Bird Lovers Paradise (Continued - 2)

Bhutan's Birds
 
Bhutan's reverence for birds is even exhibited on the Royal Raven Crown of the Druk Gyalpo. The national bird is the Raven, and it was once a capital crime in Bhutan to kill one. Ravens are even know to nest in the walls of the nation's monasteries and dzongs.

Wild Jungle Fowl are the same birds that were first domesticated thousands of years ago. There has always remained wild chickens in Bhutan. These birds are often seen running along a road ahead of a vehicle and darting into the bush just as it approaches. You might be inclined think that it was just some farmer's bird, when in fact there are no farms in the area. Be on the look out for these wild fowl.

Imagine one of these Violet Cuckoos coming out of your clock to announce the hour. Cuckoos are common in Bhutan and the Asian highlands, but are difficult to approach. Just as you think you are near them, their call comes from another direction. Be patient and move slowly, keep low and wait. You will be rewarded by sighting this rare Cuckoo. 

The Great Pied Hornbill is the pride of Asian Jungle and is most unique among birds. At nesting time the male bird uses mud to seal its lifelong mate inside the trunk of a tree to incubate their eggs. This male chauvinist bird (just kidding) must then constantly feed his mate through a small hole until their eggs hatch, then release his new family.

The Asian Hoopoe is known for its very amusing walk and call. Hoopoes bob and weave as they walk and freeze as they search the ground for worms and insects. Their "Hoo-Poe" call is unmistakable.

The Thrung Thrung Kharm is the Black Necked Crane. Wintering in Bhutan's Phobjikha Valley each year, the Bhutanese celebrate this endangered Bird with its own festival in November. The cranes return each spring to Siberia to hatch their young. Visit Bhutan during this festival season and antics of this lovely bird.

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