My experience of finding a rare gem of the hills---
After spending 10 lovely days in the forested hills of West Sikkim, I came to Lava--which would be my next birding destination for the next one week. I got many species of the Eastern Himalayas in Sikkim, but the skulking tiny wren babblers kept eluding me. I didnt get a glimpse of those little fairies during the entire Sikkim trip.
On reaching Lava on 17th May, I immediately contacted birding guide Joseph Lepcha-- whom i had already booked for 3 days. I had a talk with him in the evening and we made our birding plans. I expressed my strong desire to get a wren babbler, and he promised me to show the bird.
Next day morning was spent birding on the famed Lava-Algarah road although Joseph couldnt accompany me due to some official works. Luckily I got some lovely lifers including the golden babblers and shirke babblers, and i was more than happy to get close shots of these skulkers.
On 20th we planned to visit the Neora Valley National Park- known for its rare wild denizens. It was an extremely foggy morning, and our jeep climbed up the hill through the dense mist. There was light in few isolated patches and we did some birding at those spots. Slowly and gradually the Sun came out and the thick curtain of fog was removed. We got many birds throughout the day, but alas no wren babbler.
On our way back to Lava town, Joseph ji asked the driver to stop the car as he heard the call of a wren babbler. I thought he was just trying to console me. I didnt even get down from the car. Then suddenly the loud melodious call of a tiny bird came to my ears, and my heart started pounding with excitement. I jumped out of the car and Joseph ji asked me to come silently to the spot where he stood. I peered through the dense bushes and got a glimpse of a tiny bird- that kept singing a full-throated song. I was determined to get a shot of this songster, and we waited quietly for a few more minutes. By that time, some leeches have already started crawling up my ankles, but those blood-thirsty annelids tried to puncture my skin to get their meal. I had no time to get rid of them, as the bird was coming out of the thickets. Finally it popped out of the thickets and gave us some good views. Joseph ji whispered into my ears" Rufous-throated Wren babbler" and i looked at the distinct rusty-throat of the bird. It perched in the open just for a few seconds and hid into the foliage instantly-- and seemed to be too fast to take any shot. I just cudnt focus on the bird even after many attempts. I cudnt take even a single decent shot even after trying for 15 mins or so. Joseph ji asked me not to lose hope....and hence I kept trying. Blood was trickling down my legs as i detached few leeches forcibly...and tears of disappointment trickled down my heart. How i can return without taking a single shot of this lovely bird...even after getting it.
At last, God showed some mercy on me, and the bird perched on a rotten branch for a few seconds, and I got some really close shots.
I took the shots and sat down on the forest floor, as if i had won some award. Joseph ji smiled looking at my reaction after getting the shots. For a moment, I felt that i was the happiest person in this world. I looked at the images on the camera display screen, and cudnt believe my eyes. I thanked Jospeh- ji for keeping his promise and showing me this tiny angel of the hills. One more Lifer was added to my birdlist.
It is surely one of the memorable birding moments that will remain etched in my mind forever. I am glad to share my experience with you all
Species: Rufous-throated Wren Babbler.
Location: Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal hills.
May-2014 Canon 60D
Shantanu Bhattacharya.
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