This weekend I recorded the 150th bird species I have personally observed in Kashmir. This checklist is based on birds I have observed in the valley and positively identified. The list includes some rarities like the Kashmir Nuthatch, Isabelline Wheatear, Black Stork and Chaffinch (the first ever sighting in Kashmir).

If there is any element of doubt regarding the identification the sightings have not been included in this list. AFAIK this is the most comprehensive list of confirmed bird sightings in Kashmir. For the record the 150th bird species was the Ferruginous Pochard.

Here is a list of the 20 commonest birds of Kashmir. This is a really fast photogallery of the Birds of Kashmir.

P.S The checklist now stands at 172 confirmed sightings (2018). Watch this space.

Image copyright Dr. Bakshi Jehangir. All rights reserved.

Record numbers of migratory waterfowl have been sighted in Kashmir's wetlands this year.

On Christmas Day, I observed a multitude of migratory ducks like mallards, teals, shovellers, gadwalls, pochards, etc and a few flocks of Greylag Geese and Ruddy Shelducks at the Hokersar sanctuary. The highlight of the trip were the endangered Pallas's Fishing Eagles soaring majestically in the sky.

Efforts being made to improve Hokersar are immediately noticeable. Leaky, dilapidated boats have been converted into smart houseboats, observation platforms have been repaired and new ones added, pools cleared and flagged.

I had the chance to interact with Dr. Mir Mansoor, the Chief Wildlife Biologist who was monitoring the wetland for evidence of Bird Flu. We had a very interesting discussion on a variety of topics related to wildlife and Kashmir's fragile ecology. Clearly he and Kashmir's Wildlife Warden, Abdul Rauf Zargar take their responsibilities very seriously. More power to them.

P.S: Who gave permission for a housing colony on the highway adjoining Hokersar? The Hokersar Sanctuary is rapidly being degraded for a number of reasons and might not last in its present form for very long. This fresh assault may be the final nail in its coffin.

News Links:
6 lakh avian guests arrive in valley
Incessant silt deposition poses major threat to Hokersar