Khare (Nepal) Raptor Migration Update 5 Nov – Day 51

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During the September we had a little rain and it was more cloudy towards the northern ridge (Annapurna Mountains and Dhampus Ridge) most of the days during October. Now we have clear day since few days. In clear day most of the raptors fly towards north and few towards south. Therefore we prefer to go to our North lookout to get close view of raptors.
From 4 November we started counting from North lookout in Thulakharka, which is about 4 km from Dhampus at the elevation of 2050 m. From north lookout we can have a very very exciting view of overhead passing raptors. Out north lookout offers 360 degree view from the mountain top and which has grassy flat top. There are three small valleys infront of the lookout; the Mardikhola valley towards the north east, Hemja valley towards east and Marsikhola valley towards the South East. Most of the time birds rises up using the advantage of thermal from Mardi and Hemja Valley and cross right overhead, that’s why we prefer this lookout in the sunny days and peak time of eagle migration. From our base camp it takes 45 minute fast hike (for the experienced with the terrains) and might be one hour for the new peoples. So it is not bad hike. Hotels are very close to the lookout if planned to stay nearby.
Today we had a good migration of many species of raptors including eagles, vulture, harriers, buzzards, falcons and accipiters. The migration was started with beautiful male hen harrier about 8:15 am. Steppe Eagles are the dominating species (total 128)- most of them (90%0 were passing overhead so I could identify the plumage category for all the birds. Many Himalayan and Griffon vultures were also migrating today. In the morning we had few lesser kestrels and Amur falcons too. The falcon flight was continuous of yesterday’s flight.
In the north lookout wind direction is variable and not peaking like in south. So the sun is still very hot and it could be perfect day with thin layer. Sometimes many peoples from different countries gather there and make a lot of noise too however it could be good place to spread awareness and out activities all over the world. One Dutch couple (Cor and Salota) helped me today to spot the raptors and they will also joining tomorrow till early afternoon. Thanks for their support.    

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