This was trip number 4 to Corbett but the first one where I didn't stay at Dhikala. Also joined the group with the BNHS for the second time since Ladakh. It was a long and pleasant drive from Delhi with a little light birding on the way. As we checked into the resort nearby, the first thing we saw was a checkered keel-back swimming off in the artificial waterways. That started off another good trip. The ground rules were set, no chasing tigers except when we were sure, and the next 4 safaris across Durga Devi, Bijrani, Jhirna and Dhela.
What started with a nice trip soon devolved into a mad race for getting the maximum number of bird species that we could spot. Of course, the birds were very obliging as well. Each of the areas had their distinct landscapes and presented some differences in the bird-life to be seen. With about 100 species within 4 safaris, the trip was quite a success. I would still miss the open grassland views of Dhikala but the forest itself does keep you entertained all the time.
Among the mammals, we did chase a call for a bit, but the tiger in Corbett continues to elude me. Elephants though were around to see along with the regular ungulates and primates, though a few barking deer and jackals also made their appearance. The highlight of the trip though for me were the watching the white crested laughing thrushes and the great hornbill holed up in its nest, though there were other attractions like the pitta, rock thrushes, dancing peacocks and thick-knees.
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