NE India in January (1 Viewer)

[kstrating]

I am planning a trip to India in January/February 2020 and am interested in birding northeast India. Does anyone have any input on birding this area at that time of year (for example, weather, nesting, migrations, etc.)? Apologies for the open question, this trip is rather last minute and I'm not sure where to start. Any helpful links are also appreciated.

 

[mikeprince]

I'm a British birder living in India, and did a 3-week NE India trip last year. A little bit later than you at end of March/April, but visiting the main areas (west to east) in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Nameri National Park, Kaziranga National Park and Mishmi Hills. These are the most obvious sites to do, along with Manas or Namdapha National Parks. All have fantastic birding.

Most birders tend to visit between late March and May which gets most of the summer migrants and is easier for several of the specialities as birds are singing and more obvious generally with breeding activity underway. You would have all winter migrants (Black-necked Crane being a notable one that leaves in mid February) and still find many of the specialities (e.g. Beautiful Nuthatch, Blackish-breasted Babbler (Sikkim Wedge-billed), Fire-tailed Myzornis, Ward’s Trogon, Bugun Liocichla), but miss the summer migrants, and might find some of the other species, such as wren-babblers, extra skulking when they aren't singing!

It would also be cold, and some of the higher areas (such as Sela Pass, above Eaglenest) might be inaccessible.

I'd suggest you do some research on these key sites - if you have just two weeks it's not possible to include both Eaglenest and Mishmi Hills - and work out any preferences. Feel free to send me a message, or email [email protected], if you want to discuss further.

 

[kstrating]

Thank you Mike, this is just what I was looking for. I will respond via email.

BTW, enjoyed Bubo quite a bit. Need a bit more time with it, there are a lot of different threads with good information. Cheers.

 

[mikeprince]

BTW, enjoyed Bubo quite a bit. Need a bit more time with it, there are a lot of different threads with good information. Cheers.

Thanks! BUBO Listing is all a bit of fun, and we need some more US listers on there!

 

[kstrating]

Dr_AHD; Tried to reply to your PM regarding an India tour but your inbox is full. Was not able to get this trip going yet, but am looking at other India options now for late Feb, early March. Cheers.