Click the play button to hear the sounds of the forest while reading the blog.
September proved to be a busy month with a packed schedule in Kathmandu and a couple of trips outside the valley. This year, I wasn’t able to do the annual Nepal Adventure Expo due to some constraints, which made accommodating other projects easier. Travelling inside and outside Kathmandu allowed me to observe nature up close and, whenever the opportunity arose, document it.
The month started with a birding trip with Prakash dai to Bhimdhunga, a go-to place for me, whether for mountain biking, hiking, or birding. Monsoon was slowly subsiding, so we had a pleasant walk around the community forest. During a mandatory tea break near a small village, we observed birds like the Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Blue-throated Barbet, Orange-bellied Leafbird, and Verditer Flycatcher busy foraging in the trees around us.
The usual bird activities were otherwise minimal as we walked through the forest, other than the Spangled Drongo and Black Bulbul that could be seen flying around. I turned my attention to the small world around us and spotted some Cotton Bugs (Dysdercus sp.), Jumping Spiders, Asian Jumping Mantis, and a beautiful Dark Blue Tiger Butterfly, constantly exploring the shrubs nearby. The forest floors were also active, with decaying pears that had fallen from nearby trees attracting butterflies and other insects.
While following the trail, I managed to spot and document a couple of butterflies, including the Green Duke Butterfly and Chocolate Pansy Butterfly, perched on shrub leaves along the trail. This was the first time I was finally able to properly document the Green Duke Butterfly. Excited by the opportunity, we started heading out of the trail. On the way back, I spotted a long-necked Weevil Beetle perched on a leaf near a Jumping Spider. This was only the second time I had seen one, the last being in 2018 near Ghorepani. I managed a few shots before it flew away, but I was happy with the results. There were also opportunities to document the Yellow Coster Butterfly, both male and female, along with a Firefly Larva walking on the ground nearby. Happy and content with what I observed and documented during this hike, I returned home.
After a couple of days in Kathmandu, I headed to Nawalparasi on an assignment to oversee an installation. This was a new place for me, located by the Narayani River, and after the work in the evening, it was a pleasure to see the golden hues settling on the grass tassels as the sun set, while Egrets and Herons flew above heading back to their roosts. White-throated Kingfishers could be heard in the distance, while flocks of Scaly-breasted Munia perched on electric lines nearby. Farther out, Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters performed erratic flights to catch insects, some gliding gracefully.
Early the next morning, on the last day in the area, I went for a walk and observed the flora and fauna up close. A night of rain had left the trails muddy, but water droplets on rice stalks glistened in the morning sun.
On this walk, I saw an African Giant Snail, an invasive species crossing the trail. In the rice fields, Black Drongos perched on makeshift observation posts while scanning for insects. Prinias flew above and landed between the fields to forage. While observing, a Cinnamon Bittern landed inside the rice field, though I couldn’t document it.
A pleasant morning walk yielded sightings of birds such as Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Black Kite, Scaly-breasted Munia, and Green Bee-eater, along with various insects and a frog. On the way back to Kathmandu, I stayed overnight in Bharatpur and visited Sauraha for an hour, where I saw a One-horned Rhino chase another male from its territory after crossing the Rapti River. Across the river, a herd of Spotted Deer could be seen. Back in Bharatpur, I was also able to spot a Millipede (most likely Orthomorpha coarctata) and an invasive Tropical Leather-leaf Slug as well.
Although this was a very short visit, I plan to return in a couple of months to complete the remaining work and extend my stay to explore the area further.
RSR FOOD FOREST – RIVERSIDE SPRINGS RESORT
The documentation of flora and fauna at Riverside Springs Resort, which also houses RSR Food Forest, continues. Over the year, I have observed around 55 species of birds on this property, and documentation will continue until December with short monthly visits. As autumn approaches, I look forward to spotting winter migratory birds, but this visit focused more on the flora and insects, with some attention to resident birds.
During my stay, I spotted Blue-bearded Bee-eater and Shikra, new sightings for me in this location. I also saw Prinia, Indian Golden Oriole, Spotted Dove, Crimson Sunbird, Indian Pond Heron, Large Cuckooshrike, Rufous Treepie, Greater Coucal, Cattle Egret, and Long-tailed Shrike. I may have also spotted a female Asian Koel, though it was obscured by foliage. The Trisuli River was at its fullest, covering rocky outcrops where I had previously seen Great Cormorants. Hopefully, I’ll get sightings in the coming months.
Regarding insects and flora, there was a lot to cover. Butterflies were abundant, most attracted to Lantana camara, an invasive species common in Nepal’s hills and plains. Listed in the IUCN’s 100 worst invasive species, Lantana has nonetheless become a resource for insects and birds: its flowers attract butterflies and moths, and its berries are eaten by some birds. The harsh reality is that it outcompetes native plants and can disrupt ecosystems, as I observed near Koshi Tappu.
Some butterflies and moths documented included Lesser Grass Blue, Common Five-ring, Common Sergeant, Common Mormon, Lemon Pansy, Lesser Rice Swift Butterfly, Mottled Emigrant, Common Four-ring Butterfly, Orange Oakleaf Butterfly, Common Palmfly Butterfly, Common Sailer Butterfly, Common Castor Butterfly, Common Lascar, Great Eggfly Butterfly, Beet Webworm Moth, Handmadian Moth, Hawkmoth sp., Amata sperbius, and Orphanostigma sp. Moth. The Hawkmoth, which flies like a hummingbird and visits every flower in the morning and evening, eluded proper documentation, my goal for the next visit.
There were also many sightings of bees and wasps. I am particularly happy to see wild bees other than the Western or European honeybee. Bees are critical pollinators, some specializing in specific plants. I documented Himalayan Cloak-and-dagger Bee, Sweat Bee sp., Neon Cuckoo Bee attracted to basil flowers, and Carpenter Bees around Soi Fah Passion Flower and Peacock Flower. I also spotted a smaller Carpenter Bee resting on a flower stalk, securing itself with its mandibles. Flower wasps were abundant, including what may have been an Oriental Hornet (Vespa orientalis). These insects are vital pollinators.
Other species observed included Rufous-legged Grasshopper, various Planthoppers, Common Asian Millipede (possibly Trigoniulus corallinus), Caterpillars, Orange Blister Beetle, Damselflies, Jumping Spiders, Dragonflies like the Crimson-tailed Marsh Hawk, and a Tortoise Beetle of Golden color on a sweet potato leaf, yet to be identified.
During all my stays at RSR, I have documented various fungi, and this visit yielded eight species of wild mushrooms. One species I hope to document is the Veiled Lady or Bridal Veil Stinkhorn (Phallus indusiatus), previously spotted in RSR’s bamboo groves. My “bucket list” of species grows, which is exciting given the area’s biodiversity.
Over the years, I have also observed Indian Hare, Monitor Lizard, Civet Cats, Golden Jackal, and Black Francolin around Kurintar. I have yet to see a Porcupine, though others have. Development in Kurintar is rapidly changing the landscape, and species I observed previously are now rare or absent. Documenting biodiversity at Riverside Springs Resort and RSR Food Forest is crucial to understanding what conservation can achieve amidst development pressures.
DHAMPUS – POKHARA
The final trip of the month was with my friends Suraj, Kamana, and their four-year-old son, Maitreya. The trip was a short nature and hiking excursion, so the Dhampus area with Australian Base Camp was ideal and a good starter’s hike for Maitreya to learn about nature.
Monsoon was fading, and the landscape retained its peak green hue. Wildflowers were blooming, and Great Barbets could be heard singing in the distance.
The hike from Dhampus to Australian Base Camp revealed interesting fungi, moss-lined walls that also contained Common Clubmoss, and some lichens. We also spotted Juvenile Skinks as we walked uphill through Rhododendron, Chilaune, and Oak forests, crossed a stream, and passed through a beautiful meadow.
At Australian Base Camp, the valley below with Phewa Lake and the city in its full glory was worth the view, even if the mountains in the north remained cloud-covered. While exploring a small hillside, I heard a Long-tailed Shrike’s call and Warblers singing in forest thickets. A large beetle landed on a leaf nearby, capturing my attention.
As the sun set, the clouds danced, and golden light glorified the western landscape. Thunder and rain during the night made me anticipate the mountain views the following morning.
Early morning, I watched from the balcony as blue hour transitioned to golden hues piercing the clouds. The alpenglow slowly colored Machapuchare and Annapurna’s snowy peaks.
After sunrise, I took my friends to a small meadow I frequent for bird and animal observations. Birds sang while we walked slowly, and Maitreya was captivated by a small streamlet on the way. In the meadow, I had in my previous trips spotted a Barking Deer. Scanning the area to find one, I stopped Suraj and pointed east, where the sun illuminated a Barking Deer from behind with its golden hues that passed through the forest thicket as it was standing at the meadow edge. The golden light highlighted its silhouette as it grazed and slowly walked through the trail into the forest. Documenting the scene was impossible without disturbing the deer, proving that the most beautiful experiences sometimes happen when the camera is out of reach.
I was also able to spot a Crested Goshawk as it flew through the forest and landed on a tree some 50 meters away.
After breakfast, we visited Pothana. On the way, Maitreya and I were able to spot many juvenile Ground Skinks. In Pothana, I observed a Nuthatch transporting small fruits to its nest about 50-60 meters away, a process that continued for 30 minutes before I left. While I was there, I was also able to spot Grey Treepie and a Grey Bushchat. Hiking down to Dhampus, we heard White-crested Laughingthrush calls from below. Passing numerous streams, I followed a flock of Rufous-chinned Laughingthrushes as they foraged through the trees until they disappeared into the jungle.
Reaching Dhampus, we stayed at Nana Mountain Resort in a secluded location, offering easy access to mountain views and up-close observation of the flora and fauna. Mornings were spent hoping clouds would reveal the mountains, setting up macro and birding gear, and walking around 2.5 km trails with Suraj and Maitreya. Afternoons included visiting the local village, having lunch, evening walks in search of snakes and frogs (wasn’t lucky), followed by the late evening listening to rain pitter-patter on the veranda’s plexiglass.
Morning and evening walks yielded birds such as Warblers, Black-throated Tit, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Small Niltava, Oriental Turtle Dove, Black Drongo, and what seemed to be either a female Taiga or Red-breasted Flycatcher. As the sun emerged, I also spotted Bronzed Drongo, Himalayan Bulbul, Grey Treepie, a Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Common Tailorbird, and both male and female Long-tailed Shrike. On a hike to the old Dhampus village, a White-rumped Munia perched on a shrub branch.
Insects were abundant, including several Dragonflies, eight Moth species, spiders, beetles (including a Stag Beetle), leafhoppers, and leeches. I also saw, for the first time, a Harvestman spider feeding on its prey. Wildflowers were plentiful, with around nine species documented.
The two-day stay passed quickly as there was so much to see, and we returned to Lakeside for two nights, spending a day in Bhumdi. The highlight of my time in Bhumdi for me was spotting at least three vulture species flying above in the sky. In the northern treeline, giant trees served as their resting spots. I observed several White-rumped Vultures, a couple of Egyptian Vultures, a Red-headed Vulture, and some Himalayan Vultures soaring in the sky, a blessing to witness.
The Pokhara stay extended until early October, and I will continue documenting our explorations.
This month was full of observations of diverse flora and fauna. The summary of species observed follows.
Bird:
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Blue-throated Barbet, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Verditer Flycatcher, Spangled Drongo, Black Bulbul, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Scaly-breasted Munia, Green Bee-eater, Little Egret, Prinia Sp., White-throated Kingfisher, Cinnamon Bittern, Black Drongo, White-browed Wagtail, Black Kite, Ruddy-shelduck, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Indian Golden Oriole, Spotted Dove, Crimson Sunbird, Indian Pond Heron, Large Cuckooshrike, Shikra, Rufous Treepie, Greater Coucal, Cattle Egret, Long-tailed Shrike, Crested Goshawk, White-rumped Munia, Bronzed Drongo, Himalayan Bulbul, Grey Treepie, White-tailed Nuthatch, Grey Bushchat, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Small Niltava, White-rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Himalayan VultureCommon Tailorbird, Oriental Turtle Dove, Lesser yellownape, confussion between a female Taiga Flycatcher or a Red-breasted Flycatcher, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, White-crested Laughingthrush, etc.
Insect:
Cotton Bug (Dysdercus sp.), Jumping Spiders, Asian Jumping Mantis, Dark Blue Tiger Butterfly (Tirumala septentrionis), Green Duke Butterfly (Euthalia sahadeva), Chocolate Pansy Butterfly (Junonia iphita), Locust, Weevil, Firefly Larva, Yellow Coster Butterfly (Acraea issoria), African Giant Snail (Achatina fulica), Crimson Marsh Glider (Trithemis aurora), Millipede (most likely Orthomorpha coarctata), Tropical Leather-leaf Slug, Planthopper Sp., Lesser Grass Blue (Zizina otis otis), Common Five-ring Butterfly (Ypthima baldus), Handmadian Moths, Rufous-legged Grasshopper (Xenocatantops humilis), Common Sergeant (Athyma perius), Hawkmoth sp., Common Mormon (Papilio polytes), Lemon Pansy (Junonia lemonias), Lesser Rice Swift Butterfly (Borbo bevani), Mottled Emigrant (Catopsilia pyranthe), Common Asian Millipede (Possibly Trigoniulus corallinus), Various Caterpillars, Moth (Amata sperbius), Broad-headed Bug (Family Alydidae), Orange Blister Beetle, Tortoise Beetle, Various Damselflies, Lynx Spider Sp., Jumping Spider Sp., Stink Bugs, Common Four-ring Butterfly (Ypthima huebneri), Various Flower Wasp Sp., Neurothemis Sp. Dragonfly, Green Marsh Hawk Dragonfly (Orthetrum sabina), Crimson-tailed Marsh Hawk Dragonfly (Orthetrum pruinosum), Crab Spider Sp., Dark-branded Bushbrown Butterfly (Mycalesis mineus), Sweat Bee Sp., Orange Oakleaf Butterfly (Kallima inachus), Common Palmfly Butterfly (Elymnias hypermnestra), Common Sailer Butterfly (Neptis hylas), Common Castor Butterfly (Ariadne merione), Beet Webworm Moth (Spoladea recurvalis), Stilt-legged Fly Sp., Orphanostigma Sp. Moth, Common Lascar (Pantoporia hordonia), Great Eggfly Butterfly (Hypolimnas bolina), Himalayan Cloak-and-dagger Bee (Thyreus himalayensis), Possibly an Oriental Hornet (Vespa orientalis), Stag Beetle, Leafhoppers, Moth (Eterusia aedea), Bumblebee, Yellow-spotted Jewel Moth (Soritia pulchella), Scarabaeidae Beetle (Melolontha guttigera), Hill Goat Moth (Zeuzera multistrigata), Moth (possibly a Gazalina chrysolopha), Moth (Parapoynx bilinealis), Aquatic Rice Moth (Parapoynx fluctuosalis), etc.
Mammal:
Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, One-horned Rhino.
Reptile & Amphibian:
Oriental Garden Lizard, Skink, Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus Melanostictus), Ground Skink Sp..
Flora:
Golden Flowered Dendrobium, Himalayan Melastome, Yellow Swan Flower (Globba racemosa Sm.), Rock Butterfly Ginger Lily (Hedychium ellipticum), Bristletips (Oxyspora paniculata), Water Hyacinth, Pink Water Lily, Peacock Flower (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), Candle Bush, Hooked Mimosa (Mimosa hamata), Cypress Vine, Ivy-leaved Morning Glory (Ipomoea cairica), Soi Fah Passion Flower (Passiflora ‘Soi Fah’), Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea), Pink Knotweed, Balloon Plant (Gomphocarpus physocarpus), etc.
Ajay Narsingh Rana
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