Prof.Prakasam, Vicks vaporub and rainforests of Kerala- June 2011

Prof.R.Prakasam and 
his friend Dr. Suresh Kumar( 3rd from front)

In June 2011, I went to IMG Trivandrum to conduct a one-week training course on Design of Training (DoT). The moment my programme was finalised, I wrote to my dear and respected friend Professor R.Prakasam (PP for short) of IMG,  reminding him of the promise that I had extracted from him, few months ago, during an evening party in Canberra Australia where we had gone together for a training. Prof Prakasam, after finishing his second peg but before the start of the third, during our discussion on the rainforests of Australia, which I was praising, interrupted me and announced that the rain forests of India are far better. He further promised that whenever I visit Kerela he would take me to the best rainforest that India has to offer. I did not take him seriously then, for I too was at the end of my third  and beginning of the fourth. As luck would have it immediately after my return from Australia, Government of India requested me to go to IMG Trivandrum to conduct the DoT course.  It is only in 2014 that I have been able to locate the photographs and therefore, uploading them in the blog.

Only a month ago, wild elephants rampaged through this night shelter 

meant for the forest guards. There are two rooms on the left with

 open windows and on the right is the open kitchen.

 I slept in the room on the extreme left. Note the column on left
about to fall down.

Professor R.Prakasam (PP for short) is an authority on Rural Development and is gem of a person. What endears him to everyone is his fine sense of humour. He is very soft spoken and despite being in the profession of teaching is a reticent person. Therefore, on reaching Trivandrum on Saturday, when I made an attempt to extract from him the destination where he is taking me on Friday, he only smiled and said " do not worry. You are going to have a unique experience". There was a mysterious smile on his face while speaking the words “unique experience".  On my further query, all I could get was that we are going to Kalathupuzha which is Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary and is part of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, which owes its name to the endemic species of tree found in this forest and adjoining forest in Tamil Nadu.  He also hinted that the night stay may not be very comfortable but it would be a "unique experience" for me. 

On Friday after finishing the course, I , my co-trainer Shri Sarangi, PP and two of his friends started at around 5 PM from Trivandrum by an Toyota Innova. I was excited like a child and looking forward to the visit. It is not every day that you get an opportunity to spend a night in the famed rainforest forest of Kerela. The Wildlife Sanctuary is located 64 km from Kollam and 74 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Prof.Prakasam also requested one of his close friend, Dr. Suresh Kumar who is now Director of Economics and statistics Department to accompany us. On our way we bought the vegetables and other items for the dinner as the plan was to prepare the dinner in the forest. One particular item purchased by PP caught my attention. In the list of items he ordered in the shop, were three packets of 'Vicks vaporub'.  Unable to contain my curiosity I asked PP "What will you do with  three packets of vicks vaporub Prof.?"-  No reply only a mysterious smile.

The Prof also informed that for dinner it will be the famous Malyalee delicacy of boiled Tropioca with rice. 

We reached the outskirts of the sanctuary by 7 pm and by then it was quite dark. The last 7 kilometers which we travelled to reach the place where we parked the car(about which more later) was through dense forest and a very narrow kachcha road. When we finally parked our car, there was a forest guard standing with a torch to guide us further. As we got down from the car, I could not see any hotel or a guest house or even a forest rest house that I had expected. By now it was pitch dark all around. It was so dark that whenever the guard switched of his torch, it was difficult to see the person standing next to you. 

We reached the outskirts of the sanctuary by 7 pm and by then it was quite dark. The last 7 kilometres was through dense forest and a very narrow kachcha road. When we finally parked our car, there was a forest guard standing with a torch to guide us further. I could not see any hotel or a guest house or even a forest rest house that I had expected. All around us was only darkness and darkness. It was so dark that whenever the guard switched of his torch, we could not see even our own hands. 

Prof Prakasam's "unique experience' was now making some sense to me. "where are we going to stay tonight. Tents I guess" I said. No response from PP. He started walking into the darkness along with the guard. After 50 steps, we came to a clearing in the forest the size of tennis court, which was surrounded on all four sides by a trench approximately six feet wide and five feet deep. Right in the middle of that clearing, I could see an outline of a small building. Later we came to know that this was constructed a few months ago as a night shelter for the forest guards. It was covered with tin sheds on the top but the tin on the roof was broken and one of the column was also broken and was dangerously leaning on one side. A glow of a small lantern was the only source of light which revealed the presence of this construction. The only way to go inside the plot of land was a foot bridge of four bamboos kept side by side.

It is difficult to put in words the feeling of being in a rain forest at night. Those who, in their childhood were scared of ghost, ( I do not know of any exception) can easily comprehend that eerie feeling one always gets in darkness. There is always a feeling that someone is watching you or standing behind you. Calls of various animals and birds from the forest made matter worse.

The explanation about the trench came from the forest guard. He informed that the trench was dug up to prevent wild elephants from further damaging the building.  Few months ago a herd which migrates annually through this corridor found this construction and tried to buldoz it down. Before they could do heavy damage, the guards somehow managed to scare them away. He also said that the herd is nearby and we may be able to see it next morning.

By now the welcome tea and snacks were ready and we all assembled in the balcony of the shelter. As we were drinking tea, I noticed that Prof Prakasam was again and again looking at the floor all around with help of his torch. I guessed that he was looking for snakes as a matter of precaution and unable to suppress the fear ejaculated "looking for stray snakes Professor? ". PP sensed the fear in my voice and said " oh! not snakes. I am worried about something much more vexatious and dangerous then snakes". It sent a chill down my spine.
" You mean scorpions",I said, the fear in my face fortunately shielded by the darkness.

No reply from PP but a faint smile was discernible in the flickering candle light. Since there was very little light, we had nothing to do except sit and gossip.  As we were getting ready for the dinner the unexplained ‘mysterious smile’ on Professor’s face got an opportunity to explain itself.

Mr.Sarangi who was sitting next to me was fiddling with his torch for a long time. Every now and then he was focusing it on the nearby trees which were almost looming over the roof. Whether he was doing it out of fear or fun is difficult to know but this apparent fidgeting came to a halt when he changed the direction and focused the torch on the floor. The moment he looked down he gave a little whimper. Everyone looked down except PP who continued to 'smile' and looked the least concerned. Mr.Sarangi's whimper by now had turned to a hysterical shout and it was apparent that he was shaken (see photograph of Mr.Sarangi below). There was blood oozing from his leg (just  below the knee and from the foot).  There was so much blood that some of it had accumulated on the floor. There was a big leach (the size of a grape) on Mr.Sarangi's leg just below the knee and one on the foot, which after sucking blood had departed but was sluggishly limping away on the floor.  Mr.Sarangi had no idea when or how it happened. What followed, thereafter was a commotion. Somebody running to fetch common salt, somebody looking for matchstick but PP simply stood up from the chair, came to Mr.Sarangi and  told him to calm down. He  took out a packet of vicks vaporub from his pocket and rubbed it over the leach with his bare fingers.

leach infested forest

 The pulpy and blood soaked leach immediately disengaged itself. PP picked it up and threw it back into the forest floor( the mysterious smile never ever leaving him). Leaches put an anti-coagulant and long after they have disengaged themselves, blood continue to ooze.

All this drama was over in a few minutes but it had shaken both  Mr. Sarangi and I to the core. As we managed to calm down a little we found that on the floor there were leaches coming from all sides towards our feet. It was a scene straight out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Sarangi and I were now jumping up and down and trying to trample as many as we could. PP and his friends and particularly the two cooks were having a hearty laugh at our expense. It is now that PP gave us the second shock by announcing " please do not spoil the floor by killing these innocent creatures as we three are going to sleep on the floor tonight" and quickly added to my relief " of course you and Sarangi will sleep on the cot inside the room " .

I immediately went to the room and with the help of torch checked every nook and corner for leaches. There were a few but they were all on the floor lying in wait for a victim. After all this traumatic experience, I had to sooth my nerves and resorted to the ancient Ayurvedic medicine (somrasa) which never fails to produce quick results in such trying conditions. A single gulp of 60 ml. brought me back to my normal self.

It was a great relief to be allowed one of the three cots. Since we two were given one cot each, the third was left for the driver to occupy. PP and his two friends were to sleep on the floor. Of course I was feeling guilty but did not have the courage to offer them the cots.

Within half-an-hour of the leach episode, our dinner of boiled tropioca and rice was served. What a delicious dinner it was!. I can never ever forget the taste of it. Of course the setting in which we were having our dinner was out of the world. Deep inside a rain forest and almost in the elements was an unforgettable experience. Despite the fear of a leach attack and despite repeatedly checking our feet with the torch, we ate our dinner in peace.

I was the first to hit the bed. Prof. gave me and Mr.Sarangi one vicks vaporub to take care for any untoward incident for the night. He also assured us that there is nothing better than vicks vaporub to fight leaches. There was no mattress on any of the cot. Fortunately I was carrying my sleeping bag and after getting into it I simply zipped myself in leaving a small opening to breath. I Could not get any sleep the whole night and woke up every now and then and would check for leaches by throwing the light at the opening of the sleeping bag. At the crack of dawn I woke up as any more sleep was not possible. 

I was feeling happy to be awake and checked my entire body for any leach and thanked god that I was unscathed. Mr. Sarangi also was safe. As we were complementing each other on our success, our Driver came out of the room adjacent and showed us his shirt which was soaked in blood from top to bottom on one side. A leach managed to enter his shirt and sucked blood all night and when he tossed to one side in his sleep it might have got crushed. It was really scary. 

One by one everyone woke up. After finishing our breakfast all of us went out for sighting the elephant herd. The full fury of the leaches was now to be seen on the forest floor. The forest guard also informed from the month of April onward,  the increase of the heat and moisture, creates the optimum breeding conditions for the leach. As we walked on the forest path, we saw leaches coming towards us from all sides. None of us could avoid leaches despite our constant vigil on our feet and shoes.These leaches which were waiting in the leaf laded path, latched on to our feet the moment they felt the vibrations of our shoes.  Once they got hold of anyone's shoes it would find its way to the flesh. 

Anticipating this problem I had put two pairs of socks. I also tucked my trouser bottoms inside my socks. This prevented leaches from getting inside my trousers but I could not prevent them entering my shoes. They can squeeze in even from the smallest of gaps.    I found at least 10 to 15 leaches inside my shoes when we all came back after the trek. The entire experience was so stressful that I was exhausted and wanted badly to get out of the forest as quickly as possible. 

We  had actually trekked deep inside the forest to a river which was 3 kms away. We expected the herd of elephants there the elephants had moved further deep into the forest the earlier night. We could see fresh elephant dung and the guard after inspection said that it should not be more than 12 hours old. 

This is one of the best rain forest in India. Birds of all varieties abound. As we walked the leach infested path, the forest resounded with the songs of Hill Mynah. Any one who has heard their call would know how beautiful it is. In a far of tree we also saw a lone Pied Hornbill. These sightings to some extent made me forget about leaches for some time.

After we came back to the night shelter, it took us an hour to get rid of leaches. Mr.Sarangi had one high up his thighs. PP had many all over his body but he was not the least affected by it. He was rubbing vicks vaporub  and one by one plucking them away. One of his friend was holding a leach on his palm and showing me its mouth and the sucker/ orifice through which it sucks blood.  I somehow managed to click a few shots to show it to my daughter Ishani.
At around 9 AM we said good bye to the Forest and reached Trivandrum at around 2 PM. Prof.Prakasam before getting down at his residence looked at me and said " when are you coming next. I will arrange another such night stay in another forest in the famed Silent Valley?" with a ' trade mark 'mysterious smile'  intact on his face. Just as the driver started the car, PP gave me the last packet of Vicks vaporub as the memento of the visit.

boiled rice and tropioca

Professor Prakasam of IMG Trivandrum
giving the final touches to the dinner

the ditch to prevent elephants from coming in

next morn-breakfast

breakfast

elephant did not like the roof

PP negotiating with the leaches

No one shall be a judge in his own case

Sattal Trip 2014 

Blue-Fronted RedStart

On the insistence of my brother, foremost disciple and field Assistant, Shri Ramashish Roy, I had to reluctantly agree to lead a birding trip to Pangot, one more time, from 10th to 14th January 2014.  Experts say, that my knowledge on the avi-fauna of Pangot and particularly the Sattal area is phenomenal. Therefore, of late, the number of such requests from members of my large fan following has increased to unmanageable limits. Will have do something about it soon.

My cousin, field Assistant
and foremost disciple
Shri Ramashish Roy

For my international followers, let me inform that ' Pangot' ( 2000 mtrs) in Uttarakhand, India, is one of the world's top birding sites and is primarily famous for the globally threatened 'Cheer pheasant' which is found in this region. Pangot is also home to two other beautiful pheasants the Koklas  and the Kalij( bothvery easily sighted) besides a number of other species. Nearest railhead to Pangot is Kathgodam which is 300 kms from Delhi. Remaining 50 kms have to be covered by road which is always in good shape. We had booked our stay at Kafal House which is one of the best options in Pangot.Kafal House is an ideal place for not only a bird lover but for any person looking for an escape from the humdrum of city life. 

Green tailed sun bird

While agreeing to lead the trip,I placed two  conditions which were readily accepted. It is the third condition, much later foisted on me, which is the prime reason of writing this article. Let me explain all these conditions one by one.

The first two conditions were:-

1. that my contribution of the capital in this trip would be Rs.2500/- (roughly 40 US$) and no more(repeat 'no more'); and
2. that Miss Xeno Canto, would also travel with me and would share the same room.

Without the condition no.(2) i.e. without Miss Canto, my girl friend from Spain, I never undertake to lead any mission. (readers desires  to know more about Miss Canto, they may read my famous and internationally acclaimed Article 'Miss Xeno Canto and I alone in Sattalhttps://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4614965527495263233#editor/target=post;postID=8480603175250599909;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=3;src=link).

Coming to the issue of imposing the condition no (1), which, those who know me, I am sure must be finding most un-sandeepmukherjee-like , I may hasten to add, was included, only because of the financial circumstances, I had enmeshed myself in. Only a few days back, I had purchased a nikon D-800  and  was not in a position to undertake a trip even upto Patel Chowk, let alone Pangot, at least for another six months. Since my disciple agreed to both the said conditions, I on my part assured him that I will leave no stone unturned in leading him upto at least one specimen each of  the following :-(i) Green tailed Sunbird (GBS), (ii) Siberian Ruby throat(SBRT) (iii) Golden Bush Robin (GBR) which has not been in his kitty so far, despite assisting me in most of my previous expeditions. 

Later, and much later, but a day or two before our departure, the disciple, to bind his master on the above assurance (leading him to the three species), SMSed  and insisted on including the said ' verbal assurance' into a formal condition in the agreement. This condition, which, let us call condition no (3) was, that in case I am able to successfully lead him to these species, he will not insist on the Rs.2500/- as well. I agreed.

This article, purport to seek a decision of the reader on the question as to whether the condition no(3) has been fulfilled or not. Being a firm believer in the lofty principles of Natural Justice, one of which is that  ' NO ONE SHALL BE JUDGE IN HIS OWN CASE',  I  endeavor to place the facts before you and lead evidence which is as under:-

Facts/Evidence

On Saturday the 10th January at 5.15 AM, we started from C.R.Park for the Anand Vihar railway station ( 20 km away) to catch the Shatabdi to Kathgodam. The beginning itself could have been disastrous, because my favourite disciple kept on sleeping right upto 4.55 AM. Normally such casual demonstration of punctuality on the part of a budding photographer who has been so fortunate to be under the tutelage of such a renowned teacher as I, is unpardonable. However, the  extenuating circumstances, which dilutes the culpability of the accused is that he had returned from the international airport, only three hours ago, after bidding adieu to our favorite Mili (Mallika Dasgupta), who was leaving us for good to join her newly acquired husband in Chicago. 

Just to inform the reader that I too, was at the airport with my disciple and had returned with him at 2 AM. Although, I also got to sleep for only two hours, I woke up at around 4 AM as a strict disciplinarian and was ready by 4.45 waiting at the gate to be picked by the cab we had hired. Since Ramashish did not call me even upto 4.45, I called him up to inquire whether the cab is coming to pick me as decided the previous night. He informed very nonchalantly that he had actually slept through two alarms and had got up only a minute ago. Thankfully, despite his delayed awakening, he managed to get ready in the next 15 minutes and we left C.R.Park just in time to successfully board the train. The train left on time and despite a dense fog throughout the first 100 kilometers, the driver kept a good speed and crossed all the milestones as per schedule.

Minor set back-Snowfall in Pangot

When we were crossing Moradabad, Raju, the proprietor of Kafal house called from Pangot to inform that it had been snowing there since last night and the road to Pangot beyond kilbury is no longer motorable. It was a bit of a setback. But such minor setbacks hardly affects a true leader.

With Pangot out of bounds, I had to decide an alternative night halt. After considering various options, I decided Sattal KMVN as the next best destination. A few phone calls later and with the help of my dear friend Shri Atul Joshi of Haldwani, a room in the KMNV Guest House, Sattal was booked. ( The  mobile calls costed me around hundred rupees and which I think ought to be deducted from Rs.2500 yet to be paid in case the verdict goes against me). 

Blue fronted

redstart

Despite the bad weather, we reached Kathgodam on time at 1200 hours and proceeded to Sattal by a by road in the car of our old and trusted guide Shri Harish. On reaching Sattal, although a very good room was immediately allotted by the manager, we were told that no lunch could be provided, as they had no other guest in the hotel and hence no vegetables were purchased in advance. It was a blessing in disguise for we immediately went out for birding after quickly finishing the egg-sandwiches which Rumpa (my sister-in-law) packed for us for the journey.  Within half-an-hour of reaching the Sattal Park I was able to sight Yellow bellied Fantail, blue winged siva, Chestnut bellied rock thrush and few more species. We searched for more species and were able to spot a few Blue-winged-Sivas, Himalayan Flame Backs etc.

sattal KMVN-
this is the best room

By 4.30 pm the light was so bad that we tentatively decided to call it a day. Just as we were leaving, came flying a Brown fish owl from the north end and vanished inside the jungle to the south. I followed the owl and found it perched on bough of a big tree just adjacent to the lake. (see below). 

Brown fish owl

Despite the poor light and distance, I managed a very decent shot (Thanks to my new camera which could capture the owl despite the distance of 30-35 feet and that too in such overcast conditions). Since my disciple was some distance away, I called him at the top of my voice to come quickly and capture this majestic bird but he was busy shooting something else and did not respond (I think when you possess a 500 mm lens you are content clicking common house sparrows too). All the shouting had disturbed the wise owl and he(or could be she) went deeper into the forest.Fortunately, the Brown-Fish Owl was not part of the deal else my case would have weakened further. The day-one was satisfactory and we came back to tour room happy and content. Our room had a  balcony facing the Sattal Lake. Since the month of January is the leanest season for the hills, we were the only guest in the hotel and the rest of evening was spent sitting in the balcony, under the star studded sky with myriad and mysterious sounds coming from the adjoining forest acting as the background music. It was an unforgettable experience.

the steps going up to the
main road from the Sattal park

Next morn, our target was to get the Golden Bush Robin which I had shot few months back in Sattal.Although we spent three hours in Sattal, we could not get it despite a thorough seach of the area. Finally when it was almost 10 AM, and no trace of GBR was found, we gave up. During our morning visit, we also met the great wild life photographer Shri Kalyan Singh Sajwan who shared many of his interesting experiences with us. After Mr.Sajwan left, we hung around for half-an-hour more and came tantalisingly close to sighting a scaly-breasted Wren Babbler. At least one was foraging inside the thick bushes in front of us. Though we could hear its call incessantly, yet we could not see it even for a second. In all it was a disappointing morning.

In the evening, we went to Chafi (चाफी) another good birding spot (20 km from Sattal). At Chafi we got good closuep shots of the yellow bellied fantail, forktail and also a crested kingfisher. I also saw a Kalij (male)at Chafi but could not shoot it.

We decided to return from Chafi at around 4.30 pm. Since it was tea-time, we stopped, 3-4 km before Sattal at a shop for a tea break. We found that the tea-wala had maggi noodles also. Immediately we ordered noodles and while the noodle and tea was getting prepared, I started exploring the area. Just adjoining the tea shop, I spotted the beautiful blue fronted red start (BFRS) and we got to click it from within 5 feet. We returned in the evening and were very happy about the collection of the day. A celebration was due with the famous Mr.Johnny Walker.

 The Siberian Ruby Throat

siberian ruby throat

On 13th Morn, news came that the road to Pangot has re-opened. We immediately packed our luggage and started  for Pangot. Immediately after we left Sattal, we spotted three yellow-throated Martins in the dense forest. We watched them till they vanished deep inside the forest. After ten minutes we started again. As we were passing by the tea-shop, were we had halted for tea yesterday, my instincts told me to try our luck here again for at least ten minutes. On getting down at the location, I surveyed the area again and decided to trek a little up from the main road into an abandoned field, which we had ignored yesterday. The field was covered with small thorny bushes and movement of birds in the bushes  attracted my attention in the first place. After spending few minutes here, I decided to  go further up. There was a small village of 8-10 houses. Presence of people and farm animals attracts many species of birds and therefore, I decided to enter the village. As I was slowly approaching the village, my acute vision spotted a bird not detected by me before. Blood red spot near the throat was conspicuous. It was foraging on the ground. Oh my god!!!. Was it the Siberian Ruby Throat?. I tiptoed towards the bird and was overjoyed to find that it was a Siberian-Ruby Throat. Instinctively I grabbed my camera to click but before taking even a single shot myself, I again displayed the qualities of a true Teacher. I called my disciple to come quickly and capture the bird first. Only after ensuring that the disciple had the bird in his kitty, I took few memorable shots of the bird (see above). After spending 30 minutes here, we resumed our journey for Pangot and reached at 1 PM. On our way we stopped at Kilbury, in search of the elusive Grossbeak without success. A few stretches  beyond Kilbury, had enough snow on the road to give us few anxious moments. 

Arrival at Pangot on 13th January 2014

Finally when we arrived in Pangot, it was clear sky and we were very happy to have finally reached with half-day of birding still left. Just like Tirthan in Himachal, we have so many times visited this place, that it is a second home to both of us. Raju provided us the best cottage in Kafal House. We finished our lunch quickly and started our expedition for the green tailed sunbird (GTSB). But by now, the conditions had again turned most unsuitable for photography. The sky was overcast and to compound the matters further, very thick fog had started engulfing the entire area. Puran-ji, our guide was with us for this expedition. He stopped us at a particular place and informed that we may be able to find the sunbird here. We waited  for 10-15 minutes at that spot and were gradually losing hope of finding the GTSB. I was becoming restless because in another hour or so, after sun is behind the mountains, it would be almost impossible to shoot. Therefore, I ventured a little deeper into the forest alone to try my luck. My disciple was rooted at the same spot with Puran and convinced that he would get the GTSB there.

As I walked further away from Puran and Ramashish, I thought I heard very faint feeding calls of the GTSB. I increased my pace to the source of the call. On reaching near a bush, I found a resplendent male, flitting from flower to flower. As it so happens so often, that when you are face-to-face with the bird of your dream, you are bewitched by its beauty and it takes some time to come your senses. The GTSB was now in front of me at a distance of 5 feet. I somehow managed to grab my camera and clicked left-right and center for the next two minutes as the bird went from flower to flower. God knows how many clicks I must have shot. After the bird flew away, I reviewed the photos on my camera screen, and for the first time realised, that the camera was worth every rupee I had spent on it. Even at a high ISO of 6400, the grains where almost non-existent, the colours truly captured and the details overwhelmingly impressive. The photographs were of such quality that my joy knew no bounds. It took me some time to realise that these were my perhaps the best I have ever taken in my long and illustrious career. So many times I have been to Pangot but never ever we clicked a GTSB from so close and with such clarity. By now, I found myself, involuntarily shouting and dancing like a junglee. I am sure, if the scene could be recorded on a video, even Late Shammi Kapoor would have been jealous of me. I was calling Ramashish, who was some 50 years away from me, to come and see my photographs of the GTSB. He and Puran were now running towards me because they had realised that I had hit the jackpot. Ramashish was of course a tad disappointed not to have shot the bird. Sensing his disappointment, my leadership qualities came again to the fore.I had to again spot the bird in the wilderness (of course with a little help from my friend Miss Xeno Canto of spain!).We did it with some difficulty but we succeeded at the end and Ramashish also could get some outstanding images. You may get to see his images soon, after he gets permission from me to arrange a photo exhibition which he is planning for last few years. 

greentailed sunbird

Bidding Adieu to Pangot

On 14th we had a train to catch from Kathgodam at 3.30 pm. Therefore, we went again to look for the Cheer pheasant very early in the morning. Although we could not sight the cheer, we got a good shot at two Koklas pheasants which of course were spotted by me. After completing our birding upto 11 AM we came back to Kafal house and left for Kathgodam at 12 pm. On our way we stopped at the dumping ground near Bhimtal and shot 'Steppe Eagles" who are winter visitors in this area. We reached Delhi by train at 9.30 p,m and were back in C.R.Park by 10.15 p.m.

Should I pay the full amout of Rs.2500/-?

I hope, I have placed before you all the facts germane to the issue to enable you to take a decision. Please take your decision without favour or fear. Please remember that you too, in some point of your life, must have fallen into such financial crisis and would know how much Rs.2500/- would mean in such situation.To sum up my arguments, I will only say that  having shown all the birds I promised (except Golden Bush Robin) to Shri Ramashish, whether it would be justified as per the terms and conditions, to pay any money??? If at all something is due then how much. Please decide.

black lored tit

Striated Laughing Thrush
 chewing paan

yellow bellied fantail

Chestnut bellied rock thrush

chestnut headed laughing thrush

common stonechat

siberian Ruby Throat

Rufous Sibia eating berries