Just About Everything

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 ...

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

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...