| Camp
Forktail Creek is located on the north-eastern periphery of the tiger reserve
and offers ample birding opportunities in the surrounding mixed forests. Named
after the Forktails, that visit this area in the winter months, Camp offers a
variety of birding excursions in and around the Corbett Tiger Reserve. One could
choose from day walks around camp to multi-day birding tours in the varied habitats
of the area. These trips could involve staying at Camp, in a Forest Bungalow inside
the National Park or living overnight in camping tents depending on the preference
of each group or individual. A sample
tour plan for birding in Corbett Tiger Reserve 8 nights and 9 days
Mid-November
to mid-March Day 1 - 2: Camp
Forktail Creek
Arrive at Camp Forktail Creek in time for a sumptuous
lunch. Check the environs of Camp, where you would spend the first two nights.
Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding forest and streams for species like
the Great Hornbill, Chestnut-Headed Tesia, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Spotted Forktail,
Long-Billed Thrush, Slaty-Backed Forktail, Siberian Rubythroat, Brown Fish Owl,
Tawny Fish Owl, Collared Falconet, Red-Billed Leothrix and Scaly-Breasted Wren
Babbler.
Besides the walks, we also take on an early morning game
drive on day two to the Bijrani Range of Corbett National Park to find the elusive
Bengal Tiger. Our stay at Camp also involves a drive to the banks of the Kosi
River to try and spot the Ibisbill, Wall Creeper and Great Thick-Knee.
Day 3 - 4: Lohachaur Forest Rest House (FRH)
Next two days
involve challenging birding in the Mandal Range of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Species
to look out for include the Long-Tailed Broadbill, Little Forktail, Grey-Headed
Fish Eagle, Maroon Oriole, Rufous-Gorgeted Flycatcher, Slaty-Blue Flycatcher,
Lesser Yellownape, Lesser Racket-Tailed Drongo, Black-Chinned Yuhina, White-Crested
Laughing thrush, Small Niltava, Rufous-Bellied Niltava, Bar-Tailed Treecreeper
and Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch.
We set up camp at Lohachaur forest rest
house - an old forest bungalow. The rest house is known to have visiting wild
Elephants all round the year, though our campus keeps us safe with the Elephant
trench that surrounds it. Another big attraction of the Mandal range is visits
to the Gujjars and Chunars - both nomadic tribes that visit these forests in the
winter months.
Day 5: Camp Forktail Creek
Return to Camp
Forktail Creek after a fruitful morning in Lohachaur. Post lunch we have planned
a visit to Bhakrakot village provides an inside view of the local lifestyle and
birding around the village could reap birds like the Fire-Tailed Sunbird, Bluethroat,
Scarlet Minivet, Black-Hooded Oriole, Black-Crested Bulbul, Zitting Cisticola,
Striated Prinia, Crested Treeswift, Slaty-Headed Parakeet, Eurasian Hobby and
Rufous-Bellied Eagle.
Day 6 - 7: Dhikala FRH
Dhikala
is the main tourist center of the Corbett National Park. So also it has many restrictions
and walking is prohibited in this zone except in designated areas. Our stay for
two nights in Dhikala would involve game drives to observe the wildlife of the
area, Elephant safaris to probe into the thick jungles for the big cat and short
walks wherever possible. Birding in Dhikala is quite an attraction and species
that can be observed here include Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Cinereous Vulture,
Red-Headed Vulture, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Pied Harrier, Black Francolin, Tawny
Pipit, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Slaty-Headed Parakeet, Emerald Dove and Jungle
Bush Quail.
Day 8: Camp Forktail Creek
Return to Camp
Forktail Creek by evening where you can take that much needed wash. Evening around
the fire where you could discuss the checklists with the guides. Overnight in
Camp.
Day 9: Depart for onward destination…
Optional
birding walk in the surrounding forest. Breakfast and depart for onward destination…
Note - Each of our trips
are custom-made to the specific needs of each of our guests. Areas further away
from Corbett, like Binsar, Pangot, The Mangoli Valley could be included in your
trip, should you be interested in the Himalayan species.
- The
trip would be escorted by our resident naturalist and bird guide and would include
travel by a 4WD open jeep on all occasions. Apart from stay at Camp for 4 nights,
you would spend 2 nights at the Dhikala Forest Rest house (FRH) and 2 nights at
Lohachaur FRH, within the National Park. All your meals, mineral water, aerated
drinks, tea/coffee would be taken care of (a chef from Camp with assistants, would
accompany you on your trip to Lohachaur).
- Cost
estimate on request.The trip cost would also include entry fees into the National
Park with all relevant permits, and an elephant ride while in Dhikala.
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- Section Contains Photographs taken by Nivalink Team.