Tal Chappar and Bikaner, Rajasthan - Raptors Galore (25th Jan'17 to 28th Jan'17)

Date: 25th Jan'17 08.00 am to 28th Jan, 2017 12.30 pm (travel days excluded). The bookings for our Super-Hot Destination Tal Chappar Wild Life Sanctuary & Bikaner - Bird- watching trip are on…..book your seats now (see the details at the end)..... Tal Chappar is an exciting Destination with a unique Grassland habitat surrounded by Desert that has recently come to limelight because of its Rarities....while Bikaner is wellknown for hundreds of Vultures and Eagles ....

An offbeat destination that surprises any birder with its amazing quality and quantity of birdlife.....

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TAAL CHAAPAR - A Grassland Oasis, Rajasthan

"Kesariya Baalam Aavo Ni, Padharo Mhare Des" this sign can be seen throughout the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, to signify that THIS is the gateway to India. Perhaps this sign is best applied for the Migratory birds that enter the mainland India through this corridor..............

There are several incredible Bird-watching destinations in India.... some are frequently visited for their abundance and variety, while some are visited for the endemic species that they offer. However, there are very few destinations which can be termed as "Hidden treasures" and which have been seldom visited due to either ignorance or poor logistics..... Amongst them Tal Chappar WLS is on Top of the list.... It is truely an Oasis for Birds surrounded by Desert.

It is only in recent times that Tal Chappar has come to limelight, due to some credible work by Rajasthan's forest Dept. especially by the current DFO Mr.Surat Singh Poonia. He has transformed this place from a dry featureless scrubland to a bird rich habitat where amazing varieties and Rare species of birds can now be encountered.

The Tal Chappar sanctuary is located on the fringe of the Great Indian Desert and is Located at a distance of 220 km from Jaipur. It is a small but rich wildlife sanctuary in Churu district of Rajasthan between Ratangarh & Sujjangarh. The word "Tal" means plane land which is actually a flat saline depression with open grassland scattered with acacia and prosopis trees which give it an appearance of a typical Savanna. Tal Chappar Sanctuary is known for its enchanting natural beauty and a unique fragile ecosystem spread across 719 Ha. And is more famous for the amazing population of Black Bucks, having highest density in India harboring more than 2000 of these elegant antelopes.

The location of the sanctuary makes it suitable as a passage stop for many migratory birds travelling to India. Thousands of birds of various species either stop-over here on their passage to mainland India or spend most of the winter months in this bio-diversity rich grassland habitat.

Rarities Galore: Tal Chappar WLS has especially shot up in prominence due to some of the rare birds recorded here that include Yellow-eyed Pigeons, Stolickza’s Bushchat, Spotted Creeper, Laggar Falcon, Spanish Sparrow, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Flocks of Demoiselle Cranes, European Turtle Dove, Lesser Kestrel, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Spotted Flycatcher, Singing Bushlark, Eurasian Skylark, Water Pipit, Sociable Lapwings, Black-crowned Sparrow Lark, Raven etc.

The bounty of bird, spiny-tailed Lizards and rodent population also ensures incredible variety of Raptors including Greater & Indian Spotted Eagles, Tawny, Imperial & Steppe Eagles, Short-toed, Booted and Bonelli’s Eagle, Harriers, Falcons, Sparrowhawks, White-eyed Buzzard , Indian Eagle-owl and several species of Vultures.

The park also harbours several other migratory and resident birds in good numbers including collard Doves, Greater Short-toed, Rufous-tailed, Crested, Indian Bush, Bimaculated and Oriental Sky Larks, Peafowls, Wheatears, Pipits, Francolins, Quails, Wyrnecks, woodpeckers, Bee-eaters, coursers, Cuckoos, Warblers, Wagtails, Shrikes, Rollers and owls.

The Saltpans near the North-western corner of the Park attracts a number of waders and other waterbirds including Sandpipers, Godwits, Avocets, Ibis, Storks, Stints, Egrets, Herons etc. which adds significantly to the list of this unique landscape.

Apart from the rich avifauna, Tal Chappar also hosts several other fauna that can be encountered easily including huge nos. of Blackbucks, Neelgai, Desert Jerbils, Desert Fox and Desert Cat, Indian Fox, Hedgehogs, Mongoose, Spiny-tailed Lizard.

It is just amazing to see the plethora of fauna in a land otherwise known as impoverished desert….. The best time to visit the Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary in Churu is from September to March.

(Some of the images in this blog are courtesy: Mr.Nirav Bhatt)

JORBEED, Bikaner -  Where Eagles & Vultures Rule the Sky

Do you know the only place in India, where the critically endangered species of Vultures are still found in thousands or Aquila Eagles cover the skies in huge flocks ????..... there is only one place, the newly established - Jorbeed Bird Sanctuary, Bikaner

Bikaner is a city in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan in northern India. It is located 330 kms northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. The city was founded by rajput Rao Bika in 1486 and from its small origins it has developed into the fifth largest city in Rajasthan.... it is more famous for sweets and snacks (or namkeens in Hindi).

One of the reasons why such huge congregations of Vultures and Eagles are still found in Bikaner is because of the Bisnoi community that dominate this place and their large no. of livestock. The people here do not send their cattle to abattoirs and instead dump the dead animals in the carcass dumping yard called "Jorbeed" situated in a place close to Bikaner. Hundreds of dead animals are brought in here from the nearby places as a result the Vultures and scavenger Eagles are lured to this spot. One should see it to believe it. Literally hundreds of Steppe Eagles and Egyptian Vultures pour over the area like crows in our dumpyards. The trees are full with these raptors.

Apart from hundreds of Steppe Eagles and thousands of Egyptian vultures, there is a fair sprinkling of Tawny, Eastern Imperial and Greater Spotted Eagles..... along with Eurasian Griffons, Cinereous Vultures, Long-legged Buzzards, Laggar, Red-necked & Peregrine Falcons,  etc.

This lesser known place is also home to one of the globally threatened species – Yellow-eyed Pigeons. The nos. Of this species here is amazing and they too come here in hundreds..... a significant world-wide population.

The surrounding region also holds good bird species like Desert & Indian Coursers, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Variable, Isabelline & Desert Wheatears, the rare Stolickza’s Bushchat,  Black Redstart, Crested Larks, Bimaculated Larks, Black-crowned Sparrowlarks, Punjab Raven, Demoiselle Cranes, Indian Peafowl, Tawny Pipit, Long-billed Pipit and numerous other species. 

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Nature India has organized an exclusive Birdwatching trip to this paradise from 25th January, 2017 to 28th January, 2017 (travel days excluded). We shall cover The Grasslands of Tal Chappar, The surrounding Scrubland and Carcass dumping ground in Bikaner.

read our last years experience...

http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.in/2009/07/final-trip-reports.html#tal

Have a look at some of the Trip reports & photoblogs on Tal Chappar WLS, Rajasthan

http://wildventures.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=9187

http://birdingindia.blogspot.com/2006/09/tal-chhapar-wildlife-sanctuary-2nd-3rd.html

http://birdsofchandigarh.blogspot.com/2009/08/trip-report-of-tal-chhapar-rajasthan-8.html

http://www.gits4u.com/wldlife/wlfraj2.htm

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Tour Itinerary & Other Details:

Date: 25th Jan'17 morning 08.00 am to 28th Jan'17 eve 12.00 pm (travel days excluded)

Mode of Travel : Tavera Jeeps (From Jaipur to Tal Chappar to Bikaner) 

Overnight train travel can be booked from Mumbai..... however since it is a busy sector, the train bookings should be done soon to get the desired train and class .... there are several trains available for Jaipur from Mumbai....Nature India can ASSIST in bookings if required.

Rough Tour Itinerary:( Ex.Mumbai)

24th Jan'17 (Tuesday): Departure from Mumbai to Jaipur 12216 +DEE Garibrath Express. at 12:55 Hrs (from Bandra).

25th Jan'17 (Wednesday): Arrival in Jaipur (7.10am) - Breakfast - Proceed to Tal Chappar Sanctuary - Birdwatching in the park in evening - check-in hotel -Night stay at Hotel in Sujjangad (12 kms from Tal-chhapar WLS)

26th Jan'17 (Thursday): Early morning bird watching @ Tal Chappar for Grassland species - Lunch - Proceed to the Scrubland and Saltpans towards North of Park and Cow shed area (Gaushala)-  Return to Hotel in Sujjangad - Dinner and Night Stay.

27th Jan'17 (Friday): Early morning check-out and proceed to Bikaner city (160 kms) - Breakfast on the way - Visit the Bikaner carcass dumpyard for Eagles and Vultures - Lunch - Continue birding till evening - Checkin hotel in Bikaner for night stay.

28th Jan'17 (Saturday): Early morning Checkout from Hotel and visit other birding sites in Bikaner to see Griffon Vultures, Yellow-eyed Pigeons, Desert Coursers, Eagles, Wheatears etc - Lunch and proceed to board 12489 +BKN Dadar SF Exp @ 13:50 from Bikaner

29th Jan'17 (Sunday): Arrive in Mumbai on 29th Jan'17 by 12.00 pm.

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Trip charges (Jaipur to Bikaner only)............. Rs.16900/-

Includes A/C stay (but basic) in a hotel in Sujjangad on twin sharing basis with attached toilet (Hot water only in evening and in buckets) and in a Homestay in Bikaner in Non-AC rooms on twin sharing, Travel by AC Tavera Jeeps - Jaipur to Tal Chappar to Bikaner travel, Park entry charges, vegetarian food , Guide charges, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water…….

This does not include travel charges from Mumbai to Jaipur and Bikaner to Mumbai, Photography fees or any charges other than the above.

Group Size: Max.8 persons only

How to Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.9000/- after our registration confirmation on e-mail…..The remaining amount will be collected on the day of travel.

Kindly register soon as the train bookings are not easily available in this sector.

Stay Arrangement:
(In Tal Chappar) At Hotel BDS, Near Sujjangad, Churu District in AC 

rooms on twin sharing basis.
Note: This is a remote place in Rajasthan, where the facilities are extremely basic.... and this hotel is the only option for staying near the sanctuary.....however, the Hotel is clean and food is hygienic. the hotel is situated approx. 10 kms from Tal Chappar Sanctuary.
(In Bikaner) Vinayak Homestay, Bikaner

Resource Person: Mr.Adesh Shivkar, Mr.Mandar Khadilkar 

Mode of Payment: You can either

1) Transfer the advance money directly to the HDFC A/c (Please send a mail for details).. please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.9000/- as advance amount to the following address

Name: Mr. Adesh Shivkar

Address: D-8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Near Sion Signal, Sion (East), Mumbai - 400022

Please Note:

1) Once registered, the amount of Rs. 9000/- is strictly non-refunadable

2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

3) Nest photography or any collection of specimens is prohibited
4) Kindly register on this trip only if you agree with  Nature India's rules and policies
http://natureindiapolicies.blogspot.in/2012/08/nature-india-policies.html 

Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification …..

For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 or 9820455713 (Adesh) or 9930318665 or 967518665 (Mandar).

Thanks for your patience.

Looking forward for a very rewarding trip with you all !!


Warm Regards,
Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect and Conserve

JAMNAGAR - Effortless Birding Experience (19th to 22nd Jan,2017)

Date: 19th Jan'17 to 22nd Jan'17 (travel days excluded). The bookings for Jamnagar / Khijadia / Narara bird-watching trip are on…..book your seats now (see the details at the end).....Birdwatch in one of the most Bird-rich areas with Nature India...where thousands of birds can be seen at ease......

This trip is also Strongly recommended to those who are New to Birding :-) ........... Please See complete details (Itinerary, Charges etc) at the end of this Blog.

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JAMNAGAR - Effortless Birding Experience

Jamnagar the Jewel of Kathiawar, is on the coast of "Gulf of Kutch" in the state of Gujarat, India. It has unspoilt Islands & Beaches, Hills, Temples, Palaces, Forest, Fantastic Bird life in the Bird & Marine Sanctuaries and Fascinating Corals along the coast…..

Jamnagar is the oldest city in Saurashtra. This city was also known as "Halar" in olden days, later it came to known as "Nawanagar". Modern Jamnagar city was built in 1920 AD by Maharaja Shri Ranjitsinhji. The city has army, navy and air force installation as it has strategic geographical location. In last few years Jamnagar has emerged as a Petro Giant. India's largest private company Reliance has established the world's largest grass root level refinery near Jamnagar, Essar Oil too has a refinery in Jamnagar district.

Dotted by numerous water bodies and the hospitable people around, Jamnagar is well-known for its incredible birdlife that is so easy to spot and observe that it wont be an exaggeration if the birding in Jamnagar area is termed as "Effortless Birding"....And hence this region is also a favorite haunt of Bird photographers. As this bird heaven is strategically located on the flyway of the migratory route, in winter it turns into a prime area for the birds and the bird-watchers as well.

Several migratory birds make Jamnagar their home during the winter months. Bird watchers flock to different places like the Sanctuaries, Coastal regions, Salt pans, rivers & water reservoirs of Jamnagar. The checklist shows more than 400 species.... Thanks to the varied habitat…....

Places like Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Lakota Lake right in the heart of the city, Narara beach, Bedi Bunder and the water reservoirs surrounding the town offer excellent place to view & photograph birds. Almost every water body in and around the town is dotted by remarkable species of birds which are now accustomed to the friendly neighborhood.

If you are arriving in Jamnagar by train, especially in winter, you are sure to see wonderful birds right near the station, as you step down from the train.

Please go through some of these links to know more about birding in Jamnagar.

Read previous trip report..

http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/final-trip-reports.html#jamnagar

http://green-indians.blogspot.com/2009/12/jamnagar-birds-on-platter.html

http://vijaycavale.blogspot.com/2008/01/jamanagar-must-for-any-bird-lover.html

http://www.indiatravelite.com/gujarat/jamnagarthebirdwatchersparadise.htm

https://picasaweb.google.com/108359053909554531885/Jamnagar#

Nature India announces an exclusive and effortless bird-watching trip to this wonderland from 19th Jan to 22nd Jan, 2017…. The details are given at the end. Amongst the places that we intend to cover are Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Narara beach, Charakla Salt Pans, Lakhota Lake & Bedi Bunder Area.

KHIJADIA BIRD SANCTUARY

Just less than an hour’s drive from the town (12 kms) is a renowned Khijadia Bird Sanctuary which many city dwellers are unaware of.

This protected area packs in an incredible diversity of ecosystems into the relatively small area of 6 sq.km. The sanctuary, created over the 1920s and '30s, is formed from two man-made dykes that separate fresh water from sea water, creating the opportunity to simultaneously observe species that belong to each ecosystem, and some that share both.

Along with the marine and fresh water habitats, there are also marshy lands, mangroves, Prosopis areas, mudflats, salt pans, creeks, forest scrub, sandy beaches, and even farmlands bordering the area. This provides a haven for more than 220 species of resident and migratory birds, including globally threatened species such as Dalmatian pelican, Asian open bill stork, Black-necked stork, Darter, Black-headed ibis, Eurasian spoonbill, and Indian skimmer, and provides birdwatchers with a delightful chance to sight rare birds in large numbers.


Watching the arrival of the Cranes during sunset for roosting is a fantastic experience. You can spot thousands of wintering Common and Demoiselle cranes, and other water birds includingFlamingos, Pelicans, Gulls, Ducks, Storks, Waders, Geese and theendangered Indian Skimmers. The Black-necked stork nesting can also be seen here. Method of Birdwatching is to walk along the dam. It is a refreshing change from riding in jeeps.

LAKOTA LAKE

Lakhota Lake is a smallish waterbody in the middle of Jamnagar with the Lakhota Palace as its center. Next to Lakhota lake there are smaller lakes. This area is quite a revelation for any birdwatcher. You may have never seen so many birds inside a busy city before!

Walking in the early mornings especially in the winter months & sitting under the beautiful domes allows you to experience nature with the birds... Just sit along the periphery wall of the lake and you can easily watch several species of ducks, Pelicans, Gulls, Terns etc at close quarters. More than 75 species of birds (both migratory and resident) have been recorded from this smallish lake making it one of the most productive “Lake” in the heart of a busy city anywhere in India…..

NARARA BEACH

This beach is a part of Marine National Park which is easily accessible by road. One just has to drive down to Narara Edge about 60 kms from Jamnagar. Here one should reach just before the tide starts, when the tide comes in, it brings the birds closer to land, making it easier for the bird watchers to watch from quite close.

Narara beach is acclaimed as one of the only place in India where one can reliably watch the rare Crab Plovers in large numbers and a variety of waders at close range.

It is one of the cleanest beach where live corals still exist and easy to explore on foot. As you walk in shallow waters during the low tide, you are often surrounded by Star fish, Sea cucumbers, Brain corals, Crabs, Sponges, Sea anemones etc…..walking along and exploring the corals along with birding is a unique experience indeed.

DHICHDA / BEDI BUNDER

Dhichda is also an excellent birding area, with lots of water bodies. Dhichda can be reached by taking a derour after the village of Bedi from the road turning left before the entry road of Bedi Port. Other places like Rosy Bunder too are teeming with birds, especially flamingos and waders. Some of the highlights here are the close views of several waders like Ruff, Stints, Godwits, Spotted & Common Redshanks, Pied Avocets and other birds include Sand Lark, Great Thicknee etc. In a good monsoon year, one can also gett good no. of Rosy & Dalmatian Pelicans.

The entire stretch offers excellent birding from roadside....another effortless experience. Here the Lesser and Greater flamingos can be seen at close qaurters.

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TRIP DETAILS

Date: 19th Jan 2017 09:00 hrs to 22nd Jan 2017  13.40 hrs (travel days excluded)

Mode of Travel: Train uptil Jamnagar and local non A/C trax jeeps.

Overnight train travel can be booked from Mumbai..... however since it is a busy sector, the train bookings should be done soon to get the desired train and class .... there are just a couple of trains available for Jamnagar from Mumbai....Nature India can ASSIST in bookings if required.

Tour Itinerary:Participants have to book their travel (To & Fro Jamnagar)

1) Wednesday 18th Jan, 2017: Departure from Mumbai by 19017 Saurashtra Janata Express train at 17:10 pm

2) Thursday 19th Jan, 2017: Arrive at Jamnagar at 9:00 am- Checkin hotel & Refresh –Rest - Lunch - Visit Bedi Bunder and Dhichda area for a relaxing birding – Return - Revision & Discussion of day's sightings – Dinner and stay at Jamnagar.

3) Friday 20th Jan, 2017: Early morning Birdwatching in Khijadia Bird Sanctuary – Visit Ranjitsagar Dam – return for Lunch – Visit Gandhinagar station area – Return - Revision & Discussion of day's sightings – Dinner and stay at Jamnagar.

4) Saturday 21st Jan, 2017: Morn. Birding at Charakla Salt Pans (80 kms from Jamnagar) - Delicious Kathiawadi lunch - Evening Visit Narara beach for Corals and sighting Crab Plovers, Oystercatchers and Other waders - Revision & Discussion of day's sightings – Dinner and stay at Jamnagar.

5) Sunday 22nd Jan, 2017: Morn. Birding at the nearby Lakhota lake for Ducks, Gulls, Terns & other birds - Early lunch - checkout and board 19018, Saurashtra Janata Exp. for Mumbai at 13:40

6) Monday 23rd Jan, 2017:  Reach Mumbai early morn. by 5.30

More details on the itinerary will be given to those who register.....

Trip charges: Rs.14500/- (Jamnagar to Jamnagar only)....

Includes Stay in Hotel President at Jamnagar on a twin sharing basis in non-A/C rooms, Local transport by Jeeps or Tempo traveller, Park entry charges, Local guide charges, Delicious Vegetarian food, Articles on Khijadia and Jamnagar Birding, Bird checklist, mineral water and snacks……

This does not include train travel from Mumbai to Jamnagar & Back or any other charges and also any individual camera charges ....Individuals will have to pay additional charges if any to the forest dept. as per the rules.


Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.8000/- 

(The seats will only be confirmed after receiving the advance amount & our registration confirmation by email) …..the remaining amount will be collected in train on the day of travel.......Please Register soon to get the confirmed train bookings and the desired class of travel. We can assist you for train bookings ONLY if possible for us.

Resource Persons: Mr.Adesh Shivkar & Mr.Mandar Khadilkar

Mode of Payment: You can either

1) Transfer non-refundable advance amount of Rs. 8000/- directly to Adesh's HDFC A/c : (please send us a registration mail) .... please mention your name, date and other details….OR
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.8000/- as advance amount to the following address

Name: Mr. Adesh Shivkar
Address: D-8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Near Sion Signal, Sion (East), Mumbai-400022

Please Note:
1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 8000/- is strictly non-refunadable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

      3) Nest photography or any collection of specimens is prohibited

4) Kindly register on this trip only if you agree with  Nature India's rules and  policies
 http://natureindiapolicies.blogspot.in/2012/08/nature-india-policies.html 

Please contact us, in case you need any clarification …..

For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 / 9820455713 (Adesh) or 9930318665 / 9967518665 (Mandar) or natureindiatours@gmail.com

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip !!

Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar