In my previous blog, I delved into the importance of repetition—revisiting places, observing and documenting species, and noting subtle changes in habitats. This month was no exception. I made multiple trips to Bungamati and Bhimdhunga, keen to uncover new species and gain insights that had previously eluded me.

Repetition in nature observation is a powerful tool. With each visit, the landscape reveals more of its secrets, and patterns emerge that only time and consistent attention can bring to light.

My first trip this month was to the Living Mountain Lab by ICIMOD in Godawari, with a focused mission to document moths. The plan included an overnight stay, but as Jitendra dai from ICIMOD and I made our way to the site, rainclouds threatened to wash out our efforts. Luckily, the rain relented, allowing me to set up my gear and prepare for the night ahead.

This trip was primarily a reconnaissance mission, aimed at studying the location and planning for future documentation. As dusk gave way to night, the distant calls of cicadas filled the air, adding to the ambiance. The hall where we stayed was surrounded by a mixed forest of Peepal, Needlewood, Seto Ban Champ, Dhale Katus, Glaucous Oak, and more, all shrouded in the inky darkness of the night. I set up a light at the entrance and began surveying the area for moths and other nocturnal insects.

The night proved fruitful. I documented over ten different moth species, including Agathodes ostentalis, Cotachena spp., Eupterote spp., Polydesma boarmoides, Synegiodes hyriaria, Paramaxates spp., etc. Along with these moths, I also encountered crickets, crabs, wasps, caterpillars, spiders, fungi, and various flowers. The area was rich in avian life as well, with sightings of Blue Whistling Thrush, Sibias, Tits, and Woodpeckers.

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After my ICIMOD trip, I turned my attention to documenting birds in Bungamati. Over the course of five visits, I observed birds during early mornings and once in the evening. The value of repetition became evident as I spotted more species and observed a wider range of behaviors than before.

Oriental Turtle Doves and Spotted Doves were abundant, and small flocks of Alexandrine Parakeets perched in the tall trees near the village. House Crows, also common, often engaged in aerial chases with the Parakeets, who evaded them with quick directional changes. Drongos, ever bold, were similarly unwelcoming to the crows near their nesting areas, chasing them off with impressive tenacity. These fearless birds have been known to take on even larger predators like Black Kites.

Blue-throated Barbets were a frequent sight, with four to five individuals spotted, along with a couple of Great Barbets. A particular tree branch seemed to be a favorite perch for various birds, including Rufous Treepie, Large Cuckooshrike, Himalayan Bulbul, Long-tailed Shrike, and Ashy Drongo. The surrounding canopy also concealed a couple of Wedge-tailed Green Pigeons. Initially mistaking them for doves due to their similar size, I realized they were different when I caught glimpses of their distinctive coloring in flight. This marked my first sighting of these birds, who may well be residents I hadn’t noticed before.

On a couple of visits, I encountered a Verditer Flycatcher, but another bird with a different shade of blue, hiding in the shrubs, caught my eye. Its coloration differed from the metallic copper-blue of the Verditer Flycatcher. It wasn’t until my fourth visit that I finally managed to get a clear view and partial documentation of this elusive bird. Further research suggests it might be a juvenile Verditer Flycatcher, but I’ll need to confirm this by comparing my observations with others. Whether it’s a juvenile or another species entirely, it’s a win-win discovery for me.

The vibrant greens of the landscape were occasionally punctuated by the flight of Scarlet Minivets. The male’s red markings on black plumage and the female’s yellow on gray were striking against the green backdrop. These birds moved gracefully from tree to tree, their soft calls enhancing the ambiance of the place.

I was thrilled to finally observe a Speckled Piculet as it foraged along a tree branch. This tiny, restless bird proved challenging to document in the low light, but the effort was worthwhile. Other small birds, such as the Oriental White-eye, Black-lored Tit, and Great Tit, flitted through the shrubs and trees, busily foraging.

Another notable sighting in Bungamati was the Asian Koel. For the first time, I managed to document both the male and female in the same location. Previously, I had only heard the male’s call or caught fleeting glimpses as it flew into a tree and disappeared into the foliage while the female was seldom seen. The male, with his all-black plumage and red eyes, and the female, with her brown and white-speckled feathers, were captivating to observe.

Bungamati has always been a special place for me, but taking the time to sit and observe has deepened my appreciation for it. The bird sightings in August were exceptional, and I plan to continue this trend into September. I’m particularly looking forward to watching the rice fields transition from green to yellow as autumn approaches, bringing with it an influx of birds.

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Bhimdhunga was another focus this month. I visited a couple of times, combining mountain biking with birding, but my attention was quickly drawn to the incredible diversity of insects. The richness of life in even a small patch of land is astounding when you look closely.

In just a 20-meter stretch along the roadside, I encountered an array of insect species. Documenting some of these was challenging, but the rewards were worth the effort. Among my finds was a moth from the genus Eressa, resembling a Handmaiden Moth but with six yellow bands on its abdomen and more transparent spots on its wings.

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Grasshoppers were plentiful, and I observed numerous nymphs as well. I also encountered several species of Orb-weaving spiders, their intricate webs scattered throughout the area. It had been some time since I last spotted an Orb-weaver from the species Argiope keyserlingi, also known as St. Andrew’s Cross. The intricate cross pattern in its web is a sight to be admired.

Beetles from the Scarab family (Scarabaeidae), a Click Beetle from the Elateridae family, and Froghoppers, Treehoppers, and Leafhoppers were also among the insect diversity I documented. A Dark Judy Butterfly flitted about, evading my attempts to photograph it properly, but I did manage to capture an Indian Skipper Butterfly.

It had been a while since I had spotted a Velvet Ant and spotting one in Bhimdhunga was another score for the day.

While my primary focus in Bhimdhunga was insects, I couldn’t resist observing the occasional bird. Rufous Treepie, Black Kite, Black-lored Tit, and Ashy Drongo were all present, and the unmistakable call of the Great Barbet echoed through the trees. September will bring more opportunities to revisit this place, and I aim to document as many insects as possible before the winter sets in and their numbers dwindle.

August has been an exceptionally rewarding month, filled with first-time sightings and successful documentation of both familiar and new species. Nature never ceases to amaze me, and each discovery only deepens my understanding and appreciation. The mantra “Never Stop Learning” rings true.

Below are some of the species I spotted and documented during August. I look forward to sharing more stories and discoveries from my September adventures. Until then, I wish you all a productive and insightful month ahead.

Bird:
Oriental Turtle Dove, Black-lored Tit, Verditer Flycatcher, Great Barbet, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Chestnut-tailed Starling, House Crow, Blue-throated Barbet, Large Cuckooshrike, Alexandrine Parakeet, Cattle Egret, Asian Koel ♂ ♀, Common Tailor, Great Tit, Oriental White-eye, Spotted Dove, Himalayan Bulbul, Speckled Piculet, Long-tailed Shrike, Black Kite, Ashy Drongo, Oriental Magpie Robin, White-throated Kingfisher, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Jungle Myna, Rufous Treepie, Scarlet Minivet ♂ ♀, etc.

Insect:
Moth: Agathodes ostentalis, Cotachena spp., Eupterote spp., Polydesma boarmoides, Synegiodes hyriaria, Paramaxates spp., etc. Flies from Tabanidae Family, Scarab beetles, Sickle-bearing Bush-cricket, Caterpillar, Grand Duchess Butterfly (Euthalia patala), Hornet, Wasp, Froghopper, Dark Judy Butterfly, Grasshopper, Jumping Spiders, Earwig, Indian Skipper Butterfly, Velvet Ant, Treehopper, Orb-web spider (Argiope keyserlingi), Flatidae sp., Aiolocaria hexaspilota, Elateridae Family beetle, etc.

Crustacean:
Crab (might be from the Potamidae family).

Mammal:
Rhesus Macaque.

Plant:
Peepal Tree (Ficus religiosa), Needlewood Tree (Schima wallichii), Seto Ban Champ (Michelia kisopa), Dhale Katus (Castanopsis indica), Glaucous Oak – फलाट Falaat (Quercus glauca), Nepal Knotweed, Fern, Lantana (Lantana camara), Pine (Pinus roxburghii), Utis (Alnus nepalensis), etc.

Thank you,
Ajay Narsingh Rana