tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79904224441180980842024-03-13T08:21:40.832-07:00Birds N BeyondBirds n Beyond is a place to share my travels/tours/happenings from a birder's viewpoint.FreeSpirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078567139919623425noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990422444118098084.post-56167966335525105732021-12-31T20:50:00.002-08:002021-12-31T20:50:22.395-08:00Chilling in Jilling<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn3QvAy1cgdhf3m93JXUAKQPk7MvhmZqWCGk84xWoZkbo7q9C79wW-7UdAE4JrtM8kXVtjZesCq89Yy80TkfSWQb4o4Kk1tVa0yP7NqavjtnLCP9jefQ7AiqPHQqsioVGYTyvBkNbWEQv1BjZgFJbYyl8OHjy9IaWeZF3Slfu0cijCS7u5Q-qdWvhs=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2218" data-original-width="4608" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn3QvAy1cgdhf3m93JXUAKQPk7MvhmZqWCGk84xWoZkbo7q9C79wW-7UdAE4JrtM8kXVtjZesCq89Yy80TkfSWQb4o4Kk1tVa0yP7NqavjtnLCP9jefQ7AiqPHQqsioVGYTyvBkNbWEQv1BjZgFJbYyl8OHjy9IaWeZF3Slfu0cijCS7u5Q-qdWvhs=w640-h309" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chestnut leaves covering the forest floor</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Somewhere in the middle of nowhere in the hills of Kumaon, there lies a pristine forest, zealously guarded for over half a century by a family of nature lovers who are a fast vanishing species in modern world.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2edNqmtqIyUPkPowi0TM4wVMpMFgL01N6ynR59tzMQGHiWW7nolUW0d4bFwQaBDf0j4geXEqlWwhcvfcaih5mdquILcaEZNNsRb5gpfROarcJ21qtvKrggiEYb8aXpicPUFy2P_UsyDJOwb8pKJhdmdhaEIikCIv0EDdnw1czBcwtRZ8JFm9ZR3Lb=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2218" data-original-width="4608" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2edNqmtqIyUPkPowi0TM4wVMpMFgL01N6ynR59tzMQGHiWW7nolUW0d4bFwQaBDf0j4geXEqlWwhcvfcaih5mdquILcaEZNNsRb5gpfROarcJ21qtvKrggiEYb8aXpicPUFy2P_UsyDJOwb8pKJhdmdhaEIikCIv0EDdnw1czBcwtRZ8JFm9ZR3Lb=w400-h193" width="400" /></a></div><br />Jilling Estate spread over 100 acres is owned by Lall family. It is not on the regular tourist circuit, and that's the saving grace. We had a week long stay booked in what is referred to as New Cottage on the estate. There are 4 such cottages which they run as homestay. <p></p><p>We started from Delhi, around 7 in the morning and only stopped enroute for mandatory Chai, Breakfast and Lunch. As time was plenty on our hands, we decided to stop at Kaladhungi before hitting Matial village, the base for Jilling.</p><p></p><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdDaPOQKPJ7Foe9rldrmb6Bij1cvFY2rhrkI-sb2e2yWcG68w0DwBVxT0PHcwAa7faPqIpvepEp3tTUSWc4aQvFcmRn_UZLhbrlwBX889cdTKof_OXEdUcH1NZ0oHaLsimBv4PoS_9NHDeKq4EQuwmOIO6GhoayD9JtR2-E-FEnob6ibOTwpPlQlMX=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdDaPOQKPJ7Foe9rldrmb6Bij1cvFY2rhrkI-sb2e2yWcG68w0DwBVxT0PHcwAa7faPqIpvepEp3tTUSWc4aQvFcmRn_UZLhbrlwBX889cdTKof_OXEdUcH1NZ0oHaLsimBv4PoS_9NHDeKq4EQuwmOIO6GhoayD9JtR2-E-FEnob6ibOTwpPlQlMX=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br />At Kaladhungi, we visited the less frequented Jim Corbett Museum at Choti Haldwani. It's the former home of Jim Corbett. Various pictures of shikar and letters in Jim's own hand are preserved, as also few of the porcelain dishes the great man used. It's a humbling experience to stand face to face with larger than life bust of Jim Corbett, the man this nation owes a lot to. There's a souvenir shop selling charming little curios and local food products.<p></p><p>Stuffed with Gahat dal, White Rajma, Apricot jam, fand few books by Jim Corbett that we didn't already have, lapel pins, Tiger printed on T-shirts, we decided to round off our little detour and headed straight for Jilling.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguklVZ4N_EEMj3oYJMVjv6uQQAtzUPgtezUNsEsh1lb2xR__kCIC5Cyt3_9qUG2LGjeTMN52M1-5myA2iS7S79crKIuwP-L_JJvJpUzf7mkrVOoUDZxmNVRa3MQvWXzCYanEo0te7mXDp6PycK740e7kNG5AWB8n8_zmE_mxtU2ZBYntD6Y4I64Rba=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2218" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguklVZ4N_EEMj3oYJMVjv6uQQAtzUPgtezUNsEsh1lb2xR__kCIC5Cyt3_9qUG2LGjeTMN52M1-5myA2iS7S79crKIuwP-L_JJvJpUzf7mkrVOoUDZxmNVRa3MQvWXzCYanEo0te7mXDp6PycK740e7kNG5AWB8n8_zmE_mxtU2ZBYntD6Y4I64Rba=w309-h640" width="309" /></a></div>Once on the hills, numerous hair pin bends and sights of deep gorges running alongside had our hair stand on end. Finally, we reached the small roadside shop in the hamlet of Matial. This was the address where we were met by Ramlal, the workhorse of Jilling. When Nandini told us Ramlal will meet us and help us with our luggage uphill to the cottage, I had pictured a young pahadi lad. But here was a 4 ft few inches tall, 200 yr old Santa-esque man, politely greeting us and introducing himself as Ramlal. Over the next hour, Ramlal (ji) was incharge and guide and our hamdard, as our urban smog tainted lungs gasped for air on our uphill climb while the dainty Ramlal moved brisk and lithe. We were in awe. Till the end of trip, Ramlal's actual age remained a mystery as each conversation pegged him either above 60 or 70. <p></p><p>At the cottage, we were greeted by the care taker Deepak who promptly arranged for lemon tea and lit the fireplace. Cottage was charmingly decorated and well provisioned. Like Hema Malini's room with a view in Johny Mera Naam, this new cottage had windows on all sides, including from the loo. Perfect for birdwatching while sitting on the pot. Night falls easily in the hills, so before we knew, it was dark all around and we decided wisely to crash early.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiOySfe0Tsf5ONfZUjaJWyTSL1qz994W-2uVV2eJKS-Y45deH-GqDbIaPoJuYr4zRsUS2K-zWWzU5DmZtKcyZuqjEy_Pt8GxKGzLWEVaP_40U2NzYoD58dIXG5tcZDyooXaOYkNSgLnzDSjkPfqsjMcfT1M18vp5iqwgZSUVSjhxKQlmlwk3t1Iwip=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2218" data-original-width="4608" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiOySfe0Tsf5ONfZUjaJWyTSL1qz994W-2uVV2eJKS-Y45deH-GqDbIaPoJuYr4zRsUS2K-zWWzU5DmZtKcyZuqjEy_Pt8GxKGzLWEVaP_40U2NzYoD58dIXG5tcZDyooXaOYkNSgLnzDSjkPfqsjMcfT1M18vp5iqwgZSUVSjhxKQlmlwk3t1Iwip=w400-h193" width="400" /></a></div><p>Next morning and the mornings hereafter, were spent marvelling at the peaks of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Nanda Kot and few others that can be seen clearly behind the rolling hills in front. Every morning before dawn and at dusk, Blue Whistling Thrush sang it's song on the Oak tree next to the cottage. Two daring Khaleej Pheasants showed up at the door the very next day, as if to check if we were guests alright to be hosted on their property. They seemed to approve and departed soon. </p><p>We went to meet Steve and Parvati Lall, owners of the estate and were charmed by their life stories. Steve flew fighters in the Indian Air Force and then left it to nurture the estate. He has biked all around the country and has many stories to tell. Any mention of even a remote corner of the country and Steve knew it like the back of his hand. His life partner, Parvati is the true lady of the soil. Up early every day, she is a compulsively busy soul. She had delightful tales to tell Alisha about her mischievous childhood. When not serving Sri Lankan tea out of an old English tea pot, she was found tending lovingly to her cattle and her 5 dogs.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaHFfCknvEXHflyV2UcwdUi2E1RG889uL5QXY7oUk_r_8jnmndoUev2l6v5B2YFrGxBmqf2jeT4hQh3xvxy2ox6r6EsMy4IMSMuxi0gFTMiopdRbnjluqqxx9NaET4klvpOq3z5tHLxAmxe-Fg00UwXho5yjOWmgvxMc6NDeuL5VEpGWA7GGHwUEf1=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2218" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaHFfCknvEXHflyV2UcwdUi2E1RG889uL5QXY7oUk_r_8jnmndoUev2l6v5B2YFrGxBmqf2jeT4hQh3xvxy2ox6r6EsMy4IMSMuxi0gFTMiopdRbnjluqqxx9NaET4klvpOq3z5tHLxAmxe-Fg00UwXho5yjOWmgvxMc6NDeuL5VEpGWA7GGHwUEf1=s320" width="154" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyrrNoohrPJeTDzyLvbM3-A295jh3Ib3T9uyn-jJNWTLAZFD-OXsqmb_kb2FRh7VR7ZwJ_I3ye4Unz9MOeMew' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />Steve and Parvati's cottage is an eclectic mix of odds and ends, including a telescope and astrophotography equipment of his equally worthy son-in-law Kartik. But what I loved the most was a little bird table which hosted a whole contingent of hill birds every morning, noon and evening. White-throated Laughingthrush, Streaked Laughingthrush, Black-headed Jay, Rufous Sibia, Green-backed Tit, Black-lored Tit, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Black-winged Blackbird delighted us everyday as we sat soaking in sunshine at their charming cottage.</span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEc3YiHK5131f8vaDMmLlrMOjAo-RmxyAF8ViN2XYJKuxgK0X5miOiUIcuGqRTQ2EGA0Hqx0Yk6W_CCFVAOwVK_5IQ5mzS8ADiidO4tA4-UBqzv7ZxhbFa41y0lqMkX4F294OuvBJxfRfrvNLrfiZDRmrEWUj5pcTtdwpMyV0X9ynNmFMYM1yU2QD1=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2218" data-original-width="4608" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEc3YiHK5131f8vaDMmLlrMOjAo-RmxyAF8ViN2XYJKuxgK0X5miOiUIcuGqRTQ2EGA0Hqx0Yk6W_CCFVAOwVK_5IQ5mzS8ADiidO4tA4-UBqzv7ZxhbFa41y0lqMkX4F294OuvBJxfRfrvNLrfiZDRmrEWUj5pcTtdwpMyV0X9ynNmFMYM1yU2QD1=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />In the surrounding hills, forests are preserved all around and it's clear Steve and Parvati and their next generation Nandini and Kartik have doggedly fought against all odds to fend off the so called modern development. They have fought and continue to fight politicians, arsonists, poachers as the demand on our forests continues to spike.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuhBMKLBJW5XGAg0LPUXycAqhfAnSqHtXx1slu0Zjwlm8W45GuLLQ80LsdNDBCk5CstF57aD8df2njHHQvC8jGWVCST9NuxHu8O9t0b5eWyVaGrwrVcErib-nW5sjQNr_LdbbcvPIrBD_F953KaW68pyyhowZfpflhdu4HODpXkiVRK2MYeAJE-TnE=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2218" data-original-width="4608" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuhBMKLBJW5XGAg0LPUXycAqhfAnSqHtXx1slu0Zjwlm8W45GuLLQ80LsdNDBCk5CstF57aD8df2njHHQvC8jGWVCST9NuxHu8O9t0b5eWyVaGrwrVcErib-nW5sjQNr_LdbbcvPIrBD_F953KaW68pyyhowZfpflhdu4HODpXkiVRK2MYeAJE-TnE=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />I get asked many times, what activities did we do on our vacation and I struggle to piece it all in a modern way. We walked in forest, we trekked uphill to the ridge, we admired the many colours of forest bed, filled with dried chestnut, Oak and Pine leaves, we walked on morning frost, we ate hearty home cooked meals, drank cups after cups of tea, sat hours and hours in sunshine, chatted, dozed off as we heard birds all around. At nights, we watched the stars stitched on the navy blue velvet sheet above and heard calls of Himalayan Owl and barking deer in the distance and we sat hours in front of the fireplace. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwMUTibaJEuSuxhHWhZghQZCLqy9IUWgt7DNeLmdnQDKY6l2OzIOSNtkV3ONgs_gnhOcvEw__RJvc6FgMpYIKX2qWWeuBdcVj54oB9fuvtGEoB16XmfPzqOmr5GyolIBh7QdCHmPztmJYskuSqHQkasRMS3NsCoyoiKBuEtG1xs72rUa1-WohkhPIC=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2218" data-original-width="4608" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwMUTibaJEuSuxhHWhZghQZCLqy9IUWgt7DNeLmdnQDKY6l2OzIOSNtkV3ONgs_gnhOcvEw__RJvc6FgMpYIKX2qWWeuBdcVj54oB9fuvtGEoB16XmfPzqOmr5GyolIBh7QdCHmPztmJYskuSqHQkasRMS3NsCoyoiKBuEtG1xs72rUa1-WohkhPIC=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />We didn't spot Leopard but we were told there are 4 that roam the property currently. Within a week, we were different people. Nourished by the cold clean crisp mountain air and the simple old styled living, we felt completely detoxed.<p></p><p>But all was not over yet. Christmas was Bonfire time at Steve's cottage. Nandini and Kartik arranged for a wood fired Pizza party for all guests. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQcdzZogSrUUuyY8FyvqdDCpvynOpZsZ1VPirpA0kVFddisUIX_IehW_CVhXiX8edeHJI5Pf9TZSK1JHdRuPGbQ-twPQW7CmDPOZAvl2o-ii6r2NEfet9jpx8uTafnQp8TVcUkASPRfIOZhfNvDF_iVWkG7G6hDfXctAR-_H2eOLoteSEYflyNi_2e=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2218" data-original-width="4608" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQcdzZogSrUUuyY8FyvqdDCpvynOpZsZ1VPirpA0kVFddisUIX_IehW_CVhXiX8edeHJI5Pf9TZSK1JHdRuPGbQ-twPQW7CmDPOZAvl2o-ii6r2NEfet9jpx8uTafnQp8TVcUkASPRfIOZhfNvDF_iVWkG7G6hDfXctAR-_H2eOLoteSEYflyNi_2e=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's important to mention they take only few guests and are selective about who they allow on their fragile estate. That keeps any reckless and damaging behavior in check. Soups and snacks flowed freely with the yummy hand made pizza as more tales of biking, trekking poured in near the bonfire. Kids were having a time of their lives with dogs.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFnus6o35kDQjoDBn-9EtZNNzo4lfl5jP8INhmkEWj6gysMiGVuv6QyTG89mSxo9bmJoLBnzGlgcI4FFnbQg1VqyZ7gjUcaeGizw8Cgnu0QbCLsqOtFohqy7kyWP_MHz5j_3S8qDfkIi3Tm1DDKf0dfIVmNbzFi1V7thxfaw_DvJTfLN8zighvxhjp=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2218" data-original-width="4608" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFnus6o35kDQjoDBn-9EtZNNzo4lfl5jP8INhmkEWj6gysMiGVuv6QyTG89mSxo9bmJoLBnzGlgcI4FFnbQg1VqyZ7gjUcaeGizw8Cgnu0QbCLsqOtFohqy7kyWP_MHz5j_3S8qDfkIi3Tm1DDKf0dfIVmNbzFi1V7thxfaw_DvJTfLN8zighvxhjp=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />No trip to Jilling can be complete without mentioning their staff. Their staff is like an extended family, so much so that they have grown up together and lived their whole life together. Steve refers to them as son. Staff is equally empowered to take decisions. No wonder we saw each one of them have a sense of ownership that's hard to find in today's material world. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI1N2EE8SWZVFHAj5mr1qHFk9v3JwShCGB-JnTDxI66f3ebL7C4JdkX16kFKlY19TkLQ5MkFY3rZLYa8vSRZkpm0PuHGcTNH-d5l7tJmF7zfCgjeXkAjMKIVhfkEDTpajVIp5NbjVf2H6YhcnAXbHaAffiyLtRoFygwntR8WouEPR_EXxySwMmMUR8=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2218" data-original-width="4608" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI1N2EE8SWZVFHAj5mr1qHFk9v3JwShCGB-JnTDxI66f3ebL7C4JdkX16kFKlY19TkLQ5MkFY3rZLYa8vSRZkpm0PuHGcTNH-d5l7tJmF7zfCgjeXkAjMKIVhfkEDTpajVIp5NbjVf2H6YhcnAXbHaAffiyLtRoFygwntR8WouEPR_EXxySwMmMUR8=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Ultimately the day of our departure was upon us. Scanning the weather forecasts that predicted rain in the day, we got our breakfast packed and started early in the morning and after a day's road trip of nearly 10 hours, reached Gurgaon late evening.<p></p><p>Jilling Estate will remain etched in our memory and hopefully for Alisha too. As a 9 yr old, she experienced the joys or boredom of "do nothing" on Indian hills and invented ingenious games with stones and wood. She trekked everywhere with great ease and grace, which earned her a nickname of mountain goat from everyone, much to our delight and surprise. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWHwSrT6YrKk6uv_6kqVzKtAk9fMvxCPZIZ2i6w1dub44Ao6pwiVtL0oDFYj19Eass9BxyUDMl5ZXexONAMAuztoSxMPSDZ5mCB3ASKsGX6BD9OXbiNExO9x9XF9OIRpd-7EOZbzEK7Ql1z_4ahw-7L6mt4v4KGSlswYR53xcXoGMvpkZTMWMMz17d=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWHwSrT6YrKk6uv_6kqVzKtAk9fMvxCPZIZ2i6w1dub44Ao6pwiVtL0oDFYj19Eass9BxyUDMl5ZXexONAMAuztoSxMPSDZ5mCB3ASKsGX6BD9OXbiNExO9x9XF9OIRpd-7EOZbzEK7Ql1z_4ahw-7L6mt4v4KGSlswYR53xcXoGMvpkZTMWMMz17d=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br />And she pestered auntie (Parvati) to open goats and cows for her to play with all day. There's something very soothing to see kids play in natural surroundings without modern gadgets. It's like rehashing the eternal bond between humans and the very nature we came from.<p></p><p>With a wish to be back in the hills soon, Happy New Year 2022.</p><p>ebird checklists of birds seen easily through our stay</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99795043</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99494745</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99436980</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99497794</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99394360</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99390260</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99355240</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99346717</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99355051</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99343880</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99307878</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99307117</p><p>https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S99494745</p>FreeSpirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078567139919623425noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990422444118098084.post-15897213023770229632020-12-30T10:01:00.000-08:002020-12-30T10:01:19.061-08:00An aspiring city and it's forest <p>Few years back, in 2013 to be exact, our daughter came into our lives. And before we knew it, the sleepless nights and endless cleaning and feeding cycles gave way to our little toddler, ready to run around whole day. Now the city we live in - Gurgaon - is an aspiring city and like any other aspiring city, natural resources are considered by town planners to be exploited for endless human needs and hardly given a thought to be conserved. As a result, Gurgaon is rapidly losing it's forest cover and wetlands all over. And more kids are losing touch with nature here everyday, as concrete and glitz takes over every inch of this city.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNMip4TfBKU/X-yMFHf87ZI/AAAAAAAAqwo/-m9FazjH1HMfnYx8UoSkecmnWwC2yUajgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P_20171111_095203.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNMip4TfBKU/X-yMFHf87ZI/AAAAAAAAqwo/-m9FazjH1HMfnYx8UoSkecmnWwC2yUajgCLcBGAsYHQ/w180-h320/P_20171111_095203.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />It was in this backdrop, that we started taking interest in Aravalli Biodiversity Park which was being developed as an urban forest by IAmGurgaon. An erstwhile mining site, this 150 hectares of mineral rich forest was dutifully exploited ...oops quarried for minerals and then abandoned as courts realized the value of protecting precious Aravallis, the oldest fold mountain range in the world.<p></p><p>Good sense prevailed and McG (Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon) decided to do what they can do best, keep away from maintaining it themselves. Only this time they chose wisely and handed over the development of park to IAmGurgaon, an NGO committed to make a difference in lives of Gurgaonites. Initial planning done, the key to restoring the site was in selection of right species of plants. In general, we Indians have developed a fetish for all things exotic, even if it's at the peril of losing our own superior and more adaptive native species. But we like foreign things and that's not just with Gurgaon, it's a national fetish. Only Gurgaon takes it several notches up. You just need to look at the names of societies here, and it becomes clear how much we love everything foreign. So in this backdrop, the botanist who was entrusted with selection of right species to be planted, had an arduous task at hand. Vijay Dhasmana, man in charge of plants, took up the challenge and led the movement to bring back native Aravalli flora back. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ3ExQ_pmNc/X-y1ECRsIKI/AAAAAAAAqxI/5PZ01EawGVcZtFRA3J3unNWyYOK2qKzgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG-20190317-WA0009.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ3ExQ_pmNc/X-y1ECRsIKI/AAAAAAAAqxI/5PZ01EawGVcZtFRA3J3unNWyYOK2qKzgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-20190317-WA0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This isn't easy, considering many many species have been lost now to the more exotic species but Vijay works like a man possessed. He led the team that scoured Aravallis, all the way till Rajasthan, to source the right seeds. And then through public-private partnership, many many plantation drives were done in the park. Schools, corporates NGOs, individuals got involved and a solid foundation of wild native Aravalli was made.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_UAFDLcJSk/X-y118kPgBI/AAAAAAAAqxQ/Lxx4dvCh0z8mB8Wf6sb-H1c5UB_ZxAaMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P_20171015_085933.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_UAFDLcJSk/X-y118kPgBI/AAAAAAAAqxQ/Lxx4dvCh0z8mB8Wf6sb-H1c5UB_ZxAaMACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P_20171015_085933.jpg" /></a></div><br />This is where we brought in our little toddler to the newly restored site, with it's jogging trackways freshly laid out. grasses all around taking roots and a whole manner of hardy trees and shrubs covering the forest bed. Coming from the choking city that is Gurgaon, first thing that hits you is the bout of fresh air. After spending few hours here with the fresh litter of pups and watching birds and butterflies, we finally left but all of us has fallen in love and we knew we'll come back.<p></p><p>And come back we did. Not one, but again and again, year on year. This urban forest took shape day by day, and we saw it growing literally in front of our eyes. From a wasteland, to a few cms tall saplings, to sparse vegetation, it's now a lush forest that's a botanist's dream, a birdwatcher's paradise, a painter's workshop, a star gazer's pedestal, a philosopher's garden. It's hard to define relationship Gurgaonites have with this one of it's kind forest that's grown literally out of the hands of a few committed possessed people.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWtRo_50Wpo/X-y6rRyweeI/AAAAAAAAqx4/3MFbF0NoRZ0SSHeSto6b1zsyecBGeEWvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s642/butterfly.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="642" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWtRo_50Wpo/X-y6rRyweeI/AAAAAAAAqx4/3MFbF0NoRZ0SSHeSto6b1zsyecBGeEWvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/butterfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We have seen birds here that were once thought rare for this region, we have watched silver moon filtered through canopy of leaves sitting under a Babool, we have seen clusters of butterflies mud puddling together, we have seen jewel beetles shining with blues and purples and greens on Ber (Ziziphus nummularia) bushes that I have never seen anywhere else, I have enjoyed the playfully howling pack of jackals at dusk, hares have darted away at our approaching steps, Neelgai (Blue Bull) loves this place. Anyone who has come here, has fallen in love with it. It's a magical place. Because it's here, where you experience how the land on which we now live, was thousands of years back. It's like a time-lapse on nature's timeline.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2uZTUycayU/X-y7GKAmcxI/AAAAAAAAqyA/0j5sPBsPjroqGNv3NHWCGKQd-oBivLXcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1733/Parakeets.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="1733" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2uZTUycayU/X-y7GKAmcxI/AAAAAAAAqyA/0j5sPBsPjroqGNv3NHWCGKQd-oBivLXcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Parakeets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />After a decade of restoration, the forest has now taken a momentum of it's own. Our hope is that in future, whoever takes care of this, takes time to fall in love first and then tends to it, only as much as is needed. Let the forest take care of it's own and let it be. Let the Dhau flourish, let the leaf litter continue to spread, let the butterflies enjoy their little patch of muddy swamps, let the thorns remain prickly enough, for this is what Aravallis stand for.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bZp_Dpkmwk/X-y_slTj6OI/AAAAAAAAqyM/Mp-gOS6vvEEGFJIZnN3b_MRKlXsdIi9zACLcBGAsYHQ/s3161/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="3161" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bZp_Dpkmwk/X-y_slTj6OI/AAAAAAAAqyM/Mp-gOS6vvEEGFJIZnN3b_MRKlXsdIi9zACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h201/collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTqh6DeJrLI/X-zAFrkPijI/AAAAAAAAqyU/6n40yrJAgd4tXfeg1fMUvEIOF1dqRdvbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1160/IMG-20170910-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1160" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTqh6DeJrLI/X-zAFrkPijI/AAAAAAAAqyU/6n40yrJAgd4tXfeg1fMUvEIOF1dqRdvbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG-20170910-WA0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>FreeSpirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078567139919623425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990422444118098084.post-51190998705163668402020-05-25T09:18:00.000-07:002020-05-26T04:23:23.614-07:00Kutch - The Wild West of India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Come vacation season (peak winters and peak summers in India) and there's a frantic scampering in most Indian households for potential off beat destinations to visit. And those with school going kids have only one factor to consider - match up family vacation with school holidays. Since Indian subcontinent is an extremely diverse region, both culturally and geographically, its difficult to make decisions. And the plethora of facebook and Instagram posts don't help much either. They are mostly better at exaggerating than educating on facts. So, here we were - scanning potential destinations from North to South, East to West, with a 7 year old in tow, serving as a primary consideration. Finally, we landed on exploring Kutch - The largest district of India.</div>
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With it's unique landscapes that have been shaped over millions of years of geological activity, Kutch is a poster child to watch geology, archaeology, paleontology, effect of human migrations, flora and fauna - all in one. This travelogue is dedicated to the brilliant Indian authors who have managed to bring the various facets of Kutch through their writings, to common folks like us.</div>
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Their works stoked our interest in the history of Indian Subcontinent and spurred our imagination so we settled on a slightly unusual tour of Kutch. Our trip was meant to be touristy but not focused on many popular tourist hubs, leaving us plenty of spaces free of touristy hordes and that allowed us a tranquil trip.</div>
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It was a 8 day trip with Ahmadabad as our base station. What followed was a text book dream.<br />
The trip was planned and arranged by <a href="https://asianadventures.net/" target="_blank">Asian Adventures </a>who had immense patience with our quirky demands.</div>
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Day 1 : Ahmadabad - Dholavira</div>
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Day 2 : Dholavira, Kutch Wood Fossil Park</div>
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Day 3 : Dholavira - Nakhtarana</div>
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Day 4 : Banni Grasslands, Mandavi coast</div>
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Day 5 : Chhari Dhandh</div>
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Day 6 : Thorn Forest, Nirona Village, Rock formations</div>
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Day 7 : Bhuj Tour, Ajrakpur Village</div>
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Day 8 : Bhuj - Ahmadabad</div>
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<b>Day 1 : Ahmadabad - Dholavira (~360 kms)</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulf of Kutch - On the way to Dholavira</td></tr>
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We started in the morning from Ahmadabad, heading towards the island of Khadir (Locally called Khadir Bet where Bet means island). Here, on a corner of this tiny isolated island that is surrounded by Rann on all sides, lies the most prominent archaeological site in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization - Dholavira. It is one of the five largest Harappan sites and the largest metropolis of Harappan period. First discovered by archaeologist JP Joshi in 1956, excavations at Dholavira started only 35 years later in 1990 under RS Bisht of the Archaeological Survey of India. Since 2005, due to paucity of funds, excavations have halted, and about 70%-80% of the site is yet to be excavated. Yet, what is excavated is simply a marvelous window into an ancient civilization. But much on that later. First, the journey.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Later stage civilization had Bhungas (round huts) like these - At Excavation Site </td></tr>
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This route passed along some quaint villages and towns of Gujarat, where roadside eateries had simple fair of Gujarati sambhar with Batata Vada, Gujarati Thali, Kathiawadi thali etc. Culturally very different from singularly most opulent dhabas of Delhi or Punjab. The most conspicuous installations along the entire stretch were wind mills. With a quixotic set of questions that we had for our chatty driver, it was a unique experience to watch hundreds of these gentle man made giants rotating themselves on whims of nature. The whole stretch was full of them. As per wikipedia, India has the fourth largest installed wind power capacity in the world and we were witnessing them with glee through the 6+ hrs of our road journey.</div>
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Rapar is the last town where you can pack provisions for your stay in the island of Khadir Bet ahead. So, to be safe with our little one, we packed fruits, sev and few other sweet meats before undertaking the last leg of our journey. To get to the island, there's a 6 km run over the Rann.</div>
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We were lucky to spot many waders along the way but the most handsome birds seen on this stretch were gorgeous white and pink Lesser Flamingos with their brown juveniles making most of the grand play field they are born in. An imposing looking Tawny Eagle sat on the ground, looking every bit majestic against the vast sea of encapsulating white salt. It's a sight to behold.</div>
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We passed by signboard for a homestay and a resort, signs of tourism picking up, we thought. Finally, by evening, we reached our destination - <a href="https://dholaviratourismresort.com/" target="_blank">Dholavira Tourism resort</a>.</div>
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Round huts made in the traditional kutch style, with mirror work adorning the doors and hand painting on inside walls depicting wild ass, goats and village life in general are beautiful for stay. Food particularly is a highlight of this ultra remote place. While we imagined, we would barely get dal chawal here in the remotest of remote places, it was a pleasant surprise when the dinner was served. Full course meal with a dessert and unlimited buttermilk that tasted like heaven. And the tryst with great food continued though the next day as well. Right when we would settle for dinner around 8pm, Jupiter shone brightly in the backyard of our dining hall, reminding us of what we miss in our cities. And finally on our departure, we learnt that the food is all home grown in surrounding fields and buttermilk extracted each day with hands. No wonder it all tasted like heaven.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night falls at Dholavira</td></tr>
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Night was spent surveying the stars and constellations that shone brilliantly all around and walking around the quiet star lit village tracks, occasionally disturbed by the fast moving vehicles that seemed to be going from nowhere to nowhere to us.</div>
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<b>Day 2 : Dholavira, Kutch Wood Fossil Park</b></div>
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<b>Morning Birds</b></div>
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Next morning, I took a walk down the village fields to catch the morning birds. Many large and small flocks of Common Cranes flew in from north, moving towards south. I quickly consulted maps, to realize that there was a little patch of water where these morning sorties were being carried out. A Kestrel flushed from the fields while a Montague's Harrier flew low, hunting in golden morning light. Several other semi-scrub species and 2 River Terns were the highlights. Overall, I counted over 120 cranes and in all 29 species before heading back to the hotel for breakfast.</div>
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<b>Dholavira</b></div>
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After a quick breakfast of Poha, Sandwiches and Parathas washed down with tea, we headed to the site of Dholavira, an important archaeological site of Indus Valley Civilization. Setting foot here felt like stepping right into the pages of our history books. The much famed Harappa and Mohenjo-daro is taught to practically every Indian student but that there are other 3 equally if not more fascinating sites discovered in Dholavira, Rakhigarhi and Ganeriwala which are well known for their significance in understanding the IVC among scholars and historians is seldom made popular with public.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXEwKCgegbU/Xpk8GJcUX9I/AAAAAAAAihg/z2YOZSRQcDMo3G8UFDeLpfLAYuae5jcYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200105_123917956-PANO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXEwKCgegbU/Xpk8GJcUX9I/AAAAAAAAihg/z2YOZSRQcDMo3G8UFDeLpfLAYuae5jcYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200105_123917956-PANO.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern edge Reservoir - Behind is the Citadel </td></tr>
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Dholavira settlement spans over an area of about 100 hectares, nearly half of which is appropriated by the fortified settlement of the Harappans. The site is surrounded by two seasonal nallahs, Mansar in north and Manhar in south. A museum at the entrance of excavation site houses awe inspiring artefacts, including pottery, stone blades, jewellery, stamp seals and weights of Harappan period.</div>
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The whole city has a rectangular shape and organization, and is spread over 54 acres. Unlike Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, the city was constructed to a pre-existing geometrical plan consisting of three divisions – the citadel, the middle town, and the lower town. The acropolis and the middle town had been furnished with their own defence-work, gateways, built-up areas, street system, wells, and large open spaces. The acropolis is the most thoroughly fortified and complex area in the city. The towering "castle" stands is defended by double ramparts. Next to this stands a place called the 'bailey' where important officials lived.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SuX7yjuSkE8/XplOfOUoq1I/AAAAAAAAihs/KAkkbEQlRS8T60qakpF4XsvpMYhqiICngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200105_095453909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SuX7yjuSkE8/XplOfOUoq1I/AAAAAAAAihs/KAkkbEQlRS8T60qakpF4XsvpMYhqiICngCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200105_095453909.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The most striking feature of the city is that all of its buildings, at least in their present state of preservation, are built of stone, whereas most other Harappan sites, including Harappa itself and Mohenjo-daro, are almost exclusively built of brick.</div>
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The entire civilisation has been divided into 7 stages of settlement, urbanization, interim desertion followed by post harappans and then reduction of settlements and the final desertion. Initial settlers came around 2650 BC.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h13BcAw_etE/XplOzqNCd4I/AAAAAAAAih8/W3xx-ku22zUf5bhw3c-Kio7zRuZWOEbYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200105_095634162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h13BcAw_etE/XplOzqNCd4I/AAAAAAAAih8/W3xx-ku22zUf5bhw3c-Kio7zRuZWOEbYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200105_095634162.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pottery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOkbUXYnUMY/XplOzR7WnuI/AAAAAAAAih4/_FyMVfrhH9U1RJPZoeEZnk3_Cf16SFx7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200105_101431218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOkbUXYnUMY/XplOzR7WnuI/AAAAAAAAih4/_FyMVfrhH9U1RJPZoeEZnk3_Cf16SFx7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200105_101431218.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone grinder used in Dholavira</td></tr>
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Armed with advanced ceramic techniques, copper working, lithic industry, bead making, stone dressing and with certain principles of planning and architecture, they constructed formidable fortification (11m thick at the base) around.</div>
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Describing the whole site in detail is impossible in a travelogue, but you can look up links at the end of this blog to read more if you wish.</div>
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I will summarise by saying that it's a site worth visiting, for the intrigue and a window into the past. Past which holds a mirror to future.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wzzz-ddowPk/XplPtqXUJUI/AAAAAAAAiiQ/M81s1V6geywLN_Ttb9I0A3Eoju8Dt_xvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200105_113244870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wzzz-ddowPk/XplPtqXUJUI/AAAAAAAAiiQ/M81s1V6geywLN_Ttb9I0A3Eoju8Dt_xvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200105_113244870.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone blades</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUvnhbbIr2w/XplPtr4CHkI/AAAAAAAAiiU/j-2r1igYMn4NeLPr_qHQ57yCnf5fqcg6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200105_114905499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUvnhbbIr2w/XplPtr4CHkI/AAAAAAAAiiU/j-2r1igYMn4NeLPr_qHQ57yCnf5fqcg6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200105_114905499.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intricately carved Seals - Unicorn like figure is omnipresent in various artefacts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RTS9u4Dv2c/XplPtQNI3DI/AAAAAAAAiiM/NRm69BFkl_geCZiFAX11uwLFwRNEXF5ZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200105_112829983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RTS9u4Dv2c/XplPtQNI3DI/AAAAAAAAiiM/NRm69BFkl_geCZiFAX11uwLFwRNEXF5ZACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200105_112829983.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ten mysterious symbols replicated in the museum - These are yet to be deciphered</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="212" src="https://www.harappa.com/sites/default/files/styles/galleryformatter_slide/public/dholavira-sign.jpg?itok=2u8-HQSA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dholavira symbols in situ - Now not open to public (Credit : harappa.com)</td></tr>
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<b><b>Evening - Kutch Wood Fossil Park</b></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgpgJZRFdag/Xp7qrV2A13I/AAAAAAAAip8/D0AoR4NnrzAugHSPZhvP95lT0OOMavcpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Wood%2BFossil%2BPark%2B-%2BVolcanic%2Brocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgpgJZRFdag/Xp7qrV2A13I/AAAAAAAAip8/D0AoR4NnrzAugHSPZhvP95lT0OOMavcpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Wood%2BFossil%2BPark%2B-%2BVolcanic%2Brocks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandstone, Shale, Limestone formations</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1564122628"></span><span id="goog_1564122629"></span>This is a very low key area, not high on tourist agendas but a delight for curious souls. There is a massive fossilised tree from Jurassic Age and few other wood fossils from <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">at least 187-176 million years</span> back preserved by department of science and technology. The discovery of these wood fossils brought a massive excitement in the scientific community since similar fossils were already found in Jaisalmer earlier. To imagine that pre historic creatures, including dinosaurs roamed around these areas fills you with excitement and runs your imagination wild. The whole region is part of Kutch basin with immensely interesting rocks formed through volcanic eruptions and lava movements thereafter.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySQm1XSdL_Y/Xp7vl5sLWlI/AAAAAAAAiqI/Auh4DeO3iCk_nWTvzlpQpgpJLTlQYgcZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200105_165040159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySQm1XSdL_Y/Xp7vl5sLWlI/AAAAAAAAiqI/Auh4DeO3iCk_nWTvzlpQpgpJLTlQYgcZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200105_165040159.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petrified Wood - From Jurassic age</td></tr>
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Watching unique rocks shaped over millions of years, fills you with awe. There's a little waterbody inland where several River Terns flocked together. This is a site very few tourists frequent, saving the valuable history intact but there are signs that authorities have identified for developing this as a tourist park. For now though, I was glad that textbook history/geography comes alive here.</div>
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<b>Rann </b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AgHAMzDIcI/XsuFSuOw1jI/AAAAAAAAjxg/yk1ZMUUHPo4EIYbeaHIhFrHHw_BiEJ_AQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200105_174606029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AgHAMzDIcI/XsuFSuOw1jI/AAAAAAAAjxg/yk1ZMUUHPo4EIYbeaHIhFrHHw_BiEJ_AQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200105_174606029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As Sun started it's descend, we moved to the most famous part of Kutch - The great Rann. Miles and miles of salt pans on the western borders of India and Pakistan are breathtakingly beautiful and brutally harsh. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ToHasGv1ZE/XsuFEWzZF-I/AAAAAAAAjxc/VO-V46s2KfM2Yvo14AK50WntFIz80JTlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200105_174028291-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ToHasGv1ZE/XsuFEWzZF-I/AAAAAAAAjxc/VO-V46s2KfM2Yvo14AK50WntFIz80JTlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200105_174028291-EFFECTS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt pans of Rann</td></tr>
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One of the hottest regions of the country, Rann is visited by thousands every year. Acting as a natural barrier, these are natural wonders that Kutch is blessed with. Rann has a great geological history of it's formation which can be found on internet. The sun set is obviously most spectacular here, with shining salt crystals in the foreground and glazing water in the back. We had several families with us, all of us vying for the best shot of the setting Sun. Finally, after a zillion different clicks, the great ball of fire was gone out of sight, leaving it's golden pink trail behind. It was time to return. </div>
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<b><b>Day 3 : Dholavira - Nakhtarana</b></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxAXOFiKb_M/Xp7v-fzpDsI/AAAAAAAAiqQ/0-KpKibDtFQ6eOJhNDmpag_7_8jpDEBAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC01386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxAXOFiKb_M/Xp7v-fzpDsI/AAAAAAAAiqQ/0-KpKibDtFQ6eOJhNDmpag_7_8jpDEBAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC01386.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful courtyard at CEDO</td></tr>
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Early morning, we started for Nakhtarana, a small village in the middle of Kutch. Our destination was <a href="https://cedobirding.com/" target="_blank">Center for Desert and Ocean (CEDO)</a>, a homestay run by Jugal Tiwari. It's a very popular place amongst birdwatchers from all over the world who want to come to see unique flora, fauna and fossils of Kutch. Jugal is himself a veteran research scholar, ecologist and ornithologist with many papers to his credit and many records of birds from this region to his singular credit. It's credit to Jugal that Kutch became popular with birdwatchers. He's also a keen fossil enthusiast, a fact he seldom advertises. But to see his collection of fossils was like peeping into a treasure chest.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHys1Z7FwNc/Xp7wXaEooNI/AAAAAAAAiqY/aF15zKQPufQkbwKNPpXWdHxWt88VxAfigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200106_153126709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHys1Z7FwNc/Xp7wXaEooNI/AAAAAAAAiqY/aF15zKQPufQkbwKNPpXWdHxWt88VxAfigCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200106_153126709.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fossil collection</td></tr>
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Enroute, there was another unique place on our itinerary - <a href="https://www.trawell.in/gujarat/bhuj/kutch-fossil-park" target="_blank">Kutch Fossil Park</a>. Don't get fooled by it's name. It's hardly a park. It's a modest looking museum with 2 small rooms and an open area surrounded by greenery. But what sets this place apart is the collection of fossils you see here.</div>
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This place was founded by one man - <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/society/the-bone-collector-of-kutch/article18304821.ece" target="_blank">Mohan Sinh Sodha</a>, who got interested in fossils in 1970s by spotting an Ammonite and since then his passion has known no bounds and he has single-handedly added thousands of fossils of plants, fruits, gems, reptiles to the collection.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unV0JTNit0o/Xp71SaOaAzI/AAAAAAAAiqk/mZoCifmE7z8I1Iz4Xw8lYkbhwDXIR-wIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200106_153457340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unV0JTNit0o/Xp71SaOaAzI/AAAAAAAAiqk/mZoCifmE7z8I1Iz4Xw8lYkbhwDXIR-wIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200106_153457340.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinosaur egg fossil</td></tr>
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One of the most astounding fossil exhibited here is of the Dinosaur and its egg that has been collected over the time in bits and pieces and then restructured to give a good shape. Recently he found a Sea cow fossil, which was reconstructed with the help of Roorkee Institute of Technology. The species is now called Dommingia <i>sodhae</i> in his honour!</div>
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This modest museum is located amidst the desert area, far from the city. Fee for seeing the fossils is 50 per person. A lot could be done to save this place for future generations.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kijaxOx07Gw/Xp73UsaK8oI/AAAAAAAAiqw/JzCmAUWVi7w3QxnSB3StdGWirW8V5t6pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC01316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1600" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kijaxOx07Gw/Xp73UsaK8oI/AAAAAAAAiqw/JzCmAUWVi7w3QxnSB3StdGWirW8V5t6pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC01316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demoiselle Cranes at Rav Moti village</td></tr>
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We passed by several small villages but one that caught our eye was Rav Moti. It had a small village pond with hundreds of Demoiselle Cranes feeding on it's sides.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--KMDZRjqxVw/Xp735YwAUYI/AAAAAAAAirA/WM_DlLktHq01SfRC3qOOFTY8oiedrKm_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC01389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--KMDZRjqxVw/Xp735YwAUYI/AAAAAAAAirA/WM_DlLktHq01SfRC3qOOFTY8oiedrKm_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/DSC01389.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blooming Bauhinia variegata at CEDO complex</td></tr>
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By evening, we were in CEDO. Fading sunlight meant that there was no time left for birding. We just relaxed in the quiet surroundings and prepared for the next day's itinerary. Sunbirds flitted through blooming Bauhinia variegata (kachnar) while cotton fields silently absorbed the setting ball of fire in it's belly. </div>
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<b><b>Day 4 : Thorn forest, Mandavi coast</b></b></div>
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<b>Morning</b></div>
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Early morning, before the break of dawn, piping hot tea was ready with quick bites. Breakfast was packed in picnic baskets to be had in the field. Tea and cookies were had quickly and off we set with Veer Vaibhav as our guide for the area. Vaibhav's been birding in this region for over 20 years under the mentorship of Jugal and knows almost every patch of this vast hinterland like the back of his hand. His knowledge of birds, plants, rocks, local communities was very valuable and we cherished it throughout the trip. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECB1rMKvup4/XsuIUxgsjgI/AAAAAAAAjyA/141dz4YBgm095h4l-8ViMiNTAacSsrlUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-20200110-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECB1rMKvup4/XsuIUxgsjgI/AAAAAAAAjyA/141dz4YBgm095h4l-8ViMiNTAacSsrlUACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-20200110-WA0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-bellied Minivet (Pic : Veer Vaibhav Mishra)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-naped Tit (Pic : Veer Vaibhav Mishra)</td></tr>
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First up we headed to a nearby Acacia forest where a spotted owlet dozed off in strong morning breeze. Few hrs in the forest area yielded specialist species like Marshall's Iora, White-naped Tit, White-bellied Minivets, Painted Sandgrouse etc. Since the entire Kutch region was once under sea, seashells are an interesting items to collect. They are spread throughout the region and it was fun to find various colored stones glistening like gems. As the day got warmer, we rested for a while on the roadside, opening our picnic baskets and gorging on yummy breakfast spread. Afternoons are too hot to bear here and sensibly so, we retired to our CEDO homestay for a brief siesta.</div>
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<b>Evening</b></div>
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On Vaibhav's suggestion, we headed to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandvi" target="_blank">Mandvi </a>beach post lunch. Mandvi was always an important sea port since centuries and is still known for the wooden ship making industry. Dhows made in Mandvi have been world famous. But our destination was to visit the side of beach where shore birds could be spotted. Through long winding and well laid out roads, we finally landed at Modhava beach that is ideal for birding and photography. Rows of pink dotted the calm beach. Flamingos. Hundreds of them are resident here and it's a delight to watch these graceful beauties. Western Reef Herons seemed to have had a perfect distribution of territories, with each Heron occupying a post on the beach where no other ventured. Hundreds of Gulls, Plovers, a solitary Oystercatcher, Stints dotted the beach. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEBawO03bJk/XsuJvNaduAI/AAAAAAAAjyc/0beiKZDofyczp6imVshcJKkRW_HsNcZEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC01465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEBawO03bJk/XsuJvNaduAI/AAAAAAAAjyc/0beiKZDofyczp6imVshcJKkRW_HsNcZEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC01465.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Flamingoes</td></tr>
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It was a delight to watch Bar-tailed Godwits, lifer for me. Eurasian Curlews walked determinedly picking morsels from the beach. And then came icing on the cake - Crab Plovers. They required lot of scanning before they revealed themselves in a flock of 5, in a far isolated corner. Standing upright, with a little round head and that distinguished plier shaped beak to catch the crabs, these pretty black and white birds were a delight to watch and photograph. Overall, we counted 21 species in 2 hours, amidst a lot of running and yelling to keep a watch on kids. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crab Plovers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alisha and Ram at Modhova beach (Pic : Veer Vaibhav Mishra)</td></tr>
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Alisha had an ally in Ram, Vaibhav's son and both were matched in their energy levels, that were higher than what 3 of us adults could manage. Finally, after watching the beautiful Sun set in Arabian sea, we headed back. By now, we were grubby again. Vaibhav had a nice little spot full of wildflowers where children took their bio break while we had tea and snacks in the middle of beautiful flowers. </div>
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Nights at CEDO are beautiful and food is awesome. Home cooked food awaits all it's guests and we counted our blessings as we dug into the umpteen boxes full of good food. Their pickles and chutneys are to die for.</div>
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<b>Day 5 : Chhari Dhandh, </b><b>Banni Grasslands</b></div>
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<b>Morning</b></div>
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This morning, Jugal himself accompanied us and we were thankful to him as he took time from his busy schedule to show us around Chhari Dhandh reserve. Chhari means salt affected and Dhandh means shallow wetlands. This place is a paradise for bird watchers, having around 370 bird species. Spread over 80 sq kms, this is a seasonal desert wetland, on the edge of arid Banni grasslands. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cqroeXOvbBY/XsuKvF9zoKI/AAAAAAAAjy4/436hU9kKCXUkrCUte55I5K7-Izoes22EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200108_091656782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cqroeXOvbBY/XsuKvF9zoKI/AAAAAAAAjy4/436hU9kKCXUkrCUte55I5K7-Izoes22EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200108_091656782.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Jugal at Chhari Dhand</td></tr>
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As soon as we left the town area and moved towards the reserve, morning birds announced their presence loud and clear from afar. Large and small flocks of Common Cranes flew in practically from all directions. We started counting but soon realized we were looking at a phenomenon that needs to be felt more than counted as figures. There must have been at least 2000 cranes if not more.</div>
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We drove towards a peculiar looking red rock structure where Red-tailed wheatear has generally been seen by lucky few. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zd_D2yjv6o/XsuTU6e_gkI/AAAAAAAAjzY/hEsaNmvWhcgjEOmtcPhXJ57KzxTZ22UPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC01531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zd_D2yjv6o/XsuTU6e_gkI/AAAAAAAAjzY/hEsaNmvWhcgjEOmtcPhXJ57KzxTZ22UPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC01531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long-legged Buzzard</td></tr>
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We scanned for almost 30 mins, before calling off the search and heading towards the Hypocolius area. But as soon as the engine started, Jugal called out, pointing towards the Red-tailed Wheatear standing on the ledge of a rock face. Satisfied, we headed further, cranes circling continously. A Long-legged Buzzard was basking in the Sun while Desert Jirds moved furtively into their burrows at the mere sight of vehicle. A Stoliczka's Bushchat was spotted feeding on the ground and after a little patience, we witnessed it's unique Puff and Roll. We finally reached a grove of Salvadora persica trees where lot of Hypocolius were seen in the previous month. But as luck would have it, this flagship species was completely missing now from this grove. But Bee-eaters, Steppe Eagles, White-cheeked Bulbuls and many other birds kept us decent company and as Sun started to ascend higher, we decided to have a quick breakfast in the field and then pack up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hlS8569XKs/XsuSz_RFPdI/AAAAAAAAjzE/Azt7Fcm_47AoHKv_w1C6ODAewSMU8jkIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200108_110248859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hlS8569XKs/XsuSz_RFPdI/AAAAAAAAjzE/Azt7Fcm_47AoHKv_w1C6ODAewSMU8jkIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200108_110248859.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camel congregation at Chaari Dhand.</td></tr>
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On the way back, Jugal spotted a herd of camels headed towards a waterhole. It was a beautiful sight, with the giant beasts lowering and raising their graceful necks in tandem. While we were busy admiring the beautiful sight, Jugal almost squealed with excitement. Looking around, we had to pinch ourselves and blink a few times to see what we were seeing. Camel herds were all around us, coming from far and wide, in hundreds and thousands. Overall, they must have numbered approx 2000. Per Jugal, he had never seen such a large congregation in Dhand ever. </div>
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It was a feast for eyes and a delight for cameras in every direction you turned your head in. Occasion was a camel vaccination camp that was organised by local health workers for which herder communities learnt from each other and brought their animals to immunize. It's probably an annual affair and we felt extremely lucky to have witnessed it. Jugal introduced us to one of the herders who was from Mutwa community. More on communities in Kutch later. Finally we lef the camels to their vaccination woes in the wild, while we headed to get our dose of domesticity at CEDO.<br />
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<b>Evening</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvadora persica berries</td></tr>
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Afternoons are unbearably hot and not advised for birding especially with small kids here. After a hearty lunch and a brief nap at CEDO, we headed out with Vaibhav. This time to the Banni grasslands. We were now torn between trying for MacQueen's Bustard or Grey Hypocolius. Since both have different habitats, and we had only this evening for exploring the birds, we decide to try our luck with iconic Hypocolius. Vaibhav took us straight to the Salvadora grove with swamp all around. While we started to scan every bush for birds, Alisha decided to pick Salvadora berries which were ripening at the time. Her little hands filled with translucent mulberry pink berries looked gorgeous and we hoped our target birds found them equally endearing. White-cheeked Bulbuls flitted from one to another tree, Rosy Starlings flew in many small flocks, voraciously feeding on berries and throwing us off each time, as we confused many of them with Hypocolious. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xx7xzWZG9U/XsvJ_XOBd2I/AAAAAAAAjzs/BWUxeiyad6UXn536xbKs6uZvvglEoSimACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC01675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xx7xzWZG9U/XsvJ_XOBd2I/AAAAAAAAjzs/BWUxeiyad6UXn536xbKs6uZvvglEoSimACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC01675.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Hypocolius</td></tr>
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In all the madness, Alisha experienced swamp at first hand, by getting herself stuck at the edge of a swamp and then fearing she lost her legs and then screaming on top of her lungs, only to get us all rushing to her. Eventually the little legs came out but minus the shoe. Shoe was rescued later once hysteria and shock settled in and was full of muck obviously. For next 48 hrs, the shoe remained an icon of our exploratory spirit and was photographed with pride from all angles. Needless to say, since there were no shops nearby, countless hours were spent saving the iconic shoe from ignominy. Anyway, this little deterrence couldn't dampen our spirits and we continued to scan, with Alisha having sobered up and standing one feet bare next to us in wilderness. <br />
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Being children to liberated parents must be tough, I thought for once but didn't dwell much. Eventually, the shadows started getting taller as Sun started gently moved towards it daily siesta zone. And then we heard the call we were waiting for - From Vaibhav. He gestured to walk gently towards the tree he was standing near to. And almost dragging ourselves like a slithering snake we skirted around the tree and looked up. In the center of the dense tree, sat a gorgeous Grey Hypocolius, feeding hungrily but gracefully, unmindful of the effect it was having on us and the next set of tourists who were rushing from some distance to get a glimpse of it. Having seen it, we moved away, to avoid crowding and let the others get the Darshan as well.<br />
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That evening we waited in grasslands till Sun went deep down. To savour the beauty of Banni, one needs a lifetime. And we wanted to make this one evening our lifetime. In front of us, dormant volcanoes in the distance stood telling so many tales of yore, against a now orange and now pink skyline, that was slowly fading into a velvety navy blue. Behind us, pack of jackals started it's daily ritual of howling and stars started to appear in the sky above us, one shiny one after another, till the navy blue sky was full of shining jewels and it was time to head back.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Banni</td></tr>
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<b>Day 6 : Thorn Forest, Nirona Village, Rock formations</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaiTOnnyUeE/XsvLEE7PmsI/AAAAAAAAj0M/fGMc2QgCIQI9gFQIpEtsPd48G-f1Vwq1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC01610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaiTOnnyUeE/XsvLEE7PmsI/AAAAAAAAj0M/fGMc2QgCIQI9gFQIpEtsPd48G-f1Vwq1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC01610.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great White Pelicans</td></tr>
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This morning, our key destination on agenda was to meet some local artisans in their native village, but before that we decided to scan the thorn forest one more time. And all the beauties came out to greet us this time in full glory. Painted Sandgrouse, Marshall's Ioras, White-naped Tits, White-bellied Minivet pair courting, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouses and all the regulars. Highlight was a Savanna Nightjar today. A large flock of Great White Pelicans was a delight to watch on the way.</div>
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Our guide today was a local farmer turned naturalist, Jairam bhai. Extremely humble but very knowledgeable about local birds, mammals, rocks, fossils, artists - basically he's an all rounder self trained man with a curious mind.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artists displaying their wares at Nirona</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Jairam took us to the famous yet humble artisan village of Nirona.</span> Famous for it's Rogan Art, Copper Bell and Lacquer work, the village counts Big B, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Narendra Modi as some of their clientele. There's very little from the outside to differentiate this village from others, no big signboards, no adverts. Lanes are narrow with small shops littered along the way. But inside the houses, many fingers and eyes, young and old, focus on their beautiful craft all day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lacquer work</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333;">Beautiful lacquer coated articles awaited us at our first stop. We were obviously spoilt for choice as bags after bags of finely crafted articles were laid out on a charpai. We bought some and hoped silently these artists continue to flourish for generations to come. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn9V6QLDWyM/XsvMi3Q51iI/AAAAAAAAj04/hklN7OrgBQAZwERvJIZaykpzok5kI-sRACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20200109_103121847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn9V6QLDWyM/XsvMi3Q51iI/AAAAAAAAj04/hklN7OrgBQAZwERvJIZaykpzok5kI-sRACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20200109_103121847.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copper Bell work</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333;">Next we went to a Copper bell maker. This is a process devoid of fire altogether. Scrap metal is cut in thin sheets and moulded with a hammer into bells and various other shapes and forms. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">Started primarily for the camel herders who tie these bells around camel necks, over time, many contemporary designs are now made for urban buyers.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rogan Art</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333;">Last pit stop for the day was the house of Rogan art. This unique Persian art form practiced by one family over seven generations, entered public consciousness when few years back PM Modi chose a Rogan painting to be gifted to Barack Obama. Rogan art adorns walls of white house but back home, family still struggles to keep the art sustainable. Gafoorbhai, the patriarch, sat pensive in the verandah while his grandson showed us the technique and even let us paint a little, which of course we did very poorly. An affable family, with loevly art pieces littered all over the house, it's a treasure hunt, we never wanted to move away from. Finally, we bought one piece, that now adorns our humble home back in Gurgaon and reminds us of this very cherished dream. It was heartening to see younger generation in all of these homes in Nirona, now engaged in taking their family art works forward.</span></div>
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<b>Rock Artwork</b></div>
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After watching a glimpse of the vivid artists of Kutch, we headed to an area that is full of unique rock formations, dating back to Jurassic age. Hot molten lava while flowing takes various shapes, including lava bubbles that solidify and form unique rocks over ages. These volcanic rocks here are primarily pink, white and red, with visible layers in them, forming beautiful structures. </div>
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A photographer's delight and a geologist's dream, this area is not so famous, like many other regions of Kutch, and for once, we felt happier that these amazing natural formations remain stress free. Who knows when someone in power might think of developing this as a tourist hotspot and spoil this millennia old art of geology forever. </div>
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Extremely delighted at having seen these beautiful landscapes, we headed back at Sunset. This time we checked in to Infinity Resorts for night. A resort built by someone powerful, in the middle of Kutch wilderness, it has nice huts modeled after Kutchi styled bhungas. But the similarity ends there. Resort had cold staff and I thought they lacked hospitality. Since we were the only guests in entire resort, it felt like we had it to ourselves completely and perhaps services were therefore bare. Whatever be the case, the only highlight here was the call of Indian Eagle Owl that we heard from behind our hut and saw it in the adjacent coconut grove eventually. Sensing our interest, the resident chowkidar took us to a patch in the back where he enthusiastically showed us a pair of spotted owlets. No other employee on premise showed any signs of love for nature or knowledge of local birds or animals. I also noted surprisingly, despite the wilderness around, no jackals howled here. Sign of ensuing human disturbance ? </div>
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<b>Day 7 : Bhuj Tour, Ajrakpur Village</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--B-qhNqZvXw/XsvgIfLLlmI/AAAAAAAAj2E/0pZvGs7RF0kpJINf1pAGAbgJaxMDeC1BwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200110_152257325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--B-qhNqZvXw/XsvgIfLLlmI/AAAAAAAAj2E/0pZvGs7RF0kpJINf1pAGAbgJaxMDeC1BwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200110_152257325.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhuj museum</td></tr>
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This was to be our last day in Bhuj and we wanted to see the city attractions. Bhuj museum was the first on itinerary. Bang on the main road, it's a beautiful building and attempt to showcase history of kutch, various vibrant communities of Kutch and their art work, including different styles of clothes worn by each community are showcased well. Some historical stone inscriptions from BC are interesting to read.</div>
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Kutch is a melting pot of various communities that have migrated from various parts of the world, bringing with them, their tradition, folklores, clothing and cooking styles, architectural tenets and artworks. Some of the prominent communities are Ahir, Meghwaad, Gurjar, Rabaari, Mochi, Sodha, Jadeja, Maaru, Jat, Mutva, Haalepotra, Maarwaada, and Raau Node. Embroidery style of each is unique and the best place to see them is LLDC center in Bhujodi. But no pooja without pet pooja, so on our way to Bhujodi, we stopped at a second generation kathiawadi dhaba on Jairam's insistence. Their unlimited thali was gourmet on streets, completely out of this world, or perhaps we were starved. We'll never know. But whatever the reason, they serve Aam ras as dessert, which was manna from heaven for us.</div>
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LLDC center started in 2016 as a natural offshoot for <a href="http://shrujan.org/" target="_blank">Shrujan</a>, a unique craft revival story started by Chanda Shroff in 1969. One of it's kind, this is THE place to visit to learn about 12 different communities, their embroideries, their cooking styles, their ornaments, the ornamentation of their cattle and a lot more. A fascinating place showcasing the pride of Kutch.</div>
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From here, we headed to the most unique village of Ajrakhpur to meet the founding family of village. Founded after the devastating earthquake in 2001, due to drying up and eventual rust seeping into the waters of original Ajrakh village of Dhamadka, the art of Ajrakh is carried on from this new home by a Khatri family whose forefathers migrated to Kutch from Sindh, on invitation of Rao of Kutch. <a href="https://blogvirasatehind.com/2017/12/09/ajrakh-a-journey-with-dr-ismail-mohammad-khatri/" target="_blank">Dr. Ismail Khatri </a>is the current patriarch and a man devoted to his art. He has made Ajrakh world renowned and has also been recognised by many organisation, including the national merit certificate and a UNESCO seal of excellence. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree from De Montfort University, Leicester. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ajrakh revivalist Dr. Ismail Khatri</td></tr>
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A humble man, Dr. Khatri took time to share his story with us and also the pain of sustaining the complex and labour intensive art form in today's times. Silently we prayed for a robust future for Ajrakh, as also other artists in this rich region and sincerely hope folks visiting Kutch visit here and do not bargain. It's an unpardonable insult to bargain with local artists. We are incredibly gifted in this country to have our artists and I just hope festivals like Rann Utsav don't belittle their efforts in the name of showcasing them. For those curious, festival was on in nearby village but we had no interest in artificially put up song and dance that does little to help the locals. <br />
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<b>Palacio - de- Lagaan</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prag Mahal</td></tr>
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Our final leg of the trip was a quick stopover at Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal. Prag Mahal is a 19th century palace made in Italian Gothic style with an imposing clock tower. Though the palace has fallen into disuse and general decay, the place has sparked curiosity and made famous by movies like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Lagaan, which had lot of scenes shot here. Heard that Big B has taken personal interest to restore it. So parts of palace were well restored and open for tourists. </div>
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But the adjoining Aina mahal was in much worse condition. Visit to palaces evokes a certain sense of awe at past glory that has passed on but also makes me wonder at the extent of disparity beteen the rulers and the ruled. In the middle of a vast desert scrub land of Bhuj, this palace looks completely out of place, both culturally and structurally, with it's roman figures and Italian marbles and English portraits. But that's what rules of the yore had. The palace was commissioned in 1865 and took 14 years to build, at a cost of 3.1 million rupees, all paid in gold coins. Like every other palace in India, it too reeks of opulence but it was also interesting how lots of locals still believe in these legacies of their rulers and have lot more respect for them. For us, we were happy checking out the furniture and those portions where Lagaan was shot.<br />
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A small local flea market outside the palace was tempting us and we decided to pick up a colourful pair of Kutchi jootis and a pair of jhumkis as a final parting gift of this rich land and returned back to our resort. </div>
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<b>Day 8 : Bhuj - Ahmadabad</b></div>
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Night was cold yet tranquil, only broken by an occassional call of the Eagle Owl. Morning breakfast was quick and we finally packed and left for Ahmedabad. Enroute we stopped over at couple of dhabas, but being used to dhabas of Delhi and Punjab/Haryana, I wasn't much impressed. The giant windmills continued to bid us good bye though throughout the journey back. </div>
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<b>Trip inspiration </b></div>
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Books/Authors whose works sparked our interest</div>
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Ocean of churn / Land of Seven Rivers by Sanjeev Sanyal</div>
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Indica - A Deep Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent by Pranay Lal</div>
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<a href="https://desistonesandbones.org/">https://desistonesandbones.org/</a> - A podcast about ancient humans and fossils in India</div>
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Yakada Yaka and Jam Fruit Tree by Carl Muller</div>
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<b>Videos on natural, human history in Indian Subcontinent</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeKmoplrD9g">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeKmoplrD9g</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY9nbYkTwng">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY9nbYkTwng</a></div>
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FreeSpirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078567139919623425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990422444118098084.post-18088506298490266792016-03-20T09:03:00.000-07:002016-03-20T09:09:01.885-07:00Through the land of emerald forests and Jade river<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rolling hills of Mishmi (Pic by Latika Nath)</td></tr>
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"BAAP" of all North East Trips - This is exactly how the trip teaser came to me in mid July and while I cursorily went through the itinerary, as I always do, before diligently archiving the post along with numerous other exciting trip offers that I had filed in the past and moved on, something stopped me from archiving this one. The trip promised birding in fabled lands of Mishmi hills and some of the lower Assam birding hotspots like Maguri Beel but what set this trip apart from others was not just the places on itinerary but the birdman to lead it - none other than Bikram Grewal himself, and that sealed the deal for me.<br />
Now though my personal situation has deterred me from taking any out of town birding trips over the past few years, yet the longing continued to grow louder every passing day until the supremely compelling offer came along and in one fell swoop, I succumbed to it, never to recover.<br />
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Next few weeks saw placid mail exchanges and finally with dates sealed, Air Tickets were booked, food preferences taken and expectations were set to keep aspirations in control where the taste buds were concerned and to keep them flying high where the bird wish list was concerned.<br />
With hearts racing and thumping against the chamber like a rubber ball against soft porcelain, all of us assembled at the Delhi International airport on the morning of 1st November. Quick introductions were done, for the group was to stay together over the next 9 days. As the plane took off, our anxious faces and dreamy eyes took one last look at the concrete scenery of what we call the capital of our country.<br />
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The report below is laid out, day wise, with major focus on birds seen but also noting the characters of various places visited during the journey. Complete list of birds seen during 9 days of the trip is listed at the end, along with the maps of major routes taken by the group. Feel free to drop me a note if you need any other detail.<br />
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<b>Outline of itinerary</b></div>
Day 1 - Delhi - Dibrugarh - Tinsukhia - Maguri Beel (1st Nov)<br />
Day 2 - Maguri Beel grasslands - Bherjan - Kakojan - AlooBaari (2nd Nov)<br />
Day 3 - Kakopathar - Roing (3rd Nov)<br />
Day 4 - Dibang Valley Camp (4th Nov)<br />
Day 5 - Mayodia Pass (Mehao Sanctuary) (5th Nov)<br />
Day 6 - Mishmi hills - Roing (6th Nov)<br />
Day 7 - Tezu - Parashuram Kund - Wokha - Namsai - Digboi (7th Nov)<br />
Day 8 - Dehing Patkai (Sorai pung - Namsang - Jeypore RF) (8th Nov)<br />
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Day 9 - Sorai Phung - Dibrugarh - Delhi (9th Nov)</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i><b>Day 1 - Delhi - Dibrugarh - Tinsukhia - Maguri Beel (1st Nov)</b></i></u></span><br />
Flying Eastwards is an experience of it's own and was my first. We flew along the Himalayas in a mid afternoon flight, with some of it's famous peaks to our left, looking resplendent blue from my coveted window seat. Next came the views below. The floodplains of mighty Brahmaputra river. Brahmaputra is actually the only Indian river named in masculine gender. Curious isn't it ? The river basin is replete with hundreds of rivulets and streams as they snake through the vast lands, forming unbelievable tapestry of curves and fissures that extend for hundreds of miles without end in sight. The sight is breathtaking and the scenery of sandbanks and snaking river changes every few minutes.<br />
Dibrugarh as we learnt with awe, from Bikram, is the easternmost commercial airport of our country. Secretly, some of us opened the maps on our phones and checked too, knowing well nigh he is right. Gems like these were littered all along our journey, with Bikram as the encyclopedia for company. At the airport, we were warmly received by the famous team of Dr. Ranjan Das and Binanda Hathiborouah who were to be to our gracious hosts and literally our eyes and ears for the next 8 days.<br />
Since the evening time is precious for birding, we rushed into the cars without a wait and headed towards Tinsukhia, admiring along the way, the beautifully attired Assamese folks happily co-existing with the paltans of uniformed men alongside the roads.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Jp3izZngiQ/Vu6tywqor_I/AAAAAAAAExs/vPw1Eq8yS7MN42Yt8IhCtw5bDaTDNg2kA/s1600/maguriboat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img alt="Country boat at Maguri Beel" border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Jp3izZngiQ/Vu6tywqor_I/AAAAAAAAExs/vPw1Eq8yS7MN42Yt8IhCtw5bDaTDNg2kA/s320/maguriboat.JPG" title="Country boat at Maguri Beel" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Country boats at Maguri Beel</td></tr>
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Upon reaching Tinsukhia, we quickly dumped our bags and within 20 minutes were on road to Maguri Beel. It's a vast lakebody that is part of Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve (One of the 19 biodiversity hotspots of the world). With rampant poaching and hunting that was once prevalent in the area, now in control, it's an excellent wetland for both resident and migratory birds and over 400 species have already been recorded from the place, including over 80 migrant species and as I write, the number continues to rise as more birdwatchers visit the place. Fishing is allowed and huge fishing nets hung between bamboo poles painted a picturesque scenery, with locally made longboats meandering through the lush green vegetation. To our great surprise, the long wooden boats were customised for seating by adding PVC chairs in a row, a contraption that brought a smile of relief and awe to everyone present. Openbill Storks stood guard while several small waders foraged for their evening snacks. A common Kingfisher sat demurely on a bamboo as did Cormorants and wagtails, basking in the glow of setting Sun rays. A small herd of Wild Buffaloes eyed us from the distance while a large flock of ~70 Northern Lapwings flew over the evening skies, bringing in a delightful squeal from everyone. Sun sets fairly quickly here and before we could realise the enormity of the wetland, skies above were already gaining hues of orange and pink rapidly and in the fading light, the tranquil waters of Maguri Beel shone like jewel while we observed the last of day's birds that included Common Ringed and Kentish Plovers and Sand Larks. 2 Common Cranes flew over us delighting us further. Content, we went back to our hotel (Aroma Residency) but not without having the local Lal Cha (version of Black tea) at the neighboring shack. An Asian Barred Owlet called in the dark velvet night as we sipped our tea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fd7LpBeBa1k/Vu6zrX_puyI/AAAAAAAAEzg/D9xOrtzMDoM3hAaVls3tqwgi4NdnBa_Ug/s1600/Maguri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fd7LpBeBa1k/Vu6zrX_puyI/AAAAAAAAEzg/D9xOrtzMDoM3hAaVls3tqwgi4NdnBa_Ug/s320/Maguri.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scanning the Maguri Beel</td></tr>
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It turned out post a hearty meal at dinner time, that the day had not ended yet and Binanda was raring to go what is called "Owling" (looking for owls). In, we all jumped and took to the nearby tea gardens where calls of Brown Hawk Owl were clearly heard as two of them called out to each other from opposite ends. Several minutes later, a lone individual sat very close to us and peering through night, we had good views of it. Leaving it to chase it's partner, we headed back, when an Oriental Scops Owl called from a tree nearby. Finally our day ended and back in hotel, we slept with a promise to start early next day as Sun comes out an hour earlier than in Delhi and we were eager to make the most of daylight.<br />
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<b><i><u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Day 2 - Maguri Beel grasslands - Bherjan - Kakojan (2nd Nov)</span></u></i></b><br />
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A quick shower followed by quick tea and a packed breakfast of Andaa (eggs), bread and juice was all that was required to kick start Day 2 that promised some great birding within grasslands as well as relic rainforests of the region. We started by exploring the reeds around Maguri Beel for specialist grassland species. Dr. Ranjan Das had recorded the first ever Baikal Bush Warbler from this region and we were hoping to glimpse it too. White Wagtail, Tricolored Shrike (L.s.tricolor) and Common Stonechat (S.t.przevalskii) showed up when Binanda whistled to us from nearby reeds. He had spotted Baikal Bush Warbler. And so we reached and looked in the direction of his gaze. But nothing except "some" movement could be sensed, Finally, with a great deal of twisting of bodies and craning of necks, the tiny brown bird tantalizingly showed it's rump to some and it's beak to others. So deep within the dark reeds it stays that to get a full bird in your vision was a grace of almighty and having had darshan of just a body part was enough for most of us. North eastern birding is like that, as we later learnt. Soon after, Jerdon's Babbler showed up in a flock of 4-5, followed by extremely pretty Chestnut-capped Babbler.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QvYCFfr26Rk/Vu6y5m5k1hI/AAAAAAAAEzU/7UY6zqZX8ssxdaVgnFO-T7PC9RNgolOsQ/s1600/jerdonsbabbler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QvYCFfr26Rk/Vu6y5m5k1hI/AAAAAAAAEzU/7UY6zqZX8ssxdaVgnFO-T7PC9RNgolOsQ/s320/jerdonsbabbler.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerdon's Babbler</td></tr>
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It was heartening to see Jerdon's Babblers thriving in these grasslands when overall their numbers have dwindled, making them vulnerable. As we headed back from grasslands, the Baikal Bush Warbler took pity and showed itself up much closer and clearer in the reeds, allowing a few good pictures to be taken. Content, we moved to our next pit stop, Bherjan forest that is one of the blocks of "Bherjan - Borajan - Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuaries". It's a relic rainforest with a sub-tropical evergreen vegetation, so thick at places, that Sun rays struggle to reach the forest floor. A rich habitat for primates, Bherjan with a 7.2 sq kms area, boasts of about 84 bird species. We saw a White-tailed Robin, Pale-chinned Flycatcher and a Lesser Shortwing here and then quickly scanned the left over forest from the tea plantation on the other side of the road. Here the vegetation with it's twining nettles was tough to pave through but the effort was rendered worthwhile by a jolly good sighting of Snowy-browed Flycatcher, a very bold Pygmy Wren Babbler and the star of all - a Rusty-bellied Shortwing that hopped about and called at the same time under a wooded canopy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOmqTIczw7o/Vu6zCQpqOhI/AAAAAAAAEzY/pfSJdjIhjp8GNt8_-mz_QCLd0FbzAqh7w/s1600/SnowybrowedFC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOmqTIczw7o/Vu6zCQpqOhI/AAAAAAAAEzY/pfSJdjIhjp8GNt8_-mz_QCLd0FbzAqh7w/s320/SnowybrowedFC.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy-browed Flycatcher</td></tr>
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Our next stop in Assam was Kakojan forest, that's used as one of the dispersal areas for Indian elephants. Apparently an elephant had passed before us, as we followed it's marks in the moist forest bed of light green ferns. An evergreen forest with abundant bamboo and ferns, this forest proved to be a treasure trove for birds, with a mixed hunting party that we encountered at the very start. Nepal Fulvetta, White-bellied Erpornis, Chestnut-crowned Leaf Warbler and a Blue-bearded Bee Eater were just a few of the highlights. Leopard and elephant pugmarks were found along the path of our trek while a pair of Oriental Pied Hornbills fed on ripe figs, allowing many-a-shots to be clicked. For lack of time, we had to leave Kakojan even though we had so far dipped on iconic Hoolock Gibbons.</div>
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At night, we were amply rewarded by the sighting of an Oriental Scops Owl near Binanda's house, concluding our Day 2 with 58 species already.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i><b>Day 3 - Kakopathar - Roing - Lower Dibang Valley (3rd Nov)</b></i></u></span><br />
With the rich experience of 2 days, our spirits had already soared and we were excitedly looking forward to the next leg of journey towards Arunachal Pradesh (henceforth AP), the most North Eastern state of our country and a paradise for naturalists. The road from Tinsukhia to Roing, the last frontier town of AP, stretches for over a 100 kms, passing through vast paddyfields painted in multi hued yellow and green, on either sides of the road. Passing along Kakopathar police check post, we were admiring the fields through the car windows, with and an occasional Great Myna along the sides, when a small raptor perched on an overhead high tension wire, caught our attention. Suspecting a Eurasian Hobby, we urged the driver to stop and with screeching brakes, vehicles came to a halt just below the raptor sun bathing itself contently. As we stood looking at it through binoculars, the unmistakable orange hues became visible and squeals of "Amur", "Amur" went up in the skies. Soon, we saw another Amur Falcon perched and then few more circled high above us. Finding hard to tear ourselves away from the handsome raptors, binoculars and lenses were transfixed on them and curiously, their numbers kept increasing steadily in our frames, and within no time, we were peering at a flock of about 70 Amur Falcons circling above the paddy fields, forming one large congregation, to our utter delight. A darker looking Roller, "affinis" subspecies of "Coracias benghalensis" flew in the fields adding spectacular blue to the otherwise yellow-green and became a norm here on through the trip. Having witnessed Amur's of our lifetimes, we decided to open our breakfast packs of Anda (egg), bread, cutlets and juice to celebrate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D76d2RHnt9Q/Vu60oYcmaQI/AAAAAAAAEzo/8EZQk5MM1cY07nmr1WTLjJqpU-LWm_jSA/s1600/DSC06731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D76d2RHnt9Q/Vu60oYcmaQI/AAAAAAAAEzo/8EZQk5MM1cY07nmr1WTLjJqpU-LWm_jSA/s320/DSC06731.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circling Amur Falcons above</td></tr>
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Entering AP requires an inner line permit (ILP) since the state falls under restricted area. Our ILPs were ready, courtesy Dr. Ranjan Das who had finished the leg work required to procure them ahead of time. Border was heavily manned where our ILPs were scanned thoroughly, we were admonished to refrain from photographing and a brisk go-ahead provided. Entering Arunachal seemed like indulging in a restricted vice somehow. Soon, we were lost in the beauty of the enchanting land around us. I had seen Arunachali house in my school text book in class 6th (I think) and had a model of Arunachali village as a model in our school. Since then, I came to harbour a secret desire to see it in my lifetime and I was delighted beyond words, as we sped across the land of rising Sun, with traditional Arunachali houses raised on stilts (chang huts) and laid on top with a thatched roof, all along the roads. Bamboo is the primary choice of timber and every house looked neat and pretty. Along the way, we stopped briefly at the Golden Pagoda at Namsai. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8aO4sBvfZY/Vu6uWR2PbcI/AAAAAAAAEyM/RCrrmyXnGjwPpTONdqUBh-WIJcF6MOdrQ/s1600/GoldenPagoda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8aO4sBvfZY/Vu6uWR2PbcI/AAAAAAAAEyM/RCrrmyXnGjwPpTONdqUBh-WIJcF6MOdrQ/s320/GoldenPagoda.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Pagoda</td></tr>
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This spectacular Budhist monument built in Burmese architectural style, painted golden yellow and spread over 20 hectares on a plateau is a slice of heaven on earth. The air here is calm and the faraway vistas of foothills are inviting enough for even the most spiritually uninclined soul.<br />
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Through meandering roads, lined with white Bouhinias, we reached the bank of Deopani river with it's clear water gushing in front of us. The expanse of river bed stretched from our left to right, as far as our vision supported, but our way forward was through the forests on the opposite bank. Gingerly eyeing the river and then our vehicles, we were unsure of next steps. But what followed next was nothing short of sheer bravado, with the 4 wheels surging ahead through the gushing waters and the strong current hissing to throw it off. But our experienced driver with his deft hands and steely nerves managed to steer the vehicle through the river, to the other side, and on the road to Roing. But this was not to be the the end of our exotic travel experiences at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEs7NDTSWVQ/Vu61kxWckCI/AAAAAAAAEzw/ZE1wkM_FeUcOEEmrV_39V0ra0YDgdizVA/s1600/DSC06747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEs7NDTSWVQ/Vu61kxWckCI/AAAAAAAAEzw/ZE1wkM_FeUcOEEmrV_39V0ra0YDgdizVA/s320/DSC06747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deopani river ahead</td></tr>
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Next up was the mighty <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohit_River" target="_blank">Lohit</a> river that cuts across the state of AP, finally meeting Siang in Assam. Waters of Lohit are a mesmerisingly rich turquiose, and the river at this point,l seems like a floating bed of trucks, buses, bikes, cars and cattle as they are ferried across the river. With river as the only mode of transport till the bridges are completed, we had to wait till it was the turn for our cars to climb on to the ferry. Fresh water fish was being fried in front of makeshift shacks, lending the whole atmosphere a storybook type of feel. Finally, we along with our flotilla of cars and a few other vehicles and loads of people were lugged on to the ferry and thus floating, crossed the turquoise waters of Lohit, setting foot in soil that is surrounded by some of the densest tropical rainforests. The drive from here onwards was through the rural Arunachal, where we made our way through a mix of concrete roads, kuchha paths, sides of river beds or cut through vast open grasslands, reaching Roing around noon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNNj46ld1uo/Vu6vXIHsDwI/AAAAAAAAEyY/kY9wSHkr_uIqakuOA16iUD___FhHo3h4g/s1600/RiverCrossing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNNj46ld1uo/Vu6vXIHsDwI/AAAAAAAAEyY/kY9wSHkr_uIqakuOA16iUD___FhHo3h4g/s320/RiverCrossing.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Docking station</td></tr>
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Roing is the last frontier town and acts as a base camp for may of the uphill treks to Nagaland and Arunachal. A bustling Arunachal bazaar with it's ultra pretty women wearing galle (traditional wraparound skirt) selling some really exotic stuff like Bhoot Jolokiya alongside dried fish, bamboo shoots and the like was all we saw of the town. Once past Roing, the human population became really scarce and raw nature overpowered every inch. With a Black Eagle for company overhead and about 5 Oriental Honey Buzzards circling in blue skies, we drove through the enchanted lands. And it wasn't untill late afternoon, when the signs of rising peaks in the distance started to show up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBsrzddqKS0/Vu6vWr9B2bI/AAAAAAAAEyU/EZtDOyqFTmcqexNEQuny8ySAU9xrJQpQA/s1600/RoingMkt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBsrzddqKS0/Vu6vWr9B2bI/AAAAAAAAEyU/EZtDOyqFTmcqexNEQuny8ySAU9xrJQpQA/s320/RoingMkt.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Market at Roing</td></tr>
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"Mishmi Hills", is all that Bikram uttered dreamily sitting in the front seat. And all of us suddenly went quiet. The very first sight of these mystical mountains, that is a birder's pilgrimage, lent us all emotional in a way that only someone in love with nature can understand. There were no wow, ooh, aahs but an overpowering quietude of absorbing the most precious of sights and we all instinctively understood the need to just smell and absorb what we saw and felt, for somewhere beneath us all, lay a natural connection with what lay ahead of us. We felt it in our bones.<br />
By evening, which is late afternoon by mainland standards, we arrived in another storybook setting, that of a resort in the middle of an orange orchard in the lower Dibang Valley.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHFqNWGQ2Xc/Vu6t_509gTI/AAAAAAAAExQ/hHb308LqIbU5EtLmQra6I6rEWRh7XN0fQ/s1600/DibangValleyCamp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHFqNWGQ2Xc/Vu6t_509gTI/AAAAAAAAExQ/hHb308LqIbU5EtLmQra6I6rEWRh7XN0fQ/s320/DibangValleyCamp.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dibang Valley Jungle Camp</td></tr>
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The resort called "Dibang Valley Camp" is delightfully picturesque and offered us a good meal and lovely accommodation in the middle of nowhere really. Night fell quickly and with just 4 rooms standing on stilts, I and Pia chose to camp in the tent in the open field under the star-lit sky with the sounds of crickets and other ground dwellers all around while we slept away to glory. Waking up to pitter-patter on our tent, we quickly had our tea and were ready for Day 4.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i><b>Day 4 - Dibang Valley Camp (4th Nov)</b></i></u></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv8jp41s45w/Vu62ppAvt-I/AAAAAAAAE0E/6vyzxHhsHZ0hL5_cWT_OIbI-rjEBNlqPQ/s1600/DSC06778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv8jp41s45w/Vu62ppAvt-I/AAAAAAAAE0E/6vyzxHhsHZ0hL5_cWT_OIbI-rjEBNlqPQ/s320/DSC06778.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tents in the camp</td></tr>
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While we were still sipping our tea in the open porch, someone cried "Broadbill" in the distance. Dropping everything in hand and lugging the binoculars, we rushed to the sides of orchard and there, in a tall dense tree, swayed a Long-tailed Broadbill. The gorgeously coloured bird was a lifer to some of us and that set the day in motion. Scarlet Minivets were next, followed by Maroon Oriole. While we still had an hour to spare before heading to Mayodia, some of us decided to walk downhill and were instantly rewarded with a Daurian Redstart on an orange bush. Small Niltava flitted in the trees while a flock of Rufous-faced Warblers foraged between the trees. Sensing time limit, we hurried back to the resort to join others in having a delicious breakfast of Poha, Eggs and Tea. While we lounged around, discussing what to expect ahead, 4 large dark birds with massive beaks appeared on the horizon, languidly flying towards the valley below. "Wreathed Hornbills" cried someone and dropping all breakfast and tea, we rushed to the backside of cottage, from where we had a beautiful one minute view of these giant birds flying into the valley. A deeply satisfying morning so far.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_m8kPmwcQg/Vu62qRIUeYI/AAAAAAAAE0A/VwlOGUJlre01AWyokFvTyvn-NEWe8tOdQ/s1600/DSC06780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_m8kPmwcQg/Vu62qRIUeYI/AAAAAAAAE0A/VwlOGUJlre01AWyokFvTyvn-NEWe8tOdQ/s320/DSC06780.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange Orchard surrounding the Dibang Valley Camp</td></tr>
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With already an action packed morning behind us, we reluctantly said good-bye to Dibang valley camp and headed upwards towards Mayodia. The drive uphill has the most lush forests on either sides, with the most diverse flora one can get. Tree Ferns were the most intriguing flora to me and Mithuns, the gentle giant beats the most intriguing fauna. Along the way we encountered several mixed hunting parties, amongst which, highlights were Golden Babblers, Yellow-browed Tit and a calling Hodgson's Frogmouth that decided to stay indoors. We didn't stop for long, since we had a long distance to cover before sunset.<br />
I cannot however proceed without mentioning the iconic Tewarigaon, a small hamlet midway through the Mayodia Pass and the only pitstop where one can have tea/maggi and some other savouries at Didi's shack. Didi is an Arunachali lady who has been named so by our very own Bikram. She, along with her family, runs a tea shop in this remote part serving refreshing food and beverages to the hungry and tired travellers. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVOOE2xosK0/Vu6v0MsTraI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/psrTm7k2TaYk8Y69sYiCduH11CPOvoAtg/s1600/Tree%2BFern.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVOOE2xosK0/Vu6v0MsTraI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/psrTm7k2TaYk8Y69sYiCduH11CPOvoAtg/s320/Tree%2BFern.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree Ferns at Mishmi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Late evening, we reached Mayodia and saw what was to be our abode for next 3 days. Coffee House at Mayodia is a small rest house atop the hill with few rooms and bare bone infrastructure. Daju, the 200 year old caretaker smilingly took our luggage and walked up the steep flight of stairs without losing a breath while we had to pause twice along the way to catch our breath. Our lungs strained themselves as we climbed uphill to our frozen rooms. But there was help at hand. A sweet shrill note was being played out in the sorrounding vegetation. Pia and I stopped to listen, and within a few minutes, a dumpy little brown bird hopped ahead of us. A Winter Wren. Later we learnt that this was a resident bird in the rest house.<br />
Since it was already dark, we quickly had our meals that included piping hot rice, daal and a local saag. Jennifer's pickles came in very handy at these times. Retiring to our rooms with torches in hand, for there is no electricity and no fire was lit, we decided to not let of our seaters and jackets and thus packed from head to toe, crashed in our sleeping bags.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i><b>Day 5 - Mayodia Pass (Mehao Sanctuary) (5th Nov)</b></i></u></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJP61LyZpzU/Vu6vdrSIaBI/AAAAAAAAEy4/9DRZ_PabmlEnjkirdl7nZkvjSSoH-6DZQ/s1600/Tibet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJP61LyZpzU/Vu6vdrSIaBI/AAAAAAAAEy4/9DRZ_PabmlEnjkirdl7nZkvjSSoH-6DZQ/s320/Tibet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tibetan Peaks</td></tr>
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Opening our eyes to the heavily mist laden peaks in the distance and Dibang valley below, completely obscured by clouds, we heard the Winter Wren again and soon after, saw the Yellow-billed Blue Magpie. Working our way through the morning, we had some unexpectedly hilarious moments when Rajat discovered a gaping hole at the bottom of the single plastic mug he was allocated, that explained why he couldn't hold frigid cold water in it all the while. I and Pia discovered that the flush of our shared toilet wasn't working and so we had to lug the bucket full of frigid water to <unmentionables>. It was almost a table discussion on who was able to wash full face last night and those who did were the proud achievers while the rest who just managed to brush their teeth and wash hands in numbingly cold water were the underachievers. Finally a piping hot jar of tea was all that was required to warm up our senses. With the rice peetha, a local Assamese sweetmeat that Dr. Ranjan Das had specially procured for the group, and biscuits and matthi, we were ready to explore the high pass. But while we were eagerly awaiting for the fog to lift, it was the clouds above that decided to shower pitter patter slowly. Deciding against waiting in the rest house, we started towards Mayodia Pass, despite the rains and fog all around. Mayodia pass is at Indo-China border, 2650 m (8700 ft) above sea level, and as fog lifted in some time, the snow covered peaks from neighbouring nation shone beautifully alongside our very own, leaving the question of ownership to the lesser mortals. Clearly the peaks and surrounding forests looked mightier than everything else and had an effect of foreboding on me.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7F_CXy848Lw/Vu6uX7qSKxI/AAAAAAAAEyM/WVPJrocn0L0lXFOOwetmYEUQK8bVYAEnQ/s1600/Hotel%2B65.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7F_CXy848Lw/Vu6uX7qSKxI/AAAAAAAAEyM/WVPJrocn0L0lXFOOwetmYEUQK8bVYAEnQ/s320/Hotel%2B65.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel 65</td></tr>
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<br />
While a few photo sessions went on, bulk of our time was spent waiting for the rain to stop and fog to lift. And in the process, our tummies started to give warning signals by way of rumblings. So, we went ahead of the pass and stopped by most curiously named shack in the region "Hotel 65". The exteriors of tin and thatch were nothing to compare against it's sparse but beautiful interiors, with rows of colourful cutlery neatly stacked in rows made of wood and inner walls plastered with bamboo mats from top to bottom, and a fireplace in the middle, lending the place most exotic look one can find in the wilderness. There's something about colours and Arunachalis. They use the most exotic colours in their dresses and makeup and I can claim I never found more fashionable folks anywhere else, and amidst all the wilderness, their exoticism goes up several notches higher. In "Hotel 65", we ordered noodles, rice, aloo subzi, boiled andaa and tea for 13 of us and it wasn't short of a miracle, how between two ladies and one young man, they cooked everything to perfection in less than 30 minutes, with a taste that left us asking for more. "Hotel 65" truly rocks. Don't miss it ever if you are at Mayodia.<br />
By now, rain had slowed down and fog had begun to lift, revealing the curves on the face of valley down below. More photos were taken and we began to strain our ears for any bird sounds. Manipur Fulvetta arrived in a flock while a Yelow-throated Marten crossed the highway, into the valley. Himalayan Swiftlets circled above our heads. We were driving down birding along the sides and enroute stopped again at Didi's shack at Tewarigaon for lunch when a dash of Red and Black showed up in bushes ahead. Red-faced Liochilcla flock that was a delightful lifer for many of us was on the move while a Slender-billed Schimitar Babbler lurked in the understory.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr0x7COszSE/Vu6uvN-nj1I/AAAAAAAAEyc/HwGdsMmDMg4IUXFsw2lOT1Y6EnGzj3DEA/s1600/Mayodia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr0x7COszSE/Vu6uvN-nj1I/AAAAAAAAEyc/HwGdsMmDMg4IUXFsw2lOT1Y6EnGzj3DEA/s320/Mayodia.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Mayodia Pass</td></tr>
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Red-headed Trogon, the beautiful ghose of the forests was scanned by 13 pair of eyes but only a few got lucky to glimpse it. But most of us were compensated with the sighting of a flock of Brown-headed Bullfinches in a distance. Dark-rumped Rosefinches foraged vigorously on the sides of road. Final target bird for the day was Manipur Wedge-billed Babbler, a bird that's as shrill in it's cry as it is secretive in it's habitat. Hearing the shrill distinctive call, we squatted by the sides of a culvert, over a semi-dried stream, thickly vegetated on it's sides, to catch a glimpse of the rarity of the region. Seconds turned to minutes and minutes were threatening to turn to an hour when Binanda spotted the brown movement hopping about under the bushes. Now, while all this wait game was underway, we had a local dog for company, who loved our gang for some vague reason and it tried to endear itself to us by various means. Spotting the bird however, everyone rushed ahead, ignoring the poor animal and lavishing all attention on the bird. The dog immediately dashed towards the bird, probably assuming we wanted it for food and he could help us. In no time, the bird was back deep inside the bush, poor dog was shooed away and frowned upon bitterly but ultimately this significant sighting turned memorable for the group for the way dog intervened in our sighting. The bird was safely inside as we moved on, back towards our rest house.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmEeBdz8qsk/Vu6uPojQLwI/AAAAAAAAEyM/tyW-9x-JAgEmuGTJNAKxCMYQ9WlBYNADA/s1600/Goat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmEeBdz8qsk/Vu6uPojQLwI/AAAAAAAAEyM/tyW-9x-JAgEmuGTJNAKxCMYQ9WlBYNADA/s320/Goat.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Goats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Night falls quickly in this part and so while we reached the rest house, darkness had enveloped the entire valley and we had to strain our eyes to look around. In the rest house compound, a pair of Himalayan Wood Owls screamed "Ho hoohoo", piercing the dead silence but reassuring us of the enigmatic creatures that abound in these hills.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i><b>Day 6 - Mishmi Hills - Roing (6th Nov)</b></i></u></span><br />
The daylight peered through our windows early but the sound of pitter patter had not ceased though the night and peeping out of our second floor window, it became obvious that we were in for another rainy day and a near-washed out birding. So, in a military style, a quick decision was made to leave Mayodia and head down, and camp in valley somewhere. Few frantic calls from Dr. Ranjan and Binanda to their contacts in valley firmed up our accomodation for the night, at Roing. So, day 6 began with all of us dumping our bags in the cars and saying bye bye to the motley crew at Coffee House that had been our abode for 2 nights. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKKXcnU0YEE/Vu6-ImRkUiI/AAAAAAAAE0o/AI-ePixcSrAngdBIl6pJp-8qNbshoJSPA/s1600/Parrotbill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKKXcnU0YEE/Vu6-ImRkUiI/AAAAAAAAE0o/AI-ePixcSrAngdBIl6pJp-8qNbshoJSPA/s320/Parrotbill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill</td></tr>
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But no sooner had we started, that Bikram spotted a flock of snowfinches foraging on the sides. The fog was thick and birds looked very variable in the flock. So, all sorts of IDs were thrown in, including primarily Tibetan and White-rumped Snowfinch, but as pictures were clicked, tearing through the fog, and our eyes adjusted to the dense fog around us, we realised that what we were looking at, was a large flock of approx c.100 Plain Mountain Finches. Soon thereafter, a loud repeating call from a tall tree next to our road kept emanating. Exasperated at not being able to locate the call, I and Bikram kept guessing when 2 big Purple bulbs flew past us and into the valley. We had just witnessed Purple Cochoas, one of the enigmas of birdind world, that resides in the hills of Mishmi. The next bird seen in quick succession was, hold-your-breath, "Mishmi Wren Babbler". An endemic and an extremely gorgeous Wren Babbler.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prmscRmC8HM/Vu6uYpDGSsI/AAAAAAAAEyM/AExXoEz6hCEPLA2vhbiWeJ4FR9c2LFMRg/s1600/MWren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prmscRmC8HM/Vu6uYpDGSsI/AAAAAAAAEyM/AExXoEz6hCEPLA2vhbiWeJ4FR9c2LFMRg/s320/MWren.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mishmi Wren Babbler</td></tr>
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As we moved downhill, White-Gorgetted Flycathcer showed up underneath thick nettles while Green-tailed Sunbirds and Yellow-browed Tits kept us company, but despite multiple attempts and numerous prayers, Hodgson's Frogmouth eluded us. Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbills were the surprise sightings along with a mixed flock of Barwings and Minlas. Green Magpie and Collared Treepie showed up too, delighting us beyond words. One mammal that's worth mentioning in all this birding ramble is Mithun, the big beasts of these hills that are revered more than humans in this part. The gentle giants are a cousin of handsome Gaur, and so much is the reverence, that no one dares kill a Mithun. We also heard they are exchanged as part of dowry, since their value is much more than gold.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Y8chcOuRDo/Vu6vBtRkkEI/AAAAAAAAEyw/CLLqCWnbbkAarCvc4aoo7NXzFvxHYcICQ/s1600/Mithun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Y8chcOuRDo/Vu6vBtRkkEI/AAAAAAAAEyw/CLLqCWnbbkAarCvc4aoo7NXzFvxHYcICQ/s320/Mithun.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mithun</td></tr>
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<br />
Through the winding road down, after 6 hours of travel, we finally reached our camp for the night, Mishmi Hill Camp at Roing. It's a picturesque resort with traditional huts on stilts, standing by the side of a flowing Deopani river. The owner Mr. J.B.Pulu was an epitome of hospitality and quite accommodating to the needs of a demanding group as ours. A hot supper of Thukpa brought specially from town, by Dr. Ranjan Das, along with boiled Lai Patta with Sesame Seeds and rice and Daal was more than what we had expected. Tummies full and limbs tired, we applied whatever insect repellant we had and dozed off, praying in our hearts, to not be woken up by a Giant spider on our face. But mercifully, nothing of the sort happened and we woke up to a cool clear morning.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i><b>Day 7 - Tezu - Parashuram Kund - Wokha - Namsai - Digboi (7th Nov)</b></i></u></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQl3mwQDM_k/Vu6u97cONoI/AAAAAAAAEyw/hlg7_NeXM3IbBIXKdRn-e2jjSi77v6LNw/s1600/MishmiHillCamp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQl3mwQDM_k/Vu6u97cONoI/AAAAAAAAEyw/hlg7_NeXM3IbBIXKdRn-e2jjSi77v6LNw/s400/MishmiHillCamp.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mishmi Hill Camp at Roing</td></tr>
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Early morning, we spent about 40 mins, checking the sides of Mishmi Hills Camp and were delighted to spot 2 Rufous-necked Laughingthrushes in a flock of Red-vented Bulbuls, amidst incessant calling<br />
of a Pygmy Wren Babbler. A Daurain Redstart female sat in the dirt track. For lack of time, we bid our good byes and moved ahead towards the penultimate and the longest leg of our journey. The winding road Roing to Tezu passed through some of the most pristine forests of our country. Once at Parashuram Kund, which has a bridge over it and turquoise coloured Lohit flowing below, we couldn't help but stop to take one final look at the Jade river that had cast a spell on all of us.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfYZy-0EXz8/Vu6vHZTAKFI/AAAAAAAAEyw/cyiVsa-YzrEHZbfxUU5CCn0QVV-72_h3g/s1600/ParsuramKund.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfYZy-0EXz8/Vu6vHZTAKFI/AAAAAAAAEyw/cyiVsa-YzrEHZbfxUU5CCn0QVV-72_h3g/s320/ParsuramKund.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parashuram Kund</td></tr>
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With Kamlang forest on one side and Namdapha on the other, gurgling jade melted away in front of us, from one side of bridge to the other, nurturing in it's flow, countless bounties of nature. We stopped briefly to soak in the beauty and richness of the place where, as per mythology, sage Parashuram washed away all his sins before finally foresaking his Gandaasa that had gone berserk in his hands.<br />
Up ahead, were vast bamboo forests where we tried to look for Spot-breasted Parrotbills but the Sun was shining right above us by now and while our energy sapped faces peered through bamboos for one final search of parrotbills, a flock of 8 Wreathed Hornbills gave us a close flypast, almost saying their good byes to us in their flapless graceful glides over the valley.<br />
After a 7.5 hours of drive, we reached the oil town of Digboi in lower Assam.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i><b>Day 8 - Dehing Patkai (Sorai pung - Namsang - Jeypore RF) (8th Nov)</b></i></u></span><br />
Digboi, the oil city, that apparantly got it's name from the phrase "dig-boy-dig," which is what the English told the labourers as they dug for crude oil in 19th century, is close to Dehing-Patkai Sanctuary which was to be our final pit-stop. Dehing-Patkai is spread over an area of 111.19 Sq. Kms. in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts and is home to Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests across several important ranges like Soraipung, Namsai, Jeypore RF. The Sanctuary is a part of the Dehing-Patkai Elephant Reserve, having the World War II cemeteries nearby, along with the Stillwell Road and the oldest refinery of Asia in Digboi and ‘open cast’ coal mining at Lido.<br />
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After a morning tea, even before the dawn broke, we reached the Sorai pung forest range, to look for elusive White-winged Wood Ducks, but as soon as we reached a waterbody where the ducks were presumably seen few days back, a hyperactive White-crowned Forktail showed up, generating a mild hysteria in most of us, and in all probability further reducing our already miniscule chances of spotting the elusive ducks. An Indian Cuckoo showed up in the tall evergreen forest while Bikram picked up a faint whistling note from far off. A hushed silence fell over the group as we listened to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_cochoa" target="_blank">Green Cochoa</a> calling from far off and gradually moving somewhat in the closer canopy. With 13 pair of ears straining themselves, in close conjunction with 13 heads craned upwards, scanning the giant evergreen trees, to pick a Green/Grey Thrush like bird was an exercise worth witnessing. And no prizes for guessing, the bird was first spotted by our ace guide Bindanda. The bird sat very high up in the canopy, with it's black/grey back towards us, rendering any chances of good photograph nearly impossible. But the sight of this elusive beauty overjoyed all of us and we nearly forgot if there was anything else that we needed to see on the trip.<br />
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Soon thereafter, Dr. Ranjan Das spotted the flagship species of these forests - A Hoolock Gibbon family, with it's dark male, golden brown female and a juvenile swinging on the top. A delightful species of Ape that has the distinction of being the only Ape in India but one which is facing severe pressure due to habitat destruction in it's home land.<br />
We moved to another trail where another enigma of these forests called out, The Grey Peacock Pheasant. Though we never got to see it, just the assurance of it's presence somewhere around, was enough to give us goosebumps. As we moved ahead, an incessant call of Large Scimitar Babbler echoed from the understory and after an agonising wait, the master skulker showed up briefly. At this stage it's important to mention that the evergreen rain forests are a haven for wildlife and the number of plants, insects, birds, mammals that thrive in these rich forests is beyond human imagination. And to be able to spot birds in thick foliage is nothing short of miracle. So, each bird that we spotted seemed extra special to us regardless of their text book status.<br />
As Sun shone brigher in the day, bold Sultan Tits came out, displaying their acrobatics while Ruby-cheeked Sunbird. Up ahead, towards the fields, flew 2 Dollarbirds while a Black-headed Cuckooshrike foraged in the middle stories along with Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (the one with red eye ring), Small Niltava, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Pin-striped Tit Babbler, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Blue-winged and Golden-fronted Leafbirds and a very special Black-necked Tailorbird (Orthotomus atrogularis nitidus).<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDZ90K4frZU/Vu6um8TV0TI/AAAAAAAAEyc/dqsCQrk4B18CqV5GqTcMtHRO8QewEZrxQ/s1600/Jeypore%2BRF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDZ90K4frZU/Vu6um8TV0TI/AAAAAAAAEyc/dqsCQrk4B18CqV5GqTcMtHRO8QewEZrxQ/s400/Jeypore%2BRF.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
From here, we were to head to Jeypore RF, but since Sun was right above our heads and bird activity was at it's lowest, Bikram led us to Jeypore Forest Rest house. The beautiful rest house stands on stilts, in a big green compound, where Greater Racket-tailed Drongos have taken accomodation on tall trees, where they dozed off in hot afternoon, with their rackets hanging in the air like those of fairies. Like those Drongos, we had no room bookings either but had a great developing need of a siesta. And so the porch of the rest house was taken over. Birders displaying how grounded they are, sprawled all over the rest house, some in the porch, under rotating fan, some in the grass outside while Nik took some pictures for posterity.<br />
60 minutes of Siesta rejuvenated us like Glucon-D and we headed straight to Jeypore Reserve Forest where White-rumped Shama, Red-headed Trogon and Brown Hornbills were the highlights. As the penultimate day came to a close, we headed towards our hotel in Digboi.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i><b>Day 9 - Sorai pung - Dibrugarh - Delhi (9th Nov)</b></i></u></span><br />
We had our flights booked for afternoon and had to reach Dibrugarh airport an hour earlier. Quick calculations were done to figure out how many last remaining hours of birding could we squeeze in, before heading for airport. The numbers were not disappointing. We had approx 3 hours and so we decided to scan Sorai pung one more time. This time there far more Giant Wood Spiders and other insects showed up than in our previous days, possibly because we were aware of our limited time and wanted to maximise everything our eyes and ears could sense. Fairyisque butterfiles in lemon yellow, blue, brown and orange huddled together near mud puddles, while colourful dragonflies hovered nearby on dainty twigs, shimmering in sunlight. 2 White-crowned Forktails walked ahead in the mud path while Green Magpie stealthily dropped under cover.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kaq8fLpILFY/Vu68NlTcUvI/AAAAAAAAE0U/5sDzBIIi0hIUitasc3sKdbVGC21P7IklQ/s1600/butterfly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kaq8fLpILFY/Vu68NlTcUvI/AAAAAAAAE0U/5sDzBIIi0hIUitasc3sKdbVGC21P7IklQ/s320/butterfly.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Some of us admired antiques of a White-browed Piculet while Sheila emerged out from a thick cover, asking ID of a dark fowl like bird that she had photographed less than a min back, near the adjoining Bori Dihing (Old Dihing) river. It was the Black-breasted Kaleej Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos lathami). A flock of Grey-headed Bulbuls flew in the tall canopies, foraging for their breakfast, reminding us to head back for our own breakfast. As we headed back, the lack of energy in our gait was conspicuous, for the trip to enchanted lands was cloning to an end. While on our way back through the forest, Bikram caught glimpse of a Mountain Imperial Pigeon, giving a regal flypast to the retreating flock of birders.<br />
But there's never a dearth of excitement when you are in the enchanted lands. Back in our cars, Bikram received a call from Bindanda, whose friend was birding with Soma Jha in the same place which we had just left. They had spotted a Pied Falconet and had it in their binocs while they called us. Brakes were slammed, cars were reversed and Bikram was virtually pushed out of the car by everyone, so he could rush to the spot ahead of us, since this was his only chance to have his much-coveted and much awaited lifer from the trip. After what seemed like a trudge to eternity, Bikram, with his bevy of birders behind him, reached the small bridge where on top of the dead tree, sat the handsome Pied Falconet, surveying all that it could see. With hugs and more hugs and a group photo on the bridge, Pied Falconet sighting was a befitting finale to our trip. And with supreme contentment and happiness, we headed out of the dreamland of Sorai pung, towards Dibrugarh airport, to head back to our reality but not without a promise to return as soon as possible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkwg5_wHYio/Vu68a0bTmCI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/wrrED_f_flQ8EgAj6VkWNGDTZDMwfIwnA/s1600/flconet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkwg5_wHYio/Vu68a0bTmCI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/wrrED_f_flQ8EgAj6VkWNGDTZDMwfIwnA/s640/flconet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pied Falconet as we saw it</td></tr>
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Overall, 287 birds were reliably spotted in little less than 9 days. The major routes taken by our group and the day wise list of birds is attached below.<br />
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Maps :<br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Mnu1cHckjHB2" target="_blank">Maguri Beel - Bherjan - Kakojan - Kakopathat - Roing</a><br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/vqdiTC4VVBu" target="_blank">Roing - Mayodia Pass</a><br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/hcJ9UJP8iwT2" target="_blank">Mayodia Pass - Roing - Tezu - Parashuram Kund - Wokha - Namsai - Digboi</a><br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zRoNFrd2Y6P2" target="_blank">Digboi - Dehing Patkai - Jeypore RF</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPetPVeZGcY/Vu69QnUVdHI/AAAAAAAAE0g/9E0K9-bdKo4ysilGggBrtVUjiqb8brGyA/s1600/Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPetPVeZGcY/Vu69QnUVdHI/AAAAAAAAE0g/9E0K9-bdKo4ysilGggBrtVUjiqb8brGyA/s400/Group.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">The group with Bikram</span></td></tr>
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Credits<br />
All photographs are taken by Latika Nath, Nikhil Devasar, Sheila Castellino, Pia Sethi, Rajat Sethi, Dr. Ranjan Das and Soma Ateesh.<br />
<br />
Bird Lists (Upload to ebird in Progress)<br />
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S28444007<br />
More to come ...<br />
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References<br />
http://bsb.org.in/?p=528<br />
http://www.kolkatabirds.com/mishmi/mishmi.htm<br />
http://assamforest.in/NP_Sanctuaries/np_dibruSaikhowa.php<br />
Birds of the Indian Subcontinent - Richard Grimmett & Tim Inskipp<br />
Birds of South Asia ~ The Ripley Guide - Pamela Rasmussen</div>
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FreeSpirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078567139919623425noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990422444118098084.post-22090901011271978992013-01-17T01:53:00.000-08:002013-01-17T01:53:20.421-08:002 days in Raptor Paradise - Tal Chappar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omfkxIioUyQ/UN3ZWRtsjNI/AAAAAAAADuc/9FbzPR2rNi0/s1600/DCranes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="278" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omfkxIioUyQ/UN3ZWRtsjNI/AAAAAAAADuc/9FbzPR2rNi0/s640/DCranes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demoiselle Cranes</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you've been following bird watching scenario in Indian Subcontinent and reading trip reports and have been flooded with pictures over the past half a decade or so, you would already know most or all of what follows in the paragraphs below. I am talking about birds sighted at Tal Chappar : The famous Raptor Paradise that every birder loves to talk about. If you are a birder from India, you have either visited Tal Chappar or have been longing to visit it. There isn't a third alternate ( ok ... may be you have never heard of the place ... in which case, you are my best audience as I can trust you to read my report from start to finish...others I know will hop, skip and jump between pages ... yes it's a long report ... so all your patience is solicited )</span><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The place</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tal Chappar is a protected area for Black Bucks, unarguably the most handsome antelope of our region, though now classified as "Near Threatened" by IUCN and one that is protected under Wildlife protection Act of 1972. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Sanctuary falls under Churu district in Rajasthan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The area was a private hunting reserve of Maharaja of Bikaner which was declared as Sanctuary in 1962. It's one of the rare pieces of Grasslands remaining within our country's dwindling natural resources and a treat for any nature lover. The size of protected area is 719 hectares.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We set out on a 3 days, 2 nights expedition to explore Tal Chappar in November 2012. Sep - March is a great time to see multitudes of migrants either on passage through the area or those that are wintering within the park.</span>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We reached Ratangarh, which is 40 kms from Sanctuary, by an overnight train from Delhi. With 2 of the most resilient birder souls for company, Abhishek and Sudeshna, sleeper coach that we could muster at the last moment wasn't any deterrent. Temperature within the coach kept dipping in direct correlation with train's proximity to destination. We could barely sleep and apart from thawing out our hands and toes to keep ourselves busy, we kept finding reasons all along the way as to why it was getting colder and colder with each passing hour (someone left the coach door open, was the most obvious one). It was not untill the auntiji on lower berth, sleeping blissfully in her mink blanket, chose to open her eyes and asked us if we had crossed Churu. "About to reach", informed three of us in unison, as we sat with eyes wide open, feigning deep interest in every passing station. Churu is one of the coldest regions of North India, she casually informed us before slipping back in her mink house. We looked at each other. So, that was it. We should have read better about our destination, we thought almost aloud. I learnt later that Churu has had a record of -6 deg C to boot. Ratangarh is the next station from Churu and hence by applied common sense, as cold if not more.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkXt9BSZXe4/UN3aHkJ44VI/AAAAAAAADvI/Kjf9OfFeKcA/s1600/TCBoard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkXt9BSZXe4/UN3aHkJ44VI/AAAAAAAADvI/Kjf9OfFeKcA/s1600/TCBoard.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome signboard outside the Sanctuary gates</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We reached Ratangarh alright and immediately called out for our Taxi guy. Since the place is a small town, it's better to book for your stay and taxi in advance. There aren't many options within the town itself. Apart from Ratangarh route, you can also reach Tal Chappar via Sujangarh, which is only 14 kms away from the Sanctuary with few more options for lodging. More details on how to reach Sanctuary can be found on </span><a href="http://www.talchapar.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.talchapar.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taxi driver (I am forgetting his name) was a friendly guy with an impressive resume to boast. He had been driving for ~12 years in Dubai before deciding to return to his motherland. For his driving instincts well honed for driving Mercedes on well paved roads of Dubai, road to Tal Chappar wouldn't have been any match, but surprisingly it was. The bypass road from Ratangarh to Tal Chappar is well paved and a breeze to drive. En route, the good Samaritan stopped the vehicle in a village asking if we would like to drink fresh milk. Bewildered, we didn't know what to make of the offer. He probably guessed our confusion and went on to explain that it was his own house with a joint family and several cattle and that there was ample fresh milk for everyone. We started feeling gratitude already but politely refused since we were more keen to reach the Sanctuary before dawn broke. On the way, we picked up some chips and biscuits after knowing that this was the last stop before one could get anything decent to eat.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdwnO9u8UMI/UN3bmvYAoXI/AAAAAAAADwE/VcDd-N5E7HM/s1600/TCRestHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdwnO9u8UMI/UN3bmvYAoXI/AAAAAAAADwE/VcDd-N5E7HM/s320/TCRestHouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest House</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we kept looking at small villages and winding roads through them, taxi suddenly stopped at a small gate in what seemed like middle of nowhere in the still dark surroundings. <em>Aa gaye ji</em>, driver announced. Waking up to reality, we gingerly explored our surroundings. We were entering the forest rest house that is made in a traditional rajasthani style, with pink stone and carvings and curiously, a small but beautiful amphitheatre in the middle. There are 4 + 2 rooms in the rest house but plenty of open space to stroll around. Rest house adjoins the sanctuary. Finding our room, we were impressed by it's sheer size and the subtlety of decor that was a mix of traditional and modern. Rest house is dotted with frames of mammals and birds clicked within the sanctuary, that make you drool even before you start birding yourself.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BaFn7H74WK4/UN3ZviRkgGI/AAAAAAAADuo/OZsvwHgDaKU/s1600/TCHabitat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="355" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BaFn7H74WK4/UN3ZviRkgGI/AAAAAAAADuo/OZsvwHgDaKU/s640/TCHabitat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open Grassland habitat with Kejri trees in between</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After having a cup of sweet milk tea, that was to be our only beverage for the next 3 days, we were greeted by Praful, the 6 feet something inches tall, driver who would take us around the Sanctuary. Dumping all our gear and ourselves into the Bolero, we started. Day light was making an attempt to break in, when we entered the gates of Sanctuary, immediately to be greeted by a handsome Black Buck walking up to our vehicle. A couple of shrieks later, we realised these were domesticated and raised by forest guards. So, there was every chance we could come back to them and they would snuggle unto us, which frankly they did later. Anyways, as we moved, the vast grassland ecosystem could be seen till the end of world, it seemed. Golden grass (locally called <em>Mothi</em>, for the pearl shaped seeds) standing waist high, with many Kejri trees interspersed like a painting, was on all sides. There are several water holes with ample shade that act as good spots to watch many birds. There's one in particular where we spotted most of the big eagles.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QAWQhz1fv9Q/UN3aVI8gO3I/AAAAAAAADvo/dG_zIh4-e0k/s1600/IndianRoller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QAWQhz1fv9Q/UN3aVI8gO3I/AAAAAAAADvo/dG_zIh4-e0k/s1600/IndianRoller.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Roller</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Indian Rollers and Black Drongos deserve a special mention before I go on with other birds. I can say with unfailing confidence that almost every bird, near or distant, that looks like a roller, IS a roller here. No questions asked and no doubts raised. In pairs or solitary, they are just about everywhere and they pose for you, compelling you to lift your camera, even if you didn't plan on clicking them earlier. They do seem to be smug in the realisation of how pretty their colours look as they shine in golden light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Black Drongos are plenty too as we kept discovering them through our entire trip. Most remarkable is their loud demeanour despite the small size and the sheer audacity with which they rule their territories. We even witnessed a Drongo congress later, with almost 10 of them sitting together surveying, in what seemed like a board meeting deciding to take over the grassland.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_WI2_WEEOQ/UN3aLZNlEzI/AAAAAAAADvQ/61HQ7r1Vv8M/s1600/BlackBuckLine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_WI2_WEEOQ/UN3aLZNlEzI/AAAAAAAADvQ/61HQ7r1Vv8M/s400/BlackBuckLine.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Bucks crossing over in a queue...Abhishek in the foreground</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blackbucks were everywhere we went, from miniature kids to handsome adult males, from teenagers play fighting with their fresh horns to one horned males that had lost their horns during some serious fight. They were just about everywhere, displaying every stage of their life to visitors. Very beautiful animals. They had this incredible instinct to queue up and cross over from one area to another placidly, generating many picturesque moments on the field.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGVMrjK_mrU/UN3ae76nFHI/AAAAAAAADv4/vORtHPqX2gU/s1600/BlackBuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGVMrjK_mrU/UN3ae76nFHI/AAAAAAAADv4/vORtHPqX2gU/s320/BlackBuck.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Buck Adult Male</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">After showing the mandatory Rollers and Doves, Praful decidedly started moving towards a certain clearing in the field. Checking with binoculars, we realised there were several raptors sitting on ground in the clearing. Reaching closer, we found it to be a group of Egyptian Vultures, both adult and juveniles feeding on a Carcass. Later in the day, an Imperial Eagle juvenile joined them too at the same spot and next day a Tawny Eagle as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There were scores of Desert and Isabelline wheatears in the fields and flocks of Greater Short-toed and Bimaculated larks. Couple of Variable Wheatears (ssp. picata) were also seen but they are not as numerous as the other 2 species. Also few Sand Larks which need to be confirmed from the photographs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We spotted several Common Kestrels, curiously all females, at close quarters. In a bid to get the rarer Lesser Kestrel, that passes through the region, we would keenly look at the claws of every Kestrel we saw (Common has them all black) and on discovering it was black, kept sighing to each other. Finally we reconciled to the fact that they had probably already moved on.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBFUmcFMifQ/UN3aSDqGsVI/AAAAAAAADvg/6DctJCENCGk/s1600/CKestrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBFUmcFMifQ/UN3aSDqGsVI/AAAAAAAADvg/6DctJCENCGk/s1600/CKestrel.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Kestrel Female</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But let me state, that in Tal Chappar, even the Common Kestrels look more splendid, probably due to their confiding behaviour and proximity to humans here. The closest we got one sitting was at less than 10 ft from our vehicle. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Next up were 2 Laggar Falcons, one subadult and one <a href="http://orientalbirdimages.org/search.php?Bird_ID=1066" target="_blank">adult</a> male looking as gorgeous as a Laggar can look with it's cryptic plumage. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Imperial Eagle Juvenile sat in the tree at one of the water holes as several Little Grebes swam obliviously in the water below. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">A Desert Fox came to drink and gave delightful views to all of us as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As Sun notched up it's intensity, it was time to round up and head back to rest house for some quick grubs and a quicker nap, if possible. Lunch was a basic but tasty fare that was laid out in a meticulous english manner by a very humble chef.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Immediately after lunch, we started out for 2nd round of the day. This time we went to the area adjoining the core Sanctuary. Passing through a village, we reached a small village pond where a flock of c.47 Damoiselle Cranes was resting. These wintering beauties with ruby red eyes gave us ample time to admire them before taking off. Other highlights at the waterbody were River Tern, White Wagtail and White-tailed Lapwing.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXk5dGislZs/UN3aZcNwWXI/AAAAAAAADvw/2-jwRmZ-s_I/s1600/ImperialEagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXk5dGislZs/UN3aZcNwWXI/AAAAAAAADvw/2-jwRmZ-s_I/s320/ImperialEagle.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imperial Eagle Juvenile</td></tr>
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<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Little ahead, there was another enigmatic endemic of our subcontinent to be seen. Stoliczka's Bushchat or White-browed Bushchat. Though we would have loved to see the puff and roll display that's unique to the bird, it wasn't meant to be. Not on Day 1 at least. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Content, we started backwards to witness the harriers at dusk within the park, when a dark morph Common Buzzard, flew past. Once within the park, we saw all those magnificent stories of harriers unfolding before our eyes. A Juvenile of Montague's Harrier was the first to show up, followed by juveniles of Pallid and then more Montagues and more Pallids interspersed with Common Kestrels. They would fly in their typical V shaped wing pattern, dive to the ground, rest on the wire fence and again take off looking for the right spot for roosting. Harriers as we learnt, roost on ground. The light was fading away with as much alacrity as these magnificent raptors were rising in numbers. By the time we left, we had approx c.50 different raptors coming in for roost and it was impossible to put a name to all. A priceless sight to watch.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Finally as we were calling off the day, another Big raptor with a cryptically patterned facial disk flew into the trees. Hen Harrier we assumed, that was proven wrong on our subsequent trips though. Dusk had given way to night and we returned very content to our rooms but not before feeling the itch to check if the enigmatic Mr. Poonia was back in rest house and could take us with him next morning.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">For the uninitiated, Mr. Surat Singh Poonia is the man behind Tal Chappar that we see today. With his unstained love for nature and admirable planning and discipline, he has single handed transformed the sanctuary into the birding paradise that we see today. <em>Poonia ji </em>as he's lovingly referred by his staff and everyone else, brought the birding potential of this otherwise Black Buck sanctuary to the notice of thousands of birders not just within the country but worldwide. As we learnt on our interaction with him later, the humility and commitment that he carries is rare. If we have to protect our forests and other habitats for wildlife, we need many more like Mr. Poonia. He's a rare species no doubt and deserves every credit that can be bestowed upon him.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Day 2</h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Day 2 started with a little banter with the rest house staff over how we wanted to maximise our time in field and didn't want to come back for Breakfast, Lunch etc. etc. Considering our unfailing love for field and diminishing interest in food, the rest house manager gave in to our whims and agreed to get us some grub on field at B'fast time. So it was settled.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We had our mandatory beverage (read milk tea) and got into the already revved up Bolero with a charged up Praful, who by now we had learnt, was a stoic character. He would speak more with gestures and less with tongue and sadistically, he liked us to reach peaks of anxiety before providing a solution, which admirably he always did. He knew all the hot spots within and outside the sanctuary and is beginning to learn names of birds.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uV7cz3mnBg/UN3aPWcNu6I/AAAAAAAADvY/WwGOB9LWPmo/s1600/LFalcon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uV7cz3mnBg/UN3aPWcNu6I/AAAAAAAADvY/WwGOB9LWPmo/s320/LFalcon.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laggar Falcon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We drove inside the Sanctuary once more and this time instead of going on the usual tracks, Praful landed us at the small house right after entering the gate. This is where <em>Poonia Ji </em>stays, alone, with the subjects he loves the most. He was finishing his tea when we reached. After the usual pleasantries, <em>Poonia Ji </em>got behind the wheel himself, relegating Praful (remember standing at 6 feet some inches ? ) to the back of Bolero. Praful was cramped for the rest of the day unfortunately but didn't seem to mind somehow. Anything for piling on with <em>Poonia Ji</em>, I guessed.</span><br />
Praful was soon replaced with another group of photographers in the back of Bolero though.<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The difference in experience was very apparent. This was now slow and more mature, knowledgeable birding. With <em>Poonia Ji </em>in charge, the vehicle moved slowly without making noise and stopped only where a bird was perched, at an angle where bird would never be disturbed. Surprise of surprise, he even helped photographers with better angles all the while without disturbing the bird.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Tree Pipits and Red-collared Doves were the first ones to be spotted. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">More Common Kestrels and Rollers appeared. A Steppe Eagle followed by the Common Buzzard showed up. Suddenly what was earlier assumed to be Hen Harrier, flew into the tree. <em>Poonia ji </em>veered towards it and spotted the big cryptic raptor sitting well concealed. Many more shots and strained binoc visions later, we started to incline more towards an Oriental Honey Buzzard but in a very distinct cryptic plumage not very commonly seen. With our Hen Harrier gone, we doused our disappointment with fresh parathas and Chai sent over by rest house folks.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--QbZGRZE_F0/UN3Z-FdUUxI/AAAAAAAADu4/5V42nMsbKTE/s1600/TEagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--QbZGRZE_F0/UN3Z-FdUUxI/AAAAAAAADu4/5V42nMsbKTE/s320/TEagle.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tawny Eagle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We then started for Goshala, a spot known for raptors and Spotted Creeper. Greater Spotted Eagle, more Egyptian Vultures, Tawny and a Steppe Eagle all greeted us here along with a Southern Grey Shrike showing it's fresh white belly. Lesser Whitethroats were plenty and an apparent Desert Whitethroat which couldn't be confirmed on field.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Spotted Creeper eluded us for a fairly long time when we decided to head back and check it out later. It was while returning back that Sudeshna and <em>Poonia Ji </em>heard the distinctive long call. The bird flew from one Kejri tree to another. We jumped down from the vehicle and then there was no looking back. c.3 birds were seen feeding and moving from one tree to another in their distinctive creeper style but unlike treecreepers, they move without using their tail for support and mostly by using legs and thereby keeping distance between their belly and the bark of the tree.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Satisfied, we moved back to the area where we had spotted Stoliczka's Bushchat earlier, only this time it was puffing up it's chest and rolling sideways like a perfect ballerina as we watched in awe. A Desert Fox stood guard at the highest point and upon seeing the big canons (photographic canons), ran towards the side, keeping an eye on us intermittently. This individual was healthier compared to the one we had spotted on previous day.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We also looked for owls in the area but couldn't find any. Subsequently <em>Poonia Ji </em>took us further down into an area that started to resemble like Little Rann of Kutch to me, what with it's salt pans and cracked soil but it didn't last long enough. Several miles ahead and into the winding village tracks, we came across small puddles of fresh water which had another enigma, the Water Pipit and Buff-bellied Pipits in store. Here we also spotted a Eurasian Wryneck sitting on the ground in open, unlike I had seen anytime before. Several waders like Common Redshank, Ruffs, Green Sandpiper were also feeding in the water.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Finally, after several warnings sounded from the rest house ranging from "Lunch is served" to "Lunch is dead cold", we headed back. I was beginning to get numb with contentment by now. I didn't even know what more to expect and decided to go with the flow (and my fellow birders) from here on. In the 1.5 days we had been here, this trip had already beaten my expectations to the hilt.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">After lunch, we lost the company of <em>Poonia Ji </em>but Praful had recharged his failing batteries by now and looked all eager to show us more raptors. Now while I am at it, let me take the liberty of explaining that Praful is a keen observer and could spot <em>Poonia Ji </em>in his Jeep some 200 mtrs away tucked amidst the tall grass, with Sun throwing harsh light from the wrong side. We asked him if we could get down to click the beautiful Tawny Eagle next to our vehicle but such is the discipline instilled by <em>Poonia Ji</em>, that one sight of him and Praful knew what was right and what was wrong. No getting down from the vehicle, he told us firmly. We obeyed meekly.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Slightly ahead, he himself got down, leaving me very annoyed at the discrepancy in standards but he came back as quickly as he had got down, only holding a waste polythene that he picked from the ground. More enquiring eyes from us and he explained as a matter of fact that this is exactly what <em>Poonia Ji </em>would have done himself. Later by talking to other staff, we learnt what high regard the staff has for it's humble officer. If the Sanctuary is pristine clean, it's thanks to the team spirit inculcated by <em>Poonia Ji </em>himself. Leadership rightly begins at the top.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78XWIT_-Lto/UN3aD8sN5wI/AAAAAAAADvA/gWzFTgXDwMk/s1600/SLapwing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78XWIT_-Lto/UN3aD8sN5wI/AAAAAAAADvA/gWzFTgXDwMk/s320/SLapwing.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sociable Lapwing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Happy, we circled around the grasslands and spotted c.3 Sociable Lapwings that are wintering in the Sanctuary. Truly sociable and docile birds. Very unlike their Red-wattled cousins who scream at every given pretext. One of the lapwings had a limping leg, that was apparently hurt in an encounter with Red-necked Falcon (more on them in Day 3). In my heart of heart, I prayed for their survival, which is hinging on very fragile conditions for this wonderfully social bird.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We called off the day with some good humoured discussions in the rest house over behaviours of birders and also missed some of our more experienced birder friends. At night, another group of photographer spotted a resident Hedgehog in the rest house campus and tried photographing it under harsh flashlight, to which Abhishek objected vociferously, dampening their spirits. Hats off. In the morning, the spiny little creature was transported to the Sanctuary by Praful, to avoid further damages by over enthusiastic photographers.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Day 3</h2>
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This was our final day and we had to catch a train to Delhi at 11:20am. Factoring in the morning traffic, we decided to bird till 9:30 and then head for Ratangarh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We started birding in the Goshala area again, to see if the much famed White-tailed Eagle was still around and if Yellow-eyed Pigeons could be spotted. In addition, Abhishek had been asking very gently for Red-necked Falcons. The list of not-seen-yet was never ending it seemed.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsnSZp7izV0/UN3Z8tiN8fI/AAAAAAAADuw/_BhiatQSBOg/s1600/RNFalcons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsnSZp7izV0/UN3Z8tiN8fI/AAAAAAAADuw/_BhiatQSBOg/s1600/RNFalcons.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-necked Falcon - Feeding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DGnkcveisQ/UN3elwz2YtI/AAAAAAAADwg/XCKsnI6w9x4/s1600/LLBuzzard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DGnkcveisQ/UN3elwz2YtI/AAAAAAAADwg/XCKsnI6w9x4/s1600/LLBuzzard.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long-legged Buzzard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A Long-legged Buzzard sat on a mound giving very good views and a Steppe Eagle basked in the morning Sun too. Then as we sat looking at a flock of Rock Pigeons, hoping to get their Yellow-eyed cousins, a call from <em>Poonia Ji</em> came in. Praful stoically gestured us to get in. We obeyed meekly again. This time however it was Red-necked Falcons that had been spotted and we were going to see those. Abhishek, and by his company I and Sudeshna, couldn't have been luckier. <em>Poonia Ji </em>was waiting for us and quickly got behind the wheel, cramping the giant fellow again in the backseat. We quickly reached the Kejri tree where the handsome <a href="http://orientalbirdimages.org/search.php?Bird_ID=1050&Bird_Image_ID=68472&Bird_Family_ID=&p=2" target="_blank">Red-necked Falcon pair</a> sat feeding on a fresh kill. A very bizarre feeding behaviour was observed where the female would not allow male to touch the meal. Poor male had hunted and brought the kill to her though. She dismembered the dead bird and took out big pieces to feed not only herself but also her begging partner, just like a juvenile. Male would beg, female would feed. This cycle carried on till we moved our vehicles away from them and decided to do one last round of the Sanctuary with <em>Poonia Ji </em>at the wheel. It was a splendid idea to do so.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Within the last 1 hr that we circled in the field, we saw several Harriers, a Besra that flew from the bushes, a Eurasian Sparrowhawk around the fence and a eureka moment of all - a Barbary Falcon. Barbary Falcon flew from one bush to another but well within the confines of the Sanctuary. After getting some sketchy shots of it but having had good long look at it through binoculars, we looked at our watch only to find it was 10. No more time to spend and no better parting reward to have. We got a picture clicked with <em>Poonia Ji</em> as a souvenir and said Tata, Bye Bye.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Travelling from Tal Chappar to Ratangarh, our Dubai returned Driver was back doing what he does best, regaling tourists with his stories from the Arab world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Reaching Delhi via Ratangarh in day train had it's own merits. We chatted all day long, viewed some beautiful landscape of rural Rajasthan and had the garam chai that's a trademark Indian train tradition.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Finally, as I headed back to my urban world, I had so many enigmatic birds circling within my head amidst the golden grass. I was trying hard to come back to reality, from what now seemed like a distant dream already. Only the pictures and this blog will remain as a reminder of the wonderful trip.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">PS : The s</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">pecial grass found within the Sanctuary is called Mothiya. The word mothiya is derived from the word Moti (Hindi word for Pearl), a shape that the seeds appear to have. The grass is a favourite of Black Bucks.</span></em></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mammals sighted over the 2 days:</span></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Black Bucks</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chinkara</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Desert Fox</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wild Boar</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bluebull aka Nilgai</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hedgehog</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Black Camel</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Complete list of birds seen at Tal Chappar Black Buck Sanctuary, Churu, Rajasthan (28th Nov - 30th Nov, 2012)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 428px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col><col style="mso-width-alt: 6838; mso-width-source: userset; width: 140pt;" width="187"></col><col style="mso-width-alt: 6473; mso-width-source: userset; width: 133pt;" width="177"></col><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl63" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 15pt; width: 48pt;" width="64"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Sr. No</strong></span></td><td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; width: 140pt;" width="187"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Species</span></strong></td><td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; width: 133pt;" width="177"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Scientific Name</span></strong></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grey Francolin</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Francolinus pondicerianus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Indian Peafowl</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pavo cristatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spot-billed Duck</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anas poecilorhyncha</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Teal</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anas crecca</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eurasian Wryneck</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jynx torquilla</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Hoopoe</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Upupa epops</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green Bee-eater</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Merops orientalis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blue-cheeked Bee-eater</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Merops persicus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Indian Roller</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coracias benghalensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">White-throated Kingfisher</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Halcyon smyrnensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alexandrine Parakeet</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Psittacula eupatria</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rose-ringed Parakeet</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Psittacula krameri</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">13</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rock Pigeon</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Columba livia</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Laughing Dove</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Streptopelia senegalensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">15</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Red Collared Dove</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Streptopelia tranquebarica</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">16</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eurasian Collared Dove</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Streptopelia decaocto</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">17</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yellow-footed Green Pigeon</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Treron phoenicopterus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">18</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">White-breasted Waterhen</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amaurornis phoenicurus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">19</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Purple Swamphen</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Porphyrio porphyrio</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">20</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Moorhen</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gallinula chloropus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">21</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Coot</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fulica atra</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">22</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Demoiselle Crane</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grus virgo</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">23</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oriental Honey-buzzard</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pernis ptilorhyncus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">24</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Black-shouldered Kite</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elanus caeruleus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">25</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Black Kite</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Milvus migrans</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">26</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Egyptian Vulture</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Neophron percnopterus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">27</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eurasian Marsh Harrier</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Circus aeruginosus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">28</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shikra</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Accipiter badius</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">29</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eurasian Sparrowhawk</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Accipiter nisus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">30</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Buzzard</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Buteo buteo</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">31</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Long-legged Buzzard</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Buteo rufinus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">32</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greater Spotted Eagle</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aquila clanga</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">33</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tawny Eagle</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aquila rapax</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">34</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steppe Eagle</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aquila nipalensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">35</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Booted Eagle</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hieraaetus pennatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">36</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Kestrel</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Falco tinnunculus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">37</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Red-necked Falcon</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Falco chicquera</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">38</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peregrine Falcon</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Falco peregrinus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">39</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Little Ringed Plover</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charadrius dubius</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">40</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Red-wattled Lapwing</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vanellus indicus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">41</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Black-winged Stilt</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Himantopus himantopus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">42</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Black-tailed Godwit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Limosa limosa</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">43</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spotted Redshank</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tringa erythropus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">44</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Redshank</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tringa totanus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">45</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Greenshank</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tringa nebularia</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">46</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green Sandpiper</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tringa ochropus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">47</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Sandpiper</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Actitis hypoleucos</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">48</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Little Stint</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Calidris minuta</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">49</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ruff</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Philomachus pugnax</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">50</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">River Tern</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sterna aurantia</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">51</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Little Grebe</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tachybaptus ruficollis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">52</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darter</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anhinga melanogaster</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">53</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Little Cormorant</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Phalacrocorax niger</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">54</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Little Egret</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Egretta garzetta</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">55</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grey Heron</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ardea cinerea</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">56</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Great Egret</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Casmerodius albus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">57</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Indian Pond Heron</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ardeola grayii</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">58</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lesser Whitethroat</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sylvia curruca</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">59</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Large Grey Babbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Turdoides malcolmi</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">60</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jungle Babbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Turdoides striata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">61</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">White-eared Bulbul</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pycnonotus leucotis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">62</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Red-vented Bulbul</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pycnonotus cafer</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">63</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plain Martin</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Riparia paludicola</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">64</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dusky Crag Martin</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hirundo concolor</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">65</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Barn Swallow</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hirundo rustica</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">66</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Red-rumped Swallow</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hirundo daurica</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">67</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Booted Warbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hippolais caligata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">68</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Chiffchaff</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Phylloscopus collybita</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">69</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sulphur-bellied Warbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Phylloscopus griseolus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">70</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eremopterix griseus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">71</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bimaculated Lark</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Melanocorypha bimaculata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">72</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greater Short-toed Lark</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Calandrella brachydactyla</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">73</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oriental Skylark</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alauda gulgula</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">74</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zitting Cisticola</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cisticola juncidis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">75</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plain Prinia</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prinia inornata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">76</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">White Wagtail</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Motacilla alba</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">77</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paddyfield Pipit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anthus rufulus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">78</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Long-billed Pipit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anthus similis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">79</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tree Pipit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anthus trivialis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">80</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Black Drongo</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dicrurus macrocercus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">81</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ashy Drongo</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dicrurus leucophaeus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">82</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rufous Treepie</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dendrocitta vagabunda</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">83</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">House Crow</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corvus splendens</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">84</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rufous-tailed Shrike</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lanius isabellinus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">85</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bay-backed Shrike</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lanius vittatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">86</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Long-tailed Shrike</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lanius schach</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">87</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Southern Grey Shrike</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lanius meridionalis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">88</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brahminy Starling</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sturnus pagodarum</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">89</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rosy Starling</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sturnus roseus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">90</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Starling</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sturnus vulgaris</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">91</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Asian Pied Starling</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sturnus contra</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">92</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Common Myna</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acridotheres tristis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">93</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bank Myna</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acridotheres ginginianus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">94</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Siberian Stonechat</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saxicola maurus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">95</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pied Bushchat</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saxicola caprata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">96</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Variable Wheatear</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oenanthe picata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">97</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Desert Wheatear</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oenanthe deserti</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">98</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Isabelline Wheatear</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oenanthe isabellina</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">99</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brown Rock-chat</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cercomela fusca</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">100</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pallid Harrier</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Circus macrourus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">101</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Montagu's Harrier</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Circus pygargus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">102</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Imperial Eagle</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aquila heliaca</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">103</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Laggar Falcon</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Falco jugger</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">104</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Barbary Falcon</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Falco pelegrinoides</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">105</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sociable Lapwing</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vanellus gregarius</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">106</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Water Pipit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anthus spinoletta</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">107</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Buff-bellied Pipit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anthus rubescens</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">108</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stoliczka's Bushchat</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saxicola macrorhynchus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">109</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spotted Creeper</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salpornis spilonotus</span></td></tr>
</tbody></colgroup></table>
</div>
FreeSpirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078567139919623425noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990422444118098084.post-31651466820078103422012-11-12T04:49:00.002-08:002012-11-12T04:56:44.489-08:00Sultanpur and around - 11/11 in 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite absence of an official birdwalk posting for yesterday, several of us landed up at Sultanpur and were pleasantly rewarded with few good birding hours to kickstart the week of Diwali. Birding within the NP was as usual good, with Hume's warbler, Bluethroat, Red-breasted Flycatchers, Oriental White eyes, Scaly-bellied Munia and Ashy Prinias creating a lovely music in morning sunlight. Waterfowl comprised of Shovellers, Pintails, few Gadwalls, flocks of Graylag Geese, a lone Bar-headed Goose, Common Coots, Little Grebes and few Euraisan Wigeons. Pochards were again conspicously missing. Painted Storks, Greater Cormorants, Darters and a single Eurasian Spoonbill flying overhead were seen. Black-necked Stork was at it's nest. Sind Sparrow on the trees lining the approach to waterbody was good to spot as well. A lone Bonelli's Eagle harried the ducks and in turn was harried by Drongos and Crows a tenth of it's size. No other raptor spotted within the park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soon, we decided to check out fields behind the Monkey point which is little ahead of NP. Most of the area is freshly ploughed and there was lot of human disturbance. Still managed to spot some interesting species here. Flock of Plain Martins, Streak throated Swallows, a lone Long-billed Pipit, few Tawny Pipits, Indian Bushlark, flock of Spanish Sparrows, Silverbills, Crested Lark, Greater Short-Toed Larks and ultimately a Variable Wheatear, looking tired, sat on a fieldpost for what seemed like eternity untill another one joined it and they flew together in the fields. A Eurasian Wryneck sat quietly at the base of a shrub, shielding itself from the Sun, totally unperturbed by our presence. We didn't need binoculars to see all it's patterns. It sat so close. Admiring it's cryptic beauty with naked eyes, we quietly moved away leaving it sitting there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other group reported a Short-eared owl, an Isabelline Shrike, Eurasian Curlews and Common Cranes from fields.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the way back, we stopped at Basai for a few minutes and were thrilled to see Sarus Cranes at close quarters in the fields. Flocks of Weavers, probably Streaked Weavers are inhabiting the fields. Common Starlings, Ruffs, Green and Common Sandpipers and other usual waterfowl were seen. White-tailed Lapwing and Little-ringed Plover were nice to spot too. As we prepared to reverse the cars, Sarus Crane took to air like a shot from Top Gun, circled back in the air and decided to fly towards us, leaving us totally thrilled with the experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, a very satisfying birding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Complete list of birds is below followed by the map of area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 528px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 10422; mso-width-source: userset; width: 214pt;" width="285"></col><col style="mso-width-alt: 8886; mso-width-source: userset; width: 182pt;" width="243"></col><tbody>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl65" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt; width: 214pt;" width="285"><strong>Species</strong></td><td class="xl65" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; width: 182pt;" width="243"><strong>Scientific Name</strong></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Grey Francolin</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Francolinus pondicerianus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Indian Peafowl</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Pavo cristatus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Greylag Goose</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Anser anser</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Bar-headed Goose</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Anser indicus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Comb Duck</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Sarkidiornis melanotos</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Lesser Whistling-duck</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Dendrocygna javanica</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Gadwall</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Anas strepera</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Eurasian Wigeon</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Anas penelope</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Spot-billed Duck</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Anas poecilorhyncha</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Northern Shoveler</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Anas clypeata</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Northern Pintail</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Anas acuta</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Common Teal</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Anas crecca</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Eurasian Wryneck</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Jynx torquilla</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Brown-headed Barbet</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Megalaima zeylanica</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Common Hoopoe</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Upupa epops</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Green Bee-eater</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Merops orientalis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Indian Roller</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Coracias benghalensis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">White-throated Kingfisher</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Halcyon smyrnensis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Greater Coucal</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Centropus sinensis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Rose-ringed Parakeet</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Psittacula krameri</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Rock Pigeon</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Columba livia</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Laughing Dove</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Streptopelia senegalensis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Eurasian Collared Dove</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Streptopelia decaocto</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">White-breasted Waterhen</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Amaurornis phoenicurus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Purple Swamphen</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Porphyrio porphyrio</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Common Moorhen</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Gallinula chloropus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Common Coot</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Fulica atra</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Sarus Crane</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Grus antigone</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Black Kite</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Milvus migrans</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Bonelli's Eagle</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Hieraaetus fasciatus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Common Kestrel</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Falco tinnunculus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Red-wattled Lapwing</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Vanellus indicus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">White-tailed Lapwing</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Vanellus leucurus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Black-winged Stilt</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Himantopus himantopus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Green Sandpiper</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Tringa ochropus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Ruff</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Philomachus pugnax</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Little Grebe</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Tachybaptus ruficollis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Darter</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Anhinga melanogaster</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Little Cormorant</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Phalacrocorax niger</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Great Cormorant</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Phalacrocorax carbo</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Little Egret</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Egretta garzetta</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Grey Heron</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Ardea cinerea</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Purple Heron</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Ardea purpurea</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Great Egret</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Casmerodius albus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Intermediate Egret</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Mesophoyx intermedia</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Cattle Egret</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Bubulcus ibis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Indian Pond Heron</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Ardeola grayii</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Black-headed Ibis</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Threskiornis melanocephalus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Black Ibis</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Pseudibis papillosa</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Eurasian Spoonbill</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Platalea leucorodia</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Painted Stork</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Mycteria leucocephala</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Woolly-necked Stork</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Ciconia episcopus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Black-necked Stork</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Oriental White-eye</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Zosterops palpebrosus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Lesser Whitethroat</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Sylvia curruca</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Common Babbler</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Turdoides caudata</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Large Grey Babbler</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Turdoides malcolmi</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Jungle Babbler</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Turdoides striata</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">White-eared Bulbul</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Pycnonotus leucotis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Red-vented Bulbul</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Pycnonotus cafer</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Plain Martin</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Riparia paludicola</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Wire-tailed Swallow</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Hirundo smithii</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Streak-throated Swallow</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Hirundo fluvicola</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Blyth's Reed Warbler</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Acrocephalus dumetorum</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Booted Warbler</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Hippolais caligata</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Common Tailorbird</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Orthotomus sutorius</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Common Chiffchaff</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Phylloscopus collybita</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Hume's Warbler</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Phylloscopus humei</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Greenish Warbler</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Phylloscopus trochiloides</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Indian Silverbill</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Lonchura malabarica</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Indian Bushlark</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Mirafra erythroptera</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Greater Short-toed Lark</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Calandrella brachydactyla</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Zitting Cisticola</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Cisticola juncidis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Ashy Prinia</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Prinia socialis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Plain Prinia</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Prinia inornata</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Streaked Weaver</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Ploceus manyar</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">White Wagtail</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Motacilla alba</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Citrine Wagtail</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Motacilla citreola</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Yellow Wagtail</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Motacilla flava</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Tawny Pipit</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Anthus campestris</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Long-billed Pipit</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Anthus similis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Spanish Sparrow</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Passer hispaniolensis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Sind Sparrow</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Passer pyrrhonotus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Purple Sunbird</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Cinnyris asiaticus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Black Drongo</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Dicrurus macrocercus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Rufous Treepie</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Dendrocitta vagabunda</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">House Crow</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Corvus splendens</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Rufous-tailed Shrike</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Lanius isabellinus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Long-tailed Shrike</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Lanius schach</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Common Starling</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Sturnus vulgaris</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Asian Pied Starling</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Sturnus contra</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Common Myna</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Acridotheres tristis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Bank Myna</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Acridotheres ginginianus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Bluethroat</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Luscinia svecica</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Oriental Magpie Robin</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Copsychus saularis</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;">Indian Robin</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext;">Saxicoloides fulicatus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Siberian Stonechat</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Saxicola maurus</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Pied Bushchat</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Saxicola caprata</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Variable Wheatear</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Oenanthe picata</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; height: 12.75pt;">Red-breasted Flycatcher</td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt dotted; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt dotted;">Ficedula parva</td></tr>
</tbody></colgroup></table>
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FreeSpirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078567139919623425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990422444118098084.post-33826938668398714842012-09-14T10:57:00.001-07:002012-09-14T10:57:25.122-07:00Sonkhaliya - Quails, Owls and Floricans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sonkhaliya, a hitherto unknown hamlet, 40 kms from Ajmer district in Rajasthan, has in recent years captured the imagination of birders for the two of the most sought after species in the oriental region - Lesser Florican (<span class="sciname"><em>Sypheotides indicus</em></span>) and Great Indian Bustard (<span class="sciname"><em>Ardeotis nigriceps</em>)</span>. Not just because both birds are strikingly pretty in their own respect, but because their populations have suffered rapid declines and not many are sure they'll see them in future decades. Best season to see these birds is from 15th July till 1st week of Aug when the Jowar in fields is not very high and chances of spotting the birds are high. The other factor is also the amount of rainfall that the region experiences. With heavy rains, the birds aren't easily visible though it probably is good overall for the survival of these very vulnerable birds. Drought like situation has been detrimental to the population in the past. [Update - I recently learnt that photographing GIBs between Apr - Oct is banned by MoEF due to increasing concerns around unethical photography of these already vulnerable birds]<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFkpFL2mXGU/UFNl_ZoxjWI/AAAAAAAADsc/cqdhXgLwxGk/s1600/Francolin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="175" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFkpFL2mXGU/UFNl_ZoxjWI/AAAAAAAADsc/cqdhXgLwxGk/s320/Francolin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Francolin dust bathing</td></tr>
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<br />
Armed with these facts, Ateesh and I set out for a quick weekend visit to try our luck at sighting these birds. It was incredible to have Ateesh accompany me for trip devoted entirely to birding. We've mixed vacation trips with birding in the past but nothing which qualified as a birding trip in it's entirety. Guess I owe him a Star Gazing trip sometime in future. But the timing of our trip was slightly delayed and not ideal. We went on 1st and 2nd Sep, by when the Jowar fields were flourishing waist high. In the recent years, a substantial area in the region has come under Moong cultivation, which I learnt, has found favours with both the farmer and the Lesser Floricans. Farmer, because it requires less water and grows quicker and Lesser Floricans for some unexplained reason. The village of Sonkhaliya is still untouched by surrounding urban compulsions and looked every bit a north Indian village, with small hutments, kuchha roads (or paths) turned into tiny stagnating puddles, harbouring mosquitoes, their larvae and the kins, children with curious expressions and relaxing elderlies by the well. Vast emerald fields interspersed with thorny scrubs were adjoined by vast Grasslands that looked very pristine and ideal for scrub land species. There's a large grassland just outside Sonkhaliya that's used for cattle grazing by villagers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIOhbJFLxVI/UFNnBlmp12I/AAAAAAAADsk/B76oU8Cmac8/s1600/Florican.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIOhbJFLxVI/UFNnBlmp12I/AAAAAAAADsk/B76oU8Cmac8/s320/Florican.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser Florican doing it's famous jump</td></tr>
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<br />
We were lucky to elude rains during our 2 day trip but had to bear the scorching Sun all day long in the fields. I guess you can't have everything. But that meant that we heard and saw and photographed Lesser Floricans right from the word Go. Locally called <em>Khad Mor (for Grass peacock though they are Bustard family and not pheasant), </em>they are all around in the fields. A bird of the size of Cattle Egret but remains almost entirely hidden in the field except for a little black head popping out continuously as it paces few meters every few mins and then makes it's trademark jump. This is part of the ritual that male Floricans adopt to impress the females and to ward off other males from their territory. While jumping, the Floricans could go up to 10 Ft high straight up in the air, with folded legs and stretched wings. Flapping of it's wings makes a characteristic frog like sound, which I had earlier thought came from it's throat. But later realised it was the wings doing the trick. We counted 9 Floricans over 2 days and felt very satisfied.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xj3ldlYEZ5w/UFNpjFIjKbI/AAAAAAAADs0/1Chu1QMiYlo/s1600/UNIdedDlower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xj3ldlYEZ5w/UFNpjFIjKbI/AAAAAAAADs0/1Chu1QMiYlo/s320/UNIdedDlower.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Flower</td></tr>
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<br />
Other bird of interest was Great Indian Bustard which eluded us all through the trip. Enquiring with the local herd grazers confirmed that they aren't as commonly seen. <em>Godawan</em> as they are locally called, have a large habitat to them but with frequent disturbances by humans, knowingly or unknowingly. The villagers seemed to be aware that tourists come for Godawan but didn't care beyond that. The importance of this critically endangered bird seemed lost on most of them. 2 afternoons and evenings were spent looking for them, but while <em>Godawan </em>eluded us, there were many more good birds spotted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rfm-KNR1rpo/UFNqdo6b7QI/AAAAAAAADs8/_W3W8hAqk8A/s1600/RBQuail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rfm-KNR1rpo/UFNqdo6b7QI/AAAAAAAADs8/_W3W8hAqk8A/s1600/RBQuail.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Bush Quail (M)</td></tr>
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<br />
Rock Bush Quails were plenty and almost always got flushed out from the sides of the tracks when they went scurrying in all directions like a pack of mice. Next most abundant quail was Rain Quail. Spotted few small groups of them but Rain Quails seemed more secretive than Rock Bush Quails. Small Buttonquail was only a hint and so I cannot be sure about it but others have reliably seen and photographed Small Buttonquail and Yellow Legged Buttonquail from this region. Scores of Grey Francolins were everywhere. Common Passerines included Southern Grey Shrikes, European and Indian Rollers, Plain and Ashy Prinias, Desert and Isabelline Wheatears, Pied-crested Cuckoo, plenty of Indian Bushlarks, Ashy-crowned Sparrowlarks and Rufous-tailed Larks singing around in the grasslands.<br />
c2 White-eyed Buzzards perched on top of trees were great to see. An unIDed falcon which in my brief glance looked like a Red-necked Falcon to me, was seen in the fields. No other raptors were seen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73uRM4eMxo0/UFNsAkCRPBI/AAAAAAAADtE/CpgyANr1ffs/s1600/IEOwl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73uRM4eMxo0/UFNsAkCRPBI/AAAAAAAADtE/CpgyANr1ffs/s320/IEOwl.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Eagle Owl</td></tr>
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<br />
Another noteworthy species to report is the Indian Eagle Owl or Rock Eagle Owl (<em>Bubo bengalensis</em>) which is resident in the area. The felspar mines in the region surrounded by thorny scrubs provide an ideal habitat to these big owls. One resident pair gave us good views in the mines while the other flew in the grasslands.<br />
<br />
On day 2, we ran into Devender Bhardwaj from Forest department who is actively taking interest in building the area into a better birding destination and were happy to know him in person. He was kind enough to divert his official guide help to us, whom he called guests from outside and instructed them to show us the best around. Any help we can provide like the checklists prepared after the trip will be helpful to him in making a case for at least an increase in ground staff which is right now dismally inadequate. Rajendra and Goga are the only two who help out as many visiting birders as they can and also keep a vigil on birds in the region all year round. Wish more power and strength to them and wish we see an increase in these endangered birds in times to come.<br />
<br />
Eating options in the village and road leading upto Sarwar, where we stayed, begin and end with Kachauri /Kadhi and Jalebi/Milk cake for sweets. So, if you are one with more refined urban tastes, pack a decent quantity of Ready-To-Eat meals with you. You'll not regret. Staying options are basic and at some distance from Sonkhaliya. Nearest is Sarwar, ~20 kms from Sonkhaliya where we stayed. The hotel provided basic but good portions of the meal. One could also put up in Kishangarh where a heritage hotel is run by royalties. Enquire before you land up though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ScB2_c6BTRo/UFNtAqjrFOI/AAAAAAAADtM/FjQnFyX7tGw/s1600/Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ScB2_c6BTRo/UFNtAqjrFOI/AAAAAAAADtM/FjQnFyX7tGw/s320/Sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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One other depressing fact that I learnt from the driver was that though hunting is legally banned, there are some tribes on the fringes of society like Kanjar, Kaal Beliya (<em>of the famous Kaal Beliya dance</em>) which actively hunt local birds for regular meals using nothing but catapult. They would hunt anything from a peacock to a quail to a Myna and rarely get caught. Even mainstream communities consider Common Myna's meat as a panacea for long standing cough and regularly kill them for medicine. As we bid good bye to the region, images of these hunted winged beauties in an ecologically important region, refused to go away from my mind and I feverishly hoped for more education and activism for the region.<br />
<br />
Those who wish to visit Sonkhaliya should get in touch with Rajendra (09214600140). Map of the region is attached below for reference, followed by complete checklist of birds seen.</div>
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<br />
<small><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Complete List of Birds seen - Sonkhaliya (1st - 2nd Sep, 2012)</span></strong></small><br />
<small></small> <br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 528px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 10422; mso-width-source: userset; width: 214pt;" width="285"></col><col style="mso-width-alt: 8886; mso-width-source: userset; width: 182pt;" width="243"></col><tbody>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl65" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt; width: 214pt;" width="285"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Species</span></strong></td><td class="xl65" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; width: 182pt;" width="243"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Scientific Name</span></strong></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey Francolin</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Francolinus pondicerianus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Rain Quail</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Coturnix coromandelica</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Rock Bush Quail</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Perdicula argoondah</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Indian Peafowl</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pavo cristatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Comb Duck</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Sarkidiornis melanotos</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Whistling-duck</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Dendrocygna javanica</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Spot-billed Duck</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Anas poecilorhyncha</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Hoopoe</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Upupa epops</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Green Bee-eater</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Merops orientalis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">European Roller</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Coracias garrulus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Indian Roller</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Coracias benghalensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">White-throated Kingfisher</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Halcyon smyrnensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pied Cuckoo</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Clamator jacobinus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Asian Koel</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Eudynamys scolopaceus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Greater Coucal</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Centropus sinensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Alexandrine Parakeet</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Psittacula eupatria</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Rose-ringed Parakeet</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Psittacula krameri</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Indian Eagle Owl</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Bubo Bengalensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Rock Pigeon</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Columba livia</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Laughing Dove</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Streptopelia senegalensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Collared Dove</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Streptopelia decaocto</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">White-breasted Waterhen</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Amaurornis phoenicurus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Coot</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Fulica atra</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Black Kite</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Milvus migrans</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">White-eyed Buzzard</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Butastur teesa</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-wattled Lapwing</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Vanellus malabaricus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Red-wattled Lapwing</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Vanellus indicus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Greater Painted-snipe</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Rostratula benghalensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Thick-knee</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Burhinus oedicnemus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Black-tailed Godwit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Limosa limosa</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Redshank</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Tringa erythropus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Redshank</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Tringa totanus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Green Sandpiper</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Tringa ochropus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Sandpiper</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Actitis hypoleucos</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Little Grebe</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Tachybaptus ruficollis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Little Cormorant</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Phalacrocorax niger</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Little Egret</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Egretta garzetta</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey Heron</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Ardea cinerea</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Great Egret</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Casmerodius albus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Cattle Egret</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Bubulcus ibis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Indian Pond Heron</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Ardeola grayii</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Black Ibis</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pseudibis papillosa</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Babbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Turdoides caudata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Large Grey Babbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Turdoides malcolmi</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Jungle Babbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Turdoides striata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">White-eared Bulbul</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pycnonotus leucotis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Red-vented Bulbul</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pycnonotus cafer</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Wire-tailed Swallow</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Hirundo smithii</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Booted Warbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Hippolais caligata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Indian Silverbill</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Lonchura malabarica</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Indian Bushlark</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Mirafra erythroptera</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Eremopterix griseus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Rufous-tailed Lark</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Ammomanes phoenicura</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Ashy Prinia</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Prinia socialis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Plain Prinia</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Prinia inornata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Baya Weaver</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Ploceus philippinus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">House Sparrow</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Passer domesticus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Chestnut-shouldered Petronia</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Petronia xanthocollis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Black Drongo</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Dicrurus macrocercus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Rufous Treepie</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Dendrocitta vagabunda</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">House Crow</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Corvus splendens</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Southern Grey Shrike</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Lanius meridionalis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Brahminy Starling</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Sturnus pagodarum</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Asian Pied Starling</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Sturnus contra</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Bank Myna</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Acridotheres ginginianus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Siberian Stonechat</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Saxicola maurus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pied Bushchat</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Saxicola caprata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Isabelline Wheatear</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Oenanthe isabellina</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Brown Rock-chat</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Cercomela fusca</span></td></tr>
</tbody></colgroup></table>
</div>
FreeSpirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078567139919623425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990422444118098084.post-46198339083254753842012-07-16T08:39:00.003-07:002012-07-17T04:19:37.529-07:00Monsoon birding in Pangot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Sunita and I discussed about visiting Pangot and Sattal in April of 2012, it was to escape the Delhi heat and what I call a birder's urban melancholy. Pangot seemed to occur to both of us almost at the same time and why not. Almost every other Delhibirder worth their salt will tell you how gorgeous Pangot is and how easily accessible and how if you haven't done Pangot and Sattal birding, you are out of Big League of birding et cetera. And let me admit, they are all right. Pangot is a birder's heaven and combine it with Sattal, it's a destination to die for. It's another matter that Sunita had already lost count of her earlier years of birding at Pangot and wanted a refresher course. I had only had a glimpse of Sattal in one of our official offsites last year and had been dreaming since then for a full birding trip on the circuit. So, our planning started in a frenzy but alas fizzled out as quickly as it had started for various personal reasons, leaving us back in our urban office cocoons. We both went quiet and under for some time. Then one day sometime in June, Sunita as restless of a birder as she is, discovered that Kathgodam Shatabdi had been resumed by Indian Railways. Now the same train had been started by Indian Railways few years back but was stopped fairly abruptly for some god forsaken reason, rarely revealed to public. Trusting the railways gimmick to end fairly quickly again, we decided to beat the railways and board the train at least once before it stops again. Afterall, the GOI* had conspired to make us go to Pangot. So, we decided along with Bharti, another ardent birder who had to drop out for personal emergency later, without her share of birding melancholy though, that we'll not give Shatabdi a chance to be decommissioned off of Kathgodam route without us having travelled on board it. We'll humbly take any credit if our travelling contributes in anyway in retaining the train on this important tourism route.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, the tickets were booked and places of stay and means of transportation arranged with a few rapid but precise exchanges of phones and emails. It had to be a quick and non-fussy arrangement if it had to succeed. Previous Trip reports were scanned and checklists fished out from as early as 2007. Our own list of birds we wanted to see, however, eluded us till the last minute and not untill we checked in the lodge. Such was the excitement and palpitation that we were going to be content seeing anything Pangot offered. Just about anything, even an Ashy Prinia, Red-vented Bulbul and a flock of Sparrows at Pangot would make them special. Now don't get me wrong. I value them even in Gurgaon, but c'mon Pangot was Pangot afterall.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki-jNs6BD-M/UAQy3hxZYVI/AAAAAAAADrc/2833td-b-sc/s1600/PangotClouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki-jNs6BD-M/UAQy3hxZYVI/AAAAAAAADrc/2833td-b-sc/s320/PangotClouds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, the day arrived when we had to travel. Now, in all the excitement, we had totally lost track of time and season changes underway in the tropical nation of ours and the fact that first week of July is just about the time that most sane birders would avoid going to the mountains. You could argue though that Sane Birder is an oxymoron. Families and friends who knew this was obviously the wrong season, didn't dare crack the obvious to us, lest the birder in us got offended. It was the eternal wanderer KB Singh who expressed concern and how we ran a risk of all washed out birding, that we came to our senses and realised the risk we were running. So instead of cancelling the trip again, in addition to binoculars and bird guides, were packed raincoats and umbrellas and lots of prayers of hope and mercy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, we boarded the much awaited Kathgodam Shatabdi from a quaint station called Anand Vihar which looks built for holiday travellers only. The train is one of the earliest models of Shatabdi trains in India. The route that it takes goes via some temptingly named destinations like Rudrapur, Pant Nagar, Ramnagar, Garh Mukteshwar Bridge etc. Train ends at Kathgodam, literally meaning <em>Timber Warehouse</em>, which is the base station for many of the tourist destinations in Kumaon region. This is the station from where you can take a taxi for Bhimtal, Sattal, Nainital, Almora and a host of others that I don't know but can be found on google maps I am sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soon we started admiring the tiny station surroundings, waiting for our Taxi to approach us. The warm sunshine after super freezing train started to thaw us out mildly when suddenly it stuck us that it should have been raining here, isn't it ? What was wrong ? Were we already in for loads of sunshine and the bad omen of washed out birding behind us. Were our fears baseless and were we already rewarded for our birding boldness ? <em>Aage Khoob Baarish ho rahee hai Madam ji. Ab To Monsoon aa gayaa (It's raining Cats and Dogs ahead. Monsoon is here to stay now) </em>- pat came the response from Taxi guy Harish, who later became an inseparable birding companion in our trip, dashing our new found weather optimism to ground zero and had us praying helplessly to rain Gods again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The long winding road to Pangot passes through the prima donna of all hill stations in India - Nainital, and many other smaller hamlets. The road is scenic and well paved and the signboards are helpful. It passes through mixed forests, primarily consisting of Rhododendron, Deodar, Pine and moss laden Oak trees. As we started approaching Nainital, a heavy downpour started to accompany us, bringing the much avoidable traffic snarls in full fledge. After a few forgettable traffic incidents but largely a smooth but wet drive, we reached <a href="http://www.pangot.com/">Jungle Lore</a>, the birding lodge that was going to be our abode for the next 3 days. We got a cottage with an attic that proved to be a very cosy place to come back to, each day after birding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since it was still raining heavily on our arrival at the lodge around 3pm, the resort staff joined with the weather gods in displaying pessimism at any chances of birding we had that day. We still insisted that we would like to wait patiently and try whatever little chance we had. Finally, around 5pm, chirps in the garden started and an orange plump figure jumped from one bush to another, picking small red berries as if there was no tomorrow. I stretched my hand outside the porch gingerly, still expecting a faint drizzle when I realized my hand remained dry. Rain had stopped completely and evening light in the sky was tearing it’s way through the nimbus clouds. Without losing time, we jumped into our birding suits, slung the binoculars and rushed out to explore the area near Jungle Lore. Bold Black-headed Jays cried out loud as did House Sparrows. A Striated Prinia called from a high tension wire while Grey Bushchats sang from top of various shrubberies and bushes. Several Grey Bushchat juveniles were roaming carefree. Plump looking Streaked Laughing Thrushes were plenty in numbers. Suddenly there was a juvenile head that we spotted moving under a bush. Trying to identify whether it was another of Grey Bushchats, we fixed our gaze for almost 5 mins when it came out and displayed it’s spectacularly bright blue tail and pale blue coming in it’s fringes. It was a Rufous-bellied Nilatava juvenile. Even before we could trace it’s parents, a thick cloud cover rushed towards us and quickly enveloped us leaving us with no choice but to identify by calls and not sight. Niltava parents never called. They must have been away on domestic duties was our best guess. Rufous Sibias are plenty in the area and Grey-winged Blackbirds rival the numbers of Common Mynas we see in the plains. Content with 2 hrs of birding, we returned to the beginning of pitter patter again.</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOA8jZ5jiP4/UAQ0QP48XOI/AAAAAAAADsE/6w6F6P1svks/s1600/BTTit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOA8jZ5jiP4/UAQ0QP48XOI/AAAAAAAADsE/6w6F6P1svks/s1600/BTTit.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While dining at Jungle Lore’s dining room, we marveled at the multitudes of bird figurines that adorned the small but cosy room’s shelfs and walls. Rain drops falling outside on dark trees created an orchestra. Dinner, and as we came to experience later, all other meals at Jungle Lore are a sparse but tasty affair. Having tasted a yummy local peach chutney once, I didn’t know how to keep my hands off of it at every meal. But between Sunita and I, we left a decent quantity for other folks to have as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next morning, everything was wet from last night’s rains but the skies were clearing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Blue-whistling Thrush called from far. One of the earliest riser in the hills, it’s melodious calls can fill up an entire valley. We quickly set off in search of Pheasants. Now Pangot is one place where you can spot three pheasants – Kalij, Koklass and Cheer if luck favours you hundred percent. Our pheasant luck ran at two third through the trip but it was all worth it. Kalij Pheasant was the first one to show up. Beautiful male strutting on the road, though it quickly vanished into the higher mountains at our closer approach. Then, miles of silence again. A Hill Partridge whistled from far behind. Suddenly, as happens in the mountains, a large hunting party came in view. Black-lored Tits, Spot-winged Tits, Green-backed Tits and my lifer – Yellow-browed Tits. Blue-winged Siva (formerly Minla), Whiskered Yuhinas, Grey-headed Canary Flycatchers, Bar-tailed Treecreepers, Rufous Sibias and White-tailed Nuthatches primarily formed the mixed flock. Little further down, flock of Striated Laughing Thrushes called. Sunita aptly calls them Punk birds for their weird hairdo. These hyperactive rockstars foraged voraciously in the oak trees. An occasional Scaly Thrush showed up as did Blue-capped Rock Thrush. Further down, a whole flock of Black-faced Warbers was seen. If it was not for the company I had, I would have easily dismissed them for Yellow-bellied Fantail minus the Fan of course. Their face looked so similar and they appeared very similar in jizz too. Another of my lifers and by now I am sure the guide found hard to believe I was a birder worth any credit. Suddenly, a movement downhill was spotted by Hari Om, our guide. Brakes slammed and binoculars hooked on strained eyes to pick up slightest of movement. It was once again Harish, the taxi driver who moved a little farther from all of us on his mountain instincts, only to report he was seeing a Koklass below. Could we have asked for more, I wondered. Koklass Pheasant was the most heavenly birds I have ever seen. In fact after Monal in Tungnath, this was one of the most enigmatic birds in my list. With it’s shimmery green head and a long crest plume, it kept us enthralled for a good 10 mins before we finally decided to leave it with it’s breakfast and move on.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCL8QH9agsM/UAQz1kMoTcI/AAAAAAAADr0/Frn3088HDHg/s1600/Cheerwatching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCL8QH9agsM/UAQz1kMoTcI/AAAAAAAADr0/Frn3088HDHg/s320/Cheerwatching.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next stop was Cheer Pheasants. Let me at the outset tell you that we never got to see them but the habitat is just right for them and we heard the single pair has bred successfully this year. We were adequately compensated by very close views of Upland Pipit, a Tickell’s Thrush flying away, and a Blue-capped Rock Thrush sitting on a Rock below. The habitat is of Grassy mountain slopes with small Rhododendron bushes along the gorge. We spent a good hour here, enjoying the view below secretly hoping Cheers would show up, when Harish spotted Mountain Goats, locally called Ghorals, in the valley below. Now the trouble with urban birders like us is that we need more precise instructions before we can direct our gaze at a 2 ft long animal grazing 200 ft below in a radius of 100 ft. He almost put me to shame throwing up his hands in despair when after his repeated directions to start locating from an obvious stone in the gorge (let me tell you there were at least 50 obvious stones to me) were not met with success. Every time he tried to explain Ghoral’s location to me, it looked like Ghorals kept multiplying in his mind. Now he screamed, there were three of them and he could see all three with naked eyes clearly, grazing below and moving. This was the height of my shame. He could see them with naked eyes and I, an urban moron could not even pick as much as an animal movement 200 ft below.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, as I normally do in such cases, I started to scan the area myself and spotted all three grazing in a line along the Gorge. The obvious stone eluded me till the very end but now they seemed obvious to my naked eyes too. The sight of these handsome brown goats, once very common but hunted incessantly and now under risk of survival, left me spellbound. I missed having a scope and made a mental note to either get better magnification binocs or upgrade to a scope before my next visit to this place. They need to be seen with more clarity. They are such beautiful creatues. These came very close to my finding of a goat antelope I have had on the cover of one of the storybooks I read long time ago and for which I have ever since held fascination.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phcyLmoAa0c/UAQzZ1rr6wI/AAAAAAAADrs/JwsPlCe5YAw/s1600/BHJay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phcyLmoAa0c/UAQzZ1rr6wI/AAAAAAAADrs/JwsPlCe5YAw/s1600/BHJay.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to Cheer story. Without even our pressing, our guide felt it was his honor at stake if we didn’t see a Cheer Pheasant. For some reason, with so many eyes in the field through the year and such magnificent optics, seeing birds with certainty is becoming an obvious norm in birding and inability to spot an obvious one is bringing these locals under the fear of peer jeering. That to me seems a dangerous trend. He tried his best to invent a Cheer out of stones and possibly believed it himself to be a Cheer in all the desperation, but we were okay revisiting the area next morning to confirm and also if we didn’t spot one. There’s always another time and the fact that they have successfully bred is a far more heartening feeling. It was a morning well spent and we were already looking forward to the evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back in the lodge, we relaxed with a group of Whiskered Yuhinas at a hand’s throw, right outside our cottage, foraging with Rufous Sibia, Streaked Laughing Thrush, House Sparrows and Black-lored Tits. Black-headed Jays called out loud.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EV72Q134_t0/UAQ0Cfgg9zI/AAAAAAAADr8/Z1zrbB6m6Ds/s1600/YBGFinch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EV72Q134_t0/UAQ0Cfgg9zI/AAAAAAAADr8/Z1zrbB6m6Ds/s320/YBGFinch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mercifully, the weather was still clear and to our delight, getting slightly warmer. After a quick lunch and a nap, we set out for second round of the day at 3:30pm. This time we went towards the hamlet of Bagad. This is a small hamlet with quite a lof of forest area now being used for farming and cattle grazing. We trekked through the village and it’s fields and spotted a Pied Bushchat and a Siberian Stonechat family, Grey Treepies, Plum-headed Parakeets with their clown faced youngs, Spotted Forktail, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Speckled Piculet, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Canary Flycatchers, more Green-backed and Black-lored Tits, Verditer female and a Besra flying overhead. A Black Francolin called incessantly nearby. A Greater Yellownape pecked at the trunk of a small tree in the open fields. Jungle Babblers and Eurasian Collared Doves roamed in the stepped fields reminding us of familiar birds of Delhi. Another familiar bird, Red-vented Bulbul looks so different in mountains that it almost makes you believe it's a different species.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Content, we headed back after a day very well spent but not without our share of another dusky beauty. As daylight began to wane and was almost on the verge of giving way to darkness, a pair of Large-tailed Nightjar came out of nowhere and circled the area. This is a local knowledge and they are fairly regular in the area. So much so that Harish even predicted their first perch and then on, they seemed to behave like tamed Nightjars, perching exactly at the spot which Harish mentioned and then on, getting very predictable. It would circle the area and again perch at the same spot. Did I tell you, this was my lifer too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We returned to the lodge, completely content. But now with every passing hr at night, we were closing in on our return. Shatabdi leaves at 3:45pm from Kathgodam and if monsoon predictions and traffic stories were to be believed, then it would take us good 2-3 hrs to reach Kathgodam from Pangot. Add a quick Lunch and we had estimated we could bird max till 12pm next day. So, next morning, we got up even earlier and started birding at 5. Daylight tried beating us and started to spread quickly in the hills but before it could succeed, we already spotted a Long-billed Thrush at the edge of Killbury forest road. The expressions on it’s dark face as it determinedly and deftly picked damp leaves from road side leaf litter and threw them away with a vengeance, looking for grubs buried deeper, were “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Don’t mess with me</i>”. We searched for Brown-wood Owl which we had last evening seen flying away in Kilbury forest. But instead of owl, we got a beautiful flock of Long-tailed Minivets adding Red and Yellow palette to the otherwise Green forest. A Rufous-bellied Niltava adult male sat perched very close, leaving us wondering if this could be the parent of the juvenile we saw on our first day. A Large CuckooShrike flew and sat very close to the road as well. Hill Partridge whistled again tantalizingly ahead but never quite came out in the open. We heard it has a successful brood and had been spotted by locals with the full brood. I just visualized the sight and smiled to myself how cute they must be. Killbury is a rich dense forest but Monsoons make their most loathsome creatures come alive in abundance, Leeches. Even without venturing towards the forest floor or the famous nallah considered rich for birds, we had sample leeches on the road and a few got to Hari Om, our guide, who by the end of it all, had blood on his toes and fairly leech-scared birders to take care of. So scared were we out of our wits at the sight of his toes, that every stitch on the shoe and every thread on the Fleece made us jump.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, it was time to head back. We said Tata, bye bye to Pangot, Killbury and all other hamlets we had visited and headed back to Kathgodam. Sattal was to be in the next trip. We had heard that the road to Sattal had experienced massive rainfall and wasn’t approachable due to landslides. Fine by us, as long as mountains receive good rainfall and our forests thrive, as long as beautiful birds have places like Pangot to live and successfully breed in, birders will always visit again and again and again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is our complete checklist of birds at Pangot - 7th Jul - 9th July 2012 followed by a map of the area [Thanks NP Singh for the suggestion].</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Birding to all</span><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 528px;"><colgroup></colgroup></><><><><><><><> </></> </></></></></></></><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 10422; mso-width-source: userset; width: 214pt;" width="285"><col style="mso-width-alt: 8886; mso-width-source: userset; width: 182pt;" width="243"></colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl65" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt; width: 214pt;" width="285"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Species</span></strong></td><td class="xl65" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; width: 182pt;" width="243"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Scientific Name</span></strong></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Francolin</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Francolinus francolinus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kalij Pheasant</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lophura leucomelanos</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Koklass Pheasant (Lifer)</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pucrasia macrolopha</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Speckled Piculet</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Picumnus innominatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rufous-bellied Woodpecker</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dendrocopos hyperythrus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Himalayan Woodpecker</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dendrocopos himalayensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Brown-fronted Woodpecker</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dendrocopus auriceps</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Greater Yellownape</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Picus flavinucha</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Scaly-bellied Woodpecker</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Picus squamatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Grey-headed Woodpecker</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Picus canus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Himalayan Flameback</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dinopium shorii</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Great Barbet</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Megalaima virens</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Blue-throated Barbet</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Megalaima asiatica</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White-throated Kingfisher</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Halcyon smyrnensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Grey-bellied Cuckoo</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cacomantis passerinus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Slaty-headed Parakeet</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Psittacula himalayana</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Plum-headed Parakeet</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Psittacula cyanocephala</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Large-tailed Nightjar (Lifer)</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Caprimulgus macrurus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rock Pigeon</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Columba livia</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Laughing Dove</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Streptopelia senegalensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Dove</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Streptopelia chinensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Collared Dove</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Streptopelia decaocto</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Kite</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Milvus migrans</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Besra</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Accipiter virgatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Spot-winged Tit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Parus melanolophus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Green-backed Tit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Parus monticolus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black-lored Tit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Parus xanthogenys</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-browed Tit (Lifer)</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sylviparus modestus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oriental White-eye</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Zosterops palpebrosus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Tit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Aegithalos concinnus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pomatorhinus erythrogenys</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black-chinned Babbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Stachyris pyrrhops</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White-browed Shrike Babbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pteruthius flaviscapis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Blue-Winged Siva (Formerly Blue-winged Minla) - (Lifer)</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Siva<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(formerly Minla) cyanouroptera</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rufous Sibia</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Heterophasia capistrata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Whiskered Yuhina</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Yuhina flavicollis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White-throated Laughingthrush</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Garrulax albogularis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White-crested Laughingthrush</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Garrulax leucolophus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Striated Laughingthrush</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Garrulax striatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Streaked Laughingthrush</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Garrulax lineatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Garrulax erythrocephalus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Himalayan Bulbul</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pycnonotus leucogenys</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Red-vented Bulbul</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pycnonotus cafer</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Bulbul</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hypsipetes leucocephalus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Red-rumped Swallow</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hirundo daurica</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black-faced Warbler (Lifer)</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Abroscopus schisticeps</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Golden-spectacled Warbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Seicercus burkii</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Grey-hooded Warbler</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Seicercus xanthoschistos</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Scaly-breasted Munia</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lonchura punctulata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-breasted Greenfinch</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Carduelis spinoides</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Striated Prinia</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Prinia crinigera</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ashy Prinia</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Prinia socialis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">House Sparrow</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Passer domesticus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Russet Sparrow</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Passer rutilans</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Greater Racket-tailed Drongo</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dicrurus paradiseus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ashy Drongo</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dicrurus leucophaeus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Maroon Oriole</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oriolus traillii</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Large Cuckooshrike</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Coracina macei</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Long-tailed Minivet</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pericrocotus ethologus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Jay</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Garrulus glandarius</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black-headed Jay</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Garrulus lanceolatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Red-billed Blue Magpie</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Urocissa erythrorhyncha</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Grey Treepie</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dendrocitta formosae</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">House Crow</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Corvus splendens</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Large-billed Crow</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Corvus macrorhynchos</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Long-tailed Shrike</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lanius schach</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Blue-capped Rock Thrush</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Monticola cinclorhynchus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Blue Rock Thrush</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Monticola solitarius</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Blue Whistling Thrush</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Myophonus caeruleus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tickell's Thrush</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Turdus unicolor</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Grey-winged Blackbird</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Turdus boulboul</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Long-billed Thrush (Lifer)</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Zoothera monticola</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Scaly Thrush</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Zoothera dauma</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bar-tailed Treecreeper</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Certhia himalayana</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Common Myna</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Acridotheres tristis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jungle Myna</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Acridotheres fuscus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Forktail</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Enicurus maculatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Siberian Stonechat</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Saxicola maurus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pied Bushchat</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Saxicola caprata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Grey Bushchat</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Saxicola ferreus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White-tailed Nuthatch</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sitta himalayensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Verditer Flycatcher</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Eumyias thalassinus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rufous-bellied Niltava</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Niltava sundara</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Culicicapa ceylonensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl66" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Upland Pipit</span></td><td class="xl66" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Anthus Sylvanus</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=pangot&aq=&sll=29.426292,79.451752&sspn=0.081336,0.153637&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Pangot,+Nainital,+Uttarakhand,+India&ll=29.423611,79.426944&spn=0.010167,0.019205&t=m&z=14" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </div>FreeSpirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078567139919623425noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990422444118098084.post-12323662309726476172012-07-02T07:58:00.000-07:002012-07-16T04:29:58.804-07:00The Fabled land of Tigers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">R</span>anthambore</strong> </span>- The very name evokes the images of striped cats langorously looking into cameras with a countless Tourists in Safari vehicles scrambling to get that WOW shot in the background. The ubiquitous image of a tiger on the tracks with at least a dozen vehicles in the tow was all too entrenched in our minds, thanks to Facebook and Flickr. <br />
So when Ateesh and I were looking for a weekend getaway near Gurgaon, Ranthambore despite being close was never on top of our minds. We have always found ourselves more comfortable beyond the ultra popular tourist circuits. Somehow incessant commercialisation of our national parks and sanctuaries to the point of being loud, predictable and hackneyed puts us off. <br />
But in this case, in talking to friends and family who had been there, we got convinced that despite it being a fairly popular tourist spot and a favourite tiger hunting ground (with cameras mind you :) for nearly half of the tiger hungry foreign tourists to India (The other half rush invariably to Corbett), the place has retained it's magic and population of it's most precious creatures on top of the food chain more or less healthy.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-evj4-hmThrU/T_GvH6bwR-I/AAAAAAAADoQ/dRmwL7QAqNE/s1600/T19Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-evj4-hmThrU/T_GvH6bwR-I/AAAAAAAADoQ/dRmwL7QAqNE/s320/T19Front.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, it was decided. We'll go to Ranthambore. Then came the task of bookings. Though Ranthambore has a range of hotels, both budget and luxury, the key decision factor was safari bookings. There are a number of private players who will do Jeep or Canter booking for you. But if you are game for a little hard work yourself, you can book them via <a href="http://www.rajasthanwildlife.in/">http://www.rajasthanwildlife.in/</a> and save your little pennies for tourist souveniers. The website is a little primitive and you may have to be patient, as it times out relentlessly in your face or refuses to book safari during the day time even if the seats are available on screen. But my own experience is that night times work the best for bookings. A few attempts after 11pm worked well for us and we were able to book for 4 Safaris spread over 3 days. List of banks for online payment is limited, so we paid by credit card which wasn't too bad.<br />
For those who are new to Safari jargon, Canters are heavy open vehicles and can seat 20 people while Jeep can seat 6 people. Jeeps are available in both shared and non-shared modes with obvious price difference tilting on higher end for the latter.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01jaMVrwPzA/T_G2jlKGvnI/AAAAAAAADpM/78oYrfUsHX0/s1600/Canter.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01jaMVrwPzA/T_G2jlKGvnI/AAAAAAAADpM/78oYrfUsHX0/s1600/Canter.bmp" vca="true" /></a></div>
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Both have their own advantages. While you have can have a better vantage point (high up) in a Canter for viewing the wildlife, Jeep provides more manoverability and flexibility. Having a Jeep also increases your probability of finding more people with similar interests as yours. Having a consensus in a 20 seater can be a challenge, but luckily for us, all our Canter trips proved to be the best. We had very patient and accomondating CCs (Canter companions :) on each trip.<br />
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To reach Ranthambore we set off for Sawai Madhopur Stn by an overnight express train from Nizamuddin Stn. Sawai Madhopur is the nearest Railway Stn. But more than reaching the destination itself, it was the train journey that kept us enthralled. In the wee hrs of morning, train passes through rural Rajasthan with unending grey, brown fields on either sides interspersed with small hutments and cattle and people alike, coming out for their morning ablutions. The sheer excitement of being in the tiger country started playing tricks on our minds. We kept wondering if we just spotted a leopard on the far off hillocks. Of course that was not to be. One doesn't see leopards and tigers anymore like that.<br />
Anyways, you can know some more about the Sawai Madhopur town itself here <a href="http://ranthambhore.com/town">http://ranthambhore.com/town</a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xiH1pS_SqU/T_Gu1ZEfNbI/AAAAAAAADoI/kc8w01yk-G0/s1600/SawaiMadhopur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xiH1pS_SqU/T_Gu1ZEfNbI/AAAAAAAADoI/kc8w01yk-G0/s320/SawaiMadhopur.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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Morning at Sawai Madhopur was pleasant and we decided to have tea at Station itself. Station is sparse, clean and well structured with friendly people. In fact my general experience with rajasthani people is that they are generally simple in their living style and very rooted in traditions. A Peculiar announcement kept repeating in a loop that the 100ml Tea on station was for INR 3/- but that it was served in 120ml (or was it 150, I forget) cups and charged more, which I thought was a very encouraging way to warn Tourists of unscrupulous vendors.<br />
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There were flocks of House Swifts flying over the station while a Brown Rockchat looked on. Green Bee Eaters were waking up too. We reached our hotel Vinayak that is run by RTDC. There is only one main road that is lined with hotels on either sides. All variations of the word "Tiger" can be found in the names of these hotels.<br />
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We first decided to visit the Ranthambore Fort. It's a formidable structure with a strong history spanning generations of dynasties and sects, primary amongst them being Chauhans. History notwithstanding, the present as with many historical places in India, is rooted in religous fervour. There is a famous Ganesh temple at one end of the fort with a few stalls selling Kachori, Laddoos and other rural sweetmeats in the vicinity. Chestnut-shouldered Petronias abound in this area as do Rufous Treepies. Rufous Treepies of Ranthambore have a cult status within the park and are probably the most flamboyant species of the town. Practically everywhere we went, within the fort or the park, in the backyards of our hotel or simply in the restaurents, Treepies were just everywhere. With a paragraph already devoted to them, I am going to spend no more words on Rufous Treepies of Ranthambore. Suffice it to say, Rufous Treepies are to Ranthambore what House Crows are to Gurgaon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Cqxg5W6b24/T_Gve_zhmXI/AAAAAAAADoY/7ORCao9Gyw4/s1600/RanthamboreFort5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Cqxg5W6b24/T_Gve_zhmXI/AAAAAAAADoY/7ORCao9Gyw4/s320/RanthamboreFort5.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was interesting to observe local folks wearing variety of spectacular colours adding much needed brightness to the otherwise dull coloured but solid walls of Fort. At one spot, we saw a group of locals - both humans and monkeys, eating and drinking under a big tree, beating the scorching heat together. The man-human cohabitation is evidently inherent in the culture here.<br />
Another interesting and abundant bird seen was Crested Bunting.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mr2_k9_eZyM/T_GwGlcoMgI/AAAAAAAADog/gs4Vddb27sk/s1600/Locals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mr2_k9_eZyM/T_GwGlcoMgI/AAAAAAAADog/gs4Vddb27sk/s320/Locals.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our first Safari was in the evening of Day 1 in a Canter. Starting with a Little and a Pond Heron and a White-throated Kingfisher on the sides of a small waterbody enroute the Fort, we saw some good birds within the park. Great Thick-knee, Darter, Little-ringed Plover, River Tern, Painted, Woolly and Asian Open-billed Storks, Painted Spurfowl (which we again saw on Day 3), 2 Long-billed Vultures hovering above, Many Eurasian Golden Orioles etc. Many of these birds were seen on Day 2 and 3 as well.<br />
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The park is divided into several zones by Forest Department for the sake of keeping order amongst zillions who throng to the park everyday. On Day 1, we were allotted Zone 2 where without much difficulty, we spotted T19 - The tigeress which had had cubs recently and which is one of the three daughters of famed T16 aka Machli. After a few tantalising views from behind the bushes, the tigeress walked towards a small man made waterhole (and there are several of these in the park) to drink and cool itself off from the searing heat. Grey Partridges roamed near it freely as did Great Tits and Red-vented Bulbuls. Of course, it's another matter they were virtually invisible to Tiger hungry Junta. A handsome Shikra high looked perplexed watching the Tigress and the tourists, almost ready to kill each other for that wow shot. <br />
On sighting a tiger and the one which is not within the best shooting range, human beings can display their most primitive instincts. Folks literally stepped over any and everything and climbed over one another and manouevered themselves at such odd positions within Canters and Jeeps, that at one point I didn't know who needed more degrees of evolution and who was worth a picture - Tiger or the Homo Sapiens.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ9_RrrGDUY/T_Gw0rocdMI/AAAAAAAADoo/AwiNiAAtm3I/s1600/TigerAndVehicles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ9_RrrGDUY/T_Gw0rocdMI/AAAAAAAADoo/AwiNiAAtm3I/s320/TigerAndVehicles.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Day 2 morning, we went into Zone 6 which looked very forlorn but Green. The animals weren't abundant here as in other zones. Not many Sambars, Cheetals but I found my lifer in an Indian Pitta calling out early morning. Many other Crested Buntings, Red-rumped Swallows and a lone Asian-brown Flycatcher were seen in this range. There is a Tiger Den fairly out in the open in this Zone but no Tigers. The rocky habitat is good for birds though.<br />
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In the evening, we decided to do Zone 2/3 again to increase chances of spotting more tigers and yes, we got lucky again. We actually persuaded our Jeep driver to get Zone2 or 3 and not 6 ot 7. This is generally not in the hands of drivers is what we were told but I guess like all other things Indian, some influencing factors do exist.<br />
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On Day 2 evening, we spotted a resting Tiger and a Nesting Nigh Heron side by side in Zone 3. Several Paradise Flycatchers in rufous morph and Common Kingfisher flew around. Darters, Storks and an Oriental Honey Buzzard and Spotted Owlet were the highlights.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vfZ1j-S-tI/T_Gy5m_uZ7I/AAAAAAAADow/Zkjyi1VtvI0/s1600/T24_By+the+Sidetrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vfZ1j-S-tI/T_Gy5m_uZ7I/AAAAAAAADow/Zkjyi1VtvI0/s320/T24_By+the+Sidetrack.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Day 3, we did one more Canter Safari with the dullest of all Guides we had so far been with. He had no interest in showing or stoppign for birds and not only did he not know much about birds or animals, he also lacked the enthusiasm to stand up and show around. Pretty disapppointing guide but an encouraging set of tourists in this trip. A group of birders from Gurgaon including photographers was a bonus. Highlight was a Stork-billed Kingfisher and a gorgeous white morph Paradise Flycatcher flying right in front of our vehicle like an angel.<br />
Finally with a few more hrs left in hand and having had our fill of the park and it's birds and tigers, we decided to skip evening Safari and instead went to checkout a small temple next to Vinayak. It's a temple on a small hillock with about 50 steps leading upto the temple with rocky scrubs and small trees on either sides and small stream which in this season was mostly dry. It's good to watch birds by sitting on the sides of steps. We observed a flock of Small Minivets and a Black-rumped Flameback here. Several Great Tits at very close quarters can be found here in addition to Green Bee-Eaters and Asian Koels.<br />
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Before I wind down, it's worth mentioning the bird watching within the hotel campus of Vinayak. Being a Govt. run hotel, it commands a bigger real estate than many of the smaller private hotels but of course services are basic here. The staff is friendly and the food is simple but preparations are tasty. The campus is quite good for watching birds and without even venturing out, one can easily spot 15 - 20 species without much effort, depending upon the time of the year. The backwall of Vinayak borders Zone 1 of the Park and there's a waterhole created by Hotel staff on the other side of the wall, attracting a wide variety of birds and mammals. We spent several hrs at this water hole watching birds and a flock of Spotted Deers at a close range. Prominent birds seen in Vinayak were Common Iora, White-browed Fantail, Coppersmith Barbet, Asian Koel, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Black-rumped Flameback, Tickell's Flycatcher, Common Hoopoe, Eurasian Cuckoo, White-bellied Drongo, Small Minivets and Yellow-footed Green Pigeons.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRpVmWVUo_E/T_GzoM9dOCI/AAAAAAAADpA/-f9sqmAomYk/s1600/YCWPecker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRpVmWVUo_E/T_GzoM9dOCI/AAAAAAAADpA/-f9sqmAomYk/s320/YCWPecker.jpg" vca="true" width="192" /></a></div>
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Satisfied, we headed back to Sawai Madhopur Stn to catch our night train to Delhi and realised quickly that it's better to dine out in your hotel. Eating options in and around the station are limited and really less than basic. It's an anti foodie's-paradise.<br />
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Finally, as we sat in our train, passing by the dark fields on either side, I kept pondering over the limitless tourist opportunities that a few dozen tigers in a sleepy hamlet can create while the big cats themselves remain happily oblivious to all the Big Fat Tiger Tamasha created around them. So long as, these regal animals are around, we have our chance to travel and see them in their habitat and feel the awesome luck we have to be alive during this time, when majestic Bengal Tigers live.<br />
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<strong>Complete list of birds seen is below</strong><br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 399px;" x:str=""><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 7899; mso-width-source: userset; width: 162pt;" width="216"><col style="mso-width-alt: 6692; mso-width-source: userset; width: 137pt;" width="183"></colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl24" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt; width: 162pt;" width="216"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Species</span></strong></td><td class="xl24" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; width: 137pt;" width="183"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Scientific Name</span></strong></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey Francolin</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Francolinus pondicerianus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Jungle Bush Quail (Lifer)</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Perdicula asiatica</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Painted Spurfowl</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Galloperdix lunulata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Indian Peafowl</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pavo cristatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-crowned Woodpecker</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Dendrocopos mahrattensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Black-rumped Flameback</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Dinopium benghalense</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Coppersmith Barbet</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Megalaima haemacephala</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Hoopoe</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Upupa epops</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Green Bee-eater</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Merops orientalis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Stork-billed Kingfisher (Lifer)</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Halcyon capensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">White-throated Kingfisher</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Halcyon smyrnensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Kingfisher</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Alcedo atthis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Hawk Cuckoo</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Cuculus varius</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Cuckoo</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Cuculus canorus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Asian Koel</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Eudynamys scolopaceus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Greater Coucal</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Centropus sinensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Plum-headed Parakeet</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Psittacula cyanocephala</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">House Swift</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Apus affinis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Owlet</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Athene brama</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Dove</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Streptopelia chinensis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Collared Dove</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Streptopelia decaocto</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-footed Green Pigeon</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Treron phoenicopterus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">White-breasted Waterhen</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Amaurornis phoenicurus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Oriental Honey-buzzard</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pernis ptilorhyncus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Black-shouldered Kite</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Elanus caeruleus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Black Kite</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Milvus migrans</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Egyptian Vulture</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Neophron percnopterus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Long-billed Vulture</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Gyps indicus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Shikra</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Accipiter badius</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Little Ringed Plover</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Charadrius dubius</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Great Thick-knee (Lifer)</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Esacus recurvirostris</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">River Tern</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Sterna aurantia</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Little Grebe</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Tachybaptus ruficollis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Darter</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Anhinga melanogaster</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Little Cormorant</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Phalacrocorax niger</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Little Egret</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Egretta garzetta</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey Heron</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Ardea cinerea</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Great Egret</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Casmerodius albus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Indian Pond Heron</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Ardeola grayii</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Little Heron</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Butorides striata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Black-headed Ibis</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Threskiornis melanocephalus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Painted Stork</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Mycteria leucocephala</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Woolly-necked Stork</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Ciconia episcopus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Great Tit</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Parus major</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Indian Pitta (Lifer)</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pitta brachyura</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Oriental White-eye</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Zosterops palpebrosus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Whitethroat</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Sylvia curruca</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Large Grey Babbler</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Turdoides malcolmi</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Jungle Babbler</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Turdoides striata</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">White-eared Bulbul</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pycnonotus leucotis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Red-vented Bulbul</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pycnonotus cafer</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Red-rumped Swallow</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Hirundo daurica</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Tailorbird</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Orthotomus sutorius</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Crested Bunting</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Melophus lathami</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Eremopterix griseus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey-breasted Prinia</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Prinia hodgsonii</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Ashy Prinia</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Prinia socialis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">House Sparrow</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Passer domesticus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Chestnut-shouldered Petronia</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Petronia xanthocollis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Purple Sunbird</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Cinnyris asiaticus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Iora</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aegithina tiphia</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Asian Paradise-flycatcher</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Terpsiphone paradisi</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Black Drongo</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Dicrurus macrocercus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">White-bellied Drongo</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Dicrurus caerulescens</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">White-browed Fantail</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Rhipidura aureola</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Golden Oriole</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Oriolus oriolus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Large Cuckooshrike</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Coracina macei</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Small Minivet</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pericrocotus cinnamomeus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Woodshrike</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Tephrodornis pondicerianus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Rufous Treepie</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Dendrocitta vagabunda</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Large-billed Crow</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Corvus macrorhynchos</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Bay-backed Shrike</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Lanius vittatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Brahminy Starling</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Sturnus pagodarum</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Asian Pied Starling</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Sturnus contra</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Myna</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Acridotheres tristis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Oriental Magpie Robin</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Copsychus saularis</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Indian Robin</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Saxicoloides fulicatus</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Brown Rock-chat</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Cercomela fusca</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Tickell's Blue Flycatcher</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Cyornis tickelliae</span></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl25" height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Asian Brown Flycatcher (Lifer)</span></td><td class="xl25" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Muscicapa dauurica</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>FreeSpirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078567139919623425noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990422444118098084.post-24160502644622927092012-01-03T00:39:00.000-08:002012-07-16T04:29:21.709-07:00Birds of Dehra<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---4Z6NdSNNo/Twnhk0HQQeI/AAAAAAAADNk/S3Jwp1KuK24/s1600/DSC08841.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695330943746984098" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDkLWQB6XDg/TwnhUXRUSKI/AAAAAAAADNY/f5O3MHgSo7E/s320/DSC08884.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; text-align: justify; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Year 2011 was special for me, the birder.</div>
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2011 saw me metamorphose from an amateur reclusive solitary birder to an amateur birder actively participative in community birding. I joined <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Delhibird</span> group way back in 2006 but of all these years, 2011 has been my most active year and I hope it paves the way for how I lead remainder of my lifetime - "Appreciative of Nature and In Love with Birds".</div>
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To mark a befitting end to 2011, I set off on a short 2 day birding trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dehradun</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nitu</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pankaj</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Srinivas</span>. We stayed at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bikram</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Grewal's</span> newly opened Boutique Resort - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Walterre</span>. I have to still figure out what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Walterre</span> means, because I am sure it does something and that something is not that I can easily know because Google doesn't throw it in the first page of search results. But even if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Bikram</span> invented that word out of nowhere, I can tell you it'll come to be known for "A Heritage property nestled in deep foliage of Himalayan foothills, restored to it's original glory of Victorian age, replete with original lithographs and antique furniture and masterpieces collected from all over the world giving a modern day traveller an experience of a rich bygone era of finer tastes and deep values".</div>
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Now if that doesn't tell you anything, go visit it. It's worth every lazy moment you spend there.<strong><br /></strong><b><br /></b><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695332461307938834" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvrpLtXp0v8/TwnissoCyBI/AAAAAAAADNw/E4qh6hgqFJQ/s320/DSC08841.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 240px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; text-align: justify; width: 320px;" /> </div>
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<strong>Day 1 - Within the City of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Dehradun</span>. In and around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Walterre</span>.</strong></div>
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Walterre</span> is on the road to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Shigalli</span> (pronounced locally as Shin-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Gaali</span>) International School. The road to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Shigalli</span> is beautiful and good for birding on either sides. Then there's one cheat path from the back of the resort which leads directly to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Tauns</span> river. That's a very good trek too. We started day with a quick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Pre</span>-Breakfast survey of the resort lawns and beautiful tress lining it and were happy to spot morning hill beauties like Crimson <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Sunbirds</span> in Eclipse Plumage, Green-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Sunbird</span>, Fire-breasted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Flowerpecker</span>, flock of Red-Billed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Lieothrix</span> amongst others. Thereafter, we decided to halt and have Breakfast before starting all over again. Ideally English Breakfast laid out on the beautiful Hill side Porch would make normal people sit up and relax but not the birders. So we kept munching on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">omelettes</span> and Salamis while watching a Blue Rock Thrush and Blue-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">throated</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Barbet</span> and few Swallows and Crag martins flying overhead. Martins were later identified as Eurasian Craig Martins. Another brown-headed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Barbet</span> peeping through trees was debated long enough if it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Lineated</span>. But finally, debate settled at Brown-headed. The most interesting beauty was an Asian Barred Owlet which sat dozing on the tree in front of us providing ample photo ops at eye-level.</div>
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After the breakfast, we were joined by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Sanjay</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Sondhi</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Anchal</span> and now under their well honed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Doon</span> instincts, went to check out River area on the back. This stretch gave some good birds and in abundance. Highlights were Pale-billed and Thick-billed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Flowerpecker</span>, Orange-bellied <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Leafbird</span>, flock of Red-billed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Lieothrix</span>, Brown Dipper, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Plumbeous</span> and White-capped Water <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Redstarts</span>, Crested Kingfisher, Jungle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Prinia</span>, Chestnut-bellied and Blue Rock Thrush, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Rufous</span>-chinned LT, Golden-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Spectacled</span> Warbler, Puff-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">throated</span> Babbler, a Crested Serpent Eagle and Eurasian Crag Martins flying overhead.</div>
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Any other Laughing Thrush were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">conspicuous</span> by their absence. Content, we returned to the Resort and decided to stick around the lawns for regular hill birds.</div>
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While we were cooling our heels, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Nitu</span> decided to survey the thickets within the resort lawns. She quickly spotted small brown thing sitting on a stone into far off thickets. Before we could all reach and have a good look, the brown thing had moved away skulking underneath. After a coordinated effort by all four to not so much as even blink for next 10 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">mins</span>, Nepal Wren Babbler finally gave good views (as good as a skulker can) to all of us. This was my first Wren Babbler though some had seen Scaly-bellied Wren Babbler in the past and could make out differences in scales on underbelly much better.</div>
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Content with having spotted Nepal Wren Babbler, birder party decided to move onto the road, checking out bushes on either sides and we saw most regular ones including Himalayan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Treepies</span>, Black-chinned babblers, Lesser White-throat, Red-billed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Lieothrix</span>, Crimson and Green-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">taile</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Sunbird</span>, Pale-billed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Flowerpecker</span> and a gorgeous lifer for all of us Fire-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Sunbird</span>.<strong><br /></strong><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695333175931761938" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQJaUGPQ7WQ/TwnjWSzo9RI/AAAAAAAADN8/Kg2fAXpZ19Y/s320/DSC08910.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; text-align: left; width: 320px;" /></div>
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Clouds End is literally the end of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Mussorie</span> and can be reached via the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Hathipaon</span> road. The road is good and didn't seem very popular with tourists, meaning it was all pristine and untouched all around. Eurasian Sparrowhawk sunning itself was the first one to greet us and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">thereafter</span> there wasn't any looking back. Great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Barbet</span>, Blue-capped <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Redstart</span>, Dark-sided Flycatcher were the few others seen initially <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">until</span> we came across one mixed hunting party after another and feasted our eyes and cameras on Chestnut-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Minlas</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Rufous</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">Sibias</span>, White-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">browed</span> Shrike Babblers, Eurasian and Black-headed Jays, Long-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Minivets</span>, Blue-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">throated</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Flycathcer</span>. Further along towards <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Clouds</span> End, a small meadow like area gave us good views of Grey-winged Blackbird at very close quarters along with flocks of Russet Sparrows, a Rock Bunting. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">Further</span> along the road, the trees are taller and warbler activity was on a rise as was the Sun. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">Kalij</span> Peasant flushed out <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">inadvertently</span> was a delight as was a beautiful Orange-flanked Bush Robin and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">Rufous</span>-bellied Woodpecker.</div>
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<strong>Day 2 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Dehradun</span> - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Clouds</span> End</strong><strong><br /></strong></div>
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At Clouds End, we stopped at a private resort for Tea and Maggi and spotted an Eagle (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">unIDed</span>) along with Himalayan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">Griffons</span>. A warbler possibly a Brook's Leaf was spotted by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">Nitu</span>. At 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">Kms</span> is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">Banog</span> Wildlife Sanctuary which we didn't visit for want of time and headed back to catch evening <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">Shatabdi</span> to be back in office on Monday.</div>
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Overall a trip I'll remember for the sheer abundant number of those birds that I had on my earlier trips had just had glimpsed. On the other hand we dipped on lot of common ones but in a span of 2 days, the trip was more than it's worth. Just the right way to end 2011 and look forward to 2012 for adding more such leisurely trips to my kitty.</div>
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<em>Corrigenda : Walterre means "Good Land". Courtesy Bikram Grewal.</em></div>
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Grey-headed Woodpecker</div>
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Brown-headed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">Barbet</span></div>
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Blue-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">throated</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">Barbet</span></div>
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Indian Grey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">Hornbill</span></div>
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Pied Kingfisher</div>
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White-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_79">throated</span> Kingfisher</div>
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Common Kingfisher</div>
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Crested Kingfisher</div>
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Greater <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_80">Coucal</span></div>
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_81">Slaty</span>-headed Parakeet</div>
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Asian-barred Owlet [L]</div>
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Blue Rock Pigeon</div>
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White-breasted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_82">Waterhen</span></div>
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Black Kite</div>
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Crested Serpent Eagle</div>
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Little Cormorant</div>
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Orange-bellied <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_83">Leafbird</span></div>
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Bay-backed Shrike</div>
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Grey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_84">Treepie</span></div>
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Large-billed Crow</div>
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House Crow</div>
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Long-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_85">Minivet</span></div>
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White-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_86">throated</span> Fantail</div>
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Yellow-bellied Fantail</div>
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Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike</div>
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Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_87">Drongo</span></div>
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Ashy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_88">Drongo</span></div>
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Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush</div>
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Blue Rock Thrush</div>
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_89">Verditer</span> Flycatcher</div>
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Red-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_90">throated</span> Flycatcher</div>
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White-capped Water <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_91">Redstart</span></div>
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_92">Plumbeous</span> Water <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_93">Redstart</span></div>
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Grey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_94">Bushchat</span></div>
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Bar-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_95">Treecreeper</span> [Could be Eurasian]</div>
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Great Tit</div>
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Black-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_96">lored</span> Tit</div>
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Green-backed Tit</div>
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Eurasian Crag Martin</div>
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Red-rumped Swallow</div>
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Red-vented <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_97">Bulbul</span></div>
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Red-whiskered <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_98">Bulbul</span></div>
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Himalayan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_99">Bulbul</span></div>
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Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_100">Bulbul</span></div>
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Grey-breasted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_101">Prinia</span></div>
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Plain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_102">Prinia</span></div>
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Ashy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_103">Prinia</span></div>
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Jungle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_104">Prinia</span></div>
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Oriental White-eye</div>
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Lesser <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_105">Whitethroat</span></div>
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Common <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_106">Tailorbird</span></div>
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Siberian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_107">Chiffchaff</span></div>
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Hume's Warbler</div>
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Greenish Warbler</div>
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Grey-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_108">hooded</span> Warbler</div>
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Golden-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_109">Spectacled</span> Warbler [L]</div>
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_110">Rufous</span>-chinned LT</div>
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Streaked LT</div>
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Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler</div>
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Puff-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_111">throated</span> Babbler</div>
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Jungle Babbler</div>
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Nepal Wren Babbler [L]</div>
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Black-chinned Babbler</div>
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Red-billed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_112">Lieothrix</span></div>
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Brown Dipper</div>
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Pale-billed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_113">Flowerpecker</span></div>
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Fire-breasted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_114">Flowerpecker</span></div>
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Crimson <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_115">Sunbird</span></div>
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Green-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_116">Sunbird</span></div>
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Fire-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_117">Sunbird</span> [L]</div>
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House Sparrow</div>
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Chestnut-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_118">shouldred</span> Petronia</div>
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Grey Wagtail</div>
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Common <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_119">Rosefinch</span></div>
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Long-tailed Shrike</div>
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Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_120">Drongo</span></div>
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_121">Kalij</span> Pheasant</div>
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Peafowl</div>
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Himalayan Woodpecker</div>
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Speckled <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_122">Piculet</span></div>
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Brown-fronted Woodpecker</div>
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_123">Rufous</span>-bellied Woodpecker [L]</div>
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Lesser <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_124">Yellownape</span></div>
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Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker ??</div>
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Great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_125">Barbet</span></div>
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Rose-ringed Parakeet</div>
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Plum-headed Parakeet</div>
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Swift ??</div>
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Himalayan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_126">Griffon</span></div>
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Eurasian Sparrowhawk</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eagle ??</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cattle Egret</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eurasian Jay</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Black-headed Jay</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_127">Rufous</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_128">Sibia</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
White-tailed Nuthatch</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Grey-winged Blackbird</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dark-sided Flycatcher [L]</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Blue-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_129">throated</span> Flycatcher [L]</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Orange-flanked Bush Robin</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Blue-capped <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_130">Redstart</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Common Myna</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Russet Sparrow</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Spot-winged Tit</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Black-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_131">throated</span> Tit</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Striated LT</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Brook's Leaf Warbler ??</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lemon-rumped Warbler</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
White-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_132">browed</span> Shrike Babbler</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chestnut-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_133">Minla</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whiskered <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_134">Yuhina</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rock Bunting</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: yellow;">Thick</span>-billed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_136">Flowerpecker</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_137">Baya</span> Weaver</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_138">Lammergier</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ashy-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_139">throated</span> Warbler</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Complete List of Birds seen</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>FreeSpirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078567139919623425noreply@blogger.com6