Started in August 2016 as a monthly photo summary of my observations, What I Saw has since become a regular feature. Initially, it consisted mostly of photos with minimal accounts of experiences or reflections on conservation. Over time, this changed, and the segment now recounts not just my travels and documentation efforts but also my thoughts on conservation.

This series has become a personal timepiece, helping me track my evolving focus on species. The blog began as a portal for insects of Nepal, but looking back at the What I Saw entries, it’s clear that my scope has broadened to include all flora and fauna of Nepal. When I first started this self-funded project, I didn’t know how long it would last. Yet, as I write this 100th segment, I feel it will continue longer than anticipated. Not only do I enjoy revisiting these experiences, but the blog also serves as valuable evidence of species in specific regions, aiding future explorations or planning return trips.

As a freelancer working outdoors, I often travel across Nepal. However, there are times I find myself back in the city with no work. For this milestone segment, I had initially planned a special trip, but a city-based work commitment changed my plans.

Exploring Manahara

My first trip this month was to Manahara in Kathmandu, a popular spot among birders and naturalists due to its migratory bird sightings. The September floods had reshaped the area significantly. The transition from farmland to riverbank was washed away, leaving a wide sandbar devoid of reeds and tall grasses, which made spotting species like Munias and Buntings more challenging.

Black Kites were abundant, basking on the sandbar. I managed to photograph one, and upon editing, noticed a dead Common Rat Snake nearby—perhaps missed in my initial observations. Meanwhile, above us, Pigeons and Crows moved erratically, their unusual flight patterns caused by a Short-eared Owl they were chasing. The owl, seemingly searching for a place to roost, repeatedly attempted to land, only to be harassed away by the birds. Despite waiting for over an hour, it eventually disappeared from sight.

While walking through the fields and sandbar, we spotted a variety of birds, including Common Sandpipers, Eurasian Collared Doves, a Eurasian Hoopoe, a Black Drongo, Yellow-breasted Buntings, Siberian Stonechats, and Zitting Cisticolas.

Birding Along the Bagmati Corridor

Next, I joined Prakash Dai for a birding trip to the Bagmati Corridor near Chobhar. Like Manahara, this area had changed significantly post-flood. Previously lush with greenery, it had transformed into a sandy expanse littered with garbage. The river, now a polluted black stream, still managed to attract shorebirds.

Grey Lapwings flew along the riverbank, while Common Sandpipers, Indian Pond Herons, and Barn Swallows were seen nearby. To my delight, I spotted a Long-billed Plover amidst the usual Little-ringed Plovers. The resilience of wildlife amidst pollution never ceases to amaze me.

As we walked around, we met a couple of birders who mentioned that the Siberian Rubythroat was nearby if we were interested in documenting it. After they left to explore the shores of the Bagmati, we headed in the direction where the bird was thought to be. We didn’t have to search for long, as a small group of people was already gathered, trying to photograph the bird.

Disappointment set in as I observed the scene. I had heard stories of birders overly focused on documenting a species, often resorting to questionable methods to get the perfect shot. For me, one of the most unethical practices is luring a bird with calls, especially during the breeding season. Another is stressing the bird by getting too close for photographs. The purpose of having a telephoto lens, such as a 400mm or more, is to maintain a respectful distance between the subject and the observer.

The Siberian Rubythroat had been frequenting this particular spot for nearly a week. Under normal circumstances, it would make sense to wait for the bird to appear naturally and document it without interference. Unfortunately, both unethical methods were being used here. A Bluetooth speaker was playing the bird’s call to lure it closer, and as it approached, some birders would move in, take their shots, and then retreat. The bird, disturbed, would relocate to another spot, only for the cycle to repeat.

After documenting a Hodgson’s Redstart nearby, we decided to leave. Before departing, we expressed our disapproval of such close-up photography methods, which compromise the well-being of the bird.

Batase

Mid-month, I received an assignment as a Wilderness First Responder with Himalayan Medics for the Impact Marathon in Batase, Sindhupalchowk. Located around 1,700 meters, surrounded by terraced farms and community forests, Batase lived up to its name, meaning “breezy.” The marathon combined community work and racing, and I spent the first three days assisting with bamboo shed construction while observing local wildlife.

Each morning, I woke to the songs of Pipits and Blue-fronted Redstarts as it enterd through the thin walls of the tent. Calls of Great Barbets echoed through the valley, while Grey Treepies and Red-billed Blue Magpies perched on Hog Plum trees. Black Drongos swooped down to fields in search of insects.

On the free day before the race, I explored the community forest. Walking along a jeep track, I encountered a flurry of bird activity—Pipits foraging on trails, Grey Treepies singing in the treetops, and Bar-throated Sivas flitting between trees. I also spotted a Buff-barred Warbler. Sitting quietly, I marveled at the intricate, often silent movements of the forest.

My time in Batase was fulfilling, both professionally and personally. Whether working with the community or exploring the forest, I was reminded of the beauty and complexity of Nepal’s natural world. Each experience reaffirms my commitment to conservation and documenting this ever-changing landscape.

The final stopover for the month was an early morning visit to Bhimdhunga. This trip was primarily about exploring an area with a significant mixed forest and the potential for observing a diverse range of bird species. On a chilly November morning, the west-facing hillside remained in shadow until after 10 a.m., resulting in limited movement and calls from the birds.

As we slowly walked down the trail, we spotted an eagle perched on a distant pine tree. Further along, a flock of White-bellied Munias flitted between shrubs, while Pipits foraged on the ground and a Black Kite soared overhead.

Planning to revisit this spot in the afternoon during December, we made our way back, observing Blue-throated Barbets, Black-lored Tits, and some warblers along the way. Bhimdhunga has always been one of my favorite places to return to, with its valley opening into another district and offering breathtaking views of the mountain ranges.

It has been quite a month, highlighted by an unexpected assignment outside the valley. Below are some of the species of flora and fauna I was able to observe and document

Bird:
Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Sandpiper, Black Kite, Eurasian Hoopoe, Black Drongo, Short-eared Owl, Zitting Cisticola, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Bluethroat, Siberian Stonechat ♂ ♀, Pied Bush Chat, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Long-billed Plover, Grey Lapwing, Indian Pond Heron, Barn Swallow, Siberian Rubythroat, Hodgson’s Redstart, Common Stonechat, Great Barbet, Grey Treepie, Olive-backed Pipit, Blue-fronted Redstart, Long-tailed Shrike, Bunting, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Himalayan Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Bar-throated Siva, Buff-barred Warbler, Black-lored Tit, Blue-throated Barbet, Blue whistling Thrush, Black Kite, Scarlet Minivet ♂ ♀, Red-vented Bulbul, Common Tailorbid,

Insect:
Dark Judy Butterfly, Bumblebee, etc.

Plant:
Doware Phul (Pleasant Luculia) Luculia gratissima, Lantana (Lantana camara), Pine (Pinus roxburghii), Utis (Alnus nepalensis), Zingiber chrysanthum, etc

Blogging about the flora and fauna of Nepal has been quite a journey, filled with highs and lows while maintaining this platform. Next year will mark the 10th anniversary since I started this blog and repository. Continuing this self-funded project wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable feedback, suggestions, and interest from the community.

I hope this journey continues in the years to come, and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has followed and supported this blog. Thank you so much! Ajay Narsingh Rana