On the way to Chopta and beyond

Himalayan Monal

After sighting the illusive Cheer Pheasant, the group moved towards their next destination which was Chopta, at an altitude of 8000 ft, and 50 km from Makkumath.

On the way to Chopta they crossed the scenic snow-covered Dugalbitta. The entire area (Chopta and Dugalbitta) falls under Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary.

Himalayan Monal (male)	Himalayan Monal (Female)

They saw a whole lot of birds on the way to Dugalbitta. If you like bird watching then this region from Makkumath to Chopta must be in your list. I am sharing pictures of some of the birds that Soma sighted on the way to Dugalbitta from Makkumath. They were lucky to see the Himalayan Tahr as well.

The most awaited sighting happened a little beyond Chopta, on the yellow grassy slopes, they saw the Himalayan Monals (both male and female), perhaps one of the most beautiful birds in India.

It is from Chopta that the Tungnath trek begins. Tungnath is the highest of the Panch Kedar (Shiva) temples and is at an altitude of 12000 ft.

I hope you enjoy these pictures. These pictures are all courtesy Soma.

Dugalbitta	On the way to Chopta from Dugalbitta

Himalayan Tahr	Dugalbitta

Alpine Accentor	Collared Owlet spotted at Chopta

Dark-throated Thrush	Eurasian Jay

Green-backed Tit	Green-tailed Sunbird

Grey-crested Tit	Himalayan Bluetail (female)

Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler	Spot-winged Tit

Striated Laughing Thrush	Variegated Laughing Thrush

You may like the following posts:

• In search of the Cheer Pheasant, Uttarakhand, India
• Birds in and around Makkumath in Uttarakhand India
• A bird watcher's paradise, Makkumath, Uttarakhand
• Bird sightings in Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, India 

In times of uncertainty

If I can’t make it through one door, I’ll go through another door- or I’ll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.”

Rabindranath Tagore

In search of the Cheer Pheasant, Uttarakhand, India

From Makkumath, Soma and the bird watching group set off in search of the Cheer Pheasant, towards Mayali village which is at a higher altitude than Makkumath.

The best part of traveling to these regions is the scenic beauty. Not only do you get to see birds , the scenic beauty is an additional bonus. Just writing about it during these times is a pleasure. I can close my eyes and escape to these beautiful places and dream of the days when I can travel again... Travel the world and the seven seas.

For now, I have to make do with experiencing travel vicariously:)

On the way to Mayali village

Himalayan Vulture

The highlight of this trip for Soma was the sighting of the Cheer Pheasant which is extremely difficult to find. In the picture below you will find that the habitat where they live does not make it easy to spot them. Cheer Pheasants easily camouflage themselves in the yellow grass. Their red eyes are perhaps the only giveaway. Thanks to Negi ji’s (their bird guide) persistence and continuous scanning and monitoring of the area that they could finally see the Cheer Pheasants ( three of them together!).

Cheer Pheasant habitat

Cheer Pheasant	Cheer Pheasants

Rock Bunting

I guess that is what birding is all about, lots of patience… and the current situation in our lives also calls for the same. Not certain though if we will be awarded with rare beautiful sightings once this pandemic ends, but for now we have to be happy to be safe and healthy :) Until my next post...stay safe, healthy, and happy :)

Scaly-bellied Woodpecker	Upland Pipit

You may like the following posts:

• Birds in and around Makkumath in Uttarakhand India
• A bird watcher's paradise, Makkumath, Uttarakhand
• Bird sightings in Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, India