Vol. 6, Issue 6 BI-MONTHLY PROGRAMMES NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2018

INDEX

ONE DAY PROGRAMME

11th Nov Shilonda Trail 18th Nov Migrant Watch 23rd Dec Karnala Bird Sanctuary 29th & 30th Dec Bird Identification Workshop

NATIONAL CAMPS December Little Rann of Kutch January Bera & Mount Abu Golden Triangle February Lakhshadweep March Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary April Valleys of Himachal May Corbett & Pangot

INTERNATIONAL CAMP March Tanzania

Indian Skimmers at Chambal during BNHS camp: Golden Triangle Asif Khan ► ► ONE DAY CAMPS

11th November, Sunday Shilonda Trail at Sanjay Gandhi National Park Join BNHS for a morning at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) to see myriad small life forms like large mammals like Spotted Deer and Sambar, and birds like White-browed Bulbul, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, and Black-rumped Flameback. The trail leads through a fine forest dominated by bamboo and ends at the first stream. Grade: Easy (Easy walk of 1.3 km each way, but the walk from the main gate to the trail is about 2 km.) Charges: Rs. 400/- for members and Rs. 500/- for

Asif N Khan others (Cost includes forest depaartment charges and BNHS expertise). Reporting: Members to meet inside SGNP, beyond the Ticket Counter under the large map of SGNP at 07:30 a.m. Group leaders: Mr Asif Khan (9969798447) Registration*: E-mail us at [email protected] or call at +91-9969798447 (Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.). Please carry adequate water and hat/cap. www.bnhs.org

18th November, Sunday Migrant Watch

During winter the city plays host to a plethora of migratory birds. Join us at Nerul to learn about these travellers of the bird world. The Nerul Wetland is a wonderful site to watch see and study these cryptic birds like Lesser Sand Plover, Little Ring Plover, Kentish Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank, Terek, Common, Curlew and Broad- billed Sandpiper; Little Stint, and Temminck’s Stint. Among them are also threatened birds like Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork and Black-tailed Godwit; and waterfowls like Northern Shoveller, Common Teal, Garganey, and Northern Pintail. Asif N Khan If we are lucky Lesser and Greater Flamingos can also be seen here. Charges: Rs. 400/- for member and Rs. 500/ for non-member. Reporting: At 8:00 a.m. at the main gate of Seawood Estates. Group leader: Mr Asif Khan (9969798447) Registration*: E-mail us at [email protected] or call at +91-9969798447 (Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.). The programme will conclude by 9:30 a.m. 23rd December, Sunday Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Take an enjoyable walk through the moist deciduous base forest of Karnala Bird Sanctuary. As winter is the perfect season to see both resident and migrant birds like Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch, Sulphur- bellied Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Small Sunbird, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, Rufous and Heart-spotted Woodpecker, White-bellied, Greater Racket-tailed and Bronzed Drongo, Crested Hawk-eagle, Crested Serpent-eagle, and Gold- fronted Leafbird. Camp Charges: Rs. 1000/- for BNHS members and Rs. 1,200/- for others. Grade: Easy (2–3 km undulating walk) Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 06:00 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 06:20 a.m., and Vashi (Vashi Jn) at 06:40 a.m. Group leaders: Mr Asif Khan (9969798447) Registration*: E-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail. com or call at +91-9969798447 (Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.). www.bnhs.org

29th & 30th December, Saturday & Sunday

Bird Identification Workshop This two-day workshop is for beginners to bird watching. The workshop will include an audio- visual talk by an expert on basic bird identification, followed by a demonstration of preserved bird specimens from the BNHS Collections. The workshop will also include a field trip where participants will be introduced to field techniques for bird identification. Highlights: The highlight of the workshop is the study of preserved bird specimens. Participants will get an opportunity to learn field techniques, like bird identification through calls, bird photography tips.

Level: Basic Asif N Khan Expert: Asif N Khan Workshop Charges: Rs.1,800/- for Members and Rs. 2,000/- for others. Reporting: Saturday, 29th Dec: At 3:30 p.m. at Hornbill House, Dr Sálim Ali Chowk, Opp. Lion Gate, near Kalaghoda, Mumbai 400001. The programme will conclude by 7:00 p.m. Sunday, 30th Dec: Dadar at 6:30 a.m. Registration*: E-mail us at [email protected] or call at +91-9969798447 (Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.). www.bnhs.org ► ► NATIONAL CAMPS

DECEMBER, 2018 LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH Known for being the last refuge for the Indian Wild Ass, Little Rann of Kutch is a large salt marsh situated in Gujarat. The Little Rann of Kutch is a Ramsar Site and birding paradise. Birding at the lakes and marshes in the rann is very rewarding. In winter, Demoiselle and Common Crane are seen in large numbers. Flamingos, pelicans, storks, ibises, spoonbill, a variety of ducks and other waterfowl are also seen. The Rann is also the hunting ground of raptors like Short-toed Eagle, buzzards, Aquila eagles, six species of falcon, and three species of harriers. It is one of the few places where hundreds of harriers can be seen roosting on open ground at night. And of course, it is the perfect place to see the Indian Wild Ass. The main carnivores of the Little Rann are the Indian Wolf, Desert Fox, Indian Fox, Jackal, Desert and Jungle Cat, and Striped Hyena. The elegant Blackbuck, Nilgai or Blue Bull, and Chinkara are the other mammals seen. Dates: 14th –17th December 2018 Grade: Easy Charges: Rs. 22,900/- for members, and Rs. 24,400/- for others (ex-Ahmedabad) Accommodation: Twin sharing at Rann Riders Reporting: Ahmedabad railway station at 07:00 a.m. on Day One. Drop off at Ahmedabad at 05:00 p.m. on Last Day Registration*: E-mail us at [email protected] or call at +91-9969798447 (Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.). www.bnhs.org

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Vandan Jhaveri JANUARY, 2019 LEOPARD COUNTRY – BERA AND MOUNT ABU

Bera: Bera is a small town situated in Rajasthan, with a considerable leopard population. Bera has in recent years developed a reputation for being one of the best places to see and photograph leopards, and it is aptly known as “Leopard Country”. Situated in the Aravalli Hills near the River Jawai, Bera offers great landscapes as well. Besides the “Prince of the Jungle” the leopard, Bera also offers sightings of Sloth Bear, Hyena, and Marsh Crocodile. Mount Abu: Famous as a hill station in Rajasthan, the forest surrounding Mount Abu is rich with an array of endemic birds. The most famous perhaps is the Green Avadavat, a vulnerable and endemic munia, and Abu is one of the best places to spot it. Mount Abu is also home to birds like Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, Indian Blackbird, Indian Yellow Tit, Tawny-bellied Babbler, and White-bellied Drongo. Dates: 12th – 16th January 2019 Grade: Easy Charges: Rs. 36,700/- for members, and Rs. 38,200/- for others (ex-Ahmedabad) Group Leader: Mr Asif Khan Reporting: Ahmedabad railway station at 06:30 a.m. on Day One. Drop off at Ahmedabad at 05:00 p.m. on the last day Registration*: E-mail us at [email protected] or call at +91-9969798447 (Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.). www.bnhs.org

Asif N Khan Vandan Jhaveri Rajat Bhargava

Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri GOLDEN TRIANGLE – Ranthambore, Keoladeo and Chambal 26th – 31st January 2019

Ranthambore National Park: Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern India. Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these animals in their natural jungle habitat. Tigers can be easily spotted even in the daytime. Other major wild animals include Leopard, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Sambar, Hyaena, Sloth Bear and Chital. The Park is home to a wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles, as well as one of the largest Banyan trees in India.

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Asif N Khan Keoladeo National Park: Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo is a paradise for birds and birdwatchers alike. It is listed as an IBA (Important Bird Area) and is a World Heritage Site. Although small (29 sq. km), it is home to almost 400 species of birds, out of which more than 132 species breed inside the National Park. Birding here is a rewarding experience, with sightings like Siberian Rubythroat, Bluethroat, Greater White-fronted Goose, Comb Duck, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Spotted Crake, Water Rail, Painted Snipe, Oriental Darter, Lesser Adjutant, Sarus Crane and Common Crane, Greater Spotted Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Red- headed Falcon, and Brown Fish-owl.

Asif N Khan Chambal river, a tributary of the Yamuna river, flows northwards through Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Chambal is one of the best places to see threatened wildlife; such as the Critically Endangered Gavial or Gharial, Vulnerable Indian Skimmer, Pallas’s Fish-eagle and Smooth-coated Otter, Endangered Black-bellied Tern and Gangetic Dolphin, and Near-Threatened Laggar Falcon. Camp fees: Rs. 32,000/- BNHS members and Rs. 33,500/- others. (ex-Delhi) Group Leader: Mr Vandan Jhaveri Reporting: Pick up from New Delhi Railway Station at 6:00 a.m. and drop to New Delhi Railway Station at 7:30 p.m. on the last day. You are advised to book your tickets to arrive in New Delhi one day prior. How to Reach: New Delhi is well connected by air and rail. Participants can also fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, which is situated about 20 km from the meeting point (New Delhi Railway Station) Cost includes: All accommodation, food, transfers from and to New Delhi, permits, and entry to park Cost excludes: Flight/rail tickets, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages, camera fees, any cost not specified above Registration*: E-mail us at [email protected] or call at +91-9969798447 (Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.). www.bnhs.org

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Asif N Khan MARCH, 2019 EAGLENEST WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Batch I: 16th to 20th March 2019 (On Demand) Batch II: 21st to 25th March 2019 (Open) A birdwatcher’s paradise, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Though small in area (218 sq. km) the sanctuary is home to around 500 species of birds. It is also famous for the recent discovery of Bugun Liocichla. Other birds like Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch, Rufous-necked, Oriental Pied, Wreathed and Great Hornbill, Green-tailed, Mrs Gould’s, Black-throated and Fire-tailed Sunbird, Red-tailed Minla, Mountain Bulbul as well as Bhutan, Chestnut-crowned and Spotted Laughingthrush, Beautiful and Long-tailed Sibia, and many more. Dates: Camp fees: Rs. 38,500/- BNHS members and Rs. 40,000/- others. (ex-Guwahati) Group Leader: Mr Asif Khan Reporting: Members to meet on day-one at Guwahati at 6.00 a.m. at Hotel Mayur in the lobby (Tel: 0361- 2734855 to 61), Paltan Bazar, opposite Guwahati railway station. Return on last day late evening. You are advised to arrive at Guwahati one day prior to the first-day of the camp and leave Guwahati one day later. How to Reach: Guwahati is well connected by air and rail, however, the train journey can be long and prone to long delays. Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first-day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers from and to Guwahati, permits, and entry to park Cost excludes: Flight/rail tickets, stay in Guwahati on the first and last day, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages, camera fees, any cost not specified above Registration*: E-mail us at [email protected] or call at +91-9969798447 (Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.). www.bnhs.org

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Asif N Khan Asif N Khan Asif N Khan APRIL, 2019 VALLEYS OF HIMACHAL – Tirthan, Jibhi and Sainj Valley

Himachal Pradesh with its unique and convoluted topography gives an amazing variation in altitude for Himalayan Birding throughout the camp. With altitudes ranging from as low as 3000 ft up to Seolsar Lake at 10,500 ft gives a nice gradient. A mixture of subalpine Conifers, Alpine meadows and broadleaf forest offers a paradise for birders. Birds like Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Parakeet nuthatches, warblers, woodpeckers, flycatchers, bulbuls, blue-magpies and thrushes can be found here. Dates: 13th – 19th April 2019 Grade: Easy, with short walks (2–5 km) can be expected for birding. Camp Charges: Rs. 29,900/- members and Rs. 31,400/- for others. Accommodation: Homestays Reporting: Rama Krishna Ashram Metro Station in New Delhi (also known as R.K Ashram Metro Station) at 5:00 p.m. Drop on last day at 08:00 a.m.; Kindly book your train/flights after 12:00 noon on the last day. Cost includes: Delhi-Kullu-Delhi transport by Volvo, local transport in Kullu, food (except during the Volvo journey), accommodation in homestays, permits, and BNHS expertise. Cost Excludes: Any personal expenses, porterage (porters can be made available at extra cost on prior notice). Registration*: E-mail us at [email protected] or call at +91-9969798447 (Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.). www.bnhs.org

Panki Sood CORBETT NATIONAL PARK & NAINITAL (SATTAL, BHIMTAL & PANGOT) Dates: 22nd – 26th May 2019

Corbett National Park is the first wildlife park in India and was created in 1936. Besides Tiger and Asian Elephant, the area is known for a large number of sub-Himalayan species and in the summer an equally large number of breeding migrants that come from north Indian plains and peninsular India. We can see Great Hornbill, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Tawny Fish Owl, Collared Falconet, both Pallas’s and Lesser Fish-eagles, Hooded Pitta, Grey Treepie, White-crested Laughingthrush, Dollarbird, and Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler. Divya Warier Pangot, Sattal, and Bhimtal are known as a bird watcher’s paradise, and the “Nainital Hills” live up to their name with more than 200 species seen here. Sattal is also a photographer’s paradise. One can see three types of pheasants namely Cheer, Koklas and Kalij Pheasant, as well as Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Long-billed Ground-thrush, Red-headed Laughingthrush, Spotted Laughingthrush, Great Barbet, Chestnut-bellied Rock-thrush, Lammergeier, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Spot-winged Tit, Black- lored Tit, Striated Prinia, Red-billed Leiothrix, Blue- winged Minla, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Lesser Yellownape, Spotted Forktail, Rufous Sibia, and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch. Asif N Khan Asif N Khan Batch Limit: 18 Camp Charges: Rs. 31,800/- for Members and Rs. 33,000/-for others (ex-Delhi). Accommodation: Twin Sharing Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first-day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers to and from New Delhi, permits, and entry to Park. Reporting: Pick up from New Delhi Railway Station at 6:00 a.m. and drop to New Delhi Railway Station at 7:30 p.m. on the last day. You are advised to book your tickets to arrive in New Delhi one day prior. Asif N Khan Asif N Khan There are several options to stay in Pahar Ganj near the New Delhi Railway Station. Registration*: E-mail us at bnhs.programmes@ gmail.com or call at +91-9969798447 (Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.). www.bnhs.org

Asif N Khan ► ► INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

MARCH, 2019

Dates: 3rd–9th March 2019 African Safari – Tanzania Come and explore the wildlife of Northern Tanzania, also known as the “prime game viewing country”. Witness the spectacle of African wildlife in Tanzania. Watch the dust rise and feel your heart pound as herds of over a million Wildebeest and Zebra thunder across your path on the great migration. Masai Giraffe, Thomson’s Gazelle, Cheetah, Striped and Spotted Hyaena, and many more wild animals roam the savannah. Tanzania provides the best opportunity to see distinctive African animals like African Lion, Cheetah, Eland, and Kudu, and birds such as Secretary Bird, African Fish-eagle, Lilac-breasted Roller, Superb Starling, Vulturine and Crested Guineafowl, Southern Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, and Red-billed Hornbill. Other attractions are the Nile Crocodile and the largest land animal, the African Elephant.

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Vandan Jhaveri Asif N Khan Serengeti, Tanzania’s largest and most famous national park, the Mecca of wildlife lovers, is truly a wildlife paradise. Experience the thrill of exploring the endless plains of Serengeti and witness extensive herds of Wildebeest and Zebra. The largest bird in the world, Common Ostrich, can also be seen here. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places to see the Critically Endangered Black Rhinoceros, Serval, Wildebeest, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and African Lion at close range. Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest park in Tanzania and is famous for a large number of elephants that can be seen here. It is also a good place to spot the uncommon Yellow-collared Lovebird. Tarangire is famous for its population of tree climbing lions. Reporting: Participants to meet early morning (2:00 a.m) on 3rd March 2019 at Mumbai International Airport, the group will return to Mumbai on 9th March 2019 early morning. Timings may change as per flight timings Camp cost: Rs.2,79,900/- for members Rs.2,81,400/- for non members (ex-Mumbai) You can block your seat in advance by paying a deposit of Rs.10,000/- Registration*: E-mail us at [email protected] or call at +91-9969798447 (Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.). www.bnhs.org ► ► UPCOMING CAMPS

FEBRUARY/MARCH Marine camp at Lakshadweep Lakshadweep is a group of islands, 200–440 km off the southwest coast of India. These islands form the smallest union territory of the country. The Lakshadweep region has about 600 species of fish, 78 species of coral and over 100 species of other marine invertebrates. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the fascinating life under water. The cost of this camp will be announced on our website soon. You can block your seat in advance by paying a deposit of Rs.5000/- For details & to block your seat: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811 or email us at [email protected]

* Note: - ● If you are registering for any of the programmes, it is assumed that you have read and agreed to all the Rules and Guidelines. ● Rules and Guidelines for BNHS programmes are available on our website: www.bnhs.org. ● If you are booking a flight for any camp, it is highly recommended to book refundable tickets. ● All the surplus generated through the activities of the programme department are utilized for conservation of wildlife. ● It is also recommended to take travel insurance when travelling to any camp. ● The camp is subject to cancellation if the minimum number of participants is not reached. ● All cost indicated is for one person of Indian Nationality.