BIRD of the DAY: Rufous-throated Wren Babbler
In the morning we birded at the Camp, then around the town of Lava, working our way north towards the border of Sikkim, in the Himalayan mountains in the north of India.
Shyam decided we should try the Pipeline Trail (we reminisced about the famous Pipeline Trail in Panama), just outside Lava. Lava is a busy community to negotiate through. Once we made it, we found a spot to hike near the Pipeline Trail. Sue and Barbara took a pass on the rocky path with a vertical drop on one side. The brave birders continued on to cross a very high rickety bridge. Eventually they arrived at a broken bridge so turned around. Meanwhile Sue and Barbara birded along the road, with some help from Ranjeet.
On the way out, we stopped for birding along the road and met three boys who were rolling homemade hoops while their parents worked nearby. Shyam explained about the Canada pencils Barbara gave them.
As we went further along we drove through an area of road construction. The road was being widened. Good for the vehicles but not good for the birds. More crazy driving entertained us as we negotiated our way through villages.
Soon we were crossing the River Teesta and entering Sikkim at Rangpo. Sikkim is a part of India bordered by China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Nepal and Bhutan. It was a separate state until it became part of India in 1975. Many residents are of Nepalese and Tibetan origin.
When we reached Sikkim, it was lunchtime. Shyam managed our Visa process at the protected border (politically sensitive area) and we enjoyed a pleasant lunch in a restaurant. Barbara found some happy talkative girls to give Canada pencils to. And the birders found a few familiar birds.
After a gas fillup (gas stations are rare), we crossed the river a few times to find level ground for the road, then we climbed up a curvy hilly road to our destination, Ravangla. Blind turns, terraced gardens, busy villages, skilful traffic manoeuvers...
When we reached the city of Ravangla we found our lodge, the Barfung Retreat, in a forested area on the edge of the city. We settled into our cabins and enjoyed a picnic tea (with the dogs).
Shyam decided we could help cook tonight, working with the lodge staff. While Carol and Sue worked on their trip logs, the men got to work in the kitchen. This was a real introduction to Indian cooking. It was fun! And delicious.
Birds in the Photos Today
Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler
Verditer Flycatcher
Blue-fronted Redstart
Ashy Drongo
Common Myna
House Crow
Eurasian Tree Sparrow