Birding in Indonesia

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Birding East Java, Indonesia, across two visits: from the montane forests of Tahura R. Soeryo on the slopes of Arjuna–Welirang, to the ricefields near Mojokerto, a forest stream on the Wilis massif, and the coastal forest of Kondang Merak on the Indian Ocean. 

60 bird species, including 7 kingfishers, the Javan Banded-Pitta and Indonesia's national bird, the Javan Hawk-Eagle.  Highlights: Javan Kingfisher, Javan Blue-banded Kingfisher, Ruddy, Blue-eared, Cerulean, Sacred and Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher, Javan Banded-Pitta, Javan Hawk-Eagle, Barred Eagle-Owl, Orange-breasted Trogon, Indigo Flycatcher, Pink-headed Fruit-Dove and Javan Whistling-Thrush.

Eight days birding North Sulawesi, Indonesia (30 Aug – 6 Sep 2026): from the lowland rainforest and mangroves of Tangkoko–Batuangus to the Maleo nesting grounds at Tambun and the highland forests around Tomohon. 94 bird species, including 8 kingfishers, 3 pittas and 4 owls, plus Spectral Tarsiers, Celebes Crested Macaques and a Sulawesi Bear Cuscus.  Highlights: Great-billed Kingfisher on a mangrove boat ride, the elusive Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pitta, Minahasa Hooded Pitta, Purple-bearded Bee-eater, Knobbed Hornbill, and releasing newly hatched Maleo chicks into the wild as part of a conservation programme

We first had the privilege of seeing Maleos in the wild, observing these remarkable birds in their natural habitat. We then visited the local Maleo hatchery, where an enormous amount of effort goes into protecting eggs, helping chicks survive their vulnerable early days, and giving this unique Sulawesi endemic a better chance at survival.  The most emotional part of the experience was being able to personally release six young Maleo chicks, around two days old, back into the wild. Watching these tiny birds disappear into the forest was both incredibly joyful and deeply humbling.

In June 2026, I spent five days chasing the Kashmir Valley's endemic birds — a photographic journey from the conifer forests of Gulmarg and Shankaracharya to the alpine slopes near Daksum and the wetlands of Manasbal Lake. This film follows the search for four Western Himalayan specialties: the Kashmir Flycatcher, Kashmir Nuthatch, Kashmir Nutcracker, and the glorious Orange Bullfinch — alongside a dream Ibisbill and a fleeting Himalayan Monal. Eighty-nine species, twenty-five lifers, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Himalaya. Watch the full trip unfold, then explore the complete gallery and eBird checklist here on avianclicks.in.

Some journeys are planned.

A rare few… change you forever.

Narcondam—rising from the Bay of Bengal, untouched and unreal.

A distant silhouette turning into an emerald island.

And then, the guardians appear.

Narcondam Hornbills—found nowhere else on Earth.

No crowds. No noise. Just raw, living wilderness.

Some places aren’t meant to be owned… only witnessed.

Embark on an unforgettable safari across Kenya’s Masai Mara, where the drama of the wild unfolds every day. From Lions, Leopards, and the rare Black Rhino to over 170+ species of birds, this journey captures both the beauty and raw realities of the Savannah. Watch Grey Crowned-Cranes dance at sunrise, witness the heartbreak of predator and prey encounters, and soak in golden sunsets over the grasslands. With breathtaking wildlife, expert guiding, and the warmth of Osero Sopia River Camp, this trip was more than a safari — it was a dream realized.

We went on a fantastic birding vacation to East and South Sikkim. We did some birding along the way as we went to appreciate the stunning beauty that Sikkim has to offer. Great landscapes, forests and avian fauna all around. Some exceptional opportunity indeed.  

This documentary captures the essence of my short birding trip to the renowned Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, now officially known as Keoladeo National Park, and the mesmerizing Chambal River Valley. It was an experience like no other, filled with captivating sights of countless birds and an extraordinary variety of habitats, making it one of the most rewarding birding adventures I have ever undertaken.

This is a small documentary of our Pelagic trip over 2 days off the coast of Mangaluru, Karnataka. The trip was organized by Shiva Shankar, Gopala, Dipu and team with a wonderful setup, bringing in the experience from last several years by organizing such wonderful birding trips.   Pelagic birding is hard, may factors like moving boat and rocky seas, potential sea sickness, extreme light and likely exposure to elements and most importantly the vastness of our oceans. Despite the hardships and the difficulty identifying the birds, we were able to spot some extremely important birds that occur during this time of the year (Nov-Dec)

Visited for total of 6 days to the great birding locations of Greater Rann of Kutch in Kutch, Gujarat and Tal Chappar in Churu, Rajasthan. September provides an unique opportunity to spot some migrant birds that pass through the north-west part of India.   This vlog documents all the birds that were spotted during the short trip to these wonderful locations.

Monsoon birding in Darjeeling District, particularly around Rongtong, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, and Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, provides an enchanting experience as the rains transform the area into a vibrant, green haven for birdlife. Rongtong, located in the lower Himalayan foothills, offers a range of sightings, including exotic migrant species like the Violet and Emmarald Cuckoo, Indian Cuckoo apart from the fantastic locals. 

Monsoon birding in Thattekad, Munnar, Saswad, and Karnala offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, as rain brings these regions to life with vibrant flora and unique avian species. It is a crown in the Western Ghats.  

In Saswad, Maharashtra, open grasslands and scrublands attract colorful raptors, harriers, and passerines, making it an ideal spot for monsoon birding enthusiasts seeking diversity.  Finally, Karnala Bird Sanctuary near Mumbai, with its rich biodiversity, hosts species like the paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta, and golden oriole, offering an accessible monsoon birding experience for city dwellers. 

Take a look at some amazing birding and photography from the paradise of birds - EagleNest, one of the most diverse and fantastic birds are spotted here ! 

Had the privilege to visit EagleNest during April 2024 for 5 days !

Take a look at some of the clicks from the fantastic 8N/9D birding trip to North Bengal and East Sikkim covering some fantastic birding locations like Gajoldoba, Neora Valley, Pakyong and Rongtong.   We managed to record 186 birds, click photos of close 101 birds during the fantastic trip. A detailed report is available on ebird.org @ https://ebird.org/tripreport/189060

This video covers my fantastic 7-day birding trip to Maguri Beel, Assam and Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh. One of the most enchanting and surreal birding experience. The wetlands, rainforests and grasslands in these areas support one of the largest avian diversity making it a great hotspot for bird watches and nature enthusiasts

Went on a fantastic birding trip to Ladakh between 20-27 August 2022, covering Leh and surrounding areas, Chang La pass, Wari La pass, Hanle Village and Tso Kar lake areas over the span of about 5 days. 

Went on a birding trip to South Andaman to identify the endemics, resident and migrant birds ! An amazing trip with great birding outcomes. Love you Andamans ! Let's conserve this great national / world asset. Enjoy !

Mishmi is indeed one of the best Birding Paradises in the World !!   This video is a compilation of the fantastic 5-day trip to Mishmi during April 2023. I end up going to Mishmi every year, which I consider is the most diverse and beautify ecosystem globally. It supports close to 600+ birds and is extremely active during the months of April and May every year. We had the privilege of seeing close to 170+ birds and photographing 100 of them. All the 5 days were spent around Lower (starting at Roing) and Upper Mishmi (Mayudia Pass) and up to before Hunli village as we descend. 

Masinagudi is a town abutting the Madhumalai National Park and is a great place to bird around the foothills and the Nilgiris. My visit was exactly 2 days, and I was able to spot close to 135+ birds indicating the diversity and great birding density. Given the unique forests, especially around the hills reaching close to 8000+ feet, it has many endemic species along with unique migrants coming all the way from the Himalayas to winter here. In fact, these forests are so unique that they are called “Sholas” and represent tropical montane forests found around these valleys, with patches of grasslands that makes it distinctive and supports varied avifauna.