Vol. 6, Issue 5
BI-MONTHLY PROGRAMMES SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018 INDEX Local Programme 15th-16th Sep 23rd Sep 30th Sep 6th-7th Oct 14th Oct 21st Oct
Kaas Butterfly Bounty Dragons & Damsel Trail at Karnala
26th-28th Oct
Kaas Kanheri Trail Butterfly Gardening Workshop Bhimashankar Camp Bhimashankar Camp
National Camps 2018 October
Butterfly camp to Sikkim
November
Khijadiya
December
Great Rann of Kutch / Little Rann of Kutch
2019 January
Bera & Mount Abu Golden Triangle
February
Lakhshadweep
March
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
International Camp March
Tanzania
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ONE DAY CAMPS
15th -16th September, Saturday-Sunday
KAAS – Maharashtra’s very own Valley of Flowers Kaas is popularly known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ of Maharashtra. This plateau is situated about 22 km from Satara. Visited in the right season, Kaas has an enchanting view of carpets of flowers of different shades. One can see a variety of orchids like Habenaria, insectivorous plants like Drosera and Bladderwort, rare flowers like Ceropegia, purple carpets of Catkins and pink carpets of Balsam. Dates: Batch 1:
15th – 16th September, 2018 (FULL)
Batch 2:
6th – 7th October, 2018 (Open)
23rd September, Sunday
Butterfly Bounty at the Ovalekar Wadi, Thane
Butterflies are indicators of the quality of our environment. Join us to visit an open-air butterfly garden, which is teeming with several species of butterflies. Look for beautifully patterned caterpillars and learn about the lifecycle of these winged jewels. One can spot Dark Blue Tiger, Brown King Crow, Blue Mormon, Blue Oakleaf, Common Baron, Great Orange Tip and many other species. Grade: Easy. Reporting: Ovale Village Bus stop on Ghodbundar Road at 8:00 a.m. How to Reach: From Thane (West) take any ST bus going to Bhayandar or Borivali, from Mulund Check Naka take Bus No. 458; from Borivali take any BEST/ST/AC bus going to Thane, and get down at Ovala Village bus stop. Owalekar Wadi is in the lane near Sangam hotel (5–10 mins walk), opposite Abhyudaya Co-op Bank. If you are driving, please refer to the Google map link below. Google map link: http://goo.gl/Nt1XP0 Charges: Rs. 500/- for members, Rs. 600/- for others. Registration*: For details call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs. programmes@gmail.com. Please carry, hat/cap and adequate water. Group leader: Mr Asif Khan (9969798447) www.bnhs.org
30th September, Sunday
Discovering Dragons and Damsels at Karnala Sanctuary Discover the little-known dragonflies! Get a closer look at these hawks of the insect world; let us take you on a guided walk through the rambling beauty of Karnala. On the trail, you will visit several different types of habitats in search of these flying marvels. They may not breathe fire, but there’s no doubt the dragonfly walk will fuel your imagination and leave you in awe of Nature’s efficient predator. There will be a chance to see some beautiful butterflies, birds, and plants along with damselfly and dragonflies, so seize this opportunity to catch sight of the world’s fastest flying insect. Grade: Easy. Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 06:30 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 06:50 a.m., and Vashi (Vashi Jn) at 07:10 a.m. Charges: Rs. 900/- for BNHS members and Rs. 1,000/- for others. (includes transport, entry and BNHS expertise only). Registration*: For details call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs. programmes@gmail.com. Please carry, a packed breakfast, hat/cap and adequate water. Group leader: Mr Asif Khan (9969798447) & Ms Neha Majumdar
6th-7th October, Saturday-Sunday
KAAS – Maharashtra’s very own Valley of Flowers Kaas is popularly known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ of Maharashtra. This plateau is situated about 22 km from Satara. Visited in the right season, Kaas has an enchanting view of carpets of flowers of different shades. One can see a variety of orchids like Habenaria, insectivorous plants like Drosera and Bladderwort, rare flowers like Ceropegia, purple carpets of Catkins and pink carpets of Balsam. Dates: Batch 1: 15th – 16th September 2018 (FULL) Batch 2: 6th – 7th October 2018 Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel Camp Charges: Rs. 7,200/- for BNHS members and Rs. 7,800/- for others. Reporting: On Day One, the bus will leave at 06:30 a.m. from Dadar (near Chandu Halwai), 06:50 a.m. from Chembur (near Diamond Garden), Vashi Junction at 07:10 a.m, The group will return by late evening at Dadar on Day Two. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811 Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@ gmail.com Group leader: Mr Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) www.bnhs.org
14th October, Sunday
Kanheri Trail at SGNP Sanjay Gandhi National Park lies in the northern part of the city. It encompasses an area of 104 sq. km. and is surrounded on three sides by this mega metro city. It is notable as one of the major national parks existing within a metropolis limit and is one of the most visited parks in the world. After the first monsoon showers, the forest rejuvenates and changes its face. Species like Dragon Stalked Yam, Spider Lilly, Milk & Wine Lilly, Yellow Ground Star, White Musli, Wild Turmeric, South Indian Squill, and other wild lilies. Grade: Easy Charges: Rs. 1,000/- for members and Rs. 1,200/- for others. (Cost includes: Bus from SGNP main gate, Forest Dept. permission charges, entry to SGNP, and BNHS expertise) Reporting: SGNP main gate at 07:15 a.m. How to Reach: Sanjay Gandhi National Park is situated on the Western Express Highway about a kilometre away from Borivali Station (East). Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@ gmail.com. The programme will conclude by 12:00 p.m. Please carry a packed breakfast, hat/cap, and adequate water. Group leader: Mr Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) www.bnhs.org
21st October, Sunday
Butterfly Gardening Workshop Wouldn’t it be great to have a butterfly garden on your windowsill, join BNHS to learn how to “garden” for these wingedjewels, from a BNHS butterfly expert. After the workshop, we will conduct an exciting trail through an open-air butterfly garden, which is teeming with several species of stunning butterflies. Look for beautifully patterned caterpillars and learn about the lifecycle of these winged jewels. One can spot Dark Blue Tiger, Brown King Crow, Blue Mormon, Blue Oakleaf, Common Baron, Great Orange Tip and many other beautiful species. Grade: Easy. Reporting: Ovale Village Bus stop on Ghodbundar Road at 8:00 a.m. How to Reach: From Thane (West) take any ST bus going to Bhayandar or Borivali, from Mulund Check Naka take Bus No. 458; from Borivali take any BEST/ST/AC bus going to Thane, and get down at Ovala Village bus stop. Owalekar Wadi is in the lane near Sangam hotel (5–10 mins walk), opposite Abhyudaya Co-op Bank. If you are driving, please refer to the Google map link below. Google map link: http://goo.gl/Nt1XP0 Charges: Rs. 1000/- for members, Rs. 1200/- for others Registration*: For details call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs. programmes@gmail.com. Please carry, hat/cap and adequate water. Group leader: Mr Asif Khan (9969798447) & Ms Neha Majumdar
26th -28th October 2018, Friday-Sunday
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest forests in the Western Ghats range. Abode of the endangered Indian Giant Squirrel, this Sanctuary has a variety of fauna and flora. Birds like Indian Scimitar Babbler, Pied Bush Chat, Vigor’s Sunbird and Asian Paradise Flycatcher can be seen. The premise of the hotel is a good place for watching moths like Atlas, Moon, Owl and Owlet Moths at night. Grade: Easy Group leader: Mr Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in Hotel Blue Mormon. Camp Charges: Rs. 9,800/- for members, and Rs. 10,400/- for non-members (ex Mumbai). Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 06:30 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 06:50 a.m. and Vashi (Vashi Jn.) at 07:10 a.m. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon – Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs. programmes@gmail.com; www.bnhs.org
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NATIONAL CAMP, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018
BUTTERFLY CAMP TO SIKKIM Dates: 7th – 11th October 2018
Sikkim is recognized as one among 34 global biodiversity hotspots, with 47% of the state under forest cover and home to almost 50% of the Butterfly diversity of the Indian Subcontinent, the state is a treat for all nature lovers. Even a casual walk on the trail can be fruitful, with species like Paris Peacock, Orange Punch, Colour Sergeant, and Punchinello. Join BNHS to explore this butterfly paradise. Group Leader: Mr Monsoon Jyoti Charges: Rs. 23,900/- for members, and Rs. 25,400/- for others (ex-New Jalpaiguri) Accommodation: Basic home-stay on sharing basis Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first-day lunch to last day breakfast, Transfers to /from NJP, permits, and entry to the park. Cost excludes: Flight/rail ticket to NJP, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, beverages, and food not mentioned in the itinerary, camera fees, anything extra cost not specified in “Cost includes”. Reporting: Pick up from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station on Day One 6:00 a.m. and drop to NJP at 6:00 p.m. on the last day. You are advised to book your tickets to arrive in NJP one day prior and leave one day later. How to get there: NJP is well connected by air; the nearest airport, Bagdogra, is only 19 km from NJP railway station. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811 Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@ gmail.com
NOVEMBER, 2018
KHIJADIYA BIRD SANCTUARY Dates: 24th – 27th November 2018
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is situated about 12 km from the city of Jamnagar. With sea water on one side and fresh water on the other, this Sanctuary has a unique ecology and is one of the best birding spots in India. Bird watchers can find a wide variety of birds with some notable species like Black Ibis, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Great Thick-knee, Common Greenshank, Grey Francolin, Imperial Eagle, Indian Pond Heron, Little Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, Comb Duck, Common Crane, Common Teal, Dunlin, Garganey, Marsh Harrier, Northern Pintail, Shoveller, Eurasian Wigeon, Pale Harrier, Demoiselle Crane, Sanderling, and Darters. Grade: Easy, The cost of this camp will be announced on our website soon. (ex-Jamnagar) Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in Hotel President or similar. Reporting: Jamnagar railway station at 10:00 a.m. Drop off on the last day at 12:00 noon (Airport) and 1:00 p.m. (station). How to reach: Jamnagar can be accessed by train; the Sau Janata Exp (19017) leaves Bandra at 05:35 p.m. and reaches Jamnagar the next day at 09:30 a.m. Air India flies to Jamnagar Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022- 22821811 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. www.bnhs.org
DECEMBER, 2018
GREAT RANN OF KUTCH Dates: 2nd–6th December 2018
Explore the areas bordering the Great Rann of Kutch and other interesting places like Banni grassland, and Chhari-Dhand for birdwatching and observing fossils. Winter is the perfect time to watch a variety of migratory birds that come to these places in thousands. It is also a good time to see Short-eared Owl, Greater Spotted, Tawny and Steppe Eagles, Chestnut-bellied and Painted Sandgrouse, Grey and Black Francolins, Cream-coloured and Indian Coursers, Sykes’s Lark, Great Indian Bustard, Crab Plover, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Common Crane, Oystercatcher, Great Thick-knee, White-naped Tit, White-bellied Minivet, Rufous-fronted Prinia, buntings, Grey Hypocolius, Indian Nightjar, Savanna Nightjar, Sykes’s Nightjar, Graceful Prinia, Red-tailed Wheatear, and many more. Grade: Easy Charges: Rs. 22,900/- for members, and Rs. 23,500/- for others (ex-Bhuj) Charges Include: Transport from Bhuj railway station, local travel, entry fee, simple vegetarian meals and basic accommodation on a twin-sharing basis. Reporting: Bhuj Station at 7:30 a.m. on Day One. Drop at Bhuj Station at 06:00 p.m. on the last day. How to Reach: Dadar Bhuj Exp (19115) which leaves Dadar at 03:00 p.m. and reaches Bhuj at 07:00 a.m. next morning. Return: Kutch Exp (22956) which leaves Bhuj at 20:15 p.m. and reaches Bandra Terminus at 11:25 a.m. next morning or Bhuj BDTS Exp (19116) leaves Bhuj at 10:25 p.m. and reaches Dadar next day at 01:45 p.m. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811 Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail. com
LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH Dates: 14th –19th December 2018
Known for being the last refuge for the Indian Wild Ass, Little Rann of Kutch is a large salt marsh situated in Gujarat. The Little Rann of Kutch is a Ramsar Site and birding paradise. Birding at the lakes and marshes in the rann is very rewarding. In winter, Demoiselle and Common Crane are seen in large numbers. Flamingos, pelicans, storks, ibises, spoonbill, a variety of ducks and other waterfowl are also seen. The Rann is also the hunting ground of raptors like Short-toed Eagle, buzzards, Aquila eagles, six species of falcon, and three species of harriers. It is one of the few places where hundreds of harriers can be seen roosting on open ground at night. And of course, it is the perfect place to see the Indian Wild Ass. The main carnivores of the Little Rann are the Indian Wolf, Desert Fox, Indian Fox, Jackal, Desert and Jungle Cat, and Striped Hyena. The elegant Blackbuck, Nilgai or Blue Bull, and Chinkara are the other mammals seen. Grade: Easy Charges: Rs. 22,900/- for members, and Rs. 24,400/- for others (ex-Ahmedabad) Accommodation: Twin sharing at Rann Riders Reporting: Ahmedabad railway station at 07:00 a.m. on Day One. Drop off at Ahmedabad at 05:00 p.m. on Last Day How to Reach: Ahmedabad is well connected by air, rail, and road with major cities. Rail: You can take BCT Duronto Exp (12268) which leaves Mumbai late at night and arrives in Ahmedabad early next morning; there are many trains that arrive at Ahmedabad early in the morning. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811 Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com; www.bnhs.org
JANUARY, 2019
LEOPARD COUNTRY – BERA AND MOUNT ABU Dates: 12th – 16th January 2019
Bera: Bera is a small town situated in Rajasthan, with a considerable leopard population. Bera has in recent years developed a reputation for being one of the best places to see and photograph leopards, and it is aptly known as “Leopard Country”. Situated in the Aravalli Hills near the River Jawai, Bera offers great landscapes as well. Besides the “Prince of the Jungle” the leopard, Bera also offers sightings of Sloth Bear, Hyena, and Marsh Crocodile. Mount Abu: Famous as a hill station in Rajasthan, the forest surrounding Mount Abu is rich with an array of endemic birds. The most famous perhaps is the Green Avadavat, a vulnerable and endemic munia, and Abu is one of the best places to spot it. Mount Abu is also home to birds like Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, Indian Blackbird, Indian Yellow Tit, Tawnybellied Babbler, and White-bellied Drongo. Grade: Easy Charges: Rs. 36,700/- for members, and Rs. 38,200/- for others (ex-Ahmedabad) Group Leader: Mr Asif Khan Reporting: Ahmedabad railway station at 06:30 a.m. on Day One. Drop off at Ahmedabad at 05:00 p.m. on the last day How to Reach: Ahmedabad is well connected by air, rail, and road with major cities. Rail: You can take BCT Duronto Exp (12268) which leaves Mumbai late at night and arrives in Ahmedabad early next morning; there are many other trains which arrive in Ahmedabad early morning Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs. programes@gmail.com; www.bnhs.org
GOLDEN TRIANGLE – Ranthambore, Keoladeo and Chambal Dates: 26th – 30th January 2019 Ranthambore National Park: Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern
India. Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these animals in their natural jungle habitat. Tigers can be easily spotted even in the daytime. Other major wild animals include Leopard, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Sambar, Hyaena, Sloth Bear and Chital. The Park is home to a wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles, as well as one of the largest Banyan trees in India.
Keoladeo National Park: Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo is a paradise for
birds and birdwatchers alike. It is listed as an IBA (Important Bird Area) and is a World Heritage Site. Although small (29
sq. km), it is home to almost 400 species of birds, out of which more than 132 species breed inside the National Park. Birding here is a rewarding experience, with sightings like Siberian Rubythroat, Bluethroat, Greater White-fronted Goose, Comb Duck, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Spotted Crake, Water Rail, Painted Snipe, Oriental Darter, Lesser Adjutant, Sarus Crane and Common Crane, Greater Spotted Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Red-headed Falcon, and Brown Fish-owl.
Chambal river, a tributary of the Yamuna river, flows northwards through Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Chambal is one of the best places to see threatened wildlife; such as the Critically Endangered Gavial or Gharial, Vulnerable Indian Skimmer, Pallas’s Fish-eagle and Smooth-coated Otter, Endangered Black-bellied Tern and Gangetic Dolphin, and Near-Threatened Laggar Falcon. Camp fees: Rs. 32,000/- BNHS members and Rs. 33,500/- others. (ex-Delhi) Group Leader: Mr Vandan Jhaveri Reporting: Pick up from New Delhi Railway Station at 6:00 a.m. and drop to New Delhi Railway Station at 7:30 p.m. on the last day. You are advised to book your tickets to arrive in New Delhi one day prior. How to Reach: New Delhi is well connected by air and rail. Participants can also fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, which is situated about 20 km from the meeting point (New Delhi Railway Station) Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first-day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers from and to New Delhi, permits, and entry to park Cost excludes: Flight/rail tickets, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages, camera fees, any cost not specified above Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811/22871202, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com www.bnhs.org
MARCH, 2018
EAGLENEST WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Batch I: 17th to 20th March 2019 Batch II: 21st to 24th March 2019 (on demand) A birdwatcher’s paradise, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Though small in area (218 sq. km) the sanctuary is home to around 500 species of birds. It is also famous for the recent discovery of Bugun Liocichla. Other birds like Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch, Rufous-necked, Oriental Pied, Wreathed and Great Hornbill, Green-tailed, Mrs Gould’s, Black-throated and Fire-tailed Sunbird, Red-tailed Minla, Mountain Bulbul as well as Bhutan, Chestnut-crowned and Spotted Laughingthrush, Beautiful and Long-tailed Sibia, and many more. Dates: Camp fees: Rs. 38,500/- BNHS members and Rs. 40,000/- others. (ex-Guwahati) Group Leader: Mr Asif Khan Reporting: Members to meet on day-one at Guwahati at 6.00 a.m. at Hotel Mayur in the lobby (Tel: 0361-2734855 to 61), Paltan Bazar, opposite Guwahati railway station. Return on last day late evening. You are advised to arrive at Guwahati one day prior to the first-day of the camp and leave Guwahati one day later. How to Reach: Guwahati is well connected by air and rail, however the train journey can be long and prone to long delays. Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first-day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers from and to Guwahati, permits, and entry to park Cost excludes: Flight/rail tickets, stay in guwahati on first and last day, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages, camera fees, any cost not specified above Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811/22871202, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs. programmes@gmail.com www.bnhs.org
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INTERNATIONAL CAMPS MARCH, 2018
African Safari – Tanzania Dates: 3rd–9th March 2019
Come and explore the wildlife of Northern Tanzania, also known as the “prime game viewing country”. Witness the spectacle of African wildlife in Tanzania. Watch the dust rise and feel your heart pound as herds of over a million Wildebeest and Zebra thunder across your path on the great migration. Masai Giraffe, Thomson’s Gazelle, Cheetah, Striped and Spotted Hyaena, and many more wild animals roam the savannah. Tanzania provides the best opportunity to see distinctive African animals like African Lion, Cheetah, Eland, and Kudu, and birds such as Secretary Bird, African Fish-eagle, Lilac-breasted Roller, Superb Starling, Vulturine and Crested Guineafowl, Southern Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, and Red-billed Hornbill. Other attractions are the Nile Crocodile and the largest land animal, the African Elephant.
Serengeti, Tanzania’s largest and most famous national park, the Mecca of wildlife lovers, is truly a wildlife paradise. Experience the thrill of exploring the endless plains of Serengeti and witness extensive herds of Wildebeest and Zebra. The largest bird in the world, Common Ostrich, can also be seen here. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places to see the Critically Endangered Black Rhinoceros, Serval, Wildebeest, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and African Lion at close range. Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest park in Tanzania and is famous for a large number of elephants that can be seen here. It is also a good place to spot the uncommon Yellow-collared Lovebird. Tarangire is famous for its population of tree climbing lions. Reporting: Participants to meet early morning (2:00 a.m) on 3rd March 2019 at Mumbai International Airport, the group will return to Mumbai on 9th March 2019 early morning. Timings may change as per flight timings The cost of this camp will be announced on our website soon. (ex-Mumbai) You can block your seat in advance by paying a deposit of Rs.10,000/For details & to block your seat: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811 or email us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com www.bnhs.org
UPCOMING CAMPS FEBRUARY/MARCH
Marine camp at Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is a group of islands, 200–440 km off the southwest coast of India. These islands form the smallest union territory of the country. The Lakshadweep region has about 600 species of fish, 78 species of coral and over 100 species of other marine invertebrates. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the fascinating life under water. The cost of this camp will be announced on our website soon. You can block your seat in advance by paying a deposit of Rs.5000/For details & to block your seat: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811 or email us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
* Note: ● If you are registering for any of the programmes, it is assumed that you have read and agreed to all the Rules and Guidelines. ● Rules and Guidelines for BNHS programmes are available on our website: www.bnhs.org. ● If you are booking a flight for any camp, it is highly recommended to book refundable tickets. ● All the surplus generated through the activities of the programme department are utilized for conservation of wildlife. ● It is also recommended to take travel insurance when travelling to any camp. ● The camp is subject to cancellation if the minimum number of participants is not reached.