Gajoldoba, on the banks of the Teesta Barrage in North Bengal, is a winter haven for bird photographers, where vast wetlands attract an incredible diversity of migratory and resident species. From Bar-headed Geese, Northern Pintails, and other waterfowl to raptors like Ospreys and Peregrine Falcons, as well as a wealth of waders and colorful passerines, the area offers unmatched photographic opportunities. With misty mornings, golden sunsets, and the distant Himalayas as a backdrop, Gajoldoba combines abundance, serenity, and dramatic natural beauty—making it a true paradise for bird photography.
Latpanchar, tucked away in the eastern Himalayas of North Bengal, is a hidden paradise for bird photographers. Perched at around 4,200 feet above sea level and surrounded by lush tea gardens, pine forests, and the fringes of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, it offers a peaceful setting that feels far removed from crowded tourist circuits. What makes Latpanchar truly special for photographers is its exceptional bird diversity – more than 200 species have been recorded here. It is world-famous as the breeding ground of the rare Rufous-necked Hornbill, a magnificent species that draws enthusiasts from across the globe.
Beyond the hornbill, Latpanchar is alive with colorful Himalayan avifauna – minivets, sunbirds, woodpeckers, thrushes, orioles, and an endless variety of warblers and flycatchers. The dense forests, blooming rhododendrons, and misty trails provide natural perches and backdrops that make every shot dramatic and rewarding. For bird photographers, it’s not just the diversity but also the accessibility – many birds can be spotted right along village paths or from homestay verandas, often in beautiful natural light. Add to this the unhurried pace, warm local hospitality, and the chance to combine birding with stunning landscapes of the Himalayas, and Latpanchar becomes an unmissable gem for anyone serious about avian photography.
Some Target Species
Gajoldoba (Teesta Barrage Wetlands)
Bar-headed Goose, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Common Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Ferruginous Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Greylag Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Great Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Black Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, Painted Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Glossy Ibis, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Booted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Temminck’s Stint, Little Ringed Plover, Red-wattled Lapwing, River Tern, Whiskered Tern, Siberian Rubythroat, Bluethroat, Citrine Wagtail, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Rosy Pipit, Paddyfield Pipit, Common Stonechat, Pied Bushchat, Zitting Cisticola, various Warblers (Blyth’s Reed, Clamorous Reed, etc.).
Latpanchar (Mahananda WLS Fringe)
Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Sultan Tit, Scarlet Minivet, Short-billed Minivet, Long-tailed Minivet, Golden-throated Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Great Barbet, Black-throated Sunbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Streaked Spiderhunter, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Long-tailed Broadbill, Maroon Oriole, Ashy Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Spangled Drongo, Black-naped Monarch, Verditer Flycatcher, Small Niltava, Large Niltava, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Chestnut-headed Tesia, White-throated Fantail, Rufous Sibia, Red-tailed Minla, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Scaly Thrush, Grey-winged Blackbird, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Black Eagle, Common Green Magpie, Hill Myna, Himalayan Bulbul, Black Bulbul.
