We were only in the national park for a few days, but my camera was firing off shots left right and centre the entire time. Since returning to the UK, we have been crazily busy with ecological surveys, but I (not Emma as she is working away for the week) now have some down time which has enabled me to do some image sifting, culling, editing and posting.
In 2006, the number of different bird species recorded by birdwatchers and conservationists came to 544 in Chitwan National Park. These 544 species include about two-thirds of Nepal’s globally threatened species. Out of all the other protected areas in Nepal, Chiwan National Park has the greatest diversity of bird species.
Below are a collection of photographs highlighting the variety of birds we managed to photograph on the trip. This is only a small sample of those we actually came across as many were too speedy or hidden to photograph.
I have done my best to identify each of the birds below. Our wonderful guides identified the majority of them while we were in the field (Note to self: take a pen and paper next time) and our tour operator who also is a local guide (Chandra Mani Gauli) has since helped with some of the identification.
Click to zoom in and take a closer look.
I have been lucky enough to photograph Rhinoceros Hornbill while trekking in Endau-Rompin National Park but haven’t had the opportunity to photograph other hornbills until now. Within the first hour of our Jungle experience a great hornbill flew right over the top of our canoe as we made our way down river. And, on the last day an hour before reaching the bus that would take us back to Kathmandu, we stumbled across an oriental-pied hornbill foraging in the trees.
As we were only allowed to trek the jungle during daylight hours (for safety reasons), our expectations for seeing nocturnal bird species were very low. To our surprise (and his), our guide spotted this Indian scops owl basking in the sun just outside of its tree hollow. It’s camouflage was impeccable. Before I could take two steps closer in order to secure better shots, its shimmied back down into the hollow. Later in the day’s walk, I spotted this tiny barred jungle owlet resting high up on a tree branch.
When it comes to kingfishers, I have always been intrigued by their fishing prowess. I have always wanted to photograph the European kingfisher in the UK, but have only seen glimpses of them as they flash past me. Interestingly, I managed to get my first image and good viewing of one on this trip to Nepal. Emma and I have come across white-throated kingfishers and stork-billed kingfishers on previous adventures in Southeast Asia, but seeing pied kingfishers was a first.
Perhaps the most intriguing of birds we saw was this male paradise fly-catcher. Again, we had not long been in the canoe when the white bird began flitting from branch to branch with these extremely long streamers flowing in its wake.
Awful dad style titles, I know, but I couldn’t help myself. While making our way down the river we had two encounters with birds fighting with food.
With our trip to Nepal now over, it was time to hop on a plane once again and head for London. If anyone has any questions about our wildlife adventure in Nepal please send us a message, or comment below. We would like to thank our guides and United Jungle Guide Service once again for a wonderful trip.
Our next blog posts will encompass some of our encounters while working in ecology back in England. Stay tuned.
Wow! Fabulous images and post!
And wow again. Everything. Particularly enjoyed the paradise fly-catcher, the magpie robin, the various kingfishers and who wouldn’t love the oriole. Your adventure was utterly magic!
He takes awesome photos and your blog is very special. I love what you guys do!
Great tour! And the flying hornbill is a really highlight!
Thank you for you kind words, Sanna!
We are looking forward to following your wildlife and travel adventures also. ❤ Take care!
Wow! What a trip that must’ve been. I love the paradise flycatcher.
The paradise flycatcher looks amazing doesn’t it. What a tail!
Wow! What beautiful photographs! Makes me want to visit Chitwan!
Chitwan is a must. Seems like you need to get the time of year right though. Let us know if you have any questions, or ever plan a trip.
Absolutely will do Tom. Thank you!
I really like the first bird. What a long tail!
When did you guys visit? What wildlife did you get to see?
It is such a fantastic place to visit for a wildlife enthusiast, and you are totally right, the paradise flycatcher is one our favourites too.