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News in Brief: Nepal, Cyprus, Spain, France, Sri Lanka and India
March 2025
‘We had a "Disney Day" with our guide, DB’, writes tour participant Steve O’Brien. ‘It started seeing a Bull Elephant cross a river. We then drove into a wooded area where we saw a Leopard only 30m away, with a recent kill (Spotted Deer) up a tree. We then stopped at a waterhole only for a female Tiger to join us to quench her thirst. She stayed there at least 30 minutes aware of, but unconcerned about, our presence. When she left the waterhole, we continued down a track only to disturb a male Tiger in the act of mating with another female Tiger. The male Tiger was only about 5m away and roared with anger. He was about to charge us but DB had the presence of mind to slam his stick on the bonnet of our land rover which stopped him charging. He wasn't finished with us though. As we reversed back up the track, the male Tiger charged us but pulled out only metres from our vehicle. What an experience. Then in the afternoon, we saw a herd of about 30 Asian Elephants. In between these main events we saw a variety of birds and deer. It was a "Disney Day!"’
March 2025
‘We enjoyed a superb week of birdwatching and botanising on the beautiful island of Cyprus, which delivered 126 bird species and some 17 species of orchid, amongst other botanical delights’ writes tour leader Chris Rollie.
‘In addition to Cyprus specialities like Black Francolin, Cyprus Wheatear and Cretzschmar’s Bunting, bird highlights ranged from rarities such as Bimaculated Lark to more regular eastern migrants like Pallid Harrier, Isabelline Wheatear, Rüppell’s Warbler, and Collared Flycatcher. However, perhaps the most memorable ornithological experiences for many were the amazingly close views of waders feeding frenetically and unconcernedly before us at Phasouri Marsh, plus several amazing episodes of visible migration. Near Larnaca, we watched as successive flocks of Great Cormorant, Glossy Ibis and Grey Heron came over the sea and past us heading north-east from their wintering quarters in Africa. At Akrotiri a tight group of six Lesser Kestrels came over quite low in the same direction, while dozens of Red-throated Pipits came in over the sea to drop at our feet and commence feeding on Paphos headland at the south-western tip of the island. These latter beauties only breed in the high Arctic tundra and so still had far to go. We were so privileged to see them on their annual journey.
Despite a very dry spring, myriad plant species, including many endemics, were seen across the island. Praying Mantis, Paphos Blue and Eastern Festoon butterflies were insect highlights, while reptiles included Troodos Rock Lizard, Agama, Snake-eyed Lizard and Kotschy’s Gecko. We also experienced the incredibly varied geology of the island, from classic Mediterranean limestone to pillow lavas and metamorphic serpentine in the high Troodos.
All this against a background of Cypriot, Greek, Roman and British historical and cultural diversity, including the world-renowned Paphos Archaeological Site, alongside local culinary delights and comfortable hotel accommodation. What a week!’
April 2025
‘There are two main reasons for visiting Northern Cyprus in the spring: the spring migration and the fantastic array of unusual orchids’ writes tour leader Pip O’Brien. ‘This year neither disappointed. We had waves of Red-rumped Swallows dropping out of the sky on the western cape, dozens of Yellow Wagtails skimming in from the sea on the Karpaz Peninsula, hundreds of Alpine Swifts blowing over us in a gale at Mehmetcik and five separate Roller sightings.
On the orchid front, one group member located the Cyprus Bee Orchid (Ophrys kotschyi) on the first day and we followed this up with a further 15 of the Orchidaceae in the next few days.
A pair of Greater Spotted Cuckoo feeding on cocoons of caterpillars by our first hotel gave us great sightings, while the tiny plants on the end of the panhandle had us on our knees. Tranquil valleys with olive groves and flocks of sheep and goats still exist in Northern Cyprus and picturesque ruined buildings give a clue as to the island’s chequered past.’
April 2025
‘An excellent week in southern Spain started in the Coto Doñana, where high water levels after good winter rains brought a wealth of wetland species’ writes tour leader Andy Smith. ‘Out on the flooded marismas there were many thousands of Greater Flamingoes (a truly spectacular sight!) and hundreds of Spoonbills and Glossy Ibis alongside other exciting species such as White-headed and Marbled Ducks, Collared Pratincoles, Gull-billed Terns and an excellent range of herons and egrets. In the woodlands we were assailed by the singing of countless Nightingales and delighted by sightings of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers and Wrynecks, whilst on the heathlands we found Dartford Warblers, Thekla Larks and Sardinian Warblers. Meanwhile, Bee-eaters, Woodchats, Hoopoes and Iberian Magpies were everyday sightings.
Up in Extremadura, we experienced a contrasting change of scenery and habitats but the birding extravaganza continued with Great and Little Bustards, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Iberian Grey Shrikes, many White Storks and countless Calandra Larks and Corn Buntings. There were exciting one-off finds too, including a Roller one day and a gorgeous Black-eared Wheatear on another, and of course there were the ever-present raptors, from mighty Griffon, Cinereous and Egyptian Vultures to Booted, Short-toed and Imperial Eagles, Montagu’s Harriers, Lesser Kestrels and innumerable Black Kites.
The recent rains meant the landscapes were delightfully verdant and covered in flowers and whilst the rather cool conditions curtailed much butterfly and other insect activity, we did find a few good herps including lots of Moorish Geckos, a Spiny-footed Lizard and some Bosca’s Newts. With comfortable accommodation, some great food and good company thrown in, it was a thoroughly enjoyable tour!’
March 2025
‘This tour was a resounding success, with target species seen including Wryneck, Blue Rock Thrush, Booted Eagle, Eleonora’s Falcon and the star of the show – Little Bittern’ writes tour leader Dave Jackson. ‘A male showed at close range from the hotel hide most mornings and a female at S’Albufera Marsh showed so well out in the open that we almost walked straight past without noticing!
We visited all the key sites, including Cap de Formentor where both Scopoli’s and Balearic Shearwaters were observed along with four Blue Rock Thrushes, one remarkably close. We were entertained by the antics of Avocets, Black-winged Stilts and Kentish Plovers with migrant Wood Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Little Stint and Sanderling added to the list of waders seen.
We were delighted to hear and see Turtle Dove and Common Crossbill at Son Real and we were fortunate to observe Cinereous and Griffon Vultures feeding on a carcass at Cuber Reservoir. One picnic stop coincided with a fall of flycatchers including Spotted, Mediterranean and both male and female Pied, though they were all upstaged by a “most wanted” Wryneck as it perched in clear view, showing all aspects of its cryptic plumage.
Our lasting memories will be the stunning views of Cattle Egrets adorned with peachy plumes, Squacco Heron with its blue bill, Black-crowned Night Herons all in breeding plumage and the endearing bubbling calls of Little Egrets from their nesting colony.’
April 2025
'Strong winds were a feature of our tour but it was almost entirely dry and sunny following a wet and cool spring, and plant growth was enhanced with many of the early flowers in full bloom’ writes tour leader Neil McMahon. ‘Our first four nights based at Sault provided an opportunity to explore the Vaucluse region with its fields of lavender, orchards, and vineyards amidst rocky gorges, giant rock buttresses and Downy Oak woodland. Common and Black Redstarts sang outside the hotel every day, Griffon Vultures rode the thermals and updrafts, orchids seemed to be everywhere and our night drives provided views of Eurasian Scop's Owl, Red Fox, Roe Deer, Brown Hare, and on one occasion, three Wild Boar. During the day Scarce and Common Swallowtails wafted past us and we tracked down the simply gorgeous Cleopatra and Provencal Orange-tip butterflies. Our venture to St May successfully added Cinereous Vultures and a menacing Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) and we reached the summit of Mount Ventoux to see the first blooms of Purple Saxifrage and encountered upland birds such as Citril Finch and Rock Bunting.
Our last three nights were just outside Arles and ideally suited for visits to the Camargue and other nearby sites. The “pink army” of Greater Flamingoes always impress and we were fortunate to track down Little Bustard, Woodchat Shrike, Golden Oriole and a plethora of waterbirds for which the Camargue is renowned. Our forays encountered Blue Rock Thrush, Crested Tit and of course the Camargue Black Bulls and White Horses (the latter just beginning to foal). We witnessed visible migration from the south with flocks of Swallows, terns, hundreds of Slender-billed Gulls, a dozen Collared Pratincoles and on our last day, a fabulous flock of Bee-eaters drifted over us as we consumed the last picnic of the tour.'
January 2025
‘This 10-day Sri Lanka birdwatching adventure was an extraordinary experience, immersing our group in the vibrant, bird-rich ecosystems that make the island a premier destination for avian enthusiasts’ writes tour leader Gayomini Panagoda. ‘From the rainforests of Kitulgala to the mist-laden highlands of Horton Plains and the lush, world-renowned Sinharaja Forest, each day brought breathtaking encounters and close-up views of some of Sri Lanka’s most elusive species. Highlights included the rare Serendib Scops Owl, the elusive Chestnut-backed Owlet, and the splendid Red-faced Malkoha, among 33 of Sri Lanka’s 35 endemic birds – along with the rare migrant, the Kashmir Flycatcher. With well-planned excursions that maximised every opportunity, we explored diverse landscapes and habitats, observing an impressive array of endemic, resident, and migratory birds in their natural settings. By the end of the trip we had recorded a remarkable 195 species, many offering stunning photographic opportunities.
Our comfortable accommodations and expert guides enriched the experience with seamless logistics, fascinating insights, and an ever-growing species list that built excitement and camaraderie within our group. For any avid birder or nature lover seeking an unforgettable and expertly crafted birdwatching tour, this journey through Sri Lanka offers remarkable value, countless “bucket list” species, and a chance to explore some of the world’s most stunning natural habitats.’
March, 2025
‘Our tour to Sri Lanka explored a vast area of the island’s lagoons, dry-moist monsoon forests, rainforests, cloudforests in the central mountains, and arboretums, identifying many varieties of ferns, fruiting trees, and flowering plants, including numerous endemics’ writes tour leader Nuwan Jayawardana. ‘Travelling from the dry zone to the wet zone via the intermediate zone, we observed the changing forest composition and the specialised species adapted to each habitat. After 12 days of exploration, we successfully identified 313 plant species, 84 bird species, 14 mammals, 44 butterflies, and 16 reptile species.’
January 2025
‘Our tour began on the west coast with wetland birding, where we were immediately finding species like Indian Paradise Flycatcher and Brown Fish Owl’ writes tour leader Saman Kumar. ‘Spirits were high, and camaraderie amongst the group quickly formed. Inland, the lush green hills of Horton Plains revealed Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush and the elusive Sri Lanka Bush Warbler. Watching Sri Lanka Wood Pigeons courting in the mist was unforgettable.
In Kandy, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher gave us dazzling views, and the rich tapestry of history and spice gardens also captivated us. The dry zone parks – Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Wilpattu – thrilled us with wild Elephants, a Sloth Bear and a Leopard. Yala delivered, as always, with Painted Storks fishing alongside crocodiles in perfect morning light, a Ruddy Mongoose dashing across the road, and a Crested Serpent Eagle surprising us just a few feet above our heads. Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s lowland rainforest, was magical, and we enjoyed superb sightings of Red-faced Malkohas and the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie.
In total, we saw over 230 bird species, plus Leopards, Elephants, and much more. The Blue Whale Extension added marine magic with Spinner Dolphins, Olive Ridley Turtles, and a visit to a turtle hatchery. Our final day on the Nilwala River and a farewell dinner in Katunayake provided the perfect ending. Sri Lanka delivered a journey brimming with magic, discovery, and connection.’
February 2025
‘Our journey began with visits to Sri Lanka's iconic historical landmarks, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural and architectural heritage’ writes tour leader Gayomini Panagoda. ‘At the Ancient City of Anuradhapura, we explored the magnificent ruins of temples, monasteries, and advanced irrigation systems that stand as testaments to the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan civilisation. The Avukana Temple showcased the mastery of stone craftsmanship through its breathtaking standing Buddha statue, while the awe-inspiring Sigiriya captivated us with its impeccable planning, architectural brilliance, and the fascinating tales that have shaped the island’s history.
Our mornings were filled with birdwatching walks and forest treks, yielding memorable sightings of Sri Lanka’s endemic and native avifauna. Highlights included the elusive Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Sri Lanka Scaly Thrush, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, and Serendib Scops Owl, alongside the rare migrants Blue Rock Thrush, Orange-headed Thrush, and Long-toed Stint. Among owls, we enjoyed exceptional views of Brown Wood Owl, Indian Scops Owl, and Brown Hawk Owl. The central highlands yielded sightings of Dull Blue Flycatcher, Indian Blue Robin, and the rare Kashmir Flycatcher and Pied Thrush.
An encounter with a Leopard at Lunugamwehera National Park was thrilling, and Sri Lanka’s only wild canid, the Golden Jackal, along with numerous Elephants and ruminants, including Spotted and Sambar Deer, and even the rather uncommon Malabar Red Muntjac and White-spotted Chevrotain, added to our list of memorable mammal sightings. Primates were a regular feature, including the ubiquitous Toque Macaques, two subspecies of the endemic Purple-faced Langur, and Grey Langurs. A nocturnal excursion further added sightings of the Small Indian Civet and Northern Palm Civet.
In total, the tour recorded 233 bird species, including 33 of the 35 endemic bird species, as well as 23 mammal species, 19 reptile and amphibian species, 40 butterfly species, and 11 dragonfly species.’
March 2025
‘Our recent tour, focusing on Red Pandas, Satyr Tragopans, and Tigers, was a great success’ writes tour leader Anurag Yadav. ‘Over the course of the week, we had the incredible opportunity to observe a total of eight individual Red Pandas, with sightings every day. These included sub-adults, sub-adult cubs, and adult individuals. We were fortunate to witness their natural behaviours, such as feeding and preening, providing us with unique and close-up views. One of the highlights of the tour was a pair of Red Pandas sighted near mossy oak trees, offering us some truly exceptional photographic opportunities.
In addition to the Pandas, we also had two fantastic sightings of the Satyr Tragopan. The first sighting featured a male, while the second provided a particularly memorable moment, with the bird showing itself prominently in the middle of the road. Our birdwatching experience was further enriched by sightings of two types of Sunbirds – Green-tailed and Fire-tailed – along with several other special species unique to eastern India.
Overall, it was a rewarding and enriching experience, with some incredible wildlife encounters.’
March 2025
‘Our tour began in the Tiger capital of the country – Nagpur – and traversed through the heartland of central Indian plains and mountain ranges, which have some of the most beautiful protected areas for Tigers in the world!’ writes tour leader Devendra Chahar.
‘Our most memorable safari turned out to be the final one of the tour, at Panna National Park, where we had brilliant sightings of a Jungle Cat casually walking in the grassland and then emerging on the road, where she did a short walk before rolling in the loose soil. Then, about 100 metres from the spot, we watched a Sloth Bear visiting a small pool of water in the otherwise dried-up riverbed, before walking across the road as it scanned the forest floor for Jujube fruits and termites. Following that, another 500 metres from the same spot, we were left awestruck at seeing a young 7- or 8-month-old Tiger appear from the dense grasses, followed by its three siblings! The young Tigers offered us amazing views as they approached very close to our jeeps as we all waited in silence! This sighting made everyone emotional, as it happened right at the end of the safari, and that, too, our last safari of the main tour.
Similarly, on our final safari of the Ranthambhore extension, we had a wonderful close sighting of Noorie, a famous and bold tigress, just having a lie-in and then walking towards her favourite spot in her range. While the jeep that went to Zone 5 had incredible luck, spending their whole afternoon watching a courting pair of Striped Hyenas!
On the main tour we spotted 18 Tigers, two Leopards, three Sloth Bears, One Rusty-spotted Cat, and over 179 species of birds, while on the extension, another six Tigers, one Leopard, two Sloth Bears and two Striped Hyenas were recorded.’
April 2025
‘As usual, the Brahmaputra cruise lived up to expectations with something for everyone’ writes tour leader Sujan Chatterjee. ‘We enjoyed a slow and leisurely exploration of the Sunderbans, where we saw all the colourful kingfishers, water monitors, Sea Eagles and a big pod of Irrawaddy Dolphins.
In Assam, at the Gibbon Sanctuary, we were delighted by the show-off Gibbons, the red-faced Stump-tailed Macaques and the leaf-chewing Capped Langurs. In the marshes along the river, we found Bar-headed Geese, Brown Booboks, and Asian Barred Owlets. Majuli offered the cultural side of the trip – mask-making and drum-jamming monks enthralled us with their skilled performance, while Mishing village gave us an insight into the life of a tribe living along the mighty Brahmaputra.
Kaziranga showcased its Rhinos, Elephants, Buffaloes, Swamp Deer, Burmese Pythons, Fish Eagles and even a Tiger and a Hog Badger for some lucky punters. Calm river rafting at Nameri brought peace back into our lives after a hectic four days in Kaziranga. Island dwellers, their smiling children and toothless elders welcomed us into their homes and silk weavers in Sualkuchi showed off their skills using their wooden looms.
The Manas extension gave us Golden Langurs in Bongaigaon and some home-cooked meals at the guide’s home. Despite all the rain in Manas, we saw everything it had to offer: large Elephant herds, Gaur, a Rhino mother and calf, Great Hornbill, Black Francolin, Sultan Tit, Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, all the green pigeon species, a tree full of Dollarbirds, and mud-puddling butterflies.
In total, our wonderful trip recorded 253 bird species, 29 mammal species and 11 reptile species.’
April 2025
‘Our adventure began in Pench, with thrilling sightings right from the start – a male Leopard resting in the bushes, multiple owl species, jackals, herds of Indian Gaur, and an exciting variety of birds’ writes tour leader Akarsh Suresh. ‘The highlight came when a majestic Tiger crossed just in front of our jeeps!
Moving on to Kanha, misty mornings greeted us with fresh pugmarks and wildlife action. We witnessed a sub-adult Tigress up close, a Leopard feeding on its kill, Barasinghas grazing peacefully, and soaring vultures above. One of the most unforgettable moments was a Tigress resting beside our jeep for nearly 20 minutes!
In total, the expedition delivered spectacular sightings including 11 Tigers, two Leopards, a Sloth Bear, a Blackbuck, and 161 bird species. From Grey-headed Fish Eagles to Scarlet Minivets, the forests were alive with colour and sound – an adventure to remember!’
