Today, i.e., 6.2.2011 Himachal Bird went on its maiden bird walk to the Potter’s Hill, Shimla at the initiative of Mr. Somesh Goyal, founder of Himachal Birds. The walk had 12 birders from different walks of life.
The walk started from the University Chowk, Summer Hills as scheduled and terminated at Camp Potter’s Hill after two and a half hours. During the walk valuable tips on birds and trees were provided by Mr Sanjeeva Pandey a keen birder and a senior forest officer.
During the walk the following species were seen:
1. Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)
2. Blue Whistling Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus)
3.Variegated Laughing Thrush (Garrulax variegatus)
4.Bar Tailed Treecreeper (Certhia himalayana)
5.Yellow Browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus)
6.Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos)
7.Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
8.Black Throated Tit (Aegithalos concinnus)
9.Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys)
10.Greay Hooded Warbler (Phylloscopus xanthoschistos)
11.Grey Bushchat (Saxicola ferreus)
12.Great Barbet ( Megalaima virens)
The Forest Department has made lovely walking trails in the Potter’s Hill forest for the visitors to go deep inside to enjoy the flora and fauna. It is truly remarkable to see such a thickly wooded and well preserved area right in the middle of Shimla city.
The weather was not really great but Himachal Birds was determined not to postpone its first Bird Walk. Sunshine played hide and seek making observation and photography difficult.
We missed seeing any birds of prey..but were adequately rewarded by the sight of freshly bloomed rhododendron trees. It was a treat for all of us to see a pair of great barbets feasting on rhododendron flowers.
Himachal Birds would like to thank Sh Nagesh Guleria, DFO for his support during the walk.
The date of the next visit will be announce shortly. All those who participated are requested to post their observations and pictures.
For more pictures, please visit: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1619911@N21/
This is a great initiative... Would love to see the images and comments from those who were part of this trip
ReplyDeleteIt was one of the most memorable and rewarding nature walk I have undertaken so far.
ReplyDeleteRewarding more from the learning point of view though the lunch was a delicious one too.
Thanks to the initiative taken by Sir, I am sure this Flock would definitely grow bigger and soar higher and higher.
very nice to be on birding trip.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that something of this sort has come up in Himachal. I recently discovered this hobby for myself and had been enjoying it. I was away in South this time, would try to attend the next walk
ReplyDeleteGreat initiative indeed! Hope this become popular like Delhibird!
ReplyDelete