Birding around Darjeeling: tips please

[Thad E Ginathom]

Superpic of a lovely bird, Somnath

[Somnath Goswami]

So where do the birds migrate to in winter? Any specific sites that are recommended?

Look at lower elevations. Even Kalimpong and Doorkhola is having fairly good bird activities. The foothills like Buxa etc  are now quite rewarding as well. Above around 2000 meters, March would be the starting point.

[Nishit Dave]

So where do the birds migrate to in winter? Any specific sites that are recommended?

[Somnath Goswami]

An update to this thread. I was there around Darjeeling area, as well as Sandakphu for a family trip during the first week of December. But as a birder, part of my attention was taken by the bird activities, or lack thereof. Bitter cold and high wind has driven most birds from upper reaches of the Himalayas to the lower areas. There was the possibility of one lifer , White-throated Redstart, one of the residents of super high mountains who comes down to winter in Darjeeling area, not every year though and we have searched this bird in vain in at least last two winters,  and I looked for the the bird one morning with Mikma at Senchal and found a pair as well as another male. Attaching a photo of the precious bird down here.

[Somnath Goswami]

Hi Nishit,

If you are going for only a casual kind of birding I suggest you to take a mornin g stroll through the left hand side road that starts from the Mall, the Bhanu Bhakta statue and small gallery will be to your right, and goes to the Governor's House, and if time permits upto the Zoo, which in itself is a fine hotspot. It's a downhill stroll and you can get share cabs on your way back. If time permits take the Right hand side road that goes by the side of "Mahakal temple" and reaches upto "View Point". Or you can make a circular walk of that area without going all the way to the zoo, as both the paths meet down the road. Go as early as possible because the tourists starts come in as you can understand. If you have more time venture to "Lapechajagat", the conifer forests around are great, or to Senchal, more popularly known as Tiger Hill. For Senchal go around 9 as before that lots of vehicles ply for ferrying the famous "sunrise" crowd.
If you have any serious birding in mind, let me know, I will connect you to one of the many guides there.
Cheers
Somnath

Hi Somnath, could you please connect me with one of the local bird guides in Darjeeling? I'll be there between Nov 25 and 30 and would like to make short, guided day trips around Darjeeling. I'll be staying around Mall Road. Your other suggestions are excellent. Thanks in advance.

Dinu

I have messaged you

[Dinusaur]

Hi Nishit,

If you are going for only a casual kind of birding I suggest you to take a morning stroll through the left hand side road that starts from the Mall, the Bhanu Bhakta statue and small gallery will be to your right, and goes to the Governor's House, and if time permits upto the Zoo, which in itself is a fine hotspot. It's a downhill stroll and you can get share cabs on your way back. If time permits take the Right hand side road that goes by the side of "Mahakal temple" and reaches upto "View Point". Or you can make a circular walk of that area without going all the way to the zoo, as both the paths meet down the road. Go as early as possible because the tourists starts come in as you can understand. If you have more time venture to "Lapechajagat", the conifer forests around are great, or to Senchal, more popularly known as Tiger Hill. For Senchal go around 9 as before that lots of vehicles ply for ferrying the famous "sunrise" crowd.
If you have any serious birding in mind, let me know, I will connect you to one of the many guides there.
Cheers
Somnath

Hi Somnath, could you please connect me with one of the local bird guides in Darjeeling? I'll be there between Nov 25 and 30 and would like to make short, guided day trips around Darjeeling. I'll be staying around Mall Road. Your other suggestions are excellent. Thanks in advance.

Dinu

[Nishit Dave]

Thanks Somnathji, these are useful tips. I'll probably only have time for casual birding. Another JJMPF member has sent me a couple of local guides' contacts. I'll send you a DM if I need more names.

[Somnath Goswami]

Hi Nishit,

If you are going for only a casual kind of birding I suggest you to take a morning stroll through the left hand side road that starts from the Mall, the Bhanu Bhakta statue and small gallery will be to your right, and goes to the Governor's House, and if time permits upto the Zoo, which in itself is a fine hotspot. It's a downhill stroll and you can get share cabs on your way back. If time permits take the Right hand side road that goes by the side of "Mahakal temple" and reaches upto "View Point". Or you can make a circular walk of that area without going all the way to the zoo, as both the paths meet down the road. Go as early as possible because the tourists starts come in as you can understand. If you have more time venture to "Lapechajagat", the conifer forests around are great, or to Senchal, more popularly known as Tiger Hill. For Senchal go around 9 as before that lots of vehicles ply for ferrying the famous "sunrise" crowd.
If you have any serious birding in mind, let me know, I will connect you to one of the many guides there.
Cheers
Somnath

[Nishit Dave]

Hi everyone, I'm planning to go to Darjeeling soon on a short vacation. Any tips on spots in or nearby the town, how to get there, need for guides, etc.? I'm not spending much time there, so any bird watching will be a casual affair.

Thanks in advance.