Nature has provided incomparable natural wealth to Nepal and exceptionally rich in bird life with total of 850 spices on its log.
A diverse topography and climate which has resulted in a verity of habitats with a country, is
responsible for the many bird species found Nepal. Because of these, Nepal has become a popular destination of birdwatchers. The sight of rare bird generates great excitement. "The beauty of nature & birds are the popular symbols of Nepal".
The destination of Nepal for bird watching are:
Bagmati & Manohara:
Bird watching begins right here in Kathmandu by the banks of Bagmati and Manohara rivers. Birds sighted along these rivers are the Egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, Ibisbill, Wood Sandkipers and plovers to name of you. The Chovar gorge and Tanda are recommended sight along these rivers. Away from human disturbances many birds are seen here.
Phulchoki
An ideal location to start around the valley is Phulchoki, which is teeming with a wide variety of birds.
Over 90 different kinds of birds have been recorded here including the endemic Spiny Babbler. Other birds found here are the Cutie, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufous Bellied Pied Wood Peckers, Black Throated Parrotbill etc.
The Shivapuri watershed & Wildlife Reserve
Is another destination for the bird watcher it likes 2 0 Km. North of Kathmandu & can be reach easily by taxi or minibus. Som e of the birds sighted here are the Laughing Thrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, Little Pied flycathers, Ruby Throats, Babblers etc.
Nagarjun
The other destination is Nagarjun, which lies northwest of Kathmandu, only 10 minutes drive from Thamel.Some of the birds sighted here are Pheasants, Magpies, Sunbirds, Rubby Throats etc.
A good time to visit all these locations around Kathmandu is
between October & May. The best time of the year of March to May.
Chitawan Nationalpark .
Chitawan is the best destination for bird watching which lies 120 Km. Southwest of Kathmandu. The birds found here are Cormorants, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Blue Indian Roller, Hornbills, Stor k billed Kingfishers, Greyheaded Eagles, Ruby Cheeked Sunbird, Bengal Florican, Largetailed Night jar, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Beaters & Lesser Florican etc. More than 500 species have been recorded in Chitwan alone.
April is the best time although it is quite hot by then. Other time good for visiting is Feb. to April. September to November is also interesting.
Kosi Barrage & Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
The wildlife reserve and Kosi Barrage lie in the eastern Terai along the east west high way . A very large number of birds are seen along the wide Kosi river and in the grass land and marshes. About 26 species of Ducks are see ninthe numerous pounds birds found in this area are
Black Ibis, Honey kites, Os preys, Marsh & Pied Harriers, Stork Billed Kingfishers, Black Headed Orioles, Himalayan Ruby Throat , Peregrine Falcon, Patridges, Sand Pipers Etc. Over 450 species of birds have been sighted here.
Bardia National park
Bardia is also a popular destination for bird watching which is covered by sal forest and the rest is riverin forests and glasslands. A boat ride on the slow moving
expanse of the river Karnali gives plentyof oppertunities to see birds of many verities. The birds sighted here are The Ruddy Shelduck, Darters, Brahmini Kites, Brown Headed Gulls, Cormorants, Oriental Pied Hornbills, Night Heron & Purple Herons, Cinnaon Bitterns, Little Prantincole, Orioles & the majestic Peacocks Etc. Best time to visit is December to March.
