Birds and Rhino Tour

On 20 March, we (myself with two New Zealand birding guest Tony and Carol) flew to Bharatpur airport from Kathmandu. This the shortest flight in Nepal, just 20-minute, compared to 5 hours’ drive. After flight we got picked up by Kumar Giri, my old pal, who is the manager and naturalist in, “Into The Wild Eco Resorts”, located next to Kasara, Chitwan national park. Chitwan national park is the finest nature park in Nepal, where I did work in one the Wildlife Resort, long time ago, where Kumar also used to work. Great place to be back for my great passion. This resort is located just north of the river Rapti, overlooking the river and national park. As soon as we arrived, heard the pleasant voice of Black-hooded Oriole in the garden and sound of Ruddy Shelduck in the river Rapti.

After lunch, in delayed time due to the weather, we explore the farmland area and saw many birds. Next day after breakfast, we explored with another old friend and naturalist Kalu Ram Tamang, to Sita Mai community forest. The birds we saw was from the forest and wetland of Rapti and grassland nearby.

Next day after early breakfast, we embarked on canoe down the Rapti river, where Pied Kingfisher and endangered, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Ruddy Shelduck, Citrin Wagtail with wildlife such as Crocodiles and Hog Deer family, was great. After Canoe we continued on our jeep Safari, from Kasara, the head quarter of the park area to the west beyond the ruins of one top wildlife Resort Tiger Tops. While driving we managed to see few Rhino, Spotted Deer and wild elephant Dhurbe (male) in the Bhimle army camp, where they have patrol female elephants. The Changeable Hawk Eagle and Crested Serpent Eagles and must anticipation, with the hope of encountering the king of the jungle. Tried to see Great Hornbill, that was heard but the Rhino crossing the river was a pleasant sight. Had our packed lunch and continued our journey of exploration back and returning back to the Resort just before the dark

On day 4th we traveled to Vulture safe zone area located some 2 hours’ drive the resort. We enjoyed seen the critical endangered Vultures- White-rumped Vulture with Himalayan Vulture, Cinerous Vulture, Red-headed Vulture and Eurasian Griffon with many other birds.

Next day we continued exploring the national park again and great to see, the Great Hornbill and Gaur with Sambar Deer, finishing the exploration, keeping the tigers and many birds for next time