Tucked away in the scenic landscapes of Uttarakhand, India, Sattal emerges as a haven for avid birdwatchers, offering an unrivaled blend of natural beauty and avian diversity. With its seven interconnected lakes, lush forests, and diverse ecosystems, Sattal stands out as a birder's paradise, inviting enthusiasts to witness an extraordinary array of winged wonders. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of Sattal, where every rustle of leaves and melody of birdsong adds to the symphony of this avian utopia.
Sattal stands proudly as a premier destination featured in the travel plans of bird enthusiasts, and naturally, it's a part of mine. I've outlined a six-day birding tour slated for the final week of January 2024, commencing on the 22nd and concluding on the 29th, accompanied by my soulmate, who is also my best friend.
We opted for a midday flight from Bangalore, ensuring our arrival in Delhi before 5 PM. Given the unpredictability of winter weather and the likelihood of fog in Delhi, our timing was strategic. As expected, the Delhi airport was shrouded in dense fog, and the cold was palpable. After navigating our way from the airport to Old Delhi Junction, we boarded the overnight train bound for Kathgodam, reaching our destination by 5 AM. Our accommodations and birding arrangements were pre-arranged with Rohit from Himalayan Birding Tours. To facilitate our arrival, a team member from his organization met us at the Kathgodam railway station.Sattal is conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from Kathgodam, offering a scenic and picturesque journey.
Over the following six days, we engaged in a comprehensive birding package, exploring various locations and commencing our days at a chilly 5:30 AM.
After a brief refreshment and a short rest, Sandeep picked us up from the hotel to take us to Sattal Studio for birding. Since this was my initial visit to Sattal, I didn't have any specific target species in mind, as every sighting promised to be a new and exciting experience.
Our journey was greeted by the welcoming sight of a Red-billed Blue Magpie, a stunning bird belonging to the crow family, abundantly scattered across the area. As we dedicated a considerable amount of time exploring the region and the studio, we were delighted to spot some remarkable avian species. Among them were the Streaked Laughing Thrush, Slaty Head Parakeet, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Fantail, Blue-throated Barbet, Kalij Pheasant, White-crested Laughing Thrush, and a particularly beautiful and rare Chestnut-headed Tesia.
In the late afternoon, we set out for Chafi, a small region where a river runs alongside the road, known for its population of Crested Kingfishers. Along the journey, we encountered a Tawny Fish Owl on the roadside. Walking through the river and rocky terrain provided a unique experience, combining trekking with birding. Our sightings included Crested Kingfishers, Brown Dippers, Redstarts, Stone Chats, and Common Green Magpies.
Over the following three sessions, we ventured into Nainital and Kathgodam regions, and dedicating time to explore their hides. During our hide sessions, we successfully identified over 20 species. Remarkably, within the initial three days alone, we spotted more than 50 new species. While waking up early in the chilly 3-4 degree temperature for regular activities may be challenging, the enthusiasm for birding prevails, regardless of the weather—be it cold or hot, day or night. 😊
Next, we were prepared to observe the Cheer Pheasant, Kosala's Mountain Scops Owls, and Himalayan Griffons. Our journey took us approximately 5 hours from Sattal to Manila via Ranikhet with stay. Ranikhet, a hill station and cantonment town in Uttarakhand, translates to 'Queen's Meadow'. In the evening, after more than an hour of exploration, we finally spotted the Cheer Pheasant in Ranikhet. It graciously held a pose for over 30 minutes, creating a truly remarkable wow moment.
The morning commenced as we headed towards Manila from Ranikhet. Before departing Ranikhet, we dedicated some time to search for the Koklass Pheasant, and eventually, it appeared right before us. The journey to Manila offered a continuous display of nature at its finest. This small, exceptionally beautiful village is nestled along a dense forest range, providing a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas.
After dinner, we embarked on a night birding adventure in pursuit of the Mountain Scops Owls. If luck favored us, there was also the possibility of encountering a leopard. Searching for owls in the dark and dense forest on a chilly night is an absolute must-experience. After patiently waiting, the distinctive call of the Scops Owls echoed through the night. We followed the sound and discovered a small, mighty owl perched on a suitable branch.
The following morning, we ventured into Manila in search of the Himalayan Griffon, Blue Tail, Pipits, and Owlets. The Himalayan Griffon, among Asia's largest vultures, boasts an impressive wingspan of approximately 3 meters and a weight exceeding 10 kilograms. Tracking the calls of these birds through unfamiliar terrain filled the experience with excitement. The unpredictability of what you might spot in the next few minutes adds to the beauty of nature. After a few hours of exploration and a hearty lunch, we commenced our journey back to Sattal.
Today marks the final day of our birding tour. As usual, we woke up at 5:30 AM to the delightful melody of bird chirping and made our way to Shyamket, a picturesque tea valley. This spot was abuzz with fellow bird enthusiasts, all poised with their cameras and tripods, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to capture shots of the Himalayan Goldfinch and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch. Both these small and exquisite birds were present in large groups. While exploring the area in search of the Maroon Oriole, luck wasn't on our side that day. We returned to the hotel for breakfast, followed by packing our luggage as we prepared to catch the night train back to Delhi.
In the evening, we spent some quality time in the hide before heading to the station for the 8:30 PM train. The next morning, we arrived in Delhi and caught a morning flight back to Bangalore.
As I bid farewell to Sattal, my heart brimmed with gratitude for the incredible birding experience it bestowed upon me. The memories of diverse species, breathtaking landscapes, and the thrill of exploration will forever be etched in my soul. Sattal, with its avian wonders, has left an indelible mark on my birding journey, and I eagerly anticipate the day I return to this feathered paradise.
Details : I arranged my birding expedition through Himalaya Birding Tours, and from the initial pickup on day 1 to the final day, every detail was meticulously organized. The accommodations were excellent, and the food provided was delightful. Our guide, Mohit, was exceptional, showcasing impressive knowledge throughout the journey.
Day 1 : Bengaluru to Delhi – 1 PM indigo flight , 10 PM Raniket Express from Old Delhi junction to Kathgodam
Day 2 : Reached Kathgodam at 5 AM , morning Sattal Studio and evening Chafi
Day 3 : Morning Nainital , evening Chirping Bird hide Sattal
Day 4 : Kathgodam area in the morning and evening Raniket
Day 5 : Raniket in morning and evening Manila
Day 6 : Manila , morning to early noon session , evening drive back to Sattal
Day 7 : Explored Shyamket in the morning , evening hide , night train to Delhi
Day 8 : Morning flight from Delhi and reached Bengaluru in the noon.
ebird trip report : https://ebird.org/tripreport/208743
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