Just About Everything

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...

Pangot, Nainital, India Pangot is a small town in Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Located at a height of 6,000 feet, it is around 15 km from Nainital which is another popular tourist destination. Pangot is a very popular destination for bird watchers, one can see a variety of Himalayan species such as, Lammergeier, Himalayan griffon, blue-winged Minla, spotted & slaty-backed Forktail, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Khalij pheasant, cheer pheasant and a variety of thrushes etc. Pangot is very-well connected and is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest railhead is Kathgodam; Pangot is around 40 km from Kathgodam.It should take you close to 2 hours to reach Pangot. There are buses that ply from Delhi to Kathgodam The nearest airport is Pantnagar. Pangot is around 75 km and will likely take around 3 hours to reach. You can drive from Delhi to Nainital, the distance is around 300 km and will take you around 7-8 hours. Here are some bird...

Posting some absolutely beautiful pictures clicked by my cousin Soma, who is an avid birdwatcher. She had a wonderful trip to Uttarakhand recently. The birding trip was organised by Mr Yashpal Negi a bird expert, who runs the Mandakini Birdwatchers Camp at Kakragad, Uttarakhand located 40 km from Chopta (chopta is the nearest road head)and 33 km from Devprayag. Blue Capped Rock Thrush The Himalayan Monal was seen near the Shiv temple at Tunganath. Pika (with a baby) is a hamster like mammal found in high altitudes. Rufous Bellied Woodpecker