Bird Walk at HMT Ranibagh, Kathgodam, Uttarakhand

HMT Ranibagh in Kathgodam offers a diverse birding experience at the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas, where woodland, gardens, open areas and surrounding hill vegetation create suitable habitats for a variety of birds. The bird community includes several Himalayan and foothill species, with Himalayan Bulbul, Great Barbet, Indian Gray Hornbill, White-throated Laughingthrush and Blue Whistling-Thrush being notable highlights. The mature trees provide feeding and nesting opportunities for canopy-dwelling species such as Brown-headed Barbet, Coppersmith Barbet, Asian Tit and Himalayan Black-lored Tit. The area also supports colourful birds such as Plum-headed Parakeet and Purple Sunbird, while the dense vegetation and quieter sections are suitable for Oriental Magpie-Robin and Common Tailorbird. The surrounding open spaces and forest edges add further diversity, attracting species such as Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Black Drongo, Shikra and Eastern Cattle Egret. Common birds including Spotted Dove, Jungle Myna and Asian Koel are also part of the local bird community. The combination of foothill forest and human-modified habitats makes HMT Ranibagh an interesting location for observing how Himalayan and plains-associated species occur together. Early mornings are particularly rewarding, when bird activity and vocalisations are at their peak.