Pre-monsoon weather and assignments concentrated in Kathmandu limited my nature excursions to just a couple of outings. The landscape was adorned with vivid green foliage, and it was the perfect time to focus on the small critters that are rarely seen during the winter months.

My first stop was the Godavari area for a team-building assignment. During long breaks, I closely observed the surroundings. Knotweed plants were blooming, covering the ground, while damselflies flitted through the foliage, resting on the leaves. Honeybees hovered near the plants, eventually landing on tiny flowers, their hind legs laden with pollen sacks indicating a fruitful flight.

As I observed closely, I saw a Black-kneed Meadow Katydid hop from one leaf to another and another species of damselfly flying around. I also spotted a Net-winged Beetle with deep red wings. The area was dotted with various flowers in full bloom, such as Broadleaf Woodsorrel, Foxtail Orchid, Knotweed, and other wildflowers. Mock strawberries were also fruiting, popping up around the area.

Mock-strawberry

I encountered a Banded Treebrown butterfly, a cicada exoskeleton, beetles, and a crab spider that seemed like a Xysticus croceus. Among the flora, I noted a Dwarf Date Palm and different varieties of ferns, including maidenhair fern. A dead tree with a hole near the top had always piqued my curiosity, and this time, I spotted a juvenile parakeet peeking out of the hole, an exciting sight.

The best part of frequent visits to the same place is the opportunity to spot new species of flora and fauna, especially in Godavari. I can’t wait to return next year.

Another stop this month was Hattiban for another team-building program. After the program, I strolled around the area before lunch. I saw several bird species and insects.

Ashy Drongos were flying around, chasing other birds, and seemed to have a nest nearby. Grey Treepies were plentiful in the pine forest. I also saw an Orange-billed Blue Magpie foraging. While observing the Grey Treepies, I noticed a White-throated Kingfisher perched on a branch, far from any water body, likely foraging on insects. I also spotted a Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, a Great Tit, and some Warblers.

On the macro side, I documented Leaf Beetles, grasshoppers, Orb-weaver spiders, and Leafhoppers.

Bird-on-a-wire

The final stop for the month was Bhimdhunga, where I went biking and birdwatching. Riding on the trail along a hill, I noticed a juvenile thrush perched on a wire. After documenting the bird, I continued riding until I reached a landslide area, where I stopped to observe the flora and fauna.

Bronzed Drongos were flying around alertly, with a couple of Black Kites soaring above. Below, various birds were busy foraging on the fruiting trees. I saw Grey Treepies, Black Bulbuls, Black-lored Tits, and Warblers.

A couple of Short-billed Minivets chased each other until a female perched on a tree to groom. Sitting in that area for a while, I backtracked to another spot a kilometer away. This decision paid off as I noticed more bird species and a mammal.

During my stay at this location, I observed and documented a Grey-hooded Warbler, White-crested Laughingthrush, a juvenile Grey Treepie, Minivets, Himalayan Bulbuls, and a Blue Whistling Thrush. I also saw some Black-chinned Babblers moving through the bushes but couldn’t document them properly. While observing the birds, I noticed an Irrawaddy squirrel moving around a flower-laden bush.

Knotweed-in-Bhimdhunga

Exploring the nooks and crannies of the Kathmandu Valley is always exciting. This month has been particularly filled with discoveries of new flora and fauna. Below are some of the flora and fauna I observed in June.

Bird:
Parakeet, Blue Whistling Thrush, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Ashy Drongo, Grey Treepie, White-throated Kingfisher, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Black-chinned Babblers, Bronzed Drongos, Black Kites, Black Bulbuls, Black-lored Tits, Warblers, Spotted Dove, Himalayan Bulbul, Oriental Magpie Robin, Verditer Flycatcher, Long-tailed Shrike, Grey-hooded Warbler, White-crested Laughingthrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, etc.

Mammal:
Irrawaddy squirrel.

Insect:
Asian honey bee (Apis cerana), Damselflies, Net-winged Beetle, Crab spider (looks like a Xysticus croceus), Banded Treebrown Butterfly, Black-kneed Meadow Katydid (Conocephalus melaenus), Leaf Beetle, Grasshopper, etc.

Plant:
Broadleaf Woodsorrel (Oxalis latifolia), Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa), Mock strawberry (Potentilla indica) भुइ एंसेलु, Fern, Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix loureiroi), Koenigia mollis, Utis (Alnus nepalensis), Pine (Pinus roxburghii), Lantana (Lantana camara), etc.

July will been a month of riding around the valley and documenting my sightings. Thank you for following the blog and showing your support.

Ajay Narsingh Rana