2011 Birding Trips (Plan)

In 2011 I need to meet my 2010 target which I missed due to some personal issues. But I have changes to my plan. I am not going to India this year. Instead, I am planning to visit the following countries:

1. Malaysia

2. Thailand

3. Sri Lanka

4. Nepal

5. Butan

I am planning a week in each country except Nepal where I am planning 10 days. I am still doing the investiagation about the the places to go in each country and I think I will start with Nepal first. I am expecting around 500 species of birds from these trips which will make my total number of species photographed into four digits.

I started collecting information about Nepal and looks to be a very good especially Chitwan National Park. There has been a report where 200+ species were recorded in a two week trip at Chitwan. I am planning to stay there for three days and expecting around 100 species. Phulchowki near Katmandu is also a good place where another 50 or more can be seen on 3 to 4 days time. A total of 200 new species are expected in 10 days during my trip to Nepal.

The main object of the trip to Nepal is to record the Partridges, Snowcocks, Francolins and Pheasants. They are one of the most beautiful birds in the world.

Some of the above birds are not easy to see. And some of them are rare in Nepal. Further studies on the habitat and locations in Nepal is required before I can finalize my trip.

The required list for Nepal can grow dramatically as I am just getting used to the birds of Nepal.

I am also planning a week in Bhutan and would like to go there directly from Nepal. Very little is known when it comes to Birds of Bhutan or Birding in Bhutan. Most of the tour operators in Bhutan are either Indian based companies or Nepal based companies. Local birders are very less or they details on the internet is very rare.

Regarding Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand needs a lot of studies. I have already ordered the field guides for these countries and are expecting them very soon. Once the field guides are received, I can start my study on the list of birds that I expect in each country and then find the right places for them. I am expecting around 300+ species in three weeks from this three countries.

One another place I want to visit is the Bharatpur in India. But it depends on my anual leave days left after these trips. I have already planned 30 out of my 42 days anual leave.

The total target of 500+ species (to make my World list into four digits) can be achieved quite easily, Insha Allah, if I can make the above trips.

Another major target for this year is the 300 species in UAE. I have already photographed around 250 species in UAE. Hope this year bring the rest 50 species.

(This post needs further modifciations)