Bird Walk at Dr. Y.S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh
- Solan
- 9 August, 2026
- Himanshu Chaudhary
About Dr. Y.S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry
Nestled in the Shivalik foothills of Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry is surrounded by lush forests, orchards, landscaped gardens, and natural woodlands that provide excellent habitat for Himalayan birdlife. The campus lies at a moderate elevation, where temperate broadleaf forests blend with cultivated landscapes, attracting a remarkable diversity of resident and migratory birds.
Mature trees, flowering plants, fruit-bearing species, and forest edges support everything from colourful sunbirds and parakeets to woodpeckers, pheasants, flycatchers, and raptors. The peaceful environment and extensive green cover make the university one of the most rewarding birding locations in Solan, particularly during spring and summer when breeding activity is at its peak. With easy walking trails and varied habitats packed into a compact area, the campus offers an enriching experience for birdwatchers, photographers, students, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Bird Guide: Himanshu Chaudhary
He is a forestry graduate and naturalist with 8 years of birding experience and has been working as a naturalist in Himachal Pradesh for the past 2 years. He has documented over 500 bird species, including several first records for the state, and regularly leads birding sessions for government institutions and schools, inspiring budding birders and young nature enthusiasts.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Dr. Y.S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry
The university campus supports an outstanding diversity of Himalayan woodland birds. Colourful species such as Crimson Sunbird, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet, Indian Paradise-Flycatcher, and Hair-crested Drongo brighten the forests, while Blue Whistling-Thrush, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Indian Robin, and Gray Bushchat are frequently encountered along trails. Woodpeckers including Brown-fronted Woodpecker and Grey-headed Woodpecker are regular residents, accompanied by Great Barbet and Asian Tit in the tree canopy. Larger birds such as Red-billed Blue Magpie, Grey Treepie, Jungle Babbler, Common Myna, and Large-billed Crow are commonly seen across the campus. During quieter hours, birders may also encounter Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Crested Bunting, Grey-hooded Warbler, Dusky Crag Martin, and Little Swift. The blend of forests and orchards makes the university an excellent destination for observing Himalayan birdlife throughout the year.
Crimson Sunbird
Slaty-headed Parakeet
Red-billed Blue Magpie
Indian Paradise-Flycatcher
Oriental Honey-Buzzard
Black-Rumped Flameback
Red billed leothrix
Gray Francolin
Blue Whistling-Thrush
Oriental Magpie-Robin
Hair-crested Drongo
Oriental Turtle-Dove
Ashy Drongo
Common Myna
Large-billed Crow
Indian Robin
Asian Tit
Plum-headed Parakeet
Jungle Babbler
Little Swift
Summary of Walk
On 9th August 2026, a bird walk was conducted at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, in Himachal Pradesh, guided by Himanshu Chaudhary, with 7 participants joining the session amid a spell of monsoon rain in the region. Despite the weather, the group had a lovely walk through the university campus, thoroughly enjoying the experience of exploring this scenic hill-station setting known for its rich mix of Himalayan bird species.
The walk yielded some wonderful sightings, including a Crimson Sunbird and an Asian Barred Owlet attempting to hunt while being mobbed by a Great Barbet, Jungle Babbler, Red-billed Leiothrix and Himalayan Bulbul, an interesting display of collective bird behaviour. An Emerald Dove was also seen in flight, adding to the morning’s highlights. A particularly instructive moment came when the group spotted a Dusky Crag Martin and a Little Swift together, giving the guide a good opportunity to explain the subtle differences between the two similar-looking species. Overall, it was an enjoyable and educational walk that showcased the varied birdlife found around the university campus in Solan.
Number of Participants
0
