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BI-MONTHLY PROGRAMMES
November–December 2015
Vol. 3, Issue 6
ONE DAY PROGRAMMES
NOVEMBER
8th Nov 	 Shilonda Trail - Sanjay Gandhi National Park
21th Nov	 BNHS Workshops – Basic Butterfly Photography and Identification
22nd Nov	 Highest Point Trek, Sanjay Gandhi National Park
29th Nov	 Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
DECEMBER
13th Dec	 Wader Watch at Sewri
20th Dec	 Bats and Birds walk at Elephanta Island	
27th Dec	 Birding at Karnala Base Forest
NATIONAL CAMPS
2015				
November	 Bandipur and Nagarhole National Park (Kabini)
December 	 Great Rann of Kutch
	 Little Rann of Kutch
	 Wild Rajasthan
	 (Tal Chhapar, Jorbeed, Kheechan and Desert National Park)
2016
January	 Bird Banding Camp at Chilika Lake
	 Golden Triangle – Ranthambore, Keoladeo and Chambal
	 Andaman Island
February	 Leopard Country – Bera and Mount Abu
	 Sundarbans – Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger
	 Marine camp at Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep
March	 Wild Assam – Gibbon Sanctuary, Kaziranga & Nameri National Park
	 Terai of India – Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
April	 Great Himalayan National Park
May	 Tadoba National Park
	 Gir National Park– The Last Refuge
INTERNATIONAL CAMPS
2016
February	 Emerald Island – Sri Lanka
May	 African Safari – Tanzania ASIFKHAN
Indian Skimmer
April Bhutan – Spring in the Himalaya
Ref: 2244/2015 Date: 10th Nov 2015
Dear Members,
Vultures were very common in our country till a couple of decades ago and their
population was estimated to be close to 40 million during 1980s. Their population began
crashing in the mid-nineties and by 2000 we had already lost 95% of the vultures in the
country. By 2007, 99.9% of the Gyps species were gone! Studies carried out in India
and Pakistan revealed that most of the vultures had died of visceral gout, which
happens due to kidney failure. Diclofenac – a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID), which is given to cattle in pain and with inflammation, was deduced be the
cause for visceral gout in vultures. The vultures were exposed to diclofenac when they
fed on carcass of an animal that had died within 72 hours of being treated with
diclofenac.
BNHS has done pioneering work on vulture conservation in India for the past two
decades. Through our conservation breeding programme, we now have over 400
vultures in four vulture breeding centers in Haryana, Assam, West Bengal, and Madhya
Pradesh. Be it ban on the use of diclofenac for veterinary use or ban on the production
of its multi-use vials for human use or creating vulture save zones, our advocacy for
vulture conservation has been relentless. Dr. Vibhu Prakash, who is with the BNHS for
over 35 years, has been the face of Vulture conservation globally.
We are now entering an exciting and challenging phase – the Vulture Release
Programme. Though we may never be able to achieve the earlier number of vultures in
the wild, this is one programme that demonstrates the fact that when scientific rigour is
backed by political and administrative support, we can bring back a species from
extinction. I feel we need the same will to save the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). It will be
an absolute shame for all of us if the GIB became extinct purely because we are not
able to pull out all the stops. The possibility of extinction of GIB is real and if predictions
from the scientific fraternity are to be believed, this species will go extinct in less than
two decades from today. The scientific community is divided on the way in which GIB
could be saved. One group believes that GIB should be bred in captivity, while the other
is of the opinion that a breeding programme should not be undertaken, as there is no
good GIB habitat left for reintroduction. I feel both actions are required simultaneously.
We need to ensure a safe habitat for GIB through landscape level advocacy, habitat
creation, and conservation. We also need to have enough birds bred in captivity to be
reintroduced into the wild. Sadly, we have very little time to do so.
Our members are our strength. Some of our members have been doing amazing
grassroots level conservation work. Kedar Gore did a BNHS course in Conservation
Biology in 1995. Today, he is the Director of Corbett Foundation and doing some
wonderful work on saving GIB and vultures. I have just returned from Sikkim where I
met an old friend and life member of BNHS Peter Lobo. Peter was a participant of a
BNHS course in Ornithology in 1996. Besides running an enterprise on bird tours, Peter
is doing some remarkable grassroots level work saving threatened bird species in north-
east India and the Himalaya. Peter is undoubtedly one of the finest birder of the country;
he has trained several local youths and given them gainful employment, and turned
them into bird conservation ambassadors. I had the privilege of meeting his students
Nosang Limboo and Chewang Bonpo. While Nosang is a butterfly-man, Chewang’s
knowledge of birds of the region is amazing. Having spent two decades under water,
roaming the mountains of Sikkim was a refreshing change for me.
We have been working on scaling up BNHS’s work in critical landscapes and will be
launching a few long term and exciting programmes shortly. First in the series of such
programmes is ‘Climate Change and Ornithology’. I am delighted that Dr. Girish Jathar
is rejoining us from December 2015; he will be heading this programme. Girish has
worked with BNHS in the past and has done his Ph.D. on Forest Spotted Owlet. We are
also launching a special cell on Threatened Species. This Cell will have two functional
units. One unit will work from Central India to north, north-east and Himalaya, while the
other unit will work from Central India to south and all Islands. One of the units will be
headed by Dr. Rajat Bhargava. Rajat is one of our finest ornithologists and has a vast
knowledge of the landscape where he will work. We will be recruiting scientists for the
other unit shortly. I am glad both Girish and Rajat are re-uniting with the BNHS family.
You will hear some more announcements soon.
I also take this opportunity to introduce two of our finest employees, Vishwas Shinde
and Rajendra Pawar. Vishwas joined BNHS in 1993 as a Driver, while Rajendra joined
as a Peon in the same year. After 25 years of dedicated and honest service to the
Society, with a quest to learn, they are both now Programme Officers. Curently they are
looking after an ambitious programme of the BNHS – ‘Mangrove conservation through
livelihood security’. Under the technical guidance of Dr. Swapna Prabhu’s, both of them
have helped gather local community support and successfully established the first of its
kind non-invasive integrated mangrove-crab farm in Jaigad. Their knowledge of
mangroves and its habitat is remarkable. BNHS has been fortunate to have such
dedicated employees.
Our forthcoming camps to Bandipur, Nagarhole, Great and Little Rann, and Chilka will
be highly enjoyable. Do join these camps.
I wish you all a Happy Diwali and hope that this Diwali brings prosperity and good health
to all of you. Please make this Diwali environment friendly by not using fire crackers.
Dr.Deepak Apte
Director, BNHS
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
One Day Programmes
1
NOVEMBER
8th Nov	 Shilonda Trail - Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sun	 Join this BNHS winter outing at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). One can see myriad life forms during this time including large
mammals like Spotted and Sambar Deer. You can also spot birds like Purple-rumped Sunbird, White-browed Bulbul, Racket-tailed
Drongo and Rufous Woodpecker. The trail leads through fine forest dominated by bamboo and ends at the first stream. Grade:
Easy (Simple walk for 1.5 km each way, however the walk from the main gate to the trail is about 15–20 min.) Group leaders:
Ms Prachi Galange (9867563300), Mr. Vinod Patil & Mr. Vithoba Hegde Charges: Rs. 200/- for members and Rs. 300/- for others.
Reporting: Members to meet inside SGNP, beyond the Ticket Counter under the large map of SGNP at 7:30 a.m. Registration*:
On the spot. For further details call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.
programmes@gmail.com. Note: Participants have to buy the entry ticket at the main gate. The programme will conclude by 11:00
a.m. Kindly carry adequate water and packed breakfast.
21st Nov	 BNHS Workshops – Basic Butterfly Photography and Identification
Sat	 Learn about these flying jewels and how to photograph them in a half day workshop from a renowned butterfly expert and author
of “The Book of Indian Butterflies”, Mr. Isaac Kehimkar. This course teaches you the basics in butterfly identification, photography
field techniques, specimen study, making your own butterfly garden and much more.
	 Highlights of the Workshop
	 n	 Introduction to Butterflies - a talk by Mr. Isaac Kehimkar.
	 n	 Talk on how to make a butterfly garden on your window sill.
	 n	 Guided field tour
	 n	 Tips on photographing butterflies
	 n	 Study material
	 n	 Visit to BNHS butterfly collection to learn identification of butterflies. (27th November, Friday)
	 Workshop Charges: Rs. 1,300/- for members and Rs. 1,600/- for others.
	 Cost includes: Brunch, study material, entry to Butterfly Garden, BNHS Collection Dept charges, and BNHS expertise.
	 Reporting: Reach Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden by 08:00 a.m. How to Reach: From Thane West take any ST bus going to Bhayandar
or Borivali, from Mulund Check Naka take Bus No. 458; from Borivali take any ST bus going to Thane, and get down at Owala Village
bus stop. Owalekar Wadi is in the lane next to Sangam hotel (5-10 mins walk) opposite Abhyudaya Co-op Bank. If you are driving,
please refer to the Google map link below. Registration*: Call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811 Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30
p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Google map link for Ovalekar Wadi: http://g.co/maps/m3aj5
22nd Nov	 Highest Point Trek, Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sun	 Take this rare opportunity to visit the highest point in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Starting from the Kanheri Caves,
this medium-grade trek leads you through fine forest and narrow trails in the midst of thick Karvi bushes that open out to a
magnificent view of the city and the two lakes; Tulsi and Vihar. Along the way we will explore the biodiversity of the normally
restricted interiors of the Park. The Gaimukh plateau along the way is known for raptor sightings, while the trail should afford us
excellent views of forest birds like Puff-throated Babbler, Purple Sunbird, Indian Grey Hornbill, Brown-headed Barbet, and Black
Drongo Trek Grade: Morderate Charges: Rs. 1,000/- for members and Rs.1,200/- for others. (Cost includes: Bus from SGNP main
gate, park entry, Forest Dept permission charges, and BNHS expertise) Reporting: SGNP main gate at 7:15 a.m. Group Leader:
Mr. Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) & Mr. Sanal Nair How to Reach: SGNP is situated on the Western Express Highway about one
kilometre away from Borivali Station (East). Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to
05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Visit us at www.bnhs.org. The programme will conclude by 02:00 p.m.
Kindly carry adequate water and packed food.
29th Nov	 Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Sun	 Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated north of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), and forms a corridor for animals
between SGNP and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. This trail is lined with dense mixed deciduous forest. During this season one can see
birds like Rufous Treepie, White Wagtail, Ashy Drongo, Yellow-eyed Babbler, Crested Serpent Eagle, Brown-headed Barbet, Shikra,
Verditer Flycatcher and many more. Grade: Easy Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange (9867563300) & Mr. Vinod Patil Charges:
Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 800/- for others (Charges include transportation, entry, and BNHS expertise). Reporting: Bus will
leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 6:30 a.m., Andheri (near Bisleri factory) at 6:50 a.m., Borivali, Opp. Sanjay Gandhi
National Park (near Omkareshwar temple) 7.10 a.m., Ghodbundar Jn. (Hotel Fountain) 7:30 a.m. Registration*: Call Hornbill
House at 22871202/ 22821811 Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail: bnhs.programmes@gmail.com Note: The group
should return to Dadar by 1:00 p.m. Kindly carry adequate water and packed breakfast.
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCECINDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCECINDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
2
DECEMBER
13th Dec	 Wader Watch at Sewri
Sun	 The mudflats at Sewri are speckled with hundreds of migratory birds. No other place within the city offers such a spectacle.
Come learn about these travelers of the bird world from BNHS. Scattered over the mudflat in a feeding frenzy one can see Lesser
Sand Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank; Terek, Common, Curlew and Broad-billed
Sandpiper; Little Stint and Temminck’s Stint, and threatened birds like Black-headed Ibis and Black-tailed Godwit. Also if you are
lucky you might catch a glimpse of the first arrivals of the Lesser Flamingos. Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan (9969798447) & Mr.
Vinod Patil Charges: Rs. 100/- for members and Rs. 150/ for non-members. Reporting: Sewri railway level crossing junction near
Sewri railway station (east) at 7:30 a.m. How to Reach: Sewri railway station is on the harbour line accessible from CST, Andheri,
and Navi Mumbai. By road: You can cross the level crossing from Sewri West which is situated close to the station; or you can
use the bridge at Wadala or Reay Road to the MbPT road to reach Sewri railway crossing. (Google Map Link: goo.gl/l4hvPI)
Registration*: On the spot. For further details call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or
e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. The programme will conclude by 9:30 a.m.
	
20th Dec	 Bats and Birds walk at Elephanta Island
Sun	 Situated off the south-east shore of the city, Elephanta Island is a good birding location. During this season one can see Brown-
headed Gull and Black-headed Gull flying along the boat as you head to the island. Other birds like the Gull-billed Tern, Lesser
Sand Plover, Indian Grey Hornbill, Common Iora, Spot-billed Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey and White-bellied Sea Eagle can also be
seen. Also BNHS gives you a chance to learn about the only flying mammal – explore the caves with an expert in search of bat
roosts. One can see Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat and Leaf-nose Bat. Grade: Moderate (Initial 100 steps climb to reach the
top, this could be a bit strenuous) Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) & Mr. Vinod Patil Charges: Rs. 600/- for
Members and Rs. 700/- for others (Charges include boat ticket, entry ticket to Elephanta Island and BNHS expertise). Reporting:
Hornbill House, opp. Lion Gate, Colaba at 7:30 a.m. Please carry adequate water, packed breakfast. The group should be back at
Gateway of India by 01:00 p.m.
	 Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/ 22821811 Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@
gmail.com
27th Dec 	 Birding at Karnala Base Forest
Sun	 Take an enjoyable walk through the moist deciduous base forest of Karnala Bird Sanctuary. It is the perfect time to see both
resident and migrant birds like Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Small
Sunbird, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, Rufous and Heart-spotted Woodpecker, White-bellied, Greater 	 Racket-tailed and Bronzed
Drongo, Crested Hawk-eagle, Crested Serpent-eagle, and Gold-fronted Leafbird. Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan (9969798447) and
Mr. Vithoba Hegde Charges: Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 800/- for others. Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near
Chandu Halwai) at 06:30 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 06:50 a.m., and Vashi (Vashi Jn) at 07:10 a.m. Registration*:
Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Note:
The group should return to Dadar by 12:30 p.m. Kindly carry adequate water and packed breakfast.
Sálim Ali Bird Count initiative by BNHS
Bombay Natural History Society announces the revival of Sálim Ali Bird Count in India. This Bird Count is one day a Citizen Science
initiative to be revived in memory of late ornithologist Dr. Sálim Ali. The date of this year’s Bird Count will be 15th November 2015. As
Dr. Sálim Ali’s birth anniversary is on 12th November, the Count is planned on next Sunday for the convenience of bird watchers.
People are requested to do bird watching at locations wherever they like and as per convenience on the given date. You need to do bird
watching at least for 15 minutes, however, we request people to do birding for one hour or more. We request bird watchers to visit
nearest Important Bird Areas (IBAs) or waterbodies and do a serious count of the birds for longer durations to make it more meaningful.
You are suggested to repeat the Salim Ali Bird Count at the same locations every year, which will help us in knowing the trends in the
bird populations over a period of time.
We request bird watchers/BNHS members to participate in this Bird Count. The photos of participants during the Bird Count can be
sent to BNHS on ibabnhs@gmail.com. The Bird Count report however should be uploaded on eBird website www.ebird.org. More
information can be sought from BirdCount India website www.birdcount.in, which is a network of many organizations. BNHS is a
partner in the BirdCount.
A compiled report of the Bird Count will be released after few days of the Bird Count.
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
NATIOANL CAMPS
December, 2015
GREAT RANN OF KUTCH
3
Explore the areas bordering the Great Rann of Kutch and other interesting places like Banni grassland, and Chhari-Dhand for birdwatching
and observing fossils. Winter is the perfect time to watch a variety of migratory birds that come to these places in thousands. It is also
a good time to see Short-eared Owl, Greater Spotted Eagle, Tawny Eagle and Steppe Eagle, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse and Painted
Sandgrouse, Grey Francolin and Black Francolin, Cream-coloured Courser and Indian Courser, Sykes’s Lark, Great Indian Bustard, Crab Plover,
Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo, Common Crane, Oystercatcher, Great Thick-knee, White-naped Tit, White-bellied Minivet, Rufous-
fronted Prinia, buntings, Grey Hypocolius, Indian Nightjar, Savanna Nightjar, Sykes’s Nightjar, Graceful Prinia, Red-tailed Wheatear, and
many more.
Grade: Easy
Dates: 3rd – 7th December, 2015; Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan;
Charges: Rs. 15,700/- for members, and Rs. 16,900/- for others (ex Bhuj)
Charges Include: Transport from Bhuj railway station, local travel, entry fee, simple vegetarian meals and basic accommodation on
twin-sharing basis).
Reporting: Bhuj Station at 7:30 a.m. on Day One, drop at Bhuj Station at 01:30 p.m. on the last day.
How to Reach: BDTS Bhuj Exp (19115) which leaves Bandra daily at 02:50 p.m. and reaches Bhuj at 07:25 a.m. next morning.
Return: BDTS AC S F Exp (22904) which leaves Bhuj on Monday at 03:05 p.m. and reaches Bandra Terminus at 04:55 a.m. next morning or
Bhuj BDTS Exp (19116) leaves Bhuj at 10:15 p.m. and reaches Bandra next day at 01:55 p.m.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
4
LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH
Known for being the last refuge for the Indian Wild Ass, Little Rann of Kutch is a large salt marsh situated in Gujarat. The Little Rann of
Kutch is a birding paradise and a Ramsar Site. Birding at the lakes and marshes is very rewarding. In winter, Common Crane are seen
in large numbers. Flamingos, pelicans, storks, ibises, spoonbill, a variety of ducks and other waterfowl are also seen. The Rann is also
the hunting ground of raptors like the Short-toed Eagle, buzzards, Aquila eagles, and three species of harrier. It is one of the few places
where hundreds of harriers can be seen roosting on open ground at night. And of course, it is the perfect place to see the Indian Wild
Ass. The main carnivores of the Little Rann are the Indian Wolf, Desert Fox, Indian Fox, Jackal, Desert and Jungle Cat, and Striped Hyena.
The elegant Blackbuck, Nilgai or Blue Bull, and Chinkara are the other mammals seen.
Grade: Easy
Dates: Batch I: 10th-13th December, 2015; Batch II: 14th-17th December, 2015 (On demand)
Group leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri; Camp Charges: Rs. 16,500/- for members, and Rs. 17,700/- for others (ex Ahmedabad)
Accommodation: Twin sharing at Rann Riders
Reporting:Ahmedabadrailwaystationat08:00a.m.onDayOne.DropatAhmedabadat06:00p.m. onthelastday HowtoReach:Ahmedabad
is well connected by air, rail, and road with major cities. Rail: You can take BCT Duronto Exp (12268) which leaves Mumbai late at night and
arrives in Ahmedabad early next morning; there are many other trains which arrive in Ahmedabad early morning.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
WILD RAJASTHAN
5
Tal Chhapar, Jorbeed, Kheechan and Desert National Park
Join BNHS on an expedition through Rajasthan, exploring some of the most spectacular sites for desert life.
Kheechan: Witness one of the most amazing spectacles of bird congregation, over 9,000 Demoiselle Cranes in the small village of Kheechan.
Every winter the village plays host to these cranes, which make Kheechan one of the best places to see and photograph these normally shy
birds.
Jorbeed: An ideal place to see endangered vultures is the carcass dump at Jorbeed. Jorbeed is also famous for the rare and Vulnerable
Yellow-eyed Pigeon which are seen in flocks around the dump, and birds like Griffon Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle,
Punjab Raven, and Imperial Eagle.
Desert National Park: Best place to see the Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard. During winter, the park comes alive with an array of birds
like four species of wheatears namely Isabelline, Desert, Variable, and Red-tailed Wheatear, Common Kestrel, White-rumped Vulture, Egyptian
Vulture, Houbara Bustard, White-browed Bushchat, Desert Warbler, Desert Lark, Bimaculated Lark, Black-crowned Finch-Lark, Short-toed Eagle,
and Long-legged Buzzard. Mammals like Desert Fox, Chinkara, Desert Cat, Indian Wolf, and Indian Gerbil can be seen here.
Tal Chhapar Sanctuary: If your idea of paradise is golden grasses with graceful antelopes leaping about and birds of many kinds living in
harmony, then Tal Chhapar is the place to be. It is the perfect place to see raptors. You are likely to see Greater Spotted Eagle, Lesser Kestrel,
Merlin, Laggar Falcon, Greater Short-toed Lark, Rufous-tailed Lark, Sand Lark, and Sociable Lapwing. It is also one of the few places where
you can see the rare Spotted Creeper. But mammal lovers need not despair, this desert landscape is home to one of the largest populations
of Blackbuck, a graceful Near Threatened antelope.
Grade: Easy
Dates:
Batch I: 19th – 24th December, 2015 (Open); Batch II: 25th – 30th December, 2015 (Open)
Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan and Ms Prachi Galange
Charges: Rs. 27,000/- for members, and Rs. 28,200/- for others (ex Jaipur/Jodhpur)
Charges Include: Pick up and drop as per itinerary, local travel, entry fee, all meals and accommodation on twin-sharing basis. Reporting: Day
One at Jaipur Jn. railway station at 07:30 a.m. Drop on last day at Jodhpur railway station at 06:00 p.m. Kindly book your ticket accordingly.
Note: Kindly book your ticket as early as possible (Vacation rush).
How to Reach: Jaipur – DEE Garibrath (12216) reaches Jaipur Jn at 07:05 a.m. Return: Jodhpur – Surya Nagri Exp (12479). Flight – Jaipur and
Jodhpur are also well connected with direct flights.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
6
Bird Banding Camp at Chilika Lake
View birds as they are banded and released for migration studies, and avail a chance to interact with BNHS field scientists. Learn about the
fine art of bird ringing, identification and bird migration pattern from BNHS experts. Studies on bird migration are of critical importance for
conservation, and bird banding, or bird ringing, is one of the most important and oldest methods of migration studies.
Chilika, India’s largest brackish water lake is home to a whole array of birds. It is also the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the
Indian subcontinent. Chilika is famous for the only known population in India of the Vulnerable and rare Irrawaddy Dolphin; the Bottlenose
Dolphin can also be seen here. During this season one can see birds like Fulvous and Lesser Whistling Duck, Northern Pintail, Northern
Shoveller, Red-crested Pochard, Comb Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Common Snipe, Streaked Weaver, Greater Flamingo, Great
White Pelican, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, White-bellied Sea-eagle. Four species of Kingfishers namely White-throated, Common, Lesser Pied,
and Black-headed Kingfisher can also be spotted. Chilika offers refuge to many threatened birds species like Near Threatened Ferruginous
Duck, Falcated Teal, Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Lesser Flamingo, Black-headed Ibis, Black-bellied Tern, Pallid Harrier, Black-tailed
Godwit, Eurasian Curlew; Vulnerable Dalmatian Pelican and Pallas’s Fish-eagle; and the Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture.
Grade: Easy
Date: 3rd – 7th January, 2016
Group leader: Mr. Asif Khan
Accommodation: Twin-sharing basis. Camp Charges: charges will be announced soon, Kindly contact BNHS for more details.
Reporting: Bhubaneswar Railway Station at 08.00 a.m. on Day One. Drop at Bhubaneswar railway station on last day at 12.30 p.m. Kindly
book your ticket accordingly.
How to Reach: Bhubaneswar is well connected by air. By rail: One can take the LTT Puri SUP Exp (22865) or Konark Exp (11019) which
arrive in Bhubaneswar at 07:15 a.m. and 04:25 a.m. respectively. (Kindly note Konark Exp takes 37 hrs, thus plan your journey accordingly)
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, 022-22871202 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
CHILIKA LAKE –
Live the life of a bird biologist as you learn to ring birds
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
7
(Note: Dates for this camp have been revised)
Ranthambore National Park: Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern India. Ranthambore Wildlife
Sanctuary is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these animals in their natural jungle habitat. Tigers can be
easily spotted even in the daytime. Other major wild animals include Leopard, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Sambar, Hyaena, Sloth Bear and Chital.
The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles, as well as one of the largest Banyan trees in India.
Keoladeo National Park: Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo is a paradise for birds and birdwatchers alike. It is listed
as an IBA (Important Bird Area) and is a World Heritage Site. Although small (29 sq. km), it is home to almost 400 species of birds, out
of which more than 132 breed inside the National Park. Birding here is a rewarding experience, with sightings like Siberian Rubythroat,
Bluethroat, Greater White-fronted Goose, Comb Duck, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Spotted Crake, Water Rail, Painted Snipe, Oriental Darter,
Lesser Adjutant, Sarus Crane and Common Crane, Greater Spotted Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Red-headed Falcon, and Brown Fish-owl.
Chambal river, a tributary of the Yamuna river, flows northwards through Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Chambal is one of the best
places to see threatened wildlife; such as the critically endangered Gavial or Gharial, vulnerable Indian Skimmer, endangered Black-bellied
Tern and Gangetic Dolphin, near-threatened Laggar Falcon and vulnerable Pallas’s Fish-eagle and Smooth-coated Otter.
New Dates: 23rd – 28th January, 2016 (revised dates)
Group Leader: Ms Prachi Galange
Charges: Rs. 27,500/- members and Rs. 28,700/- others. (Ex Delhi)
Reporting: Pick up from New Delhi Railway Station at 6:00 a.m. and drop to New Delhi Railway Station at 7.30 p.m. on the last day. You
are advised to book your tickets to arrive in New Delhi one day prior. How to Reach: New Delhi is well connected by air and rail.
Participants can also fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi which is situated about 20 km from the meeting point (New Delhi
Railway Station).
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
GOLDEN TRIANGLE –
Ranthambore, Keoladeo and Chambal
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCECINDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
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In the blue waters of Bay of Bengal, east of mainland India is an archipelago of islands - the Andaman Islands. The Andaman group is famous
for endemic flora and fauna that are found only on these islands, which is the reason it is called the island of endemism. The islands have a
heavy forest cover of over 85% of the area. Andaman Island is a treat for nature lovers and enthusiasts. One can see endemics like Andaman
Teal, Andaman Serpent Eagle, Andaman Crake, Andaman Coucal, to name a few. Other birds like Black Baza, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Collared
Kingfisher and Blue-eared Kingfisher may also be seen.
Meet the BNHS Marine Biologist
BNHS is currently undertaking research on the coral reefs and Giant Clam in Andaman Islands. Studies are also being done on various other
marine flora and fauna of the area. During the camp participants will have an opportunity to interact with the BNHS marine biologist and
field researchers who are engaged in the research and conservation work, listen to the stories of their firsthand experience of underwater
life. Participants will also learn about techniques of underwater photography in shallow water pools on the shore from BNHS field
researchers.
Grade: Easy
Dates: 28th Jan – 4th Feb 2016 (ex Port Blair)
Charges: Rs. 35,800/- for members, and Rs. 37,000/- for others (ex Port Blair) Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri
Reporting: Pick up on Day One, and drop on last day, to Port Blair Airport according to your flight timings.
How to Reach: There are daily flights to Port Blair via Chennai and Kolkata, book your refundable flights tickets at the earliest to avail of
lower fare.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
ANDAMAN ISLAND
Vishal Bhave Asif N Khan
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Bera: Bera is a small town situated in Rajathan, with a considerable leopard population. Bera has in recent years developed a reputation for
being one of the best places to see and photograph leopards, and it is aptly know as “Leopard Country”. Situated in the Aravalli Hills near
the River Jawai, Bera offers great landscapes as well. Besides the “Prince of the Jungle”, Bera also offers sightings of Sloth Bear, Hyaena,
and Marsh Crocodile.
Mount Abu: Famous as a hill station in Rajasthan, the forest surrounding Mount Abu is rich with a whole array of endemic birds. The most
famous perhaps is the Green Avadavat, a vulnerable and endemic munia, and Abu is one of the best places to spot it. Mount Abu is also
home to birds like Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, Indian Blackbird, Indian Yellow Tit, Tawny-bellied Babbler, and White-bellied Drongo.
Grade: Easy
Dates: 6th – 10th February, 2016
Charges: Rs. 28,500/- for members, and Rs. 29,700/- for others; Group Leader: Ms Prachi Galange
Reporting: Ahmedabad railway station at 06:30 a.m. on Day One. Drop off at Ahmedabad at 03:00 p.m. on the last day.
How to Reach: Ahmedabad is well connected by air, rail, and road with major cities. Rail: You can take BCT Duronto Exp (12268) which
leaves Mumbai late at night and arrives in Ahmedabad early next morning; there are many other trains which arrive in Ahmedabad early
morning.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
FEBRUARY
LEOPARD COUNTRY – BERA AND MOUNT ABU
Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri
Vandan Jhaveri Wikimedia Commons
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCECINDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
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The Sundarbans are located in the delta of the Brahmaputra and Ganga rivers in the Bay of Bengal. One hundred and two islands are situated
in this world’s largest river delta. Approximately 40 per cent of the Sundarbans is in the state of West Bengal, the rest in Bangladesh.
The Sundarbans are the largest mangrove forest in the world, covering 60 per cent of India’s total mangrove area. Almost 90 per cent of all
Indian mangrove species are found here. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the flagship species of Sundarbans, where it roams in the marshy areas.
If you are lucky, you can see it swimming across a channel. Sundarbans are also the best place to see the Saltwater Crocodile and Water
Monitor Lizard. With more than 250 bird species found here in winter, this is the perfect time to see migratory birds. One could spot seven
species of Kingfishers, including the threatened Brown-winged Kingfisher.
DATES: 27th Feb – 1st Mar, 2016 (ex Howrah)
Camp fee: Rs. 14,000/- for members, and Rs.15,500/- for non-members (ex Howrah)
Cost Includes: Accommodation (3/4 sharing), all meals, pick up and drop at Howrah railway station.
Group Leader: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar
Reporting: Pick up near Howrah railway station (Kolkata) in front of Yatri Niwas at 08:00 a.m. Drop at Howrah railway station at 07:00 p.m.
Participants are advised to reach Howrah one day prior to the first day of camp, and also book the return accordingly to avoid last minute
rush.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
SUNDARBANS -
Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger
Vandan Jhaveri
Isaac Kehimkar
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11
Lakshadweep is a group of islands, 200–440 km off the southwest coast of India. These islands form the smallest union territory of the
country. The Lakshadweep region has about 600 species of fish, 78 species of coral and over 100 species of other marine invertebrates.
This is the perfect opportunity to explore the fascinating marine life under water.
This year BNHS will be visiting the Minicoy Island; Mincoy is Southernmost Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago situated closer to the
Maldive island of Uleguma than to Kavrati, this island is famous for having marine life similar to that of Maldives. Participants will get
training in snorkeling as part of the camp activity. You need not worry if you do not know swimming; you can still enjoy the deep blue sea
and move among the amazing corals, fishes, shells, shrimps and crabs. Most of the snorkeling will be in waist-deep coral lagoons.
Batch Size: 11 participants only
Grade: Easy
Date:
Batch I: 19th – 25th February, 2016 (Ex Kochi); Batch II: 23rd – 29th February, 2016 (Ex Kochi)
Camp Charges: charges will be announced soon.
Cost Includes: Travel by ship from Kochi to Minicoy and back (overnight journey, twin/four sharing AC cabin on ship), stay and food on the
island, Glass bottom boat ride, and snorkeling session as per the itinerary. Accomodation: Twin sharing Standard AC rooms on the Minicoy
Island.
Reporting: Participants to meet at 08.30 a.m. on Day One at Lakshadweep Wharf, Passenger Terminal, Near FCI Depot, Willingdon Island,
Kochi, group will return on last day around noon.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
MARINE CAMP AT MINICOY ISLAND, LAKSHADWEEP
Batch III:25th – 31st March, 2016 (Ex Kochi)
, contact BNHS for further details
Deepak Apte
Vishal Bhave
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
12
Kaziranga National Park – a World Heritage Site and home of 65% of the world population of the One-horned Rhinoceros. Herds of
Barasingha, Hog Deer and Wild Buffalo are seen in the marshes. Rhinos browse unconcernedly as visitors pass by and occasionally a herd
of elephants or wild boar is also sighted. One of the best places in India to see Pied Harrier and other raptors like Crested Serpent-eagle,
Pallas’s Fish-eagle, and Grey-headed Fish-eagle which can be seen circling overhead.
Gibbon Sanctuary – Now known as the Hoolongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is one of the best places to see India’s only primate the Endangered
Western Hoolock Gibbon, the sanctuary is also a good places to see other threatened primates like, Near Threatened Assamese Macaque,
Vulnerable Capped Langur, Stump-tailed Macaque and Northern Pig-tailed Macaque. The sanctuary is also good for birds with over 200
species recoreded from the sanctuary, birds like Purple Woodpigeon, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Red-headed Trogon, and Long-tailed Sibia
can be seen here.
Nameri National Park is a birder’s paradise and more than 300 species of birds have been identified here – four species of Hornbills
like Great, Wreathed, Oriental Pied, and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Other birds like Pale-chinned and Little Pied Flycatcher, Green-billed
Malkoha, Great Thick-knee, Blue-throated, Lineated and Blue-eared Barbet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Orange-bellied and Gold-fronted
Leafbird, Ibisbill, Long-tailed and Silver-breasted Broadbill, Small Niltava, Black Baza and the elusive White-winged Duck are also seen.
Grade: Easy (Short walks for bird watching)
Date: 13th-18th March, 2016
Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan
Camp Charges: Rs. 29,500/- for members and Rs. 30,700/- for others (ex Guwahati).
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.
Reporting: Members to meet on day one at Guwahati at 7.00 a.m. at Hotel Mayur in the lobby (Tel: 0361-2734855 to 61), Paltan Bazar,
opposite Guwahati railway station. Return on day five after breakfast to reach Guwahati at lunch time. You are advised to arrive at
Guwahati one day prior to the first day of the camp and leave Guwahati one day later.
Cost includes: All accommodation, all meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day breakfast. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-
22821811/22871202 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
MARCH
WILD ASSAM –
Gibbon Sanctuary, Kaziranga & Nameri National Park
Asif N Khan
Vandan Jhaveri
Vandan Jhaveri
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13
During this camp we shall visit Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary which are part of
the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. These regions are the last refuge for Critically Endangered wildlife like Bengal Florican and Gharial.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
The terrain of Dudhwa ranges from grasslands to one of the finest Sal forests in India and marshland which makes Dudhwa a paradise for
wild enthusiasts. Dudhwa is famous for the threatened Western Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii) and Tiger; other animals like
Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, and Spotted Deer, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Sloth Bear, Honey Badger, Indian or the Great One-horned
Rhinoceros can be seen here.
Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
The Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the Critically Endangered Gharial and Endangered Gangetic Dolphin. Dudhwa Reserve is
also a birder’s paradise with over 400 species recorded here. It harbours birds like Swamp Francolin, Pallas’s Fish-eagle, Sarus Crane, Lesser
Adjutant, White-rumped Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, and six species of drongos, namely Hair-crested, Greater
Racket-tailed, Lesser Racket-tailed, Crow-billed, White-bellied and Black Drongo.
Grade: Easy. Date: will be announced shortly, March 2016; Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri
Camp Charges: will be announced shortly, contact BNHS for details. Accommodation: Twin-sharing basis.
Reporting: On Day One pick up from Lucknow railway station at 07.00 a.m and drop at Lucknow on last day at 5.30 p.m. NOTE: Book your
tickets to reach Lucknow prior to Day one. How to Reach: Many trains and flights are available from Mumbai/Delhi to Lucknow.
Mumbai-Lucknow: LTT Gorakhpur Exp. (12542), Pushpak Exp. (12534)
Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers from and to Lucknow, permits, and
entry to park.
Cost excludes: Flight/rail ticket to Lucknow, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, beverages, camera fees, any cost not specified
above. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
TERAI OF INDIA –
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
Vandan Jhaveri
Vandan Jhaveri
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
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APRIL
GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK
The Great Himalayan National Park is carved out of the splendid mountain terrain of Kullu district, and is the largest protected area in
Himachal Pradesh. The secluded Sainj and Tirthan valleys harbour a variety of wildlife common to this area - wild mountain goats like the
Bharal, Goral, and Serow, the Himalayan Brown Bear and predators like the Leopard and the very rare Snow Leopard. Birds like Himalayan
Pied Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Bearded Vulture, and Himalayan Parakeet can be seen during the trek.
Date:16th – 22nd April 2016
Grade: Moderate; Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri
Camp Charges: Rs. 22,100/- for Members and Rs. 23,600/-for others. (ex-Delhi).
Accommodation: Dormitory at Sai Ropa and twin sharing Tents during the treks. Sleeping bags and mattress will be provided.
Reporting: Majnu-ka-Tila (Petrol Pump), at 5.00 p.m. on Day One. Drop on last day at 08:00 a.m.; Kindly book your train/flights after 1:00
p.m. on the last day.
How to reach: Majnu-ka-Tila is about 5 km from Delhi ISBT opposite the Tibetan Village on the main MG Marg. There is a petrol pump on
the main road, most private buses operate from there. The best way is to come via the Airport Metro till New Delhi Metro Station and ask
for a cab or an auto-rickshaw to drive you to Majnu-ka-Tila.
Cost includes: Cost is inclusive of local transport, Delhi-Kullu-Delhi by Volvo, food except during the Volvo journey, accommodation in
dormitories and tents, permits to the GHNP, all camping equipment, and BNHS expertise.
Cost Excludes: Any personal expenses. Porterage (Porters can be made available at extra cost on prior notice). We can keep the extra
luggage at Sairopa base camp and carry only what is needed for the trek.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
Vandan Jhaveri
Vandan JhaveriIsaac Kehimkar
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MAY
TADOBA NATIONAL PARK
Created in 1955, Tadoba National Park is Maharashtra’s oldest National Park. It is one of India’s 28 Project Tiger reserves. Situated in
Chandrapur district, the National Park covers 623 sq. km of two forested areas, the Tadoba and Andhari range. Along with tigers, Tadoba
is home to the Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Wild Dog, Hyena, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Blue Bull, Four-horned Antelope, and Barking Deer.
Tadoba Lake is home to Marsh Crocodile. It is also a birdwatchers’ paradise with a good variety of birds like Indian Pitta, White-eyed
Buzzard, Pied Cuckoo, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Painted Sandgrouse, and many more.
Dates: Batch I: 6th – 9th May, 2016 (batch limit of 10 participants); Batch II: 11th – 14th May, 2016 (on demand)
Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan; Camp Charges: Rs. 18,200/- for members and Rs. 19,700/- for others (ex Nagpur).
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.
Reporting: Outside Nagpur railway station, near Comesum food court at 9.00 a.m. and drop on the last day at 2.00 p.m. Please book
your train / air tickets accordingly.
How to get there: Sewagram Exp (12139) and Nagpur Duronto (12289) both arrive in Nagpur well before 9 a.m. Cost includes:
Accommodation, food (first day lunch to last day breakfast) transfers to/from Nagpur, Safari charges and entry to the park.
Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes.@gmail.com
Note: Since the safari bookings opens 120 days in advance, kindly register for this camp before 7th January, 2016, to avoid
disappointment.
Vandan Jhaveri
Vandan Jhaveri
Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri
Prachi Galange
Asif Khan
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
GIR NATIONAL PARK – THE LAST REFUGE
16
Gir National Park is one of the oldest National Parks
of India and is famed for being last the refuge of the
Asiatic Lion. Besides the Asiatic Lion, Gir also supports
a large population of Leopards, and boasts of having
the largest concentration of big cats. Important prey
species comprise Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Blue Bull,
and Sambar. Other mammals include Four-horned
Antelope, Chinkara, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal,
Common Langur, Porcupine, and Black-naped Hare.
Gir is also a good place for birding, birds like Asian
Paradise Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Mottled
Wood-owl, Red-rumped Swallow, Spotted Owlet,
Oriental Honey-buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Common
Hawk-cuckoo can be seen here, besides Indian Peafowl
in large numbers.
Date: Batch I: 25th – 28th May, 2016, Batch II: 30th
May – 3rd June, 2016 (on demand)
Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange. Camp Charges: Rs.
18,200/- for members and Rs. 19,700/- for others (ex
Rajkot).
Accommodation: Twin-sharing basis. Reporting:
Outside Rajkot railway station at 8.00 a.m. Drop at
Rajkot on last day at 2.00 p.m.
How to get there: Train - Sau Janta Exp (19017) leaves
from Mumbai at 5.35 p.m. and reaches Rajkot at 7.30
a.m. Sau Janta Exp (19018) can be booked for return
which leaves from Rajkot at 3.20 p.m. Flight - Direct
flights from Mumbai to Rajkot are available.
Cost includes: Accommodation, food (first day lunch
to last day breakfast), transfers to/from Rajkot, Safari
charges and entry to the park.
Registration*:Kindlycontactusat22871202/22821811
or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
Note: Since the safari bookings opens 90 days in
advance, kindly register for this camp before 24th
February, 2016, to avoid disappointment.
Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri
Vandan Jhaveri
Vandan Jhaveri
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
17
Sri Lanka is a must for birders and wildlife enthusiasts alike, with more than 450 species of birds, of which over 30 species are endemic birds.
Sri Lanka is a must for birders. Yala National Park is one of the best places to spot the elusive Leopard, as the Park can boast of having the
highest density of leopards in the world, making Sri Lanka an ideal wildlife destination. The island has some of the most fascinating locations,
including coastal wetlands, rainforests, and the soaring peaks of the hill country where one can find an array of wildlife.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve can be described as a Tropical Lowland Rainforest. Singharaja is a rich treasure trove of nature with a great
diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka’s endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Birdwatching in this reserve is
particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka, including the elusive Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed
Coucal, and Sri Lanka Blue Magpie.
Yala National Park comprises several major habitat types, including dunes, scrub forest, riverine forests, rocky outcrops, secondary forests,
and coastal lagoons with mangrove forests.  This diverse collection of vegetation harbours to many species of animals including Sloth Bear,
herds of Asian Elephant, Buffalo, Sambar and the endangered Leopard sub-species, which is found only in Sri Lanka. Other carnivores found
in the Park include Ring-tailed Civet, and the endemic Golden Palm Civet.
Numerous birds such as Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Ceylon Wood-shrike, Ceylon Green-pigeon, and Ceylon Junglefowl can
be spotted in Yala’s riverine forests.
Bundala National Park is a mix of scrub jungle and sand dunes bordering the sea. Bundala and Tissa wetlands are home to winter migrant
birds and large flocks of flamingos. This one of the best places to see migratory birds.
Horton Plains National Park is one of the famous hill stations in Sri Lanka. Covered by montane grasslands and forest, it is famous for
uncommon and rare highland birds. It is home to 21 endemic species including Ceylon White-eye, Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Ceylon
Woodpigeon, and Dusky Blue Flycatcher, to name a few.
Grade: Easy
Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan
Dates: 21st – 28th February, 2016 (ex Colombo)
Camp Fee: Rs. 1,34,000/- for members and Rs. 1,35,500/- for others
INTERNATIONAL CAMPS
Emerald Island – Sri Lanka
FEBRUARY, 2016
Photos Courtesy Global Journeys
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
Payment schedule:
1st Installment (non-refundable) Immediate	 Rs. 25,000/-
2nd Installment 15th August 2015			 Rs. 25,000/-
3rd Installment 15th October 2015			 Rs. 35,000/-
4th Installment 15th December 2015		 Rs. 35,000/-
Final Installment 15th January 2016		 Rs. 14,000/- (Rs. 15,500/- for non members)
Reporting: 20th February, 2016 at 11:00 p.m. at Mumbai International Airport. Return to Mumbai International Airport on 29th February,
2016 at 02:05 a.m (ETA)
Camp fee includes:
Economy Class Air tickets
Visa and processing charges
Full board accommodation as per itinerary
One litre Bottled water per day
All park entrance fees.
Travel insurance for participants aged upto 70 years
Safari /trails as per itinerary
BNHS expertise
Camp fee excludes:
Food and drinks not on the group menu
Any sightseeing not mentioned in itinerary
Expenses of a personal nature, laundry, telephone calls
Camera charges if applicable
Tips and gratuities
Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes”
Note: The cost has been calculated @ 1 USD = 63 INR, with minimum 16 participants travelling together. Your passport should be valid
for upto 6 months from the last day of the camp.
Registration*:Call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
for more details.
18
Photos Courtesy Global Journeys
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
Bhutan, the jewel of the eastern Himalaya and a global biodiversity hotspot
is home to a variety of wildlife. Here you can see birds like Beautiful
Nuthatch, Red-billed Leiothrix, Red-faced Liocichla, Blue-winged, Black-
faced, and Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Grey-throated Babbler, Brown, and
Red-headed Bullfinch, Brown-throated Treecreeper, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-
necked Hornbill, Black-throated Parrotbill, Great Parrotbill, Brown Parrotbill,
Fulvous Parrotbill, Slender-billed Scimitar-babbler, Asian Emerald Cuckoo,
Long-billed Wren Babbler, Bar-winged Wren Babbler, Streaked-breasted
Scimitar-babbler, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, shortwings, White-winged
Grosbeak, Collared Grosbeak, Long-tailed Thrush and several more species.
Bhutan has a good diversity of butterflies too, ranging from Bhutan Glory,
Golden Birdwing, Kaisers to Sergeants and Jezebels.
April is the perfect time to enjoy spring in the Himalaya. Witness the floral
splendour of rhododendrons, primulas, and orchids. You will be in the
middle of the courtship and nesting time of Himalayan birds – and this is the
time to hear them sing. Do not miss this spring in the Himalaya.
Grade: Easy (No trekking or strenuous climbing, only short walks for
birding)
Group Leader: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar
Dates: 23rd – 30th April, 2016
Reporting:DayOneat06:00a.m.atKolkataInternationalAirport.Participants
are advised to book their arrival in Kolkata prior to Day One. Schedule arrival
at Kolkata on the last day will be at noon. All participants are advised to book
return flight from Kolkata after 3 p.m.
BHUTAN –
Spring in the Himalaya
APRIL, 2016
19
Isaac Kehimkar
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
Camp Fee: Rs. 78,600/- for members and Rs. 80,100/- for non members (ex Howrah)
Payment schedule:
1st Installment (non-refundable) at the time of booking 	 Rs. 15,000/- 	
2nd Installment Date- 15th January, 2016 		 Rs. 20,000/- 	
3rd Installment Date- 15th February, 2016		 Rs. 20,000/-
Final Installment Date- 15th March, 2016		 Rs. 23,600/- (Rs. 25,100/- for non members)
Camp fee includes:
Economy Class Airfare (Kolkata to Paro and back)
Full board accommodation.
All park entrance fees and permits.
All meals (BLD).
Professional bird guide.
All local transport.
BNHS expertise.
Price does not include:
Food and drinks not part of group menu.
Flight/train tickets to and from Kolkata.
Any sightseeing not mentioned on the programme.
Expenses of a personal nature , laundry, telephone calls.
Tips and gratuities.
Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes”.
Note: The cost has been calculated for 16 full paid participants and airfare as on 20/10/2015.
Registration*:
Call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail bnha.programmes@gmail.com for more details.
20
Isaac Kehimkar
Isaac KehimkarAsif N Khan Asif N Khan
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
Come and explore the wildlife of Northern Tanzania, also known as the “prime game viewing country”. Witness the spectacle of African
wildlife in Tanzania. Watch the dust rise and feel your heart pound as herds of over a million Wildebeest and Zebra thunder across your
path on the great migration. Masai Giraffe, Thomson’s Gazelle, Cheetah, Striped and Spotted Hyaena, and many more wild animals roam
the savannah. Tanzania provides the best opportunity to see distinctive African animals like African Lion, Cheetah, Eland, and Kudu, and
birds such as Secretary Bird, African Fish-eagle, Lilac-breasted Roller, Superb Starling, Vulturine and Crested Guineafowl, Southern Ground
Hornbill, Kori Bustard, and Red-billed Hornbill. Other attractions are Nile Crocodile and the largest land animal, the African Elephant.
Serengeti, Tanzania’s largest and most famous national park, the Mecca of wildlife lovers, is truly a wildlife paradise. Experience the thrill
of exploring the endless plains of Serengeti and witness extensive herds of Wildebeest and Zebra. The largest bird in the world, Common
Ostrich, can also be seen here.
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places to see the Critically Endangered Black Rhinoceros, Serval, Wildebeest, African Elephant, Cape
Buffalo, and African Lion at close range.
Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest park in Tanzania and is famous for the large number of elephants that can be seen here. It is also
a good place to spot the uncommon Yellow-collared Lovebird. Tarangire is famous for its population of tree climbing lions.
Grade: Easy
Dates: 21st to 28th May, 2016 (Ex-Mumbai) Grade: Easy
Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri. Camp Fee: Rs. 1,88,000/- for members and Rs. 1,89,500/- for others
Payment schedule:
1st Installment (non-refundable) Immediate	 Rs. 45,000/- 	
2nd Installment	 Rs. 40,000/-
3rd Installment	 Rs. 40,000/-
4th Installment	 Rs. 35,000/-
Final Installment	 Rs. 28,000/- (Rs. 29,500/- for non members)
Reporting: Participants to meet at 2.30 a.m. on 21th May, 2016 at Mumbai International Airport, group will return to Mumbai on 28th
May,2016 early morning.
MAY, 2016
AFRICAN SAFARI – Tanzania
21
INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
Camp fee includes:
Economy Class Air tickets
Visa and processing charges
Full board accommodation as per itinerary
One litre Bottled water per day
All park entrance fees
Travel insurance for participants aged upto 70 years
Safari /trails as per itinerary
BNHS expertise
Camp fee excludes:
Food and drinks not on the group menu
Any sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary
Expenses of a personal nature, laundry, telephone calls
Camera charges if applicable
Tips and gratuities
Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes”
Note: The cost has been calculated @ 1 USD = 65 INR, with minimum 16 participants travelling together. Your passport should be valid for
6 months from the last day of the camp.
Registration*:
Call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail bnhs.programmes@gmail.com for more details.
	
	
	
	
22
Vandan Jhaveri
Vandan Jhaveri
Asif N Khan
* Note: -
n If you are registering for any of the programmes, it is assumed that you have read and agreed to all the Rules and Guidelines.
n Rules and Guidelines for BNHS programmes are available on our website: www.bnhs.org.
n If you are booking a flight for any camp, it is highly recommended to book refundable tickets.
n All the surplus generated through the activities of the programme department are utilized for conservation of wildlife.

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Bnhs programmes Nov Dec 2015

  • 1. BI-MONTHLY PROGRAMMES November–December 2015 Vol. 3, Issue 6 ONE DAY PROGRAMMES NOVEMBER 8th Nov Shilonda Trail - Sanjay Gandhi National Park 21th Nov BNHS Workshops – Basic Butterfly Photography and Identification 22nd Nov Highest Point Trek, Sanjay Gandhi National Park 29th Nov Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary DECEMBER 13th Dec Wader Watch at Sewri 20th Dec Bats and Birds walk at Elephanta Island 27th Dec Birding at Karnala Base Forest NATIONAL CAMPS 2015 November Bandipur and Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) December Great Rann of Kutch Little Rann of Kutch Wild Rajasthan (Tal Chhapar, Jorbeed, Kheechan and Desert National Park) 2016 January Bird Banding Camp at Chilika Lake Golden Triangle – Ranthambore, Keoladeo and Chambal Andaman Island February Leopard Country – Bera and Mount Abu Sundarbans – Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger Marine camp at Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep March Wild Assam – Gibbon Sanctuary, Kaziranga & Nameri National Park Terai of India – Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary April Great Himalayan National Park May Tadoba National Park Gir National Park– The Last Refuge INTERNATIONAL CAMPS 2016 February Emerald Island – Sri Lanka May African Safari – Tanzania ASIFKHAN Indian Skimmer April Bhutan – Spring in the Himalaya
  • 2. Ref: 2244/2015 Date: 10th Nov 2015 Dear Members, Vultures were very common in our country till a couple of decades ago and their population was estimated to be close to 40 million during 1980s. Their population began crashing in the mid-nineties and by 2000 we had already lost 95% of the vultures in the country. By 2007, 99.9% of the Gyps species were gone! Studies carried out in India and Pakistan revealed that most of the vultures had died of visceral gout, which happens due to kidney failure. Diclofenac – a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is given to cattle in pain and with inflammation, was deduced be the cause for visceral gout in vultures. The vultures were exposed to diclofenac when they fed on carcass of an animal that had died within 72 hours of being treated with diclofenac. BNHS has done pioneering work on vulture conservation in India for the past two decades. Through our conservation breeding programme, we now have over 400 vultures in four vulture breeding centers in Haryana, Assam, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. Be it ban on the use of diclofenac for veterinary use or ban on the production of its multi-use vials for human use or creating vulture save zones, our advocacy for vulture conservation has been relentless. Dr. Vibhu Prakash, who is with the BNHS for over 35 years, has been the face of Vulture conservation globally. We are now entering an exciting and challenging phase – the Vulture Release Programme. Though we may never be able to achieve the earlier number of vultures in the wild, this is one programme that demonstrates the fact that when scientific rigour is backed by political and administrative support, we can bring back a species from extinction. I feel we need the same will to save the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). It will be an absolute shame for all of us if the GIB became extinct purely because we are not able to pull out all the stops. The possibility of extinction of GIB is real and if predictions from the scientific fraternity are to be believed, this species will go extinct in less than two decades from today. The scientific community is divided on the way in which GIB could be saved. One group believes that GIB should be bred in captivity, while the other is of the opinion that a breeding programme should not be undertaken, as there is no good GIB habitat left for reintroduction. I feel both actions are required simultaneously. We need to ensure a safe habitat for GIB through landscape level advocacy, habitat creation, and conservation. We also need to have enough birds bred in captivity to be reintroduced into the wild. Sadly, we have very little time to do so. Our members are our strength. Some of our members have been doing amazing grassroots level conservation work. Kedar Gore did a BNHS course in Conservation
  • 3. Biology in 1995. Today, he is the Director of Corbett Foundation and doing some wonderful work on saving GIB and vultures. I have just returned from Sikkim where I met an old friend and life member of BNHS Peter Lobo. Peter was a participant of a BNHS course in Ornithology in 1996. Besides running an enterprise on bird tours, Peter is doing some remarkable grassroots level work saving threatened bird species in north- east India and the Himalaya. Peter is undoubtedly one of the finest birder of the country; he has trained several local youths and given them gainful employment, and turned them into bird conservation ambassadors. I had the privilege of meeting his students Nosang Limboo and Chewang Bonpo. While Nosang is a butterfly-man, Chewang’s knowledge of birds of the region is amazing. Having spent two decades under water, roaming the mountains of Sikkim was a refreshing change for me. We have been working on scaling up BNHS’s work in critical landscapes and will be launching a few long term and exciting programmes shortly. First in the series of such programmes is ‘Climate Change and Ornithology’. I am delighted that Dr. Girish Jathar is rejoining us from December 2015; he will be heading this programme. Girish has worked with BNHS in the past and has done his Ph.D. on Forest Spotted Owlet. We are also launching a special cell on Threatened Species. This Cell will have two functional units. One unit will work from Central India to north, north-east and Himalaya, while the other unit will work from Central India to south and all Islands. One of the units will be headed by Dr. Rajat Bhargava. Rajat is one of our finest ornithologists and has a vast knowledge of the landscape where he will work. We will be recruiting scientists for the other unit shortly. I am glad both Girish and Rajat are re-uniting with the BNHS family. You will hear some more announcements soon. I also take this opportunity to introduce two of our finest employees, Vishwas Shinde and Rajendra Pawar. Vishwas joined BNHS in 1993 as a Driver, while Rajendra joined as a Peon in the same year. After 25 years of dedicated and honest service to the Society, with a quest to learn, they are both now Programme Officers. Curently they are looking after an ambitious programme of the BNHS – ‘Mangrove conservation through livelihood security’. Under the technical guidance of Dr. Swapna Prabhu’s, both of them have helped gather local community support and successfully established the first of its kind non-invasive integrated mangrove-crab farm in Jaigad. Their knowledge of mangroves and its habitat is remarkable. BNHS has been fortunate to have such dedicated employees. Our forthcoming camps to Bandipur, Nagarhole, Great and Little Rann, and Chilka will be highly enjoyable. Do join these camps. I wish you all a Happy Diwali and hope that this Diwali brings prosperity and good health to all of you. Please make this Diwali environment friendly by not using fire crackers. Dr.Deepak Apte Director, BNHS
  • 4. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC One Day Programmes 1 NOVEMBER 8th Nov Shilonda Trail - Sanjay Gandhi National Park Sun Join this BNHS winter outing at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). One can see myriad life forms during this time including large mammals like Spotted and Sambar Deer. You can also spot birds like Purple-rumped Sunbird, White-browed Bulbul, Racket-tailed Drongo and Rufous Woodpecker. The trail leads through fine forest dominated by bamboo and ends at the first stream. Grade: Easy (Simple walk for 1.5 km each way, however the walk from the main gate to the trail is about 15–20 min.) Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange (9867563300), Mr. Vinod Patil & Mr. Vithoba Hegde Charges: Rs. 200/- for members and Rs. 300/- for others. Reporting: Members to meet inside SGNP, beyond the Ticket Counter under the large map of SGNP at 7:30 a.m. Registration*: On the spot. For further details call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs. programmes@gmail.com. Note: Participants have to buy the entry ticket at the main gate. The programme will conclude by 11:00 a.m. Kindly carry adequate water and packed breakfast. 21st Nov BNHS Workshops – Basic Butterfly Photography and Identification Sat Learn about these flying jewels and how to photograph them in a half day workshop from a renowned butterfly expert and author of “The Book of Indian Butterflies”, Mr. Isaac Kehimkar. This course teaches you the basics in butterfly identification, photography field techniques, specimen study, making your own butterfly garden and much more. Highlights of the Workshop n Introduction to Butterflies - a talk by Mr. Isaac Kehimkar. n Talk on how to make a butterfly garden on your window sill. n Guided field tour n Tips on photographing butterflies n Study material n Visit to BNHS butterfly collection to learn identification of butterflies. (27th November, Friday) Workshop Charges: Rs. 1,300/- for members and Rs. 1,600/- for others. Cost includes: Brunch, study material, entry to Butterfly Garden, BNHS Collection Dept charges, and BNHS expertise. Reporting: Reach Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden by 08:00 a.m. How to Reach: From Thane West take any ST bus going to Bhayandar or Borivali, from Mulund Check Naka take Bus No. 458; from Borivali take any ST bus going to Thane, and get down at Owala Village bus stop. Owalekar Wadi is in the lane next to Sangam hotel (5-10 mins walk) opposite Abhyudaya Co-op Bank. If you are driving, please refer to the Google map link below. Registration*: Call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811 Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Google map link for Ovalekar Wadi: http://g.co/maps/m3aj5 22nd Nov Highest Point Trek, Sanjay Gandhi National Park Sun Take this rare opportunity to visit the highest point in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Starting from the Kanheri Caves, this medium-grade trek leads you through fine forest and narrow trails in the midst of thick Karvi bushes that open out to a magnificent view of the city and the two lakes; Tulsi and Vihar. Along the way we will explore the biodiversity of the normally restricted interiors of the Park. The Gaimukh plateau along the way is known for raptor sightings, while the trail should afford us excellent views of forest birds like Puff-throated Babbler, Purple Sunbird, Indian Grey Hornbill, Brown-headed Barbet, and Black Drongo Trek Grade: Morderate Charges: Rs. 1,000/- for members and Rs.1,200/- for others. (Cost includes: Bus from SGNP main gate, park entry, Forest Dept permission charges, and BNHS expertise) Reporting: SGNP main gate at 7:15 a.m. Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) & Mr. Sanal Nair How to Reach: SGNP is situated on the Western Express Highway about one kilometre away from Borivali Station (East). Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Visit us at www.bnhs.org. The programme will conclude by 02:00 p.m. Kindly carry adequate water and packed food. 29th Nov Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Sun Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated north of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), and forms a corridor for animals between SGNP and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. This trail is lined with dense mixed deciduous forest. During this season one can see birds like Rufous Treepie, White Wagtail, Ashy Drongo, Yellow-eyed Babbler, Crested Serpent Eagle, Brown-headed Barbet, Shikra, Verditer Flycatcher and many more. Grade: Easy Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange (9867563300) & Mr. Vinod Patil Charges: Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 800/- for others (Charges include transportation, entry, and BNHS expertise). Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 6:30 a.m., Andheri (near Bisleri factory) at 6:50 a.m., Borivali, Opp. Sanjay Gandhi National Park (near Omkareshwar temple) 7.10 a.m., Ghodbundar Jn. (Hotel Fountain) 7:30 a.m. Registration*: Call Hornbill House at 22871202/ 22821811 Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail: bnhs.programmes@gmail.com Note: The group should return to Dadar by 1:00 p.m. Kindly carry adequate water and packed breakfast.
  • 5. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCECINDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCECINDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 2 DECEMBER 13th Dec Wader Watch at Sewri Sun The mudflats at Sewri are speckled with hundreds of migratory birds. No other place within the city offers such a spectacle. Come learn about these travelers of the bird world from BNHS. Scattered over the mudflat in a feeding frenzy one can see Lesser Sand Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank; Terek, Common, Curlew and Broad-billed Sandpiper; Little Stint and Temminck’s Stint, and threatened birds like Black-headed Ibis and Black-tailed Godwit. Also if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of the first arrivals of the Lesser Flamingos. Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan (9969798447) & Mr. Vinod Patil Charges: Rs. 100/- for members and Rs. 150/ for non-members. Reporting: Sewri railway level crossing junction near Sewri railway station (east) at 7:30 a.m. How to Reach: Sewri railway station is on the harbour line accessible from CST, Andheri, and Navi Mumbai. By road: You can cross the level crossing from Sewri West which is situated close to the station; or you can use the bridge at Wadala or Reay Road to the MbPT road to reach Sewri railway crossing. (Google Map Link: goo.gl/l4hvPI) Registration*: On the spot. For further details call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. The programme will conclude by 9:30 a.m. 20th Dec Bats and Birds walk at Elephanta Island Sun Situated off the south-east shore of the city, Elephanta Island is a good birding location. During this season one can see Brown- headed Gull and Black-headed Gull flying along the boat as you head to the island. Other birds like the Gull-billed Tern, Lesser Sand Plover, Indian Grey Hornbill, Common Iora, Spot-billed Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey and White-bellied Sea Eagle can also be seen. Also BNHS gives you a chance to learn about the only flying mammal – explore the caves with an expert in search of bat roosts. One can see Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat and Leaf-nose Bat. Grade: Moderate (Initial 100 steps climb to reach the top, this could be a bit strenuous) Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) & Mr. Vinod Patil Charges: Rs. 600/- for Members and Rs. 700/- for others (Charges include boat ticket, entry ticket to Elephanta Island and BNHS expertise). Reporting: Hornbill House, opp. Lion Gate, Colaba at 7:30 a.m. Please carry adequate water, packed breakfast. The group should be back at Gateway of India by 01:00 p.m. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/ 22821811 Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@ gmail.com 27th Dec Birding at Karnala Base Forest Sun Take an enjoyable walk through the moist deciduous base forest of Karnala Bird Sanctuary. It is the perfect time to see both resident and migrant birds like Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Small Sunbird, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, Rufous and Heart-spotted Woodpecker, White-bellied, Greater Racket-tailed and Bronzed Drongo, Crested Hawk-eagle, Crested Serpent-eagle, and Gold-fronted Leafbird. Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan (9969798447) and Mr. Vithoba Hegde Charges: Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 800/- for others. Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 06:30 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 06:50 a.m., and Vashi (Vashi Jn) at 07:10 a.m. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Note: The group should return to Dadar by 12:30 p.m. Kindly carry adequate water and packed breakfast. Sálim Ali Bird Count initiative by BNHS Bombay Natural History Society announces the revival of Sálim Ali Bird Count in India. This Bird Count is one day a Citizen Science initiative to be revived in memory of late ornithologist Dr. Sálim Ali. The date of this year’s Bird Count will be 15th November 2015. As Dr. Sálim Ali’s birth anniversary is on 12th November, the Count is planned on next Sunday for the convenience of bird watchers. People are requested to do bird watching at locations wherever they like and as per convenience on the given date. You need to do bird watching at least for 15 minutes, however, we request people to do birding for one hour or more. We request bird watchers to visit nearest Important Bird Areas (IBAs) or waterbodies and do a serious count of the birds for longer durations to make it more meaningful. You are suggested to repeat the Salim Ali Bird Count at the same locations every year, which will help us in knowing the trends in the bird populations over a period of time. We request bird watchers/BNHS members to participate in this Bird Count. The photos of participants during the Bird Count can be sent to BNHS on ibabnhs@gmail.com. The Bird Count report however should be uploaded on eBird website www.ebird.org. More information can be sought from BirdCount India website www.birdcount.in, which is a network of many organizations. BNHS is a partner in the BirdCount. A compiled report of the Bird Count will be released after few days of the Bird Count.
  • 6. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC NATIOANL CAMPS December, 2015 GREAT RANN OF KUTCH 3 Explore the areas bordering the Great Rann of Kutch and other interesting places like Banni grassland, and Chhari-Dhand for birdwatching and observing fossils. Winter is the perfect time to watch a variety of migratory birds that come to these places in thousands. It is also a good time to see Short-eared Owl, Greater Spotted Eagle, Tawny Eagle and Steppe Eagle, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse and Painted Sandgrouse, Grey Francolin and Black Francolin, Cream-coloured Courser and Indian Courser, Sykes’s Lark, Great Indian Bustard, Crab Plover, Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo, Common Crane, Oystercatcher, Great Thick-knee, White-naped Tit, White-bellied Minivet, Rufous- fronted Prinia, buntings, Grey Hypocolius, Indian Nightjar, Savanna Nightjar, Sykes’s Nightjar, Graceful Prinia, Red-tailed Wheatear, and many more. Grade: Easy Dates: 3rd – 7th December, 2015; Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan; Charges: Rs. 15,700/- for members, and Rs. 16,900/- for others (ex Bhuj) Charges Include: Transport from Bhuj railway station, local travel, entry fee, simple vegetarian meals and basic accommodation on twin-sharing basis). Reporting: Bhuj Station at 7:30 a.m. on Day One, drop at Bhuj Station at 01:30 p.m. on the last day. How to Reach: BDTS Bhuj Exp (19115) which leaves Bandra daily at 02:50 p.m. and reaches Bhuj at 07:25 a.m. next morning. Return: BDTS AC S F Exp (22904) which leaves Bhuj on Monday at 03:05 p.m. and reaches Bandra Terminus at 04:55 a.m. next morning or Bhuj BDTS Exp (19116) leaves Bhuj at 10:15 p.m. and reaches Bandra next day at 01:55 p.m. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
  • 7. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 4 LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH Known for being the last refuge for the Indian Wild Ass, Little Rann of Kutch is a large salt marsh situated in Gujarat. The Little Rann of Kutch is a birding paradise and a Ramsar Site. Birding at the lakes and marshes is very rewarding. In winter, Common Crane are seen in large numbers. Flamingos, pelicans, storks, ibises, spoonbill, a variety of ducks and other waterfowl are also seen. The Rann is also the hunting ground of raptors like the Short-toed Eagle, buzzards, Aquila eagles, and three species of harrier. It is one of the few places where hundreds of harriers can be seen roosting on open ground at night. And of course, it is the perfect place to see the Indian Wild Ass. The main carnivores of the Little Rann are the Indian Wolf, Desert Fox, Indian Fox, Jackal, Desert and Jungle Cat, and Striped Hyena. The elegant Blackbuck, Nilgai or Blue Bull, and Chinkara are the other mammals seen. Grade: Easy Dates: Batch I: 10th-13th December, 2015; Batch II: 14th-17th December, 2015 (On demand) Group leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri; Camp Charges: Rs. 16,500/- for members, and Rs. 17,700/- for others (ex Ahmedabad) Accommodation: Twin sharing at Rann Riders Reporting:Ahmedabadrailwaystationat08:00a.m.onDayOne.DropatAhmedabadat06:00p.m. onthelastday HowtoReach:Ahmedabad is well connected by air, rail, and road with major cities. Rail: You can take BCT Duronto Exp (12268) which leaves Mumbai late at night and arrives in Ahmedabad early next morning; there are many other trains which arrive in Ahmedabad early morning. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
  • 8. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC WILD RAJASTHAN 5 Tal Chhapar, Jorbeed, Kheechan and Desert National Park Join BNHS on an expedition through Rajasthan, exploring some of the most spectacular sites for desert life. Kheechan: Witness one of the most amazing spectacles of bird congregation, over 9,000 Demoiselle Cranes in the small village of Kheechan. Every winter the village plays host to these cranes, which make Kheechan one of the best places to see and photograph these normally shy birds. Jorbeed: An ideal place to see endangered vultures is the carcass dump at Jorbeed. Jorbeed is also famous for the rare and Vulnerable Yellow-eyed Pigeon which are seen in flocks around the dump, and birds like Griffon Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Punjab Raven, and Imperial Eagle. Desert National Park: Best place to see the Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard. During winter, the park comes alive with an array of birds like four species of wheatears namely Isabelline, Desert, Variable, and Red-tailed Wheatear, Common Kestrel, White-rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Houbara Bustard, White-browed Bushchat, Desert Warbler, Desert Lark, Bimaculated Lark, Black-crowned Finch-Lark, Short-toed Eagle, and Long-legged Buzzard. Mammals like Desert Fox, Chinkara, Desert Cat, Indian Wolf, and Indian Gerbil can be seen here. Tal Chhapar Sanctuary: If your idea of paradise is golden grasses with graceful antelopes leaping about and birds of many kinds living in harmony, then Tal Chhapar is the place to be. It is the perfect place to see raptors. You are likely to see Greater Spotted Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Merlin, Laggar Falcon, Greater Short-toed Lark, Rufous-tailed Lark, Sand Lark, and Sociable Lapwing. It is also one of the few places where you can see the rare Spotted Creeper. But mammal lovers need not despair, this desert landscape is home to one of the largest populations of Blackbuck, a graceful Near Threatened antelope. Grade: Easy Dates: Batch I: 19th – 24th December, 2015 (Open); Batch II: 25th – 30th December, 2015 (Open) Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan and Ms Prachi Galange Charges: Rs. 27,000/- for members, and Rs. 28,200/- for others (ex Jaipur/Jodhpur) Charges Include: Pick up and drop as per itinerary, local travel, entry fee, all meals and accommodation on twin-sharing basis. Reporting: Day One at Jaipur Jn. railway station at 07:30 a.m. Drop on last day at Jodhpur railway station at 06:00 p.m. Kindly book your ticket accordingly. Note: Kindly book your ticket as early as possible (Vacation rush). How to Reach: Jaipur – DEE Garibrath (12216) reaches Jaipur Jn at 07:05 a.m. Return: Jodhpur – Surya Nagri Exp (12479). Flight – Jaipur and Jodhpur are also well connected with direct flights. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
  • 9. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 6 Bird Banding Camp at Chilika Lake View birds as they are banded and released for migration studies, and avail a chance to interact with BNHS field scientists. Learn about the fine art of bird ringing, identification and bird migration pattern from BNHS experts. Studies on bird migration are of critical importance for conservation, and bird banding, or bird ringing, is one of the most important and oldest methods of migration studies. Chilika, India’s largest brackish water lake is home to a whole array of birds. It is also the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent. Chilika is famous for the only known population in India of the Vulnerable and rare Irrawaddy Dolphin; the Bottlenose Dolphin can also be seen here. During this season one can see birds like Fulvous and Lesser Whistling Duck, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveller, Red-crested Pochard, Comb Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Common Snipe, Streaked Weaver, Greater Flamingo, Great White Pelican, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, White-bellied Sea-eagle. Four species of Kingfishers namely White-throated, Common, Lesser Pied, and Black-headed Kingfisher can also be spotted. Chilika offers refuge to many threatened birds species like Near Threatened Ferruginous Duck, Falcated Teal, Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Lesser Flamingo, Black-headed Ibis, Black-bellied Tern, Pallid Harrier, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew; Vulnerable Dalmatian Pelican and Pallas’s Fish-eagle; and the Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture. Grade: Easy Date: 3rd – 7th January, 2016 Group leader: Mr. Asif Khan Accommodation: Twin-sharing basis. Camp Charges: charges will be announced soon, Kindly contact BNHS for more details. Reporting: Bhubaneswar Railway Station at 08.00 a.m. on Day One. Drop at Bhubaneswar railway station on last day at 12.30 p.m. Kindly book your ticket accordingly. How to Reach: Bhubaneswar is well connected by air. By rail: One can take the LTT Puri SUP Exp (22865) or Konark Exp (11019) which arrive in Bhubaneswar at 07:15 a.m. and 04:25 a.m. respectively. (Kindly note Konark Exp takes 37 hrs, thus plan your journey accordingly) Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, 022-22871202 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com CHILIKA LAKE – Live the life of a bird biologist as you learn to ring birds
  • 10. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 7 (Note: Dates for this camp have been revised) Ranthambore National Park: Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern India. Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these animals in their natural jungle habitat. Tigers can be easily spotted even in the daytime. Other major wild animals include Leopard, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Sambar, Hyaena, Sloth Bear and Chital. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles, as well as one of the largest Banyan trees in India. Keoladeo National Park: Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo is a paradise for birds and birdwatchers alike. It is listed as an IBA (Important Bird Area) and is a World Heritage Site. Although small (29 sq. km), it is home to almost 400 species of birds, out of which more than 132 breed inside the National Park. Birding here is a rewarding experience, with sightings like Siberian Rubythroat, Bluethroat, Greater White-fronted Goose, Comb Duck, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Spotted Crake, Water Rail, Painted Snipe, Oriental Darter, Lesser Adjutant, Sarus Crane and Common Crane, Greater Spotted Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Red-headed Falcon, and Brown Fish-owl. Chambal river, a tributary of the Yamuna river, flows northwards through Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Chambal is one of the best places to see threatened wildlife; such as the critically endangered Gavial or Gharial, vulnerable Indian Skimmer, endangered Black-bellied Tern and Gangetic Dolphin, near-threatened Laggar Falcon and vulnerable Pallas’s Fish-eagle and Smooth-coated Otter. New Dates: 23rd – 28th January, 2016 (revised dates) Group Leader: Ms Prachi Galange Charges: Rs. 27,500/- members and Rs. 28,700/- others. (Ex Delhi) Reporting: Pick up from New Delhi Railway Station at 6:00 a.m. and drop to New Delhi Railway Station at 7.30 p.m. on the last day. You are advised to book your tickets to arrive in New Delhi one day prior. How to Reach: New Delhi is well connected by air and rail. Participants can also fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi which is situated about 20 km from the meeting point (New Delhi Railway Station). Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. GOLDEN TRIANGLE – Ranthambore, Keoladeo and Chambal
  • 11. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCECINDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 8 In the blue waters of Bay of Bengal, east of mainland India is an archipelago of islands - the Andaman Islands. The Andaman group is famous for endemic flora and fauna that are found only on these islands, which is the reason it is called the island of endemism. The islands have a heavy forest cover of over 85% of the area. Andaman Island is a treat for nature lovers and enthusiasts. One can see endemics like Andaman Teal, Andaman Serpent Eagle, Andaman Crake, Andaman Coucal, to name a few. Other birds like Black Baza, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Collared Kingfisher and Blue-eared Kingfisher may also be seen. Meet the BNHS Marine Biologist BNHS is currently undertaking research on the coral reefs and Giant Clam in Andaman Islands. Studies are also being done on various other marine flora and fauna of the area. During the camp participants will have an opportunity to interact with the BNHS marine biologist and field researchers who are engaged in the research and conservation work, listen to the stories of their firsthand experience of underwater life. Participants will also learn about techniques of underwater photography in shallow water pools on the shore from BNHS field researchers. Grade: Easy Dates: 28th Jan – 4th Feb 2016 (ex Port Blair) Charges: Rs. 35,800/- for members, and Rs. 37,000/- for others (ex Port Blair) Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Reporting: Pick up on Day One, and drop on last day, to Port Blair Airport according to your flight timings. How to Reach: There are daily flights to Port Blair via Chennai and Kolkata, book your refundable flights tickets at the earliest to avail of lower fare. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. ANDAMAN ISLAND Vishal Bhave Asif N Khan
  • 12. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 9 Bera: Bera is a small town situated in Rajathan, with a considerable leopard population. Bera has in recent years developed a reputation for being one of the best places to see and photograph leopards, and it is aptly know as “Leopard Country”. Situated in the Aravalli Hills near the River Jawai, Bera offers great landscapes as well. Besides the “Prince of the Jungle”, Bera also offers sightings of Sloth Bear, Hyaena, and Marsh Crocodile. Mount Abu: Famous as a hill station in Rajasthan, the forest surrounding Mount Abu is rich with a whole array of endemic birds. The most famous perhaps is the Green Avadavat, a vulnerable and endemic munia, and Abu is one of the best places to spot it. Mount Abu is also home to birds like Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, Indian Blackbird, Indian Yellow Tit, Tawny-bellied Babbler, and White-bellied Drongo. Grade: Easy Dates: 6th – 10th February, 2016 Charges: Rs. 28,500/- for members, and Rs. 29,700/- for others; Group Leader: Ms Prachi Galange Reporting: Ahmedabad railway station at 06:30 a.m. on Day One. Drop off at Ahmedabad at 03:00 p.m. on the last day. How to Reach: Ahmedabad is well connected by air, rail, and road with major cities. Rail: You can take BCT Duronto Exp (12268) which leaves Mumbai late at night and arrives in Ahmedabad early next morning; there are many other trains which arrive in Ahmedabad early morning. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. FEBRUARY LEOPARD COUNTRY – BERA AND MOUNT ABU Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri Wikimedia Commons
  • 13. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCECINDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 10 The Sundarbans are located in the delta of the Brahmaputra and Ganga rivers in the Bay of Bengal. One hundred and two islands are situated in this world’s largest river delta. Approximately 40 per cent of the Sundarbans is in the state of West Bengal, the rest in Bangladesh. The Sundarbans are the largest mangrove forest in the world, covering 60 per cent of India’s total mangrove area. Almost 90 per cent of all Indian mangrove species are found here. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the flagship species of Sundarbans, where it roams in the marshy areas. If you are lucky, you can see it swimming across a channel. Sundarbans are also the best place to see the Saltwater Crocodile and Water Monitor Lizard. With more than 250 bird species found here in winter, this is the perfect time to see migratory birds. One could spot seven species of Kingfishers, including the threatened Brown-winged Kingfisher. DATES: 27th Feb – 1st Mar, 2016 (ex Howrah) Camp fee: Rs. 14,000/- for members, and Rs.15,500/- for non-members (ex Howrah) Cost Includes: Accommodation (3/4 sharing), all meals, pick up and drop at Howrah railway station. Group Leader: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar Reporting: Pick up near Howrah railway station (Kolkata) in front of Yatri Niwas at 08:00 a.m. Drop at Howrah railway station at 07:00 p.m. Participants are advised to reach Howrah one day prior to the first day of camp, and also book the return accordingly to avoid last minute rush. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. SUNDARBANS - Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger Vandan Jhaveri Isaac Kehimkar
  • 14. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 11 Lakshadweep is a group of islands, 200–440 km off the southwest coast of India. These islands form the smallest union territory of the country. The Lakshadweep region has about 600 species of fish, 78 species of coral and over 100 species of other marine invertebrates. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the fascinating marine life under water. This year BNHS will be visiting the Minicoy Island; Mincoy is Southernmost Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago situated closer to the Maldive island of Uleguma than to Kavrati, this island is famous for having marine life similar to that of Maldives. Participants will get training in snorkeling as part of the camp activity. You need not worry if you do not know swimming; you can still enjoy the deep blue sea and move among the amazing corals, fishes, shells, shrimps and crabs. Most of the snorkeling will be in waist-deep coral lagoons. Batch Size: 11 participants only Grade: Easy Date: Batch I: 19th – 25th February, 2016 (Ex Kochi); Batch II: 23rd – 29th February, 2016 (Ex Kochi) Camp Charges: charges will be announced soon. Cost Includes: Travel by ship from Kochi to Minicoy and back (overnight journey, twin/four sharing AC cabin on ship), stay and food on the island, Glass bottom boat ride, and snorkeling session as per the itinerary. Accomodation: Twin sharing Standard AC rooms on the Minicoy Island. Reporting: Participants to meet at 08.30 a.m. on Day One at Lakshadweep Wharf, Passenger Terminal, Near FCI Depot, Willingdon Island, Kochi, group will return on last day around noon. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. MARINE CAMP AT MINICOY ISLAND, LAKSHADWEEP Batch III:25th – 31st March, 2016 (Ex Kochi) , contact BNHS for further details Deepak Apte Vishal Bhave
  • 15. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 12 Kaziranga National Park – a World Heritage Site and home of 65% of the world population of the One-horned Rhinoceros. Herds of Barasingha, Hog Deer and Wild Buffalo are seen in the marshes. Rhinos browse unconcernedly as visitors pass by and occasionally a herd of elephants or wild boar is also sighted. One of the best places in India to see Pied Harrier and other raptors like Crested Serpent-eagle, Pallas’s Fish-eagle, and Grey-headed Fish-eagle which can be seen circling overhead. Gibbon Sanctuary – Now known as the Hoolongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is one of the best places to see India’s only primate the Endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon, the sanctuary is also a good places to see other threatened primates like, Near Threatened Assamese Macaque, Vulnerable Capped Langur, Stump-tailed Macaque and Northern Pig-tailed Macaque. The sanctuary is also good for birds with over 200 species recoreded from the sanctuary, birds like Purple Woodpigeon, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Red-headed Trogon, and Long-tailed Sibia can be seen here. Nameri National Park is a birder’s paradise and more than 300 species of birds have been identified here – four species of Hornbills like Great, Wreathed, Oriental Pied, and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Other birds like Pale-chinned and Little Pied Flycatcher, Green-billed Malkoha, Great Thick-knee, Blue-throated, Lineated and Blue-eared Barbet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Orange-bellied and Gold-fronted Leafbird, Ibisbill, Long-tailed and Silver-breasted Broadbill, Small Niltava, Black Baza and the elusive White-winged Duck are also seen. Grade: Easy (Short walks for bird watching) Date: 13th-18th March, 2016 Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan Camp Charges: Rs. 29,500/- for members and Rs. 30,700/- for others (ex Guwahati). Accommodation: Twin sharing basis. Reporting: Members to meet on day one at Guwahati at 7.00 a.m. at Hotel Mayur in the lobby (Tel: 0361-2734855 to 61), Paltan Bazar, opposite Guwahati railway station. Return on day five after breakfast to reach Guwahati at lunch time. You are advised to arrive at Guwahati one day prior to the first day of the camp and leave Guwahati one day later. Cost includes: All accommodation, all meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day breakfast. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022- 22821811/22871202 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com MARCH WILD ASSAM – Gibbon Sanctuary, Kaziranga & Nameri National Park Asif N Khan Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri
  • 16. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 13 During this camp we shall visit Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary which are part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. These regions are the last refuge for Critically Endangered wildlife like Bengal Florican and Gharial. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve The terrain of Dudhwa ranges from grasslands to one of the finest Sal forests in India and marshland which makes Dudhwa a paradise for wild enthusiasts. Dudhwa is famous for the threatened Western Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii) and Tiger; other animals like Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, and Spotted Deer, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Sloth Bear, Honey Badger, Indian or the Great One-horned Rhinoceros can be seen here. Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary The Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the Critically Endangered Gharial and Endangered Gangetic Dolphin. Dudhwa Reserve is also a birder’s paradise with over 400 species recorded here. It harbours birds like Swamp Francolin, Pallas’s Fish-eagle, Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, White-rumped Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, and six species of drongos, namely Hair-crested, Greater Racket-tailed, Lesser Racket-tailed, Crow-billed, White-bellied and Black Drongo. Grade: Easy. Date: will be announced shortly, March 2016; Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Camp Charges: will be announced shortly, contact BNHS for details. Accommodation: Twin-sharing basis. Reporting: On Day One pick up from Lucknow railway station at 07.00 a.m and drop at Lucknow on last day at 5.30 p.m. NOTE: Book your tickets to reach Lucknow prior to Day one. How to Reach: Many trains and flights are available from Mumbai/Delhi to Lucknow. Mumbai-Lucknow: LTT Gorakhpur Exp. (12542), Pushpak Exp. (12534) Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers from and to Lucknow, permits, and entry to park. Cost excludes: Flight/rail ticket to Lucknow, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, beverages, camera fees, any cost not specified above. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com TERAI OF INDIA – Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri
  • 17. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 14 APRIL GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK The Great Himalayan National Park is carved out of the splendid mountain terrain of Kullu district, and is the largest protected area in Himachal Pradesh. The secluded Sainj and Tirthan valleys harbour a variety of wildlife common to this area - wild mountain goats like the Bharal, Goral, and Serow, the Himalayan Brown Bear and predators like the Leopard and the very rare Snow Leopard. Birds like Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Bearded Vulture, and Himalayan Parakeet can be seen during the trek. Date:16th – 22nd April 2016 Grade: Moderate; Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Camp Charges: Rs. 22,100/- for Members and Rs. 23,600/-for others. (ex-Delhi). Accommodation: Dormitory at Sai Ropa and twin sharing Tents during the treks. Sleeping bags and mattress will be provided. Reporting: Majnu-ka-Tila (Petrol Pump), at 5.00 p.m. on Day One. Drop on last day at 08:00 a.m.; Kindly book your train/flights after 1:00 p.m. on the last day. How to reach: Majnu-ka-Tila is about 5 km from Delhi ISBT opposite the Tibetan Village on the main MG Marg. There is a petrol pump on the main road, most private buses operate from there. The best way is to come via the Airport Metro till New Delhi Metro Station and ask for a cab or an auto-rickshaw to drive you to Majnu-ka-Tila. Cost includes: Cost is inclusive of local transport, Delhi-Kullu-Delhi by Volvo, food except during the Volvo journey, accommodation in dormitories and tents, permits to the GHNP, all camping equipment, and BNHS expertise. Cost Excludes: Any personal expenses. Porterage (Porters can be made available at extra cost on prior notice). We can keep the extra luggage at Sairopa base camp and carry only what is needed for the trek. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com Vandan Jhaveri Vandan JhaveriIsaac Kehimkar
  • 18. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 15 MAY TADOBA NATIONAL PARK Created in 1955, Tadoba National Park is Maharashtra’s oldest National Park. It is one of India’s 28 Project Tiger reserves. Situated in Chandrapur district, the National Park covers 623 sq. km of two forested areas, the Tadoba and Andhari range. Along with tigers, Tadoba is home to the Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Wild Dog, Hyena, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Blue Bull, Four-horned Antelope, and Barking Deer. Tadoba Lake is home to Marsh Crocodile. It is also a birdwatchers’ paradise with a good variety of birds like Indian Pitta, White-eyed Buzzard, Pied Cuckoo, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Painted Sandgrouse, and many more. Dates: Batch I: 6th – 9th May, 2016 (batch limit of 10 participants); Batch II: 11th – 14th May, 2016 (on demand) Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan; Camp Charges: Rs. 18,200/- for members and Rs. 19,700/- for others (ex Nagpur). Accommodation: Twin sharing basis. Reporting: Outside Nagpur railway station, near Comesum food court at 9.00 a.m. and drop on the last day at 2.00 p.m. Please book your train / air tickets accordingly. How to get there: Sewagram Exp (12139) and Nagpur Duronto (12289) both arrive in Nagpur well before 9 a.m. Cost includes: Accommodation, food (first day lunch to last day breakfast) transfers to/from Nagpur, Safari charges and entry to the park. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes.@gmail.com Note: Since the safari bookings opens 120 days in advance, kindly register for this camp before 7th January, 2016, to avoid disappointment. Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri Prachi Galange Asif Khan
  • 19. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC GIR NATIONAL PARK – THE LAST REFUGE 16 Gir National Park is one of the oldest National Parks of India and is famed for being last the refuge of the Asiatic Lion. Besides the Asiatic Lion, Gir also supports a large population of Leopards, and boasts of having the largest concentration of big cats. Important prey species comprise Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Blue Bull, and Sambar. Other mammals include Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Common Langur, Porcupine, and Black-naped Hare. Gir is also a good place for birding, birds like Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Mottled Wood-owl, Red-rumped Swallow, Spotted Owlet, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Common Hawk-cuckoo can be seen here, besides Indian Peafowl in large numbers. Date: Batch I: 25th – 28th May, 2016, Batch II: 30th May – 3rd June, 2016 (on demand) Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange. Camp Charges: Rs. 18,200/- for members and Rs. 19,700/- for others (ex Rajkot). Accommodation: Twin-sharing basis. Reporting: Outside Rajkot railway station at 8.00 a.m. Drop at Rajkot on last day at 2.00 p.m. How to get there: Train - Sau Janta Exp (19017) leaves from Mumbai at 5.35 p.m. and reaches Rajkot at 7.30 a.m. Sau Janta Exp (19018) can be booked for return which leaves from Rajkot at 3.20 p.m. Flight - Direct flights from Mumbai to Rajkot are available. Cost includes: Accommodation, food (first day lunch to last day breakfast), transfers to/from Rajkot, Safari charges and entry to the park. Registration*:Kindlycontactusat22871202/22821811 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Note: Since the safari bookings opens 90 days in advance, kindly register for this camp before 24th February, 2016, to avoid disappointment. Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri
  • 20. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC 17 Sri Lanka is a must for birders and wildlife enthusiasts alike, with more than 450 species of birds, of which over 30 species are endemic birds. Sri Lanka is a must for birders. Yala National Park is one of the best places to spot the elusive Leopard, as the Park can boast of having the highest density of leopards in the world, making Sri Lanka an ideal wildlife destination. The island has some of the most fascinating locations, including coastal wetlands, rainforests, and the soaring peaks of the hill country where one can find an array of wildlife. Sinharaja Forest Reserve can be described as a Tropical Lowland Rainforest. Singharaja is a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka’s endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Birdwatching in this reserve is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka, including the elusive Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal, and Sri Lanka Blue Magpie. Yala National Park comprises several major habitat types, including dunes, scrub forest, riverine forests, rocky outcrops, secondary forests, and coastal lagoons with mangrove forests.  This diverse collection of vegetation harbours to many species of animals including Sloth Bear, herds of Asian Elephant, Buffalo, Sambar and the endangered Leopard sub-species, which is found only in Sri Lanka. Other carnivores found in the Park include Ring-tailed Civet, and the endemic Golden Palm Civet. Numerous birds such as Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Ceylon Wood-shrike, Ceylon Green-pigeon, and Ceylon Junglefowl can be spotted in Yala’s riverine forests. Bundala National Park is a mix of scrub jungle and sand dunes bordering the sea. Bundala and Tissa wetlands are home to winter migrant birds and large flocks of flamingos. This one of the best places to see migratory birds. Horton Plains National Park is one of the famous hill stations in Sri Lanka. Covered by montane grasslands and forest, it is famous for uncommon and rare highland birds. It is home to 21 endemic species including Ceylon White-eye, Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Ceylon Woodpigeon, and Dusky Blue Flycatcher, to name a few. Grade: Easy Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan Dates: 21st – 28th February, 2016 (ex Colombo) Camp Fee: Rs. 1,34,000/- for members and Rs. 1,35,500/- for others INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Emerald Island – Sri Lanka FEBRUARY, 2016 Photos Courtesy Global Journeys
  • 21. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC Payment schedule: 1st Installment (non-refundable) Immediate Rs. 25,000/- 2nd Installment 15th August 2015 Rs. 25,000/- 3rd Installment 15th October 2015 Rs. 35,000/- 4th Installment 15th December 2015 Rs. 35,000/- Final Installment 15th January 2016 Rs. 14,000/- (Rs. 15,500/- for non members) Reporting: 20th February, 2016 at 11:00 p.m. at Mumbai International Airport. Return to Mumbai International Airport on 29th February, 2016 at 02:05 a.m (ETA) Camp fee includes: Economy Class Air tickets Visa and processing charges Full board accommodation as per itinerary One litre Bottled water per day All park entrance fees. Travel insurance for participants aged upto 70 years Safari /trails as per itinerary BNHS expertise Camp fee excludes: Food and drinks not on the group menu Any sightseeing not mentioned in itinerary Expenses of a personal nature, laundry, telephone calls Camera charges if applicable Tips and gratuities Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes” Note: The cost has been calculated @ 1 USD = 63 INR, with minimum 16 participants travelling together. Your passport should be valid for upto 6 months from the last day of the camp. Registration*:Call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail bnhs.programmes@gmail.com for more details. 18 Photos Courtesy Global Journeys
  • 22. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC Bhutan, the jewel of the eastern Himalaya and a global biodiversity hotspot is home to a variety of wildlife. Here you can see birds like Beautiful Nuthatch, Red-billed Leiothrix, Red-faced Liocichla, Blue-winged, Black- faced, and Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Grey-throated Babbler, Brown, and Red-headed Bullfinch, Brown-throated Treecreeper, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous- necked Hornbill, Black-throated Parrotbill, Great Parrotbill, Brown Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill, Slender-billed Scimitar-babbler, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Long-billed Wren Babbler, Bar-winged Wren Babbler, Streaked-breasted Scimitar-babbler, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, shortwings, White-winged Grosbeak, Collared Grosbeak, Long-tailed Thrush and several more species. Bhutan has a good diversity of butterflies too, ranging from Bhutan Glory, Golden Birdwing, Kaisers to Sergeants and Jezebels. April is the perfect time to enjoy spring in the Himalaya. Witness the floral splendour of rhododendrons, primulas, and orchids. You will be in the middle of the courtship and nesting time of Himalayan birds – and this is the time to hear them sing. Do not miss this spring in the Himalaya. Grade: Easy (No trekking or strenuous climbing, only short walks for birding) Group Leader: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar Dates: 23rd – 30th April, 2016 Reporting:DayOneat06:00a.m.atKolkataInternationalAirport.Participants are advised to book their arrival in Kolkata prior to Day One. Schedule arrival at Kolkata on the last day will be at noon. All participants are advised to book return flight from Kolkata after 3 p.m. BHUTAN – Spring in the Himalaya APRIL, 2016 19 Isaac Kehimkar
  • 23. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC Camp Fee: Rs. 78,600/- for members and Rs. 80,100/- for non members (ex Howrah) Payment schedule: 1st Installment (non-refundable) at the time of booking Rs. 15,000/- 2nd Installment Date- 15th January, 2016 Rs. 20,000/- 3rd Installment Date- 15th February, 2016 Rs. 20,000/- Final Installment Date- 15th March, 2016 Rs. 23,600/- (Rs. 25,100/- for non members) Camp fee includes: Economy Class Airfare (Kolkata to Paro and back) Full board accommodation. All park entrance fees and permits. All meals (BLD). Professional bird guide. All local transport. BNHS expertise. Price does not include: Food and drinks not part of group menu. Flight/train tickets to and from Kolkata. Any sightseeing not mentioned on the programme. Expenses of a personal nature , laundry, telephone calls. Tips and gratuities. Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes”. Note: The cost has been calculated for 16 full paid participants and airfare as on 20/10/2015. Registration*: Call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail bnha.programmes@gmail.com for more details. 20 Isaac Kehimkar Isaac KehimkarAsif N Khan Asif N Khan
  • 24. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC Come and explore the wildlife of Northern Tanzania, also known as the “prime game viewing country”. Witness the spectacle of African wildlife in Tanzania. Watch the dust rise and feel your heart pound as herds of over a million Wildebeest and Zebra thunder across your path on the great migration. Masai Giraffe, Thomson’s Gazelle, Cheetah, Striped and Spotted Hyaena, and many more wild animals roam the savannah. Tanzania provides the best opportunity to see distinctive African animals like African Lion, Cheetah, Eland, and Kudu, and birds such as Secretary Bird, African Fish-eagle, Lilac-breasted Roller, Superb Starling, Vulturine and Crested Guineafowl, Southern Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, and Red-billed Hornbill. Other attractions are Nile Crocodile and the largest land animal, the African Elephant. Serengeti, Tanzania’s largest and most famous national park, the Mecca of wildlife lovers, is truly a wildlife paradise. Experience the thrill of exploring the endless plains of Serengeti and witness extensive herds of Wildebeest and Zebra. The largest bird in the world, Common Ostrich, can also be seen here. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places to see the Critically Endangered Black Rhinoceros, Serval, Wildebeest, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and African Lion at close range. Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest park in Tanzania and is famous for the large number of elephants that can be seen here. It is also a good place to spot the uncommon Yellow-collared Lovebird. Tarangire is famous for its population of tree climbing lions. Grade: Easy Dates: 21st to 28th May, 2016 (Ex-Mumbai) Grade: Easy Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri. Camp Fee: Rs. 1,88,000/- for members and Rs. 1,89,500/- for others Payment schedule: 1st Installment (non-refundable) Immediate Rs. 45,000/- 2nd Installment Rs. 40,000/- 3rd Installment Rs. 40,000/- 4th Installment Rs. 35,000/- Final Installment Rs. 28,000/- (Rs. 29,500/- for non members) Reporting: Participants to meet at 2.30 a.m. on 21th May, 2016 at Mumbai International Airport, group will return to Mumbai on 28th May,2016 early morning. MAY, 2016 AFRICAN SAFARI – Tanzania 21
  • 25. INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC Camp fee includes: Economy Class Air tickets Visa and processing charges Full board accommodation as per itinerary One litre Bottled water per day All park entrance fees Travel insurance for participants aged upto 70 years Safari /trails as per itinerary BNHS expertise Camp fee excludes: Food and drinks not on the group menu Any sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary Expenses of a personal nature, laundry, telephone calls Camera charges if applicable Tips and gratuities Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes” Note: The cost has been calculated @ 1 USD = 65 INR, with minimum 16 participants travelling together. Your passport should be valid for 6 months from the last day of the camp. Registration*: Call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail bnhs.programmes@gmail.com for more details. 22 Vandan Jhaveri Vandan Jhaveri Asif N Khan * Note: - n If you are registering for any of the programmes, it is assumed that you have read and agreed to all the Rules and Guidelines. n Rules and Guidelines for BNHS programmes are available on our website: www.bnhs.org. n If you are booking a flight for any camp, it is highly recommended to book refundable tickets. n All the surplus generated through the activities of the programme department are utilized for conservation of wildlife.