Summer Birdwatching During Pangot Earth Walks: Spot 31 Birds and 6 Beautiful Butterflies
Minutely observing the birdlife in Pangot - A report of the Pangot Earth Walks birdwatching trail
Date: 17 May 2026
Location: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Walk Theme: Into the Himalayan Living Canopy
Walk Leader: Kundan Kumar
Walk Coordinator: Umama Mufti
There is no better way to explore Pangot than to be on the birdwatching trails with the expert guides. So, to understand the species that make the region unique during summer, Asian Adventures, along with the Global Wildlife Fair, organised an Earth Walk in the region. The participants met at the designated location of the Jungle Lore Birding Lodge in Uttarakhand, and what was really appreciated was that, despite it being a bright summer day, participants curious about birding still showed up in good numbers. After a brief introduction and discussion of the people's expectations for the walk, the group began its journey on a moderately easy trekking trail to spot the birds in Pangot. Towards the very beginning, a whiskered yuhina was observed, and one participant even claimed it to be good luck to spot a species right at the walk's start.
After clicking wonderful pictures of the bird, the participants started asking a lot of questions regarding the ecosystem of Pangot. These questions included whether there was a difference between the usual Himalayan ecosystem and that of Pangot, or whether it was the same. These questions were answered by the walk leader by giving an in-depth description of the Himalayan ecosystem, its divisions and how these divisions affect the flora and fauna in each division. In the middle of this conversation, the sound of a white-tailed nuthatch was heard. The sound of the same was first recorded by the Merlin App of one participant, which showed that the bird was nearby, and the participants started searching for it with the walk leader.
When the bird was spotted sitting on the branches of one tree, the natural lighting had almost given it a heavenly look. The beautiful pictures allowed the walk leader to discuss the pointers that would enhance one’s photography. Each point, from the use of natural lighting to observing animal behaviour, was discussed by him in minute detail. The participants then asked if there was any platform where one could showcase their talents in photography and get due recognition. The walk leader then shed light on the International Wildlife Photography Competition that is being organised by the Global Wildlife Fair. He shared the details on how one can be a part of it and make the right use of this opportunity to connect with renowned photographers from across the globe. The discussion and spotting of species went so hand-in-hand that when the 1.5 km trek was covered, no one came to know. The last sighting of the trek became the Blue-capped Rock-thrush, which caught the attention of the participants.
Overall, the walk was a huge success, leading participants to discover the avian diversity in the region. The butterflies that were spotted during the walk, like the Common Windmill and the Great Blackvein, provided glimpses into the herpetofauna of the region, making it all the more an enriching experience. Want to experience the best of nature every Sunday in the most personalised manner? Join Earth Walks every Sunday and get your own VIP pass to immersive natural experiences. Join now: https://asianadventures.info/p/af0725/
Bird List
1 streaked laughingthrush
2. Rufous sibia
3. White-throated laughingthrush
4. White-tailed nuthatch
5. Bar-tailed treecreeper
6. Gray-winged blackbird
7. Verditer flycatcher
8. Blue-whistling thrush
9. Ultramarine flycatcher
10. Gray bushchat
11. Indian white-eye
12. Whiskered yuhina
13. Black-throated tit
15. Green-backed tit
16. Gray hooded warbler
17. Himalayan bulbul
18. Barn swallow
19. Red-rumped swallow
20. Himalayan prinia
21. Gray-headed canary flycatcher
22. Red-billed blue magpie
23. Eurasian jay
24. Black-headed jay
25. Ashy Drongo
26. Bronzed drongo
27. Brown-fronted woodpecker
28. Long-tailed minivet
29. Blue-capped rock thrush
30. Kalij pheasant
31. Black-winged cuckooshrike
Butterfly
1. Common Windmill
2. Red Admiral
3. Indian tortoiseshell
4. Great Blackvein
5. large white
6. common grass yellow