Nepal
is a bird watcher’s paradise with
over 800 species (almost 10% of the
world total) of birds. And among them,
almost 600 are found in the Kathmandu
Valley alone. The surrounding hills
offer a varied ecology ranging from
primary and secondary forests to rhododendron,
oak and pine forests. In addition, the
wetlands and open fields inside the
Valley make up a diverse habitat for
many species of birds.
The
most popular bird watching spot is the
Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on
the Valley rim situated 20 km southeast
of Kathmandu, with some 265 species
recorded till date. The birds seen here
include babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes,
minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many
migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot
of Phulchoki hill where the Royal Botanical
Garden is situated, records over 100
species of birds including the lesser
Racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin
and the spotted forktail. The Shivapuri
Watershed and Wildlife Reserve (Ph:
977-1-371644), situated 11 km to the
north of Kathmandu, is another exciting
location. Entrance fee is Rs. 250 for
foreign visitors. Nagarjun Royal Forest,
also known as.
Jamacho
or Rani Ban, is situated 5 km from Kathmandu
on the way to Kakani from Balaju. It delights
bird enthusiasts with Blue magpies, kalij
pheasants, Bonelli’s eagles, Great Himalayan
barbets and other exotic birds. Entrance fee
is Rs. 10. Gokarna forest, 7 km to the northeast
of Kathmandu, boasts the speckled Mountain
thrush, orange-headed ground-thrush, brown
wood owl and the white-bellied yuhina among
other colorful varieties. As for the wetlands
in the Valley, the banks of the Manohara river
on the way to Bhaktapur, and the Bagmati river,
which flows into the Valley from Shivapuri
hill and out through Chobhar Gorge, are good
places for watching waders and waterfowls.
Harboring 40 species of birds mostly dependent
on wetlands, Taudaha, a lake on the way to
Dakshinkali, attracts flocks of migrant birds.
So
grab your binoculars and head for the hills.
Good roads lead to all these places and guides
are also available.
Koshi
Tappu