30 years ago: 18 March 1982, Jomson Trek day 15, Jomson to Kalopani

Thursday 18th March 1982: Jomson to Kalopani (13 miles) The weather was reasonable when we left Jomson and birds excellent, especially in the fields at Syang where the Eversmann’s Redstart was still present.   We continued on to Marpha for elevenses and to Tukche (8500ft) for another excellent apple bread and jam.   The weather deteriorated while we were there and the rest of the walk to Kalopani was done in the rain, but with some good birding in the willows on the way including Isabelline Wheatear, Chaffinch and Brambling.   The See You Lodge at Kalopani (8400ft) was almost empty and had an excellent fire for drying out.   After some good food I spent the evening drawing a map of the world for the lodge’s proprietor - an avid student and very knowledgeable. My cold is definitely getting better.

Birds seen: Black Kite 1, Lammergeyer 1, Himalayan Griffon Vulture 5, Golden Eagle 2, Kestrel 2, Rock Dove 20, Chukar 30, Darjeeling Pied Woodpecker 1, Small Skylark 4, Pied Wagtail 3, Brown Accentor 10, Robin Accentor 4, Alpine Accentor 1, Eversmann’s Redstart 1 (same), Blue-headed Redstart 5, Hodgson’s Redstart 1 female, White-throated Redstart 15, Guldenstadt’s Redstart 2, Plumbeous Redstart 1, Isabelline Wheatear 1, Blue Whistling Thrush 1, Red-throated Thrush 30, Black-throated Thrush 1, Stoliczka’s Tit Warbler 1, Variegated Laughingthrush 1, Yellow-browed Tit 1, Green-backed Tit 1, Wallcreeper 1, Grey-backed Shrike 1, Chough 50, Large-billed Crow 2, Tree Sparrow 10, Chaffinch 30, Brambling 30, Beautiful Rosefinch 5, Eastern Great Rosefinch 10, White-winged Grosbeak 1, Rock Bunting 5.

White-throated Redstart at Syang

Guldenstadt's Redstart at Syang

probably the most striking redstart

Stoliczka's Tit Warbler, a stunning bird that thankfully was not always this secretive

Wallcreeper at Syang

one of my all time favourite birds