Date: 11 Jan 2025
Location: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge 
Trail Leader: Kundan Kumar 
Trail Theme: Pangot Forest to the Village 
Trail Coordinator: Jagjeewan S. Dhami

The best part about being in the hills is that every nook and corner offers a new view. To discover the variety in landscapes between the forest of the Pangot region and the village area, Asian Adventures, in collaboration with Global Wildlife Fair, organised this walk. The participants started around 8:30 am from the Jungle Lore Birding Lodge and headed towards the village, which had a mesmerising view to offer from the terraced fields to the trees with high canopies. The area was filled with the sounds of birds such as the white-tailed nuthatch, the chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush and the Himalayan Prinia. As the participants crossed the forest, they asked several questions regarding the native plant species of plants found in the region. These questions were answered by the walk leader, making the walk both informative and an enriching experience. 

The chirping of the Indian white-eye was clearly heard because of the peaceful environment of the village. The fresh mountain air carried with it the singing of the buff-breasted warbler. 29 species were observed during the walk. The avian diversity of Pangot was observed, from the small forest birds that were spotted during the walk to the species that have adapted themselves to human life and were spotted on the edges of the villages. Along with the variety of birds, myriad plant species were also observed. These species are of high ecological and cultural importance to the local communities that inhabit the area. It was observed during the walk that village life itself is highly influenced by the surrounding oak and mixed patches of forest. It was then that the group spotted a bar-tailed treecreeper. 

The walk overall was a huge success as it made the participants realise the fact that birds, trees, and plants are not just merely part of the ecosystem but they are a part and parcel of the equation of harmony that links people, nature, and most importantl,y traditional landscapes. During the walk, the folklore related to the forests and their guardian spirits were also shared. These stories have travelled for centuries via ‌ word of mouth. From the changing of the seasons to how for an anonymous number of years people and the forest have existed together, all form the core of these stories, making the trees of the forests almost God-like to the people. You can even join us for the upcoming walks and understand the importance of the ecosystem and the powerful beliefs it holds, not just in the life of the locals but even in our lives. To join these walks, click here  https://asianadventures.info/p/af0725/ 

Bird List 

• Brown-fronted Woodpecker 
• Himalayan Woodpecker 
• Slaty-headed Parakeet 
• Black-headed Jay 
• Eurasian Jay 
• Red-billed Blue-magpie 
• White-tailed Nuthatch 
• Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch 
• Streaked Laughingthrush 
• Buff-barred warbler 
• Gray-hooded warbler 
• Black-throated Tit 
• Indian White-eye 
• Himalayan Prinia 
• Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush 
• White-throated Laughingthrush 
• Gray-winged Blackbird 
• Bar-tailed Treecreeper 
• Himalayan Bluetail 
• Blue-capped Redstart 
• Blue-fronted Redstart 
• Blue-Whistling Thrush 
• Khalij Pheasant 
• Himalayan Prinia 
• Green-backed Tit 
• Striated Laughingthrush 
• Yellow-breasted Greenfinch