Rajasthan Monsoon Birding Delight: A Must-Read Trip Report
August 21st
Bliss: Exploring Ranthambore to Tal Chhapar with Chris Heard
We began our exploration amidst the lush forests of Ranthambore, which welcomed us with some amazing sightings, from Painted Spurfowl to an elusive Indian Pitta. The White-naped Woodpecker was a bonus, and the Painted Sandgrouse single-handedly elevated our visit to another level.
In Sonkhaliya, the main excitement was a fantastic sighting of the critically endangered Lesser Florican. Some locations also provided sightings of the Jungle Bush Quail and Rock Bush Quail. From here, the Pushkar Forest added a few more gems to our list, including the colorful White-bellied Minivet and the dainty White-naped Tit.
Our journey ended with an awe-inspiring visit to Tal Chhapar, a vast expanse of grasslands. A Booted Eagle soared high in the sky, while the Laggar Falcon and Egyptian Vultures showcased their hunting skills. Other key sightings included the Western Crowned Warbler, Green Warbler, and the lovely Indian Spotted Creeper.
A variety of birds entertained us, with the haunting cry of the Clamorous Reed Warbler and the magnificent spectacle of an angry Red-necked Falcon being highlighted. Under the expert guidance of Mahesh, everything went along smoothly, and Chris's enthusiasm for spotting more birds than anyone added to the camaraderie.
The entire trip was an excellent mix of excitement, learning, and sheer birding fun! I cannot wait to go on our next adventure together!
Date: July, 2024:
Destinations: Ranthambore, Sonkhaliya, Tal Chhapar
Trip Report By: Mahesh Rajpoot
Guest Name: Chris Heard
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