Olive-backed Pipit @ Mandal, Uttarakhand, North India

Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni) is a colorful, 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 -0.7

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 fauna. 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.

Paddyfield Pipit @ Jeram Beach Selangor, Malaysia

Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus) is one of the active, attractive and fast action resident birds can be found in Jeram Beach Selangor. It can be found along the beach.

Jeram beach located along Kuala Selangor coastal road is one of destinations of million migratory shorebirds to Peninsular Malaysia every year. The number of migratory shorebirds increases to reach the peak between March to April. 

There are few different types of stints come to Jeram beach, including red-necked stints and little stints. The birds are active in the morning, from 8.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. during low tide. 

Jeram beach aka. pantai Jeram is a popular beach destination for Malaysian for weekend family get-away. There are abundant seafood restaurants along the beach which operates from afternoon to evening especially during weekend. It can be reached in approximately one hour from Kuala Lumpur by car. The main target birds include different types of stints, sandpipers, eagles, doves, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, herons, egrets, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few.

Paddyfield Pipit @ Chui Chak Langkap, Perak, Malaysia

Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus) is an adorable, attractive and fast action bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Chui Chak, Langkap, Perak, Malaysia. The bird is a resident to Chui Chak, Langkap. It can be found around the paddy field area and surrounding plantation.

Chui Chak is a small district just 5 kilometres from Langkap town. It is yet another wonderful birding destinations in Perak, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds, bird watching and has become migratory birds' destination too. The place has huge area of paddy field and oil palm plantation. The name Chui Chak means water gate in local Chinese language. The water gate which is used to control paddy field irrigation system for the area. Langkap is a popular weekend destination to the local for family get away. Adequate accommodations, restaurants and local food stalls are provided in the area.

Chui Chak can be reached in approximately one and half hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car via North South highway. The place has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Chui Chak includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds, ducks, rails, stilts, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets and herons just to name a few.

Paddyfield Pipit @ Sungai Balang, Muar, Malaysia

Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus) is a very cute, attractive and fast action bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Sungai Balang, Muar, Malaysia. The bird is a resident to Sungai Balang. It can be found around the paddy field area and surrounding plantation.

Sungai Balang is another wonderful birding destinations in Johor, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds and has become migratory birds' destination too. The place has large area of paddy field, mangrove forest, seashore, and streams. Muar is a popular weekend destination to the local for family get away, fishing, kite flying and cycling. Adequate accommodations, restaurants, local food stalls and recreational activities are provided in the area and nearby town, Muar.

Other nearby birding destination to Sungai Balang is Parit Jawa where fisherman village and jetty are located. The area includes nearby mangrove forest and beaches.  

Sungai Balang can be reached in approximately two and half hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car. The place has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Sungai Balang includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds,  shore birds. stilts, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets and herons just to name a few.