Spotted Owlet @ Tal Chhapar, Rajasthan, India

Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) is a cute, attractive and active resident bird among few hundred of bird species can be found in Tal Chhapar, the state of Rajasthan, Northwestern India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1000, F 5.6, 1/4000, EV -0.3.

Bird Photography Trip to Rajasthan, Northwestern State of India

It was the first bird photography trip to the state of Rajasthan, in Northwestern India during winter. The locations include Tal Chhapar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The three places are considered the most exciting bird photography and bird watching locations in the state of Rajasthan, where each place offers completely different species of birds and wildlife with its endemic species.  

Tal Chhapar

Tal Chhapar can be reached in approximately four and a half hours drive from Jaipur International Airport. Tal Chhapar sanctuary is an open grassland with scattered trees and it is home for blackbuck also known as the Indian Antelope. It attracts raptors during migration period in winter. Other places of interest are salt pans area which is adjacent to the sanctuary which is home to waders. Gousala is another exciting area for bird photography and bird watching in Tal Chhapar. The place is home to vultures and raptors, not forgetting an endemic bird; Spotted Treecreeper.

Bikaner

Bikaner is approximately 340 km from Jaipur International Airport or approximately 131 km from Tal Chhapar. It can be reached in 6 hours from Jaipur or 2 and a half hours from Tal Chhapar by car respectively. Bikaner consists of desert area with scattered grazing land in the Thar Desert. It is home to desert mammals, migratory birds and raptors in winter.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is also know as "Golden City" because of it uses yellow sandstones for buildings. It is part of Indian Thar Desert and border to Pakistan. The area consists of sand dunes and yellow sandstones with scattered grass land. It can be reached in approximately 10 hours by car for a distance of 600 km from Jaipur international airport or 7 and a half hours drive from Tal Chhapar for a distance of 422 km or 5 hours drive from Bikaner for a distance of 330 km respectively. Jaisalmer is home to a famous Desert National Park (DNP) which is the main reason for bird photographers and bird watchers to be there. Desert National Park is one of few places where Indian Great Bustard and Macqueen's Bustard can be found, beside many other small endemic desert birds. 

Why Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the biggest state in India. It land covers 11 percent of total land area of India. The state has more than 600 species of birds to offer to bird photographers and bird watchers, not forgetting the flora and fauna. It is a low land where famous Indian Thar Desert is located. 

Rajasthan has an impressive biodiversity, especially fauna. Due to its geographical location, it is a destination to many migratory birds in winter, more specifically for raptors and at the same time it is home for endemic desert birds and other mammals. 

In terms of accessibility, being the biggest state in the country, Rajasthan is very accessible, be it via road, rail and air. There are abundant hotels, resorts, villas and guesthouses of different standards and prices in each city and town in the state. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards.

Best time to visit Rajasthan

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during winter; from October to March. During this period, temperature is between 15 - 20 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 5 - 10 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography and bird watching in India have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from both the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers.

 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Rajasthan and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.

In view of the distance between one place and the others, it is recommended to plan those destinations with local bird guide beforehand as special vehicle is needed to enter those places, especially desert area. One of the best route is to start from Jaipur to Tal Chhaper. From Tal Chhapar continues to Bikaner, then to Jaisalmer. The same route for the return. By doing so, it breaks a long distance drive.

Spotted Owlet @ Tal Chhapar, Rajasthan, India

Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) is a cute, attractive and active resident bird among few hundred of bird species can be found in Tal Chhapar, the state of Rajasthan, Northwestern India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1000, F 5.6, 1/400, EV -0.3.

Bird Photography Trip to Rajasthan, Northwestern State of India

It was the first bird photography trip to the state of Rajasthan, in Northwestern India during winter. The locations include Tal Chhapar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The three places are considered the most exciting bird photography and bird watching locations in the state of Rajasthan, where each place offers completely different species of birds and wildlife with its endemic species.  

Tal Chhapar

Tal Chhapar can be reached in approximately four and a half hours drive from Jaipur International Airport. Tal Chhapar sanctuary is an open grassland with scattered trees and it is home for blackbuck also known as the Indian Antelope. It attracts raptors during migration period in winter. Other places of interest are salt pans area which is adjacent to the sanctuary which is home to waders. Gousala is another exciting area for bird photography and bird watching in Tal Chhapar. The place is home to vultures and raptors, not forgetting an endemic bird; Spotted Treecreeper.

Bikaner

Bikaner is approximately 340 km from Jaipur International Airport or approximately 131 km from Tal Chhapar. It can be reached in 6 hours from Jaipur or 2 and a half hours from Tal Chhapar by car respectively. Bikaner consists of desert area with scattered grazing land in the Thar Desert. It is home to desert mammals, migratory birds and raptors in winter.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is also know as "Golden City" because of it uses yellow sandstones for buildings. It is part of Indian Thar Desert and border to Pakistan. The area consists of sand dunes and yellow sandstones with scattered grass land. It can be reached in approximately 10 hours by car for a distance of 600 km from Jaipur international airport or 7 and a half hours drive from Tal Chhapar for a distance of 422 km or 5 hours drive from Bikaner for a distance of 330 km respectively. Jaisalmer is home to a famous Desert National Park (DNP) which is the main reason for bird photographers and bird watchers to be there. Desert National Park is one of few places where Indian Great Bustard and Macqueen's Bustard can be found, beside many other small endemic desert birds. 

Why Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the biggest state in India. It land covers 11 percent of total land area of India. The state has more than 600 species of birds to offer to bird photographers and bird watchers, not forgetting the flora and fauna. It is a low land where famous Indian Thar Desert is located. 

Rajasthan has an impressive biodiversity, especially fauna. Due to its geographical location, it is a destination to many migratory birds in winter, more specifically for raptors and at the same time it is home for endemic desert birds and other mammals. 

In terms of accessibility, being the biggest state in the country, Rajasthan is very accessible, be it via road, rail and air. There are abundant hotels, resorts, villas and guesthouses of different standards and prices in each city and town in the state. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards.

Best time to visit Rajasthan

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during winter; from October to March. During this period, temperature is between 15 - 20 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 5 - 10 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography and bird watching in India have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from both the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers.

 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Rajasthan and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.

In view of the distance between one place and the others, it is recommended to plan those destinations with local bird guide beforehand as special vehicle is needed to enter those places, especially desert area. One of the best route is to start from Jaipur to Tal Chhaper. From Tal Chhapar continues to Bikaner, then to Jaisalmer. The same route for the return. By doing so, it breaks a long distance drive.

Asian Barred Owlet @ Mandal, Uttarakhand, North India

Asian Barred Owlet (Glaucidium cuculoides) is a cute, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Mandal, the state of Uttarakhand, North India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 800, F 5.6, EV -0.3

Second Bird Photography Trip to Uttarakhand 

It was the second bird photography trip to the state of Uttarakhand, in North India during winter. The locations include Chopta, Mandal and Pangkot whereas the first trip was at Sattal, Bintal and Nainital.  During this period Chopta was experiencing heavy snowfall which was very unsual after mid of February. Hence, bird photography has become even more challenging to trek the hill as it covers by thick snow. The road leading to the peak is non accessible by car as the roads have become so slippery resulting road accidents happen on daily basis. 

At this time of writing, effective from February 2024 the Forestry Department of India imposes entrance and camera fees for bird photography and bird watching activities in Chopta and Mandal's forest reserves at a rate of Rs. 1,500 per day per person or equivalent to USD 20 per day per person. 

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography in India has been getting very good attention and has captured overwhelming response from the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers. 

Why Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand means "Northen Land" in Hindi. It is also known as the "Valley of God" to the local. Geographically, state of Uttarakand is located in the Northen part of India, with four seasons weather. It borders with China to the North, Nepal to the East and state of Uttar Pradesh to the South. 

Uttarakhand has an impressive biodiversity, both flora and founa. Approximately 85% of Uttarakhand state is mountainous and 65% of the total area is covered by forest; from glaciers at the highest elevations to subtropical forest at the lowest elevations, with the elevation ranging from 1,500 meter to 5,000 meter above sea level. The factors have been primary reason for Uttarakhand to be home for many unique and exotic birds, both endemic and migratory species. 

Best time to visit Uttarakhand

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during winter; from November to March. During this period, temperature is between 10 - 18 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 0 - 5 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

Chopta is also known as "Mini Switzerland" has colder temperature with snowfall during winter as it located in higher altitute. During this period the road leading the the peak is non accessible to traffic. The temperature may go down to minus 10 degree centigrade. Hence, prior arrangement is needed during winter as it is a peak season for tourists arrival, for both local and foreign tourists. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Sattal and Bintal which can be reached in approximately two hours drive from the airport, Pantnagar. Pangkot which can be reached in just approximately one and half hour drive from Sattal town. Chopta and Mandal are other excellent bird photography and bird watching locations in the state of Uttarakhand, North India. 

How to go to Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand can be reached in approximately one hour by plane from Delhi to a small airport at Pantnagar town. It takes two hours drive from Pantnagar airport to Sattal or Bintal town. Alternatively, train service which takes 6 hours from Delhi to Ramnagar town. Bus service from Delhi to Uttarakhand is also available. 

As for Chopta, it is recommended to go by plane from Delhi to Dehradun airport which takes approximately one hour. From Jolly Grant airport it takes six and half hours drive to Chopta. 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Uttarakhand and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.

Collared Owlet @ Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia

Collared Owlet (Taenioptynx brodiei) is yet another colorful and attractive bird among few hundred species of birds can be found in Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia. The bird can be found along the roads at the Hill. 

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 2000, F 6.3, EV -0.3.

Fraser's Hill is definitely one of the best birding destinations in Malaysia and in Asia as it is a residence to many exotic birds. The hill covers a large area of tropical rain forest, waterfalls, trekking and streams. There are abundant accommodations, food and recreational activities provided at the Hill. It can be reached in approximately two hours from Kuala Lumpur by car.

Fraser's Hill has the largest bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders from all over the world to be there. The main target birds in Fraser's Hill include different types laughingthrush, broadbills, cuckoos, flycathers, woodpackers, barbets, babblers, Niltavas, Minivets and Trogons just to name a few. 

As part of it's promotion and global recognition, Fraser's Hill holds Fraser's Hill International Bird Race annually. The hill is truly a heaven for bird and nature lovers.