Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 White-tailed Plover |
 Indian Thick-knee |
 Indian Skimmer |
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 Grey-headed Flycatcher |
 Brown Hawk Owl |
 Long-tailed Nightjar |
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A short trip to Bharatpur and Chambal River was an ideal taster for India. Travelling was limited in distance and the birds were great. It had been a terrible monsoon at Bharatpur so there was almost no water in the park. Consequently waterbirds and raptors were few and far between. In addition the temperatures were unseasonably high through much of India. This had two effects; firstly many of the winter visitors hadn’t arrived in the area [although it did mean both Asian Koel and Paradise Flycatcher hadn’t gone] so that was another reason for fewer birds; secondly it was hot enough that birding died off from about midday to 3pm – which isn’t usually the case in winter in this area. Much of the tall rank vegetation was still standing and hadn’t been cut or eaten by cattle so crakes, bitterns, munias, pipits etc were just about impossible.
Despite that I saw an impressive number of species and tallied around 84 lifers. I’m not sure that I could have coped with many more in the time particularly if I had also been distracted by hordes of raptors, waders and herons. Maybe for a first trip this sort of year is better!
Arrangements:
All arrangements were made through Jo Thomas at Wild About India http://www.wildaboutindia.com/ , working with Asian Adventures www.indianwildlife.com . They provided a superb, flexible service at a very competitive price. Wild about India comes highly recommended and we would use them again.
Accommodation
Sunbird Bharatpur: Friendly, clean and pleasant hotel with absolutely superb food situated no more than 200 yds from main gate of national park. The proprietor Rani is a birder. There are usually a pair of Dusky Horned Owls breeding in the grounds and various other birds seen on the road. www.hotelsunbird.com
Chambal Safari Lodge: Absolutely superb – an old stately home set in a mature fig plantation with extensive grounds filled with birds. I had several new birds from the breakfast table set on the lawn. If watching Asian Koel, Common Wood-shrike and Scarlet Minivet while eating superb food appeals to you, this is the place for you. Anything can turn up there as I photographed White-capped Bunting and Oriental Turtle Dove in the grounds. It is the embarking place for the trip to the Chambal River Safari and is superbly situated next to a small village in the tribal part of Uttar Pradesh which allows you to explore local life somewhat. It is worthy noting though that two hours on a camel is not for those with soft backsides!
www.chambalsafari.com
Sunstar Delhi: A pleasant place to spend the last night before an early morning trip to the airport
Contacts:
Wild about India (0)1480 370593 or www.wildaboutindia.com
Asian Adventures (+91 120) 2551963, 2524878, 2524874 www.indianwildlife.com
Guide: Sunil Gaur, knpsunil@gmail.com
Itinerary
Day 0:
Afternoon flight from LHR to Delhi
Day 1:
Flight arrived 4.45am cleared airport 6 15. Drive to Bharatpur, several new species on way. Check in Hotel Sunbird 11.30 Birding for 2 hrs in entrance to park. Met our guide Sunil at 2.30 pm p Cycle Rickshaw into park as far as Sapan Mari. Highlights were Brown Hawk Owl near to entrance, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler on main track and Orange-Headed Ground Thrush near the sluice gate
Day 2:
Pre-breakfast trip with Sunil to Nursery. Highlight was Large-tailed Nightjar. Many winter visitors not in yet so no thrushes, Rubythroat etc. Rest of the day spent cycling and walking in park. Flat tyre at Temple meant hard slog back to front gate and then I had to pay more for the puncture! Very little water in the park so waterbirds and raptors few and far between.
Day 3:
All day walking in grasslands with Sunil initially south of Shanti Kutir, then out along the east wall past the Jatoli canal to the Kadam Kunj and then back via the Temple. Highlights: Yellow-wattled Lapwing just outside the park and a Spotted Creeper near the Python Point. Generally too hot and vegetation too tall so almost nothing seen in grasslands. Coursers not flocking yet and no groups of Lapwing to check for Sociable Plovers
Day 4:
Am to Bund Baretha. Most of the vegetation along roadside pools still not cut so no muddy margins to check - no chance of Painted Snipe, Black Bittern etc
By the time we got to the rocky hills it was too hot so very few birds seen there. Highlight were Open-billed Storks and White-tailed Plovers
Late afternoon Bharatpur Canal.Highlight River Tern and River Plover
Day 5:
Am in Nursery, set out for Taj Mahal, Agra. Late afternoon to Chambal Safari Lodge, arrive dusk
Day 6:
Pre-breakfast around lodge highlight Common Woodshrike. Morning River Safari – numerous highlights but probably Indian Skimmer and Gharial the absolute tops but Woolly-necked Stork, Great Thicknee and brief glimpse of Gangetic Dolphin ran them close. Lunch at lodge then afternoon 2 hr camel trip. Highlight getting off the camel!
Day 7:
AM around lodge Scarlet Minivet and White-capped Bunting, drive to Kitham Jheel including Sloth Bear rehab compound. Then nightmare trip in very heavy traffic to Sunstar Hotel Delhi.
Day 8:
Early am trip to airport
Little Grebe
About 30 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 2 on Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4
Great Cormorant
3 in Bharatpur National Park on several days, 30 on Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 and 50 Kitham Jheel on day 7
Indian Cormorant (Shag)
1 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 10 photographed Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4, 50 Kitham Jheel on day 7
Little Cormorant
1 Sunbird Hotel, Bharatpur on day 3, 50 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 20 photographed Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4, 1 on Chambal River on day 6; over 100 in a huge flock and photographed at Kitham Jheel on day 7
Oriental Darter
1 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 10 photographed at both Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 & Kitham Jheel on day 7
Grey Heron
Small numbers at Bharatpur National Park, at Bund Baretha on day 4 & Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 and Chambal River on day 6 and 50 at Kitham Jheel on day 7
Purple Heron
Only seen at Kitham Jheel on day 7 with at least 5 present and photographed.
Striated Heron
Not seen
Indian Pond Heron
1 at Sunbird Hotel, Bharatpur day 5, small numbers photographed at Bharatpur National Park each day with 30 at Bund Baretha on day 4, 10 at Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4, small numbers around Chambal Safari Lodge and 5 at Kitham Jheel on day 7
Cattle Egret.
Abundant all along highways and at Bharatpur National Park
Great Egret
Small numbers in suitable habitat along highways, 10 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 20 Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4, around 50 both on highways and Kitham Jheel on day 7
Intermediate Egret
A few seen on highways in suitable habitat. 1 photographed at the Nursery Pond at Bund Baretha on day 4. . Lots on highway and Kitham Jheel on day 7
Little Egret
Common in suitable habitat on highways, only 1-2 in Bharatpur National Park, 20 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 50 around Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4. 100 at Kitham Jheel on day 7
Black-headed Night Heron
Not seen
Black Bittern
Rank vegetation at Bund Baretha on day 4 too long to see this bird and not enough water in Bharatpur National Park.
Painted Stork.
1 near Mathura both day 1 and day 7. Singles at Bund Baretha on day 4 and photographed on Chambal River on day 6
Asian Open-billed Stork
A flock of 40 on islands and later soaring high at Bund Baretha on day 4
Woolly-necked Stork
A single was photographed at Chambal River on day 6
Black-necked Stork
1 on day 1 and 2 on day 2 at Bharatpur National Park were the only sightings
Lesser Adjutant
Not seen
Black-headed Ibis
1 seen from highway near border of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on day 1.
Black Ibis
20 photographed on Chambal River on day 6 and 1 seen on the Yamunha River at Kitham Jheel on day 7.
Glossy Ibis
2 photographed at Bharatpur National Park day 2 and at Bund Baretha on day 4
Spoonbill
Singles photographed at Bharatpur National Park day 2 and one at Bund Baretha on day 4 & Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4
Eastern Greylag
7 overhead at Bharatpur National Park on day 3 and 5 at Bund Baretha on day 4
Bar-headed Goose
Seen flying over Bharatpur National Park in small numbers every day and 3 photographed at Temple Pond on day 2, 50 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 4 at Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4, 40 photographed at Chambal River on day 6 and 30 on Yamunha River at Kitham Jheel on day 7.
Lesser Whistling Duck
5 flying over Chambal Safari Lodge and 70 photographed on Chambal River on day 6
Ruddy Shelduck
Small numbers eacb day at Bharatpur National Park, 50 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 4 at Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4, 40 on Chambal River on day 6 and 30 on Yamunha River at Kitham Jheel on day 7.Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal River on day 6
Indian Spotbill Duck
Only seen at Bund Baretha on day 4 when 30 present and a single on Yamunha River Kitham Jheel on day 7
Mallard
1 at Bharatpur National Park day 2 and 30 at Bund Baretha on day 4
Wigeon
50 at Bund Baretha on day 4
Teal
Small numbers at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal River on day 6 Four on Yamunha River at Kitham Jheel on day 7 and 500 at Bund Baretha on day 4
Gadwall
Several at Bund Baretha on day 4
Pintail
About 100 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 4 on Yamunha River at Kitham Jheel on day 7
Shoveller
20 on at Bund Baretha on day 4
Tufted Duck
10 on at Bund Baretha on day 4
Pochard
2 on at Bund Baretha on day 4
Ferruginous Duck
Not seen
Cotton Pygmy-Goose
30 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and a single on Chambal River on day 6
Comb Duck
2 at Chambal River on day 6 were the only sightings
Black-winged Kite
Small numbers seen on highways on any long car trip. Up to 5 photographed in Bharatpur National Park and 6 on at Bund Baretha on day 4. 1 at Chambal Safari Lodge
Oriental Honey-Buzzard
3 in the nursery at Bharatpur National Park.
Black Kite
Common in the cities and at the Taj Mahal on day 5. Not seen at all elsewhere.
Shikra
1-2 at Bharatpur National Park, occasional singles from car, 2 at Chambal Safari Lodge day 6 and 7.
Sparrowhawk
1 hunting in dry areas of at Bharatpur National Park day 3
Bonelli's Eagle
Not seen
Imperial Eagle
Not seen
Steppe Eagle
1 at Bharatpur National Park near Temple both day 2 and 3.
Spotted Eagle
A juvenile at crossroads at Sapan Mari at Bharatpur National Park, on day 1 and 2 and a sub-adult south of the Temple on day 3. Another sub-adult photographed on Yamunha River Kitham Jheel on day 7.
Indian Spotted Eagle
Singles near the Temple at Bharatpur National Park on day 2 and 3. 1 at Bund Baretha on day 4
Pallas's Sea Eagle
Not seen
White-tailed Eagle
Not seen
King Vulture
Not seen
Long-billed Vulture
Not seen
Indian White-backed Vulture
Not seen
Egyptian Vulture
Seen from car whenever ravelling any distance 8 at Chambal Safari Lodge and Chambal River on day 6 in Chambal Safari Lodge included 1 sitting on a snag in the grounds at breakfast on day 7.Also seen at Yamunha River Kitham Jheel on day 7
Marsh Harrier
1 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and another at Kitham Jheel on day 7.
Short-toed Eagle
1 over Chambal River on day 6
Booted Eagle
2 dark-phase birds at Bharatpur National Park on day 3, one near Jatoli canal and the other just S of the Temple
Steppe Buzzard
1 at Chambal River on day 6 and another on Agra-Delhi road on day 7
Crested Serpent Eagle
A single bird Chambal Safari Lodge and another close to crossroads at Sapan Mari in Bharatpur National Park every day we were there
Osprey
A single at Bund Baretha on day 4
Kestrel
A single hunting in dry areas of Bharatpur National Park day 3.
Black Francolin
One seen in flight in dry area to R of track before the avenue of trees on day 3.
Grey Francolin
Seen regularly in Bharatpur National Park at Bund Baretha on day 4 and around Chambal Safari Lodge and Chambal River on day 6. 3 seen on main Agra-Delhi Road on day 7.
Jungle Bush Quail
Three near Python Gate Bharatpur National Park day 3 and 2 at Bund Baretha on day 4
Painted Spurfowl
Not seen
Common Peafowl
Seen every day in small numbers in all localities and also from the car on highways.
Common Crane
2 flew over temple at Bharatpur National Park on day 2.
Sarus Crane
2 in Bharatpur National Park on day 1 and 3 were the only sightings
Brown Crake
A single glimpsed at Bund Baretha on day 4 was the only sighting. The height of the rank vegetation, which hadn’t been cut yet, and the absence of muddy margins made it almost impossible.
White-breasted Waterhen
Small numbers in all suitable habitats with 50 at Bund Baretha on day 4.
Moorhen
Common around temple at Bharatpur National Park and at Kitham Jheel on day 7. Seen in small numbers in suitable habitat from car.
Purple Swamphen
About 20 at at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 50 Kitham Jheel on day 7. Also seen in small numbers on wetlands either side of Agra-Delhi road.
Coot
Several at Bharatpur National Park, hundreds at Bund Baretha on day 4 and Kitham Jheel on day 7. Also seen in small numbers on wetlands either side of Agra-Delhi road.
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Not seen
Bronze-winded Jacana
20 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 3 at Kitham Jheel on day 7. None in Bharatpur National Park.
Painted Snipe
Rank vegetation at Bund Baretha on day 4 too long to see this bird and not enough water in Bharatpur National Park.
Black-winged Stilt
Abundant in all suitable [and many unsuitable] habitats
Avocet
1 on Yamunha River at Kitham Jheel on day 7.
Stone Curlew
30 near Python Gate at Bharatpur National Park on day 3.
Great Thick-knee
20 at Chambal River on day 6.
Indian Courser
Not seen. Flocks not established by mid-November in 2006
White-tailed Plover
2 at Bund Baretha on day 4 were the only birds seen
Red-wattled Lapwing
Widespread in small numbers in all suitable habitat.
River Lapwing
Singles on at Bund Baretha on day 4 and on Yamunha River behind the Taj Mahal on day 5, 6 on Chambal River on day 6 and on Yamunha River at Kitham Jheel on day 7
Yellow-wattled Lapwing
Single photographed on newly planted field near Jatoli canal just outside the park on day 3
Little Ringed Plover
Two Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 and 2 on Chambal River on day 6
Kentish Plover
1+ on Chambal River on day 6
Lesser Sand Plover
Single on Chambal River on day 6
Black-tailed Godwit
A single near the Temple in Bharatpur National Park, 50+ at Bund Baretha on day 4 and one Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4
Ruff
A single near the Temple Bharatpur National Park on day 3, 50 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 1 at Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4
Common Snipe
Up to 5 around the Temple Bharatpur National Park with 4 at Bund Baretha on day 4, 10 Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 and one on Yamunha River behind the Taj Mahal on day 5.
Dunlin
One Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 and 2 Chambal River on day 6
Temmincks Stint
About 10 Bharatpur National Park most days, 2 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 10 Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4. On Chambal River on day 6 there were 4 and 10 were on Yamunha River behind the Taj Mahal on day 5
Little Stint
Single with Temmincks in Bharatpur National Park but 10+ on Chambal River on day 6
Common Redshank
Fifteen in Bharatpur National Park and lots at Bund Baretha on day 4 and Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4, single behind the Taj Mahal on day 5 Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4
Spotted Redshank
Single with Redshank in Bharatpur National Park with 2 at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 20 Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 a single on Chambal River on day 6 Photographed Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4
Greenshank
1015 in Bharatpur National Park and lots at both at Bund Baretha on day 4 and Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 Up to30 on Yamunha River at Taj Mahal on day 5 and 4 on Chambal River on day 6 Photographed at Bharatpur National Park
Marsh Sandpiper
Up to 15 Bharatpur National Park, Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 and on Yamunha River at Taj Mahal on day 5 A single was on Chambal River on day 6 and this species was Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4
Wood Sandpiper
Up to 20 at Bharatpur National Park, at Bund Baretha on day 4 and Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 Photographed at Bharatpur National Park
Green Sandpiper
Up to 15 at Bharatpur National Park where species was photographed, Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4, at Bund Baretha on day 4 and on Yamunha River Kitham Jheel on day 7
Common Sandpiper
Two-10 at Bharatpur National Park, at Bund Baretha on day 4,Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 Chambal River on day 6 and Yamunha River Kitham Jheel on day 7 It was Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Kitham Jheel on day 7
Herring Gull
2 seen flying over Chambal Safari Lodge on day 6
Brown-headed Gull
Not seen
Black-headed Gull
Single seen somewhere on Yamunha River but cant remember where or when
Indian Skimmer
20 seen Chambal River on day 6
Whiskered Tern
1 on Yamunha River at Taj Mahal on day 5 on day 5 and 5 at Kitham Jheel on day 7
Gull-billed Tern
Not seen
Indian River Tern
2 at Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4, 1 on Yamunha River at Taj Mahal on day 5, 7 on Chambal River on day 6 and 2 on Yamunha River at Kitham Jheel on day 7
Black-bellied Tern
1 on Yamunha River behind Taj Mahal on day 5 on Day 5 and 2 Chambal River on day 6
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
Not seen
Painted Sandgrouse
Not seen
Yellow-legged Green Pigeon
Small numbers in fruiting figs in Bharatpur National Park most days and up to 6 at Chambal Safari Lodge
Red Turtle Dove
Not seen
Spotted Dove
Not seen
Oriental Turtle Dove
Single seen on edge of Chambal Safari Lodge on day 7
Laughing (Palm) Dove
Small numbers but widespread in most villages
Rock Dove
Common and widespread.
Collared Dove
Small numbers present around buildings at Bharatpur National Park Nursery and entrance and Chambal Safari Lodge
Alexandrine Parakeet
Large parakeets, probably of this species, were seen coming out of roost at Delhi on day 1
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Abundant
Plum (Blossom)-headed Parakeet
Several seen at Bund Baretha on day 4 and around Chambal Safari Lodge day 6 and 7
Asian Koel
Male seen and female photographed at Chambal Safari Lodge day 6-7
Sirkeer Malkoha
Not seen Guide called up one of these at Chambal Safari Lodge but it was a female Asian Koel
Greater Coucal
Small numbers seen in suitable habitats all over in Chambal Safari Lodge including on highways. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4
Indian Scops Owl
1 showed well and was photographed along main road in Bharatpur National Park day 1, heard both at Sunbird Hotel, Bharatpur and Chambal Safari Lodge
Dusky Horned Owl
A pair was breeding outside Sunbird Hotel, Bharatpur where one was photographed at dusk.
Brown Hawk Owl
Singles seen behind the entrance and in the nursery at Bharatpur National Park and a pair at Chambal Safari Lodge. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge
Spotted Owlet
Several individuals and a pair at Bharatpur National Park another pair at Chambal Safari Lodge Photographed at Bharatpur National Park
Indian Eagle Owl
Not seen
Indian Nightjar
Not seen
Large-tailed Nightjar
A single photographed at roost in the Nursery at Bharatpur National Park on day 2 was flushed by birders later that day and disappeared
Little Swift
Only seen hawking over trees at Bharatpur National Park Nursery and Chambal Safari Lodge but was presumably present above most of the towns
Palm Swift
Not seen
Lesser Pied Kingfisher
2 at Bund Baretha on day 4, 4 at Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 and singles behind Taj Mahal on day 5 on Yamunha River on day 5, Chambal River on day 6 and Kitham Jheel on day 7
Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4
Common Kingfisher
Not seen but 1 heard near Temple Bharatpur National Park day 3
Stork-billed Kingfisher
Not seen
White-breasted Kingfisher
Widespread and seen in small numbers everywhere suitable in Chambal Safari Lodge including Agra-Delhi road
Photographed at Bharatpur National Park
Little Green Bee-eater
Not seen
Indian Roller
Single in Bharatpur National Park on day 1, where there 5 in dry areas on day 3, on the road to Chambal Safari Lodge on day 5, Chambal River on day 6 and near Chambal Safari Lodge on day 7
Photographed badly Bharatpur National Park
Hoopoe
Widespread though in small numbers Photographed Chambal Safari Lodge
Indian Grey Hornbill
Several around Bharatpur especially at the Nursery where I photographed them and also did at Chambal Safari Lodge
Green (Brown-headed) Barbet
Calling all over Bharatpur National Park where trees were tall especially at the Nursery where I photographed one. Several seen and photographed badly in Chambal Safari Lodge
Coppersmith Barbet
Up to 3 in Nursery at Bharatpur National Park and also in other tall trees in drier areas. Photographed at Chambal Safari Lodge were several were present
Wryneck
Not seen although at least one was present
Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker [black-rumped flameback]
Small numbers regularly in tall trees around Bharatpur National Park where 1 was photographed. Also 1 at Chambal Safari Lodge
Mahratta Woodpecker
Not seen
Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker
Not seen
Rufous-winged Bushlark
Not seen and never really got into suitable habitat
Ashy-Crowned Sparrow (Finch)-Lark
Not seen and didn’t get into suitable habitat
Rufous-tailed Finch-Lark
Not seen and didn’t get into suitable habitat
Short-toed Lark
Not seen and not in suitable habitat
Bimaculated Lark
Not seen and didn’t get into suitable habitat
Crested Lark
A few on village and road edges
Small Skylark
Not seen and not in suitable habitat
Plain Sand Martin
Not seen. Despite the species being widely reported in other trip lists all birds I saw were ordinary Sand Martins
Sand Martin
Common at Bharatpur National Park, at Bund Baretha on day 4 and Chambal River on day 6
Crag Martin
A couple seen over Chambal River on day 6
Dusky Crag Martin
Several seen around Maharaja’s Palace at Bund Baretha on day 4
Barn Swallow
Small numbers Bharatpur National Park, Yamunha River, Chambal River on day 6 and Kitham Jheel on day 7
Wire-tailed Swallow
2 at Chambal River on day 6
Indian Cliff Swallow
Not seen
Red-rumped Swallow
20+ around Maharaja’s Palace at Bund Baretha on day 4.
Black Drongo
Common and widespread in open areas. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park
White-bellied Drongo
Not seen although 1 claimed by someone standing next to me. I saw an immature Ashy Drongo
Spangled Drongo
Single on north edge of Nursery Bharatpur National Park day 2
Ashy Drongo
2 on north edge of Nursery at Bharatpur National Park day 2
Brahminy Starling (Mynah)
Regular in small numbers. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park & Chambal Safari Lodge
Rose-coloured Starling
Single near Temple at Bharatpur National Park
Eurasian Starling
Small flocks in cultivation in several areas,
Pied Starling (Mynah)
Small numbers but widespread especially around at Bund Baretha on day 4 and Chambal Safari Lodge Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Sunbird Hotel, Bharatpur
Common Mynah
Abundant throughout tour Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge
Bank Mynah
Common in towns and cities but not seen elsewhere
Indian Tree-pie
Several seen daily especially at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge
House Crow
Abundant in cities, towns and villages photographed at Sunbird Hotel, Bharatpur
Jungle Crow
Generally small numbers in rural areas and Bharatpur National Park Photographed at Bharatpur National Park
Large Woodshrike
3 at Chambal Safari Lodge day 6
Common Wood-shrike
3 in Nursery at Bharatpur National Park on day 2 and 5
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
A single female in Acacia woodland opposite the Monkey Temple Bharatpur National Park day 1
Small Minivet
Not seen
Long-tailed Minivet
One in photographed in treetops of nursery at Bharatpur National Park day 5
Scarlet Minivet
A male at Chambal Safari Lodge day 7
Common Iora
Not seen
Red-vented Bulbul
Widespread and often abundant Photographed at Bharatpur National Park, at Bund Baretha on day 4 and Chambal Safari Lodge
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Not seen
White-cheeked Bulbul
Smaller numbers than Red-vented but still widespread Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge
Yellow-eyed Babbler
2 with a group of Common Babblers east of the Temple Bharatpur National Park day 3 and a single at Bund Baretha on day 4
Common Babbler;
4 groups of about 10 seen, 2 at Bund Baretha on day 4, 1 Bharatpur National Park 1 near Chambal Safari Lodge
Striated Babbler
Not seen
Large Grey Babbler
2 or three large groups in dry areas of Bharatpur National Park, at Bund Baretha on day 4 and Chambal Safari Lodge. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge
Jungle Babbler
Common and widespread. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge
Plain Prinia
Common in Bharatpur National Park, at Bund Baretha on day 4 and near Chambal Safari Lodge and Chambal River on day 6 Also seen Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 and Kitham Jheel on day 7
Ashy Prinia
Photographed in ditch opposite Sunbird Hotel, Bharatpur on day 5 and seen in Bharatpur National Park on several occasions and 10 at Bund Baretha on day 4
Zitting Cisticola
Several in grasslands of Bharatpur National Park and at Bund Baretha on day 4
Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla
Small numbers heard at Chambal Safari Lodge and Bharatpur National Park. A male photographed in the nursery at Bharatpur National Park.
Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva
Lots calling in Bharatpur National Park; at Bund Baretha on day 4 nursery and at Chambal Safari Lodge. Males seen in both Bharatpur National Park nursery and Chambal Safari Lodge, two females photographed at Bharatpur National Park nursery.
Verditer Flycatcher
Single male at Bharatpur National Park Nursery day 2.
Grey-headed Flycatcher
4 in Bharatpur Nursery and 1 near the Temple, at least 2 at Bund Baretha on day 4 Nursery and 2 at Chambal Safari Lodge. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge
Cetti’s Warbler
Single along path east of Temple Bharatpur National Park day 3
Paddyfield Warbler
None seen
Blyth’s Reed Warbler
One seen and several heard in Bharatpur National Park nursery. Lots heard in dry scrub at Bund Baretha on day 4 and near Chambal River on day 6.
Lesser Whitethroat
Widespread in dry scrub
Orphean Warbler
Single in dry scrub and ravines near the fort on camel trip on Chambal River on day 6.
Hume’s Warbler
Frequently heard and widely distributed in all areas of medium to tall trees
Greenish Warbler
Frequently heard in tops of biggest trees especially in Nursery and Hunting Lodge of Bharatpur National Park. Also Nursery at Bund Baretha on day 4 and at Chambal Safari Lodge.
Chiffchaff
Birds showing characteristics of tristis were common in Bharatpur National Park and photographed at Bund Baretha on day 4 and Chambal Safari Lodge
Tickell’s Warbler
At least 2 seen along main path of Bharatpur National Park from crossroads at Sapan Mari towards temple on day 1
Brooke’s Leaf, Smokey and Sulphur-bellied Warblers
Not seen and possibly not in winter quarters yet
Siberian Rubythroat
Not seen and probably not in winter quarters yet
Bluethroat
Common around water at Bharatpur; Photographed at Bharatpur National Park
Magpie Robin
Widespread but particularly numerous Bharatpur. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge
Black Redstart
Several eastern males at Bharatpur; Small numbers elsewhere. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park
Common Redstart
Male at crossroads at Sapan Mari in Bharatpur National Park. I really struggled to separate female eastern Black Redstarts from Common Redstarts. Certainly the females accompanying male eastern B Redstarts looked more like W European Common Redstarts but were presumably not.
Brown Rock Chat
One on Agra-Delhi road day 1, several at Bund Baretha on day 4 and 2 at Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4. A few near Chambal River on day 6; photographed at Bund Baretha on day 4
Stonechat
3 at Bund Baretha on day 4, 1-2 seen at distance in Bharatpur National Park.
Pied Bush Chat
Common in all open areas especially at Bharatpur National Park and at Bund Baretha on day 4. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park
Isabelline Wheatear
Not seen
Desert Wheatear
Single male photographed at Chambal River on day 6.
Eastern Pied (Variable) Wheatear
Not seen
Indian Robin
Widespread in the drier bushy areas. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park
Orange-headed Ground Thrush
Single photographed in the avenue of trees at Bharatpur day 1
Grey Tit
Not seen
Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch
Not seen
Spotted Creeper
Single in acacias along track east of Temple Bharatpur National Park day 3
Olive-backed Pipit
Two small flocks in the nursery at Bharatpur and 3 at Chambal Safari Lodge; Photographed at Bharatpur National Park
Tawny Pipit
Two photographed in dry habitat near at Bund Baretha on day 4
Long-billed Pipit
A single flushed from long vegetation to R of path just 400 metres passed 2nd gate Bharatpur National Park day 3.
Paddyfield Pipit
Richards Pipit
Blyth’s Pipit
Yellow Wagtail
None seen
Citrine Wagtail
A few in Bharatpur near the Temple but more at Bund Baretha on day 4 and at Bund Baretha on day 4. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and at Bund Baretha on day 4
White-browed Wagtail
Pairs near the temple in Bharatpur National Park, at Bund Baretha on day 4, Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4, Yamunha River Kitham Jheel on day 7 and ten on Chambal River on day 6. Photographed, at Bund Baretha on day 4, Chambal River on day 6 and Yamunha River Kitham Jheel on day 7.
White Wagtail
Various different races in Chambal Safari Lodge including Masked and Amur Wagtails at Bharatpur National Park, Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4, Chambal River on day 6 and on Yamunha River Kitham Jheel on day 7
Grey Wagtail
One at Bharatpur-Agra Canal on day 4 and 4 Kitham Jheel on day 7
Purple Sunbird
Seen/heard daily in small numbers esp. at Sunbird Hotel, Bharatpur and Chambal Safari Lodge. Photographed at Bharatpur National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge
Oriental White-Eye
Small flocks Bharatpur and at Chambal Safari Lodge
Long-tailed (Rufous-backed) Shrike
Only a few seen all trip. 2 Agra-Delhi road day 1, singles photographed at Bharatpur National Park on day 3 and 5 and 2 at Bund Baretha on day 4.
Bay-backed Shrike
Singles on Agra-Delhi road day 1 and one photographed on N edge of Bharatpur National Park Nursery
Steppe Grey Shrike
1-2 photographed at Bharatpur National Park day 2-3
House Sparrow
Common and widespread in villages
Yellow-throated Sparrow
Several photographed in acacia scrub on the main track or on the side rack to the Nursery at Bharatpur; a flock of 20 were photographed in the grounds of Chambal Safari Lodge day 7.
Baya Weaver
Two small groups photographed Chambal Safari Lodge day 6-7
Black-throated Weaver
Not seen
Red Avadavit
On seen at Bund Baretha on day 4 with three
Indian Silverbill
Seen and photographed at Bund Baretha on day 4. Also seen in pond near Chambal Safari Lodge day 7
White-throated Munia
Not seen
White-capped Bunting
3 seen at Bund Baretha on day 4 and amazingly 1 photographed in the grounds of Chambal Safari Lodge on day 7
Crested Bunting
A bird almost certainly of this species flew past at Bund Baretha on day 4.
Animals
Rhesus Macaque
Several troupes seen in Bharatpur National Park, also at various villages on the highway and at Kitham Jheel
Black-faced Langur
A Troupe at Bund Baretha
Sambar
Seen on 2-3 occasions in Bharatpur National Park
Blue Buck
Small numbers seen daily in Bharatpur National Park
Spotted Deer
A large herd seen on several occasions in Bharatpur National Park
Grey Mongoose
Singles seen twice at Bharatpur National Park
Wild Boar
Family parties seen twice and a young animal by itself near the nursery at Bharatpur National Park
Sloth Bear
Many seen at a sanctuart for rescued Dancing Bears at Kithan Jheel
Fruit Bat
Two large roosts at Chambal Lodge and Bund Baretha Nursery
Gharial
About 30 on the Chambal River trip on day 6.
Marsh Mugger
About 10 on the Chambal River trip on day 6.
Gangetic Dolphin
One seen very briefly on the Chambal River trip on day 6.
Golden Jackel
Several seen in Bharatpur National Park
Palm Civet [Tonny Cat]
Tracks seen after each night at Chambal Safari Lodge
Five-striped Squirrel
Abundant
Hedgehog
Single seen in Chambal Safari Lodge
Indian Hare
Tracks seen in north part of Bharatpur National Park
Turtles
At least 3 different species seen, 2 at Bharatpur National Park including some huge animals and another species on the Chambal River trip on day 6.
Rock Python
Tracks seen but the animals had not retired to their burrows for the winter as the weather was too warm.