BIRD of the DAY: Large Hawk-Cuckoo
We were out as the sun rose this morning but missed a sighting of a Red-faced Liocichla. Rick got a quick photo. We did spot several other birds. Gary noted that he saw 20 species including 2 lifers before breakfast. We noticed the hotel staff coming up the path from the city, ready to start work for the day.
Right after breakfast we headed down the road for birding with Shyam. Some kids walked by on their way to school. We saw a variety of good birds near the road.
Then we saw two BIG Large Hawk-Cuckoos. They were calling to each other, one on each side of the road. What an experience to be so close to the action.
A few other birds brightened up our return to the Elgin.
Now it was time for a drive to a Nature Interpretation Centre. 550 birds have been recorded here. We began our ascent up a steep trail to an ancient historical site of Rabdentse. One of the birds we got a glimpse of was a White-browed Bush Robin which is rarely seen, but we only got a really fuzzy photo. We made it up, slowly!
We explored the large site. We spotted a few birds too.
Back down the trail... binoculars ready.
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On the way back to the Elgin, we noticed a lot of action. It was the 15th Chief Minister's Gold Cup Archery Tournament quarter finals between Sikkim and Bhutan. Very impressive shooting skills.
We made a quick shopping stop.
Returning to our hotel, we enjoyed a cool delicious local Sikkim beer with our lunch.
This afternoon we did some hotel gardens and road birding - until it rained. A good time for a rest.
Before dinner, we listed then enjoyed a large hot buffet, reflecting on our many adventures today.
Birds in the Photos Today
Large Hawk-Cuckoo
Large-billed Crow
Ashy Drongo
Olive-backed Pipit
White-tailed Nuthatch
Green-backed Tit
Blue-fronted Redstart
White-browed Shrike-babbler
Gray Treepie
Large Niltava
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker
Bar-throated Siva
Gray-headed Canary Flycatcher
Green-tailed Sunbird
Rufous Sibia
Rufous-bellied Niltava
Rusty-flanked Treecreeper
Crested Serpent Eagle
Gray-hooded Warbler
Shikra
Rufous-crowned Laughingthrush
Short-billed Minivet
Verditer Flycatcher
Ashy-throated Warbler