Winter Birding tour in Kashmir
To many travelers, Jammu and Kashmir is confined only for tourist places and vacation. Kashmir has seen a drastic change. Now being safe to move around, kashmir has innumerable options for a holiday. Be it leisure tour, Wildlife tour, Birding tour or those seeking adventure trekking trails which was scenic and safe to explore. Though the permissions are a mandatory, but Inspite of all visiting makes time spent memorable !
Vishwanath Radhakrishna
Badgam
We headed towards Badgam, enroute we were able passes through a place which looked bit eerie, place full of trees with stunted growth. We could spot the Tawny Owl in its roosting place here.I have a strong belief that sighting a Owl is a sign of good luck and fortune.
After a multiple attempts we could photograph Mistle Thrush in the canopy, Pine Bunting, Brahmling,Tree Creepers,Yellow Hammer, were few birds that i sighted till evening.
The best part of the day duirng our return was sighting a Common leopard resting in a cave.It knew our presence, as the sun was setting and we felt not to disturb it.
By the time we reached Wular lake it was afternoon.With the help of shoqat , a local boatman a lot of water birds by touching the corners of the lake. Explore islands, surrounded by willow trees and nesting places of birds. Few species included Common Moorhen, Sandpiper, Purple Swamphen,Pied KingFishers,Mallards,Northern Shoveler,Spotted Eagle, Coots.The highlight of the visit was spotting Eurasian Bittern Or Great Bittern after a long wait,and island hopping !
Read a detailed blog on sighting of Eurasian Bittern Click here
Many still feel that Kashmir is still insecure! The remote corners too now are well connected and people are friendly to welcome visitors.
Overall i felt , that be it a boatman or guides like Dar, Bilal, Waseem and Shabir are of great potential.interacting with individuals having varied experiences not only enriches mutual knowledge but also cultivates open-mindedness, bonding, adaptability, and a broader understanding of the Cultures & Tradition !
