The month began with a mountain biking trip to the Annapurna Circuit—my second visit to the Annapurna Conservation Area this year, following last month’s trek to the Ghorepani–Poonhill side, which also falls within the same protected region.

Whether on foot or riding a mountain bike, the Annapurna Circuit never feels exhausting or repetitive, no matter how many times I’ve done it. Each trip reveals something new—the sights, the sounds, and the subtle seasonal changes. Recollecting these moments in this blog has its own charm.

As usual, our ride began in Besisahar. With more sections of the road getting paved or concreted, I started to doubt my off-road tires, but the joy of riding past Pisang and hitting the rougher trails made up for it. While riding toward Tal, I spotted a Steppe Eagle circling above the Marsyangdi River near Bhulbhule, and nearby, a Red-headed Vulture perched on a tree. It had been a while since I’d seen one, especially in this region, so I stopped the bike to point it out to a few of my clients. With no proper lens on this work trip, it was one of those moments to simply enjoy rather than document.

Along the trail to Tal, I saw Blue Whistling Thrushes, various warblers, and a few moths. Rain in the latter half of the day was expected, as the delayed arrival of winter–spring rain had just started. The haze and smoke from forest fires had begun to clear, and locals mentioned that the some of the smoky air had drifted toward Manang. As we gained altitude, the subtropical vegetation gave way to alpine landscapes around Dhukur Pokhari, where I usually scan the small ponds hoping for duck sightings.

In past visits, I’d often seen Ruddy Shelducks here, but this time the place looked quiet—until I spotted a lone Gadwall. It was a first for me in this area. As we continued toward Manang, I noticed that some residents around Pisang were already preparing their fields for planting, while others participated in the local archery festival.

Except for a few sightings of Blue Sheep and a Mountain Weasel in Yak Kharka, wildlife activity remained relatively quiet until we reached Kalopani, Mustang—likely due to intermittent snow and rain. But once in Kalopani, the skies finally cleared. The next morning, with sunrise on the horizon and a 9 a.m. ride ahead, I took a solo walk into the pine forest behind our hotel around 5:30 a.m.

That forest always brings me peace.

Birdsong filled the air—Treecreepers, Warblers, Tits, Blue Whistling Thrushes, and many others. As the first rays of sun lit the canopy, bird activity surged. I watched Treecreepers scale the pine trunks in search of insects, while Black-throated Tits flitted from branch to branch. Beautiful Rosefinches sang from the treetops, and a Grey-backed Shrike called nearby.

On my way back to the hotel, I passed some horses and fowl grazing under the pine shadows. Back in my room, a Spotted Nutcracker called just outside the window—but the moment slipped by undocumented. Still, it’s these quiet walks, far from the itinerary, that stay with me. I’ve probably visited this region more than 25 times on work trips, but I now feel the urge to return just to focus on documenting species and better understanding the ecosystem.

Back in Kathmandu, I revisited Bhimdhunga a couple of times to observe the changing foliage. The jungles are getting denser, birds are pairing up, and many are busy feeding their young. Blue-capped Rock Thrushes were singing in the trees, while Oriental White-eyes darted through the canopy, foraging busily. Grey-hooded Warblers zipped through bushes and low branches—fast and always difficult to follow.

Early mornings are always magical. Sitting in one spot, immersed in the sounds and movement of nature, is endlessly fascinating. During these sessions, I observed Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers, Spotted Doves, Verditer Flycatchers, and Grey Bush Chats. In the open skies above, Alexandrine Parakeets zipped toward distant hills, while Black Kites circled purposefully over the terrain.

As rain clouds begin to gather, May feels like it’s going to be a wet one. I’m looking forward to the wildflowers and fresh undergrowth, which will make insect documentation easier and bring more moments to witness and share.

Below are some of the species of flora and fauna I was able to document during the month of April.

Bird:
Steppe Eagle, Red-headed Vulture, Gadwall, Ruddy Shelduck, Black Redstart, Green-backed Tit, Treecreeper, Black-throated Tit, Beautiful Rosefinch, Grey-backed Shrike, Blue Whistling Thrush, Pied Bush Chat, Little Pied Flycatcher, Grey Treepie, Common Kingfisher, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Tree Pipit, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Grey Bush Chat, Oriental White-eye, Grey-hooded Warbler, Black Drongo, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Spotted Dove, Scarlet Minivet, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Verditer Flycatcher, Alexandrine Parakeet, Red-vented Bulbul, Grey Bushchat, Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo, Black-lored Tit, Great Tit, Rose-ringed Parakeet, etc.

Mammal:
Blue Sheep, Mountain Weasel.

Reptile:
Oriental Garden Lizard.

Insect:
Common Sergeant Butterfly, Eastern Courtier Butterfly, Bumblebee, etc.

Plant:
Simal (Bombax ceiba), Prinsepia Sp., Yellow Elder, Chinese Sumac, Elegant Cestrum, Utis (Alnus nepalensis), Sal Tree (Shorea robusta), Lali gurans (Rhododendron arboretum), Peepal Tree (Ficus religiosa), Water Hyacinth, etc.

Ajay Narsingh Rana