Bird Walk Report - TaraDevi to Kaithlighat, Shimla

Dear Friends,

The landscape of charming hills, tunnels and bridges and valleys between Tara Devi and Kaithliighat (close to Shimla) provides a thrilling experience along with sightings of birds and sometimes animals. The 15 km trek leaves a lasting impression of ecstasy and joy.

On Sunday, 6th March, a party of four set out on the meandering trek through pine forests which at times breaks into a pure oak forest.

During this time of the year the Rhododendrons have started flowering. They produce a lot of pollen which attract good number of birds. We could see Himalayan Blue Whistling Thrush, White cheeked bulbuls, Variegated Laughing Thrushes, Green Backed Tits, White Eyes, Dark Grey Bush Chats and Grey headed Flycatcher Warbler. The raptors that we encountered were Black shouldered Kite, kestral, Himalayan Griffons, and Pariah Kites. The amazing fact that we came across near to the railway trek is that the Barbets make their nest in a tree hole very close to the railway line. We could see a few more nests along the trek.

May also see the trek of famous World Heritage Site Shimla Kalka Railways.

A very nice experience, indeed. I have a simple camera, so no bird pics.

Cheers,

Sanjeeva