Corbett National Park

Corbett is regarded as one of the true bird parks of the world. Out of the 2,060 species and subspecies of birds recorded in the Indian subcontinent, over 600 species/subspecies of birds have been recorded from Corbett at one time or another. This number is greater than the total number of bird species found in Europe and represents around one fourth of the available diversity found in India. Out of the 69 species of raptors found in India, 49 can be seen in Corbett making it a striking element of the local avifauna. The reserve, which covers 520 sq. kms. is

not less than a paradise for bird-watchers. European bird-watchers are some of the keenest visitors to the reserve during winters when the bird diversity is at its peak.

India's first and finest park spread over 520 sq. kms. Along the banks of the Ramganga river, just 300 kms. Northeast of Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas is the Corbett National Park. Established initially as Hailey National Park on August 8, 1936, in honors of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United Provinces, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952. In 1957, it was finally named as Corbett National Park in honors and memory of the latc Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries.

Birds which can be spotted at the banks of River Ramganga on the outskirts of Corbett Park include Brown Fish Owl, Himalayan Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and Plumbeous/White-Capped Redstarts. One can also see Little/Staty backed Forktails and Mountain/ Rufousbellied Hawk-Eagles here. Inside Corbett Park, Blue Whistling Thrush and Red Jungle Fowl are immediate possibilities. But with some efforts one can spot Oriental White-eye, Jungle Owlet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Lesser Fish-Eagle or even Great Thick-knee, Stork-billed Kingfisher and many more. Mammals include Tiger, Indian Elephant, Chital, Sambhar, Muntjack (Barking Deer), Hog Deer and Common Langur. A trip to these magnificent Sanctuaries will also take you through Jaipur (Pink City) and Agra (City of Taj) which will add the experience of Indian culture, heritage, history and hospitality to your memories.

Birds : Peacock, Jungle fowl, Partidges, Kaleej, Crow, Vulture, Parakeets, Laughing thrush, Orioles, Kingfishers, Drongo, Doves, Woodpeckers, Ducks, Teals, Storks, Cormorants and Seagulls. Birds of Binsar The Binsar Sanctuary provides a wide range of habitats from Sub-tropical Chir Pine and Himalayan Moist-temperate forest, with Banj Oak and Deodar forest on the higher ridges. There are wonderful opportunities for bird enthusiasts.

During four days of walks in September 2004, including the highest point ('Zero Point') and nearby villages, some 60 species were recorded by Arun Pratap Singh of the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Unique sightings included Rufous-bellied and Himalayan Woodpecker pairs feeding on the same pine tree, where many Brown-fronted Woodpeckers were also present. At night, calls of the Asian Barred Owlet and Mountain Scops Owls were heard.

Other wildlife included an alarmed Barking Deer, calling at Dusk at Khali Estate, a pair of Himalayan Yellow-throated Martins, Giant Common Himalayan Flying Squirrels, Hanuman Languor monkeys and a Small Brown snake, besides 31 species of butterflies.

Bird Sightings in Kumaon Name of the birds which we can spot in Kumaon region are  Black Kite, Shikra, Red-Headed Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, Crested Serpent Eagle, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Collard Dove,  Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Slaty - headed Parakeet, Oriental Cuckoo, Asian-barred Owlet, Spotted Owlet, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan Woodpecker, Ashy Drongo, Bar-winged Flycatcher

,Shrike, Common Myna, Eurasian Jay, Black -headed Jay, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Grey Treepie Large-billed Crow, Long-tailed Minivet, Scaly-breasted Munia, Yellow -breasted Green Finch, Crested Bunting, Black Bulbul, Himalayan Bulbul, Black-chinned, Babbler, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Green Shrike Babbler, Rufous Sibia, Streaked Laughing Thrush, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Grey-hooded Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Ashy-throated Warbler, Grey Bushchat, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Plain-backed Mountain Thrush, Great Tit, Black-lored Tit, Green Backed Tit, Spot-winged Tit, Black-throated Tit, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, White-tailed Nuthatch, Grey Wagtail, Russet Sparrow, House Sparrow.