BIRD of the DAY: Plain-backed Thrush
We began our day quietly. A morning ritual is carefully sweeping the stairs and path with a bamboo broom at the Camp.
Morning birding on the grounds was enjoyable. Then we were ready for breakfast.
It would be another day of exploring in Neora Valley National Park. We got misty views of Lava as we drove down the road. Our drivers took us to the beginning of a steep narrow upward trail. Here we met three other special jeeps/drivers. Soon we were on a hair-raising ride up the mountain. At the top, we walked along the rocky road, birding. It was misty. We did have some good bird sightings.
But no sign of a red panda we were on the outlook for. Shyam pointed out an impression in the earth where a wild boar had rolled. We did get a good view of a squirrel at the Chaudaferi Camp, a park staff building.
At the Chaudaferi Camp, it was lunchtime and staff would throw crumbs to the birds. We got good close up views of thrushes and a redstart.
Our jeeps were waiting for us at the Camp. It was time to say goodbye to this beautiful mountainous ecosystem. Bill got a quick photo of a Blue Whistling Thrush through the window on the way down the mountain.
We returned to the Camp for lunch and a break before birding later in the afternoon along the lower road. It was very overcast. The cows were taking cover. It started to rain while we were hiking so we hurried back to the comfort of the Camp and our bottle of Indian wine and fresh flowers in our room.
Birds in the Photos Today
Plain-backed Thrush
Short-billed Minivet
Verditer Flycatcher
Green-tailed Sunbird
Hoary-throated Barwing
Whiskered Yuhina
Black-faced Laughingthrush
Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush
Blue-fronted Redstart
Blue Whistling Thrush
Black Eagle