Rainer and I recently finished our first of two back-to-back Rockjumper tours of Assam and Bhutan for the 2011 year. What a fabulous time we had! As usual, we were treated to sublime birds, excellent mammals, awesome Himalayan scenery and first class service by our Indian and Bhutanese friends. Some of the extremely memorable birds that were seen included five Ward’s Trogons, close and prolonged views of Beautiful Nuthatch, handsome Rufous-necked Hornbill on many occasions, exquisite and near-mythical Satyr Tragopan, of which four stunning males and one female were seen at close range for extended periods, three unseasonal Wallcreepers and regular encounters with Ibisbill.



Ward’s Trogon by Glen Valentine

We were particularly lucky to also find a total of five gorgeous Fire-tailed Myzornis, all five species of Scimitar Babbler – including Coral-billed and the bizarre Slender-billed Scimitar Babblers, an exceptionally showy Himalayan Monal, good numbers of Blood Pheasant, four species of Parrotbill, the elusive Long-billed Wren-Babbler and highly sought after Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler, boldly-patterned Himalayan Cutia, two male Black-headed Shrike-Babblers, wonderful scope views of White-winged Duck and, to cap it all off, the rare and elusive White-bellied Heron, a lifer for both Rainer and I! We were both in awe of this mega rare bird and feel extremely privileged to have finally seen this awesome heron.