Birding in Bandhavgarh 

Bandhavgarh situated at the end of Vindhya Hills in Madhya Pradesh is a tiger heaven. It is one of the most picturesque land on Earth. Visited by large number of tourists on tiger safari the paradise has astounding presence of birds with more than two hundred and sixty species.

A good number of birders come to enjoy the tiger sightings as well as the wide variety to avian. Though the diversity of habitats in this protected ecosystem is impressive the forests abound with Sal dominating most of the area along with mixed forests and Bamboo.

Hence in this reserve the presence of floral elements is striking and naturally the area is occupied by forest species the tree dwelling ones. Small number of wintering teals can be seen in small waterbodies and some grass dwelling species as well.

Three years back while on birding trip at Bandhavgarh with a French group we had the best time of our lives. Though the big cats where in the focus so were the avian as well. The aim was not just to see them but provide photo opportunity for my enthusiastic guests.

The number of species we encountered were impressive with sight of Malabar pied hornbill, puff throated babbler, Indian pitta, white cheeked orange headed ground thrush, racket tailed drongo, spangled drongo and paradise flycatcher being to the most rewarding.

Besides a number of tiger sightings we came across many birds like blue bearded bee eater, shama, tawny bellied babbler, painted francolin, blue rock thrush, blue capped rock thrush, bronze dove, Indian vulture, white rumped vulture, Egyptian vulture, long tailed shrike, bay backed shrike, plum headed parakeet, common rosefinch, black headed and red bunting, white capped bunting and ashy minivet.

Since we stayed for three nights we could add more species during the safaris. Malabar pied hornbill is easier to see here than anywhere along with racket tailed drongo.

The mountain river Charanganga flows near the gate and offers ideal breeding grounds for the paradise flycatcher. Among the raptors this destination is best to see the crested hawk and crested serpent eagles. They abound here and breed as well. Owls like mottled wood owl, brown hawk owl, brown wood owl and brown fish owl are a treat to the eyes and photogenic as well.

The peacock is most resplendent of the avian but quite common as well. Identifying birds like warblers and pipits is a challenge since they are all similar looking and found in the park during the winter months.

Paradoxically summer are the best months to see and photograph avian species inhabiting the park. This is the time whence the canopy is thin for greater visibility and most of the resident species breed. Unfortunately the wintering species have already left by this time.

Hence for the best bird watching tours at Bandhavgarh early March is best. This is time whence the migrants are still there and the canopy has sufficiently thinned down. Come here to watch birds and revel.