Rongtong

Rongtong, nestled in the lush foothills of Darjeeling, has long been a favorite haunt for birders looking to catch a glimpse of the Eastern Himalayas’ most vibrant residents. This morning was no exception, providing a double-header of spectacular flycatchers that made every minute of the early start worthwhile. The star of the show arrived early. Spotting the Sapphire Flycatcher (Ficedula sapphira) was an awesome experience. These birds are notoriously small and active, often making them a challenge to photograph. I was treated to views of both the female, with her subtle rufous tones, and the striking male. ...

Deep in the lush, green foothills of the Himalayas lies Rongtong, a legendary destination for birdwatchers seeking the diverse avian life of West Bengal. On a recent trip, I had the pleasure of crossing paths with one of the region’s most charismatic residents: the Collared Owlet (Glaucidium brodiei). Measuring barely 15 centimeters in length, the Collared Owlet is the smallest owl found in Asia. Despite its diminutive size, it is a ferocious predator, often taking down prey significantly larger than itself. What makes this species particularly fascinating to birders is its diurnal nature; unlike many of its nocturnal cousins, the Collared Owlet is frequently active during the day, making it a prime subject for photography if you can manage to spot it among the dense foliage. ...