Monsoon Birding Trip Report Dhanauri – Kashmir – Sonkhaliya
September 6th
Trip Report: Monsoon Birding with Mr. Alexander John Berryman, India Jane Wedge, Jake Gearty
Dates: 24th July – 04th August 2025
Destinations: Dhanauri – Kashmir – Sonkhaliya (Rajasthan)
Guide: Deepak Kumar
The Grassland Special
Our journey began at the Dhanauri Wetlands, with a very special target in mind – the elusive Bristled Grassbird. Luck was on our side, and we enjoyed prolonged and satisfying views of this skulker moving gracefully among the tall monsoon grasses. The wetlands were alive with activity – prinias, munias, and larks added charm to the outing, setting the perfect tone for the tour.
Bristled Grassbird
The Valley of Endemics
From the plains, we moved into the breathtaking landscapes of the Kashmir Valley. Here, the birdlife, culture, and scenery combine to create an unforgettable experience.
The highlights were, without a doubt, the Kashmir endemics and specialties:
Orange Bullfinch – a true jewel of the Himalayas, Spectacled Finch – shy yet stunning, Kashmir Nutcracker – bold and unmistakable, Kashmir Nuthatch – active in the tall forests
Beyond birds, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of Kashmir – enjoying the charm of the Dal Lake shikara ride, relishing authentic Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine, and birding against a backdrop of misty valleys and pine forests. This part of the journey offered not just lifers, but also a deeper connection with the region’s culture and landscapes.
The Dance of the Florican
From the mountains, we traveled straight into the grasslands of Sonkhaliya in Rajasthan. The timing was perfect – monsoon, the only season when the rare Lesser Florican arrives to display its spectacular breeding jumps. Witnessing this endangered bird in its element was nothing short of magical.
But Sonkhaliya had more to offer. Our checklist grew with an impressive mix of dryland and grassland specialists:
Rain Quail and Rock Bush Quail, Painted Francolin and Indian Nightjar, Marshall’s Iora, White-naped Tit, and White-bellied Minivet, the majestic Indian Eagle-Owl on its rocky perch
Adding to the beauty of the season, we observed Weaver birds busy with their nests, weaving intricate designs that symbolize the vibrancy of the monsoon
Conclusion
In just 10 days, this journey gave us a stunning variety of experiences – from the wetlands of Dhanauri and the high valleys of Kashmir to the monsoon grasslands of Rajasthan. With rarities like the Bristled Grassbird and Lesser Florican, and endemics like the Orange Bullfinch and Kashmir Nutcracker, the tour was truly a celebration of India’s monsoon birding.
A special thanks to Mr. Alexander John Berryman for joining this memorable adventure – a blend of birds, landscapes, and culture that we will cherish for a long time.
From wetlands to mountains to grasslands – this was truly the season of Green Magic.
Highlight Birds of the Tour
Bristled Grassbird – Dhanauri special, Orange Bullfinch, Spectacled Finch, Kashmir Nutcracker, Kashmir Nuthatch – Kashmir endemics, Lesser Florican – star of the Rajasthan grasslands, Rain Quail, Rock Bush Quail, Painted Francolin – monsoon game birds, Indian Nightjar, Marshall’s Iora, White-naped Tit, White-bellied Minivet, Indian Eagle-Owl – desert and scrub specials
Weaver Birds nesting – the true sign of monsoon magic
Some Photos with the Guest
