Chakrata, Deoban (Dehradun)
Four of us, Dr Sudhir Oswal, Dr Chandra Kumar Ballal, Ramu and myself, left Sonipat in the early morning of 12th May 2007 and reached Forest Research Institute, Dehradun by noon driving through Kalesar National Park and a brief stay at Asan Barrage. At FRI, Dehradun we were joined by Dhananjai Mohan and Raman Attrey. Afternoon birding at FRI. 13 th May morning, we drove for Chakrata (2000m height) birding all the way, afternoon birding at Tiger Fall, night stay in DFO Residence Forest Rest House (built in 1888), 14thMay morning we drove for Deoban (2900m height) birding all the way, night stay again in Chakrata FRH, 15 th May morning we drove back via Bairat Khai birding all the way and reached Sonipat by the sunset. A brief visit at Bikram Grewal's house in Dehradun on 12th evening.
White detailed trip report will take some time for uploading on my website, here are the brief highlights:
Out of the 198 species, Chukar and Hill Partridges. Asan Barrage had 150 wintering ducks still left behind on 12th but nil on 15 th.
14 species of woodpeckers included Speckled Piculet; Rufous, Brown-fronted, Rufous-bellied, Himalayan, Scaly-bellied and Grey-headed Woodpeckers, Lesser Yellownape and Greater Flameback. 5 species of barbets – Great Barbet being the commonest.
8 species of cuckoos including Large Hawk, Indian, Eurasian, Oriental, Drongo- and Grey-bellied Cuckoos.
4 species of parakeets including Slaty-headed. Owls included Brown Hawk, Mountain Scops and Asian Barred Owlets.
6 species of doves including Emerald and Oriental Turtle. Pin- & Wedge-tailed Green Pigeons.
11 species of birds of prey including Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffons, Crested Serpent, Black and Bonelli's Eagle. 2 species of jays, 2 of blue magpies, 2 of treepies, 2 of minivets, 2 of orioles. Dark-sided, Verditer, Grey-headed Canary and Asian Paradise Flycathcers. 4 species of drongos. Brown Dipper, Blue-caped Rock Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Orange-headed Thrush, Blackbird. Plumbeous Redstart. Grey Bushchats and nesting Common Stonechats.
Nesting Chestnut-tailed Starling and Jungle Mynas. Chestnut-bellied and White-tailed Nuthatches, Eurasian and Bar-tailed Treecreepers.
Tits included Spot-winged, Great, Green-backed, Black-lored and Black-throated. Commonest swallow was Red-rumped (nesting).
5 species of laughingthrushes including White-throated, Rufous-chinned and Chestnut-crowned.
Puff-throated and Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers.
Rufous Sibias, nesting Russet Sparrows, displaying (dance and song) Upland Pipits, White-rumped Munias, Black & Yellow Grossbeaks.
Special thanks to Dr Sudhir for his bird-spotting talent.
I strongly recommend birders and bird photographers to visit this route full of birds.
Regards,
Suresh C Sharma
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