Just About Everything

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...

Pink-browed Rosefinch My lock-down diary continues with these delightful birds found in and around  Makkumath . These birds were seen at an altitude of 5000-7000 ft. The pictures are all courtesy Soma who was so very lucky to have seen so many birds during her travel earlier this year. Black Francolin In Makkumath, one can see a host of birds from Mr. Negi's home stay.  You don't have to step out to see birds such as   Black Francolin,  Russet Sparrow,  Great Barbet, Himalayan Bulbul,  Grey Treepie, Barred Owlet,  and many more. Russet Sparrow Great B arbet Himalayan Bulbul Grey Treepie Spotted Forktail White-throated Laughingthrush Black-faced Warbler Grey headed Woodpecker-female Blue-whistling Thrush Collared Owlet Large-billed Crow Long-billed Thrush Grey-winged Blackbir...

The world has changed so much since my last post! With Corona having taken over almost every person's peace of mind, the only place I find peace is in taking refuge in dreaming and imagining all the travels I intend to do:) View around Makkumath Black Francolin Makkumath While chatting with my cousin, Soma, who is an avid bird watcher, I felt a strong desire to visit Uttarakhand. Soma returned from her birding trip early February this year, and was sharing her experience of birding in Uttarakhand. I have been to several bird watching trips with her, but this one seems unique, not only because of the number of birds she sighted, but also because of the information and guidance she received from Mr. Yashpal Negi, an experienced and well-known local bird guide.A three day session with him is likely to get you around 100 bird species. Sharing some pictures taken by Soma. Asian barred owlet Blue fronted Redstart Mr Negi's Sparrow house for...