Book Your Birding Tour in Munsyari

Out of 𝟏𝟒𝟎𝟎* birds’ species species found in India, Uttarakhand is home to almost 𝟓𝟎% 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬. It is pertinent to note that Munsyari is an Important Bird Area (IBA), with more than 325* Bird species & 150* Butterfly species found around Gori valley. The rich biodiversity of Gori Valley is attributed to altitude gradients varying from 590m to 5,500m, apart from three broad biogeographical sub-regions : Western Himalaya, Eastern Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau. Such diversity makes it the perfect paradise for birds and birdwatchers.

According to the checklist published by Forest Department, India is home to about 1303 bird species of which Uttarakhand houses 693. With more than 50 per cent of the country’s species seen here, it says a lot about its dynamic habitat. Five species of birds that are “Critically Endangered” according to the IUCN Red List are also found here. These include Baer’s pochard, slender-billed vulture, white-rumped vulture, red-headed vulture, and Himalayan quail.

Over the years, these winged marvels have attracted nature enthusiasts, researchers, and photographers to the region. In 2012, the Uttarakhand Forest Department’s ecotourism wing started the Uttarakhand Spring Bird Festival, hosting guided bird walks, talks, film screenings, and workshops for attendees from across the globe.
With dwindling forest casting a threat to birds species, the need to preserve them becomes an imminent task. In one such effort, The Himalayan Shepherd included ‘Birding session’ in its itinerary with view to inculcating a sense of respect and responsibilty among visitors with respect to nature they dwell in.