nature · Murti, Dooars
Dawn birding along the Murti
Start at the river at first light. Winter brings redstarts, wagtails and forktails to the stones, while river lapwings and little ringed plovers run on the gravel bars. Ospreys and other raptors patrol over the water, and kingfishers perch on snags. Follow the riverbank road (not the forest side) and then turn into tea-garden roads.
Shade trees in the gardens hold barbets, drongos, minivets, orioles and bulbuls; flowering trees attract sunbirds and flowerpeckers. With luck, oriental pied hornbills fly over from Gorumara. Listen for the 'kutroo-kutroo' of lineated barbets and the alarm calls that may mean a raptor or a leopard.
Stay on public roads, do not enter the protected forest on foot, and ask your lodge which stretches are safe that week; elephants sometimes linger near the river in the morning. Two to three hours is enough. A local guide adds a lot, both for birds and safety.
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Questions people ask
Good to know
Is Murti good for birdwatching
Yes, especially from November to March. The mix of river, tea garden shade trees and forest edge gives a good variety in a small area: river birds such as redstarts and wagtails, garden birds such as barbets and minivets, and forest birds from Gorumara. Go at dawn.
Is it safe to walk along the Murti river early in the morning
On the village side and public roads, generally yes, in daylight and with care. Elephants sometimes stay near the river at dawn, so ask your lodge first, walk with a local guide, and keep well away from any animal. Never cross to the forest bank.
What should I bring for birding in the Dooars
Binoculars, a field guide or app, a notebook, water, a warm layer for winter mornings, earth-coloured clothing, and closed shoes. A camera with a zoom lens helps. Insect repellent is useful from March. Avoid bright colours and loud voices.