The Garhwal Himalaya is a rich for the bird watchers. One can spot the high altitude birds and as well as migratory birds in this region. The followings areas are famous for the bird watchers. Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary It is located 40 kms west of Dehradun; it is in between Dehradun and Ponta Sahib. This is a paradise for the bird watchers. Assan barrage at the confluence of the river Yamuna & Assan through Dhalipur power house.

One can spot here more then 53 species of water birds of which 19 are winter migrants from Eurasia. During winter months 90% of the waterbird population comprises the following 11 migratory species, namely Brahminy Duck, Pintail, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Common Pochard, Mallard, Coot, Wigeon, Common Teal, Tufted Duck, and Shoveller.

The Assan reservoir exists throughout the year and is fed from the river Asan and the discharge channel of Yamuna through Dhalipur powerhouse. Although the water level is controlled, it often goes down, and swampy islands in the middle become visible, attracting a variety of marsh-loving birds like Egrets, Herons and Lapwings, etc.

The area is also full of aquatic vegetation of the reservoir consists of Eichhornia crassips, Potamogeton pectinatus, Typha elephantina, and Ceratophyllum demersum. The surrounding bushes include Xanthium strumarium, Eclipta prostrata, Ipomoea sp., Mimosa pudica, Achyranthus aspera, Polygonum glabrum, P. lanigerum, Aeschynomene sp., Ageratum conyzoides, phyllanthus sp., Monochoria hastata, Mosla dianthera, and Lantana camara. On the southern side, agricultural fields surround the barrage. Further south there is mixed forest in Siwaliks comprising principally Shorea robusta, Anogeissus Latifolia, Lannea coromandelica, Dalbergia sissoo, and Bombax ceiba.

Birding Season:
Arrival & Departure
October November December March-end  Or Early April, Sometimes April- end

Bird Watching In Rajaji National Park The area is inhabited by over 400 species of birds. Our team of Ornithologists is consists of some of the very best personalities. Our team of Bird Specialists is headed by very renowned personality Mr. Manoj, Who is working on many Rajasthan Govt. projects on the Birds, He is a life member of prestigious BNHS. Along with him we have a full fledged team of viable Ornithologists who are having expertise in all aspect of Birds like Taxonomy, Evolution, Habitat, Life Cycle, Migration and Many more topics.

Nanda Devi National Park
A total of 114 bird species were recorded during the 1993 Nanda Devi Scientific and Ecological Expedition. Abundant species recorded during May-June include Crested Black Tit (Parus melanolophus), Yellow-bellied Fantail Flycatcher (Rhipidura hypoxantha), Orange-flanked Bush Robin (Erithacus cyanurus), Blue-fronted Redstart (Phoenicurus frontalis), Indian Tree Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni), Vinaceous-breasted Pipit (Anthus roseatus), Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus), and Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes). Species richness was found to be highest in temperate forests, with a significant decline in richness as elevation increased. Some 546 species are reported from the proposed biosphere reserve.

Govind Wildlife Sanctuary Best Time to visit -April to June and September to November The park is home to more than 15 species of mammals and 150 species of birds. The important mammals are Bharal, Black Bear, Brown Bear, Common Leopard, Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, Serow and Snow Leopard. The endangered birds found in the area are Bearded Vulture, Black Eagle, Himalayan Snow Cock, Golden Eagle, Monal Pheasant, Koklas Pheasant, Steppe Eagle and Western Tragopan. Other important bird

found here are Buntings, Bulbuls, Cuckoos, Finches, Minivets, Owls, Pigeons, Parakeets, Thrushes, Tits and Warblers.

Malan Sanctuary
Malan Wildlife Sanctuary is only about 10 kms from Kotdwar railway station, which is in Pauri Garhwal district. The fauna includes Tiger, Panther, Elephant, Sloth Bear, Sambhar, Cheetal, Kakar, Cinkara, Birds. Many types of precious herbs & shrubs are found in it. The best season to visit is from February to April. Accommodation is available at Forest Rest Houses at Gularijhala and Haldukhata. Tourist Huts and dormitories are also available. For reservation one should write to Divisional Forest Officer, Lansdowne.