Birding for florican and grassland rarities

Shuklaphanta has one of the longest bird lists in Nepal, over 450 species, and many of the most interesting are grassland specialists that need large, open phantas. The best known is the Bengal florican, a bustard that in spring displays by leaping above the grass with its wings flashing white. Grassland birds like these have declined across South Asia as their habitat has been farmed, so seeing them in a protected grassland is special.

A birding morning moves between the main grassland, the marshes around the small lakes and the forest edge. Look for the swamp francolin, Jerdon's babbler, Indian grassbird and chestnut-capped babbler, all at or near the western limit of their range. Overhead there may be white-rumped vultures, which breed in the park, and grey-headed fish eagles. Lesser adjutants and Oriental darters breed in the park, and painted storks wade in the shallows of the lakes in summer.

In summer sarus cranes and painted storks visit the wetlands. Spring, from March to May, is the best time for displaying florican and singing grassland birds, though it is hot by mid-morning. Bring a field guide or app for South Asian birds, binoculars and a hat. Start at sunrise, when birds are singing and the light is soft, and finish by mid-morning before the heat. A telescope helps with distant florican on the open grass.