BIRDWATCHING

Although a small nation, Nepal plays host to an incredibly large number of migratory birds. More than 847 species of birds have been recorded within her boundaries. But bird watching has not received the attention it deserves. There are many agencies that conduct bird watching tours most of which is within the national parks and wildlife reserves.

Two important locations for bird watching are the Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and the Royal Chitwan National Park, which has a high record of sightings. Phulchowki combined with Godavari is considered the best site around the Kathmandu valley.

Besides Phulchowki, there are Nagarjung, Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve and the Taudaha lake around the Kathmandu valley. Some of the birds found in these areas are the Spiny Babbler, cutia, Hawk Eagles, woodpeckers, pheasants, magpies, sunbirds, Laughing Thrush, eagles, flycathers, and a large number of waterfowl (in the Taudaha lake). Many species are also seen along the rivers of Kahmandu valley.

Pokhara is known for sightings of jacana, tesias, snipe, bulbuls, herons, gulls, ducks, pipits, etc. in and around the lake. The terraced hillsides are also good for birding.

Kosi Barrage & Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern terai (plains) has wetlands that are the best location anywhere for sighting waterfowl. About 26 species of ducks alone can be found here besides the kites, ospreys, harriers, kingfishers, falcons, vultures, storks, Swamp Francolin, etc.

Other locations: The Royal Chitwan National Park, is one of the best locations for bird watching with more than 450 recorded species. The Sal and riverine forests along with the grassland are all rich in bird life. One can raft or canoe gently along the river looking out for rare species. Or go for nature walks along the jungle paths; stopping every now and then to discern the cleverly camouflaged jungle birds. Some species found here are Adjutant Storks, hornbills, sunbirds, Night Jars, Bengal Florican and the beautiful Asian Paradise Flycatcher. Royal Bardia National Park, which lies in western Nepal, has similar forests and grassland as Chitwan. Among the birds found here are Ruddy Shelducks, kites, darters, gulls, cormorants, pratincoles, etc along the rivers and woodpeckers, orioles, jungle fowl, prinias, peacocks, etc in the jungles.

National parks and conservation areas in the Himalayan regions are also good for birding with its eagles, vultures and Nepal’s national bird, the Himalayan Monal (Impeyan Pheasant) to name a few. Monals are found in greater numbers in the Langtang National Park. The recommended regions for birding are the Annapurna Sanctuary, Gosaikunda and Langtang treks, Jomsom trek, Sagarmatha National Park, Upper Mai valley, Rara-Jumla and the Arun valley.

The best time to go birding in the terai is between October and April while in the mountainous regions it is March to May. December to March is considered the ideal time for the terai. We can arrange any type of bird watching trip to suit your preferences and time constraints.

The cost and details information are available on your request.
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