Chopta Valley
A base for trekking to Tunganath and Chandrachilla, Chopta is a virgin picturesque hamlet, widely known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’. The lush evergreen woodlands of Chopta, also a part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, is the address of an extensive assortment of avifauna species. The place has been freshly in the spotlight as the Himalayan bird-watching paradise. Bird watching in Chopta is done round the year and every season houses different species of migratory birds. However, the best time to visit Chopta specifically to enjoy bird-watching is from March to November. Every year in Chopta, a bird-watching event is organised, and many bird enthusiasts and researchers visit the place to attend the event.
Popular bird-watching spots in and around Chopta
1. Dugalbitta - Dugalbitta is a small hamlet that receives footfall of the tourists visiting Chopta. Here one can find more than 140 species of birds such as Fire-tailed Sunbird, Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Russet Sparrow, Woodpeckers, Snow Patridge, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, and many more. People choose to stay in nearby resorts to enjoy the bird-watching activity in Dugalbitta.
2. Mandal Village - The Mandal Village is located at some distance from Chopta and is yet another destination for spotting the Himalayan birds. Perched on the laps of the Himalayas, Mandal village houses quite a variety of bird species such as Red Billed, Yellow Billed, Long-tailed Minivet, Blue Magpie, Oriental Turtle Dove, etc.
3. Makkumath Village - Located in the Rudraprayag district, Makkumath village is also the home of several species of Himalayan birds. Some of the most common species spotted are Long-tailed Minivets, Golden Bush Robins, Russet Sparrows, Pine Thrush, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Great Barbet, Eurasian and Black-headed Jays, etc. The village also serves as a base for treks to Tungnath, Chandrashila, Deorital, Atari Falls, and Ansuyamata. The Markandya Temple (a Shiva Temple) is yet another attraction of Makkumath.
4. Devarshini Point in Tunganath Trek - En route Tunganath Trek, there is an abundance of Rhododendron, Deodar and Pine forests along with a rich variety of avifauna. Birds like the Himalayan Monal, Chestnut-crowned laughing thrush, Koklass Pheasant, Himalayan Bluetail, Himalayan Griffon, Fire tailed sunbird, red-billed blue magpie, etc are the visual companions during the trek.
Birds of Chopta
The showstopper winged creatures of Chopta include
• Himalayan Swiftlet
• Crested Goshawk
• Besra
• Long-legged Buzzard
• Lammergeyer
• Himalayan Griffon
• Black Kite
• Red-headed Vulture
• Mountain Hawk Eagle
• Common Kestrel
• Golden Eagle
• Speckled Wood Pigeon
• Snow Pigeon
• Spotted Dove
• Oriental Turtle Dove
• Hill Partridge
• Snow Partridge
• Himalayan Monal
• Kalij Pheasant
• Koklass Pheasant
• Black-throated Tit
• Bar-tailed Tree creeper
• Rusty-Flanked Tree creeper
• Winter Wren
• Hill Prinia
• Striated Prinia
• Common Raven
• Large-billed Crow
• Ashy Drongo
• Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo
• Eurasian Jay
• Black-Headed Jay
• Maroon Oriole
• Long-tailed Minivet
• Scarlet Minivet
• Yellow-bellied Fantail
• Yellow-bellied Blue Magpie
• Yellow-breasted Greenfinch
• Common Rose finch
• Dark-breasted Rose finch
• Rock Bunting
• Black-and-yellow Grosbeak
• Red-headed Bullfinch
• Asian House Martin
• White-capped Water Redstart
• Little Fork tail
• Verditer Flycatcher
Tips for bird watching in Chopta
1. Wear nature camouflaging coloured clothes and avoid bright colours.
2. Wear comfortable footwear.
3. Do not forget to carry binoculars.
4. Avoid using mobile phones. Turn them to silent mode.
5. Carry a bird book, although it is optional.
6. If required, carry a guidebook, or give it a read before going for bird watching in Chopta.
7. Carry essentials, such as caps, sunscreen, water and some food.
8. Gather a lot of patience to spot a variety of birds.
9. It is better to accompany along a bird-watching group.
10. Always remember not to harm any bird or its natural habitat.
