As I emerged from my warm, cozy bed at the crack of dawn, I was greeted by the view of the majestic Nanda Devi peak. The sky was clear, and the air was crisp with birds chirping in the background. The temperature was low, but my spirits were high, with adrenaline flowing through every vein in my body. I was finally at Binsar, the perfect abode for bird lovers
Binsar, the erstwhile summer capital of the Chand Dynasty rulers, is a picturesque hamlet perched in the imposing Kumaon hills. For passionate bird enthusiasts like me, Binsar is a haven with more than 250 species of the feathered variety. The best place to spot these petite marvels is the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, where I started this sojourn with birds.
I met my guide at the sanctuary entrance, from where we walked for almost half an hour, looking intently at every leaf that rustled and every branch that moved. However, to our dismay, there was no bird in sight. But as I started to lose hope, there he was, looking debonair in his shiny violet coat. It was the omnipresent Blue Whistling Thrush. Though a common sighting in these parts, it was a euphoric moment for me.
Mighty happy with the find, we walked further, with my guide informing me about all the varieties of birds that one can see here. Though I was listening to him, my mind was elsewhere as I could hear a constant drumming sound from nearby. Looking through my binoculars, I saw two woodpeckers knocking away on the trunk of a tree. They were none other than the Greater Yellow Naped Woodpecker and the Brown-fronted Woodpecker.
To our surprise, not much ahead, we heard the echoing trill of a petite brown bird. It was the Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, also called the Songbird of Kumaon. As we walked through the wooded part of the forest, I suddenly saw a bright spark of red. I was ecstatic as I knew this was unmistakably the resplendent Scarlet Minivet. And lo behold, we spotted not only one but a pair - the male in its brilliant red finery and the female in its slightly subdued but beautiful yellow coat.
Over the next half an hour, we were treated to a spectacular melee of several Warblers, various Tits, Barbets, Bulbuls, Indian White Eyes, the Rufous Sibias, the Oriental Turtle Doves, the Grey Bushchat, and the master of camouflage - the Bar Tailed Tree Creeper. I was particularly enamoured by the Rufous-bellied Niltava that looked dashing in its bright blue and orange coat. We also caught a glimpse of a family of Khalij Pheasants scuttling across the road into the bushes.
Over the next two days of my birding extravaganza, birds kept appearing as if performing on a stage - Grey-winged Blackbirds, Fly Catchers, Jays, Owls, and several raptors, to name just a few. However, the grand finale was a brief but memorable glimpse of the Chestnut-headed Tesia - a small, beautiful, and shy ground-dweller.
A visit to Binsar is a must for any ornithophile. Unflustered by the paparazzi, these beautiful birds go about their daily lives, little knowing that their melodious notes and captivating colours are manna from heaven for birding enthusiasts.
How to Reach Binsar
By Air - The nearest airport is Pantnagar, a 5-hour drive.
By Rail - The closest railway station is Kathgodam, a 4-hour drive.
By Road - The drive from Delhi to Binsar is about 10 hours.
Must-Haves on a Birding Trip
Full-length clothes, preferably in dull or camouflage colours so as not to startle the birds.
A good birding book like Birds of the Indian Sub-continent by Carol Inskipp, Richard Grimmett, and Tim Inskipp.
A good guide who knows the surroundings like the back of his hand.
Binoculars with a good range.
A DSLR/mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens with a focal length of 400 mm or more.
Some water and knick-knacks to keep you company during the long birding sessions.
A calm mindset and a patient attitude, as birds can take their own time to show themselves.
Best Season to Travel
The best time to travel to this birder&rsquos paradise is between October and June.