Good news for animal lovers and bird watching enthusiasts, the 12th Bird Festival will be held at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve from 2nd February 2012.  Promoted with the slogan ‘Wetland Tourism: A unique experience, ’ the festival will be inaugurated at Kushaha of Sunsari district and will  run for four days. The festival will feature  quiz contests, games and cultural programmes. The event is being jointly organized by Government of Nepal, Department of National Park and Wild Life Conservation, Wild Life Conservation Fund Nepal, Nepal Bird Conservation Association and other international organizations.

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is renowned for being one of the best locations for birding. It is the smallest (175 sq km) and easternmost reserve in Nepal, and lies  north-east at the confluence  of  Sapt Koshi and Trijuga rivers.Over 280 species of birds has been recorded so far at the reserve. Swamp Francolins, White Ibis, Storks, Lesser Coucal, Striated Marsh Warbler, Black Bellied Tern, Imperial Eagle, Pied and Marsh Harrier, Common Quail, Bengal floricans (Eupodotis Bengalensis), and many other exotic and migratory waterfowl not found elsewhere in Nepal can be seen at the reserve.

(Photo courtesy : NTB)

For birding enthusiasts this article may also be helpful ! – Bird Conservation Nepal, ECS Nepal

Birdwatching in Nepal