Apart from the cricket we visited two main birding areas. Firstly to the Tadoba National Park 3 hours south-west of Nagpur,. This area of deep forest is home to many Tigers of which we saw two and a large herd of Gaur. We were also lucky to see Sloth Bear as well. For birds the forest was difficult with the jeeps roaring about hell bent on seeing Tigers. We did get some reasonable views of Grey Junglefowl and Red Spurfowl but birding was easier in the surrounding farmland and the shoreline of the dammed river. Here we found lots of wetland birds including both jacanas, Asian Openbills, Black Ibis and lots of wildfowl including Cotton Teal, Comb Duck and Spot-billed Duck. On the farmland Ashy-crowned Finch-larks were common and we found a superb male Pallid Harrier and a couple of Indian Coursers. Evenings in camp were great with Collared Scops Owl calling and Indian Nightjars doing their stuff in the twilight.
Our second base was on Bali Island in the Sunderbands in the Bay of Bengal. Only part of our journey was by road the final two hours by boat. It was a great experience staying here alongside villagers partaking in their sort of life. Apart from walking around the village all other activity was by boat. The twin threats of being attacked by Estuarine Crocodiles and Tigers restrict landing to just a few sites and their watchtowers. Wildlife was difficult to find but rewarding when successful. Eight species of kingfisher are found here including the large and spectacular Brown-winged Kingfisher. Lots of waders with good numbers of Terek Sandpipers and Pacific Golden and Greater Sand Plovers. Red Junglefowl were particularly obvious at the drinking holes too.
Much more was seen and having not been to India until 2010 I am now getting rather keen on the place.
Since your last trip the Tiger pic has been my wallpaper. I might have to change it now to that spectacular kingfisher.
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