on the 10th.
Chestnut-crowned (Red-headed) Laughing-thrush - Garrulax
erythrocephalus
We saw 2 at Ulleri on the 7th, 2 at Tirkedhungha on the 11th
and it proved fairly common on Phulchowki where up to 10 were seen on five dates
there.
Red-billed Leothrix - Leiothrix lutea
We saw 2 in the forests to the south of Phewa Tal on the 13th and
up to 30 were seen on three dates at Phulchowki.
Green Shrike-Babbler - Pteruthius xanthochloris
A single individual was seen with a mixed-species flock that passed through
the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 25th.
Black-eared Shrike-Babbler - Pteruthius melanotis
At Tirkedhungha 3 were seen on the 7th and 2 on the 9th
and on Phulchowki 1 was seen on the 21st and 4 on the 24th.
Hoary Barwing - Actinodura nipalensis
A single individual was seen between Ghorepani and Ulleri on the 9th.
Blue-winged Minla - Minla cyanouroptera
We saw 2 near Tirkedhungha on the 7th and up to 6 were seen on three
dates at Phulchowki.
Chestnut-tailed Minla - Minla strigula
Only seen between Tirkedhungha and Ghorepani with up to 15 being seen on three
dates in that area.
Rufous-winged Fulvetta - Alcippe castaneceps
A single individual was seen near Tirkedhungha on the 7th and up
to 25 were seen on Phulchowki on three dates.
White-browed Fulvetta - Alcippe vinipectus
Just 2 seen between Ulleri and Ghorepani on the 9th.
Nepal Fulvetta - Alcippe nipalensis
We saw 1 near Phedi on the 5th and 1 near Naudanda on the 6th
and on Phulchowki 6 were seen on the 24th and 12 the next day.
Black-capped Sibia - Heterophasia capistrata
Seen on seven dates on the trek or on Phulchowki with a daily maximum of 60
recorded half-way up Phulchowki on the 22nd.
Whiskered Yuhina - Yuhina flavicollis
Near Tirkedhungha 8 were seen on the 7th and 35 on the 11th
and on Phulchowki up to 10 were seen on four dates.
Stripe-throated Yuhina - Yuhina gularis
Only seen in the forest at Ghorepani with 50 seen on the 9th and
40 the following day.
Rufous-vented Yuhina - Yuhina occipitalis
We saw 4 in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st.
White-bellied Yuhina - Yuhina zantholeuca
Seen on five dates from scattered locations being recorded at Tirkedhungha,
the forest at Phewa Tal, Chitwan, Phulchowki and Gokarna with a daily maximum
of 4 recorded at Phewa Tal on the 15th.
Red-headed (Black-throated) Tit - Aegithalos concinnus
Seen on a total of nine dates being seen along the trek and on Phulchowki with
a daily maximum of 15 recorded on four dates.
Yellow-browed Tit - Sylviparus modestus
We saw 2 in the forest at Ghorepani on the 10th and up to 4 were
recorded on three dates at Phulchowki.
Rufous-vented Black Tit - Parus rubidiventris
A party of 4 were watched feeding in snow-covered conifers at Ghorepani on the
9th.
Great Tit - Parus major
Seen on eleven dates in widespread locations with a daily maximum of 15 seen
at Chitwan on the 17th.
Green-backed Tit - Parus monticolus
Seen on nine dates being absent at Chitwan. A daily maximum of 5 was recorded
on Phulchowki on the 22nd.
Black-lored Tit - Parus xanthogenys
Seen on fifteen dates being absent at Chitwan. A daily maximum of 20 was recorded
at Gokarna on the 26th.
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch - Sitta frontalis
Seen on nine dates around Pokhara, Chitwan and Kathmandu with a daily maximum
of 8 recorded at Chitwan on the 17th.
White-tailed Nuthatch - Sitta himalayensis
Seen on a total of five dates being recorded at Gokarna and Phulchowki with
a daily maximum of 4 seen at Phulchowki on the 22nd.
Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch - Sitta castanea
Seen on eight dates being recorded at all main areas visited with a daily maximum
of 5 recorded between Ghorepani and Tirkedhungha on the 10th.
Wallcreeper - Tichodroma muraria
We saw 1 below Naudanda on the 5th, 2 between Birethanti and Tirkedhungha
on the 7th with 3 seen there on the 11th, 1 at the Churia
Hills, Chitwan on the 18th and 1 near the quarries at Godaveri on
the 22nd.
Treecreeper - Certhia familiaris
We saw 2 below Ulleri on the 7th.
Purple Sunbird - Nectarinia asiatica
Singles were seen at Thamel in Kathmandu on the 3rd and on the walk
to the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.
Mrs. Gould's Sunbird - Aethopyga gouldiae
Up to 8 including some fine males were seen on four dates spent on Phulchowki.
Nepal (Green-tailed) Sunbird - Aethopyga nipalensis
Only seen in the ravine leading north from Tirkedhungha with 8 seen on the 7th,
10 on the 10th and 15 on the 11th. Full plumage.
Black-throated Sunbird - Aethopyga saturata
We saw 2 males at Birethanti on the 11th and 3 males along the track
starting opposite the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.
Crimson Sunbird - Aethopyga siparaja
A male was seen at Phedi on the 5th with another seen at Tirkedhungha
on the 11th.
Fire-tailed Sunbird - Aethopyga ignicauda
Only winter-plumaged birds were encountered with 15 seen at Tirkedhungha on
the 11th and up to 6 seen on five dates whilst on Phulchowki.
Streaked Spiderhunter - Aeachnothera magna
we saw 5 feeding in a fruiting tree at the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.
Pale-billed Flowerpecker - Dicaeum erythrorhynchos
We saw 2 at the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.
Plain Flowerpecker - Dicaeum concolor
We just saw a single individual in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the
21st.
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker - Dicaeum ignipectus
A single individual was seen at Ulleri on the 9th, up to 2 were seen
at Phulchowki on four dates and 2 were seen at Gokarna on the 26th.
Oriental White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosa
This species proved to be widespread being seen on ten dates with a maximum
of 30 seen at Pashupatinath on the 3rd.
Maroon Oriole - Oriolus traillii
We saw 3 in a patch of forest to the north of Birethanti on the 11th
and it proved rather common in the forest at the southern shore of Phewa Tal
where up to 15 were seen on three dates.
Black-headed Oriole - Oriolus xanthornus
A single individual was seen at Lakeside on the 14th and up to 3
were seen on three dates at Chitwan.
Brown Shrike - Lanius cristatus
Singles were seen near the dam at Phewa Tal on the 15th, at the Godaveri
Botanical Gardens on the 20th and at Gokarna on the 23rd.
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach
Seen on seventeen dates with it proving to be common and widespread although
was absent north of Birethanti. Our first and last records were at Dhaka Airport
in Bangladesh but our daily maximum was 12 seen between Kathmandu and Pokhara
on the 4th.
Grey-backed Shrike - Lanius tephronotus
Seen on nine dates in small numbers and proving widespread although not seen
at Chitwan.
Black Drongo - Dicrurus macrocercus
Seen on sixteen dates proving very common and widespread although absent on
the trek.
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus
Up to 2 were seen at Birethanti on three dates with 1 seen at the Phewa Tal
forests on the 13th and 5 on Phulchowki on the 24th.
White-bellied Drongo - Dicrurus caerulescens
We just saw 3 at Chitwan on the 17th.
Bronzed Drongo - Dicrurus aeneus
Up to 3 were seen near Birethanti on the 6th and 11th,
up to 4 were seen in the Phewa Tal forests on four dates and 2 were seen on
Phulchowki on the 20th.
Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo - Dicrurus remifer
A single individual was seen near Phedi on the 5th and 2 were seen
in the Phewa Tal forests on the 13th and 15th.
Hair-crested Drongo - Dicrurus hottentottus
We saw 6 at Chitwan on the 17th and an estimated 100 were seen on
the walk up to the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo - Dicrurus paradiseus
A single individual was seen on the walk up to the Churia Hills, Chitwan on
the 18th.
Ashy Woodswallow - Artamus fuscus
we saw 2 at Chitwan on the 18th.
Jay - Garrulus glandarius
Seen on a total of nine dates being recorded at Phulchowki, the Phewa Tal forests
and at Ghorepani with a daily maximum of 12 seen on Phulchowki on the 22nd.
Lanceolated Jay - Garrulus lanceolatus
Proved to be common in the forests bordering the southern edge of Phewa Tal
with a flock of 80 birds being encountered on three dates. We also saw a party
of 6 on Phulchowki on the 22nd.
Red-billed Blue Magpie - Urocissa erythrorhyncha
Around 8 were seen near the town of Birethanti on the 11th, 10 were
seen in the Phewa Tal forests on the 15th, 3 were seen at Chitwan
on the 17th and up to 8 were seen in or near the Godaveri Botanical
Gardens on both the 20th and 24th.
Green Magpie - Cissa chinensis
We saw 2 in the small area of forest to the north of Birethanti on the 11th
and seen on every visit to the forests to the south of Phewa Tal with a daily
maximum of 6 being recorded there on the 15th.
Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda
Up to 4 were seen on four dates whilst at Chitwan.
Grey Treepie - Dendrocitta formosae
Seen on eleven dates and only absent at Chitwan. The daily maximum was 50 recorded
in the forests to the south of Phewa Tal on the 15th.
House Crow - Corvus splendens
Very common and widespread although not seen to the north of Birethanti.
Jungle Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos
Seen virtually every day and often in large numbers.
Asian Pied Starling - Sturnus contra
Around 6 were seen at Dhaka Airport on the 2nd and up to 6 were seen
at Chitwan on three dates.
Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis
Common and widespread.
Jungle Myna - Acridotheres fuscus
Common and widespread although not seen north of Birethanti.
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus
Common and widespread although not seen north of Birethanti.
Cinnamon Sparrow - Passer rutilans
We saw 2 at Chandrakot on the 12th.
Tree Sparrow - Passer montanus
Common and widespread although not seen at Chitwan.
Striated (White-rumped Munia) - Lonchura striata
A flock of 8 were seen near the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the 5th and
up to 20 were seen around Pokhara on four dates.
Tibetan Serin - Serinus thibetanus
A flock of around 70 were seen in the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 20th
with 20 seen there on the 24th. We saw 3 in the ravine at the base
of Phulchowki on the 25th.
Dark-breasted Rosefinch - Carpodacus nipalensis
We saw 2 males in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st
with 1 seen again there on the 25th.
Beautiful Rosefinch - Carpodacus pulcherrimus
A single male was seen near Tirkedhungha on the 11th.
Pink-browed Rosefinch - Carpodacus rhodochrous
A flock of 6 were seen near Ulleri on the 9th and 1 was seen in the
same area on the 10th. Presumably forced down by the poor weather
at higher elevations.
Spot-winged Rosefinch - Carpodacus rhodopeplus
We saw 2 males just above Ulleri on the 9th.
Scarlet Finch - Haematospiza sipahi
We saw 2 males and a female in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st
and 5 females in the same area on the 25th.
Gold-naped Finch - Pyrrhoplectes epauletta
A party of 4 were seen along the road leading up Phulchowki just above the ravine
on the 20th and 2 were seen in the ravine the following day.
Brown Bullfinch - Pyrrhula nipalensis
A party of 6 were seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st
and 25th.
Spot-winged Grosbeak - Mycerobas melanozanthos
A superb male was seen just above Ulleri on the 10th.
Yellow-breasted Bunting - Emberiza aureola
A single male was seen in the fields to the north of Phewa Tal on the 14th.
Crested Bunting - Melophus lathami
A small flock of 6 were seen in the garden of the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the
5th.
Some mammals seen :
Golden Jackal : A few were seen at Chitwan.
Sloth Bear : A superb male was seen from Elephant-back
at Chitwan.
Smooth-coated Otter : A pair were seen just outside the boundary of Chitwan.
Mongoose sp. : A few were seen at Chitwan.
Tiger : A superb adult male was seen not far from the Chitwan Jungle Lodge.
Indian Rhinoceros : Awoken at close range twice whilst on foot at Chitwan and up to 10 seen daily from Elephant-back.
Wild Boar : Several were seen at Chitwan.
Spotted Deer : Common at Chitwan.
Barking Deer : Common at Chitwan.
Sambar Deer : A couple were seen at Chitwan.
References :
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.
A Birdwatchers' Guide to Nepal, Carol Inskipp.
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