Mountain Hawk Eagle.

The Corbett National Park is one of the most outstanding habitats in the subcontinent. Established in 1936, it attained the unique status of the first Project Tiger Reserve in 1973 (today there are 27 such Tiger Reserves in India), and now a days is globally acclaimed as unique place to observe nearly 585 species of birds. It is located north east of New Delhi, by drive can take six hours, better we reach by an over night train (a/c sleeper berth).

Junction : Corbett is the junction for the birds of the lower Himalayas and those of the plains, its numerous hills are contiguous with the Himalayan ranges up in the north, and below them in the south lie the vast grass land areas now cultivated. Ramganga river flows through the park while Kosi River passes through its Eastern boundary, numerous streams keep the area moist in this mixed deciduous forest regime. The density of birds here is low as compared to Keoladeo National Park though variety is greater.

Raptor-paradise : Almost all the species of Vultures in India are spotted in and around Corbett. Black Kite, Long-legged Buzzard, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Golden Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Crested Serpent Eagle, Common Kestrel, Pied Harrier, Hen Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Collared Falconet, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Sparrow Hawk, Brown Fish Owl, Tawny Fish Owl, Asian Barred Owlet, Spotted Owlet, Jungle Owlet, Collared Scops Owl …. feast to the eyes and ears.

Pheasants : Early morning needs to be reserved for Pheasants : Kalij, Koklass and Himalayan Monal Pheasants can be followed through the grass, Koklas often on a tree branch; 17 species of Woodpeckers, 5 species of Barbets, 5 Wagtail species, Minivets, Redstarts, Finches, Cuckoos, Babblers, Parakeets, Thrushes and Minlas are to be observed at ease. Oriental Pied Hornbill, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Great Hornbill will offer interesting aerial glides through the tall trees.

Ibisbill

Shikra

Within Core Area : It is great to stay over night inside the core area of Corbett (Dhikala) or one of the dozen other forest rest houses can be booked (e.g. Sarapduli, Sultan, Halduparao, Bijrani) to be thrilled by the nocturnal life : identifying Nightjars and Owls by listening to their calls. Stone Curlew and Stone Plover remain active after dark. The unimaginable generally happens during night : Wild Elephants calling. Several open grassland habitat ('chaur') offer relief in this densely wooded habitat to offer numerous ground birds : Pipits, Larks, Wagtails, Mynas, Doves etc. Around the river, we locate the Ibisbill.

Corbett is noted for its Wild Elephants, Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Goral, Bluebull, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Civet, Marten, Otter, Mongoose, Hare etc. Python, King Cobra, Turtles, Tortoise (Sal Forest), Monitor Lizard can be encountered. Gavial and Marsh Crocodile are in the rivers.

October to March can be ideal for optimum bird watching. The park reopens mid November; prior to that one can stay outside the park to log in most of the birds along the park boundary (Bijrani to Durgadevi and beyond, Bijrani to Betalghat, Ramnagar to

Kaladungi : Kaladungi (off shoot from Bel Padav to Pawagarh and Sita Bani). A large dam beyond Kaladungi is of consequence for water birds. Jim Corbett's foot steps can be followed all around. A museum in his memory is located at Kaladungi to take us down the memory lane….! Between Corbett and Nainital, it is like mid way, and  habitat of utmost consequence, within miles a few hundred species are possible to be logged in, in course of a day, walking is the best. We are tempted for a night halt.

The best is to have leisurely early breakfast and board the open-jeep (maximum 4 persons in an open jeep): the driver and Bird Guide shall carry packed lunch. Off for the entire day's birding extravaganza, stopping at pre-arranged nooks for the lunch halt and for tea sessions as per mood. Return after sun set to the resort for own drinks and well laid out dinner. Good night. And dreaming for the next day's session.