Sattal in Focus: 106 Bird species in 5 Days : Part

Sattal in Focus: 106 Bird species in 5 Days : Part - II

Day 4: Hide-Hopping

A full day dedicated to strategic hide photography. We started at the Ashram Hide for Session 6, where early morning mist added a dreamlike quality to our frames. Striated Laughingthrush, Kalij Pheasant, Great Barbet, Oriental Turtle-Dove, Red Junglefowl & Himalayan Bulbul made their appearances.

Himalayan Bulbul

Striated Laughingthrush

Kalij Pheasant

Great Barbet

Oriental Turtle-Dove

Red Junglefowl

In the golden light of the afternoon, we returned to Sattal Studio and its forest trails for Session 7. The deodar and pine canopy glowed softly, creating an ideal setting for birding. Highlights included a watchful Brown Fish-Owl, the active Buff-barred and Whistler’s Warblers, a charming Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, a busy Brown-fronted Woodpecker, and the quick-moving Black-faced Warbler — all adding life to the serene Himalayan landscape.

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher

Brown-fronted Woodpecker

Whistlers Warbler

Buff-barred Warbler

Black-faced Warbler

Before sunset, we squeezed in a final Session 8 at the same bird hide which we started our 1st session on Day1—our trip had come full circle. Here our target was the elusive Golden Bush-Robin which we spotted on the first day. We ended up with many more including Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Golden Bush-Robin (female this time), Rufous Sibia, Common Rosefinch, White-throated Laughingthrush, & a mischievous gang of Black-throated Tits.

Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush

White-throated Laughingthrush

Golden Bush-Robin (female)

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch

Black-throated Tit

Common Rosefinch

Rufous Sibia

📸 Highlight of the day: Amidst the quiet of the Sattal forest, a Brown Fish-Owl sat tense but composed, fending off the relentless dive-bombing of a furious Black-headed Jay from above.

Brown Fish-Owl

Day 5: Farewell at Ranibagh

On our final morning, we made a short drive to Ranibagh for one last birding session #9. The riverside was active with species like Small Niltava, Lineated Barbet, Buff-barred Warbler, Gray-breasted Prinia, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Asian Barred Owlet, Steppe Eagle, Orange-bellied Leafbird & Cinereous Tit—an excellent send-off.

Small Niltava

Gray-breasted Prinia

Cinereous Tit

Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker

Lineated Barbet

Buff-barred Warbler

Asian Barred Owlet

Orange-bellied Leafbird-female

Orange-bellied Leafbird-male

By afternoon, we were back in Kathgodam for our 15:20 Shatabdi Express to New Delhi, arriving at 20:55. We returned with tired limbs, full memory cards, and full hearts.

📸 Highlight of the day: A large group of Steppe eagles taking off through the valley below.

Steppe Eagle

Final Tally: 106 Bird Species

The species count was impressive—not just for quantity, but for the diversity across habitats. From hill hides to riverside trails, we experienced the full range of bird life that the Sattal region has to offer.

Full list of birds with location is posted in ebird portal.

White-crested Laughingthrush

🧳 Trip Essentials:

Gear: DSLR/Mirrorless camera with 400mm+ lens, beanbag/tripod, weather protection
Clothing: Layered winter gear, gloves, and warm socks
Best Time: November–March for clear light and active birdlife
Guide: Local expert naturalists

Final Thoughts

A birding trip is more than a checklist—it's a meditative exercise in slowing down. Each flutter in the leaves, each call in the distance, teaches you to observe, wait, and appreciate. Sattal in winter is a world unto itself, and for any nature photographer or birder, it's a must-do.

Until the next call of the wild… 🐦📷

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