West Bengal on Birding Blog of Debo

The Guest on the Coconut Tree: Deciphering the Oriental Honey Buzzard

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:06:29 +0000

The Oriental Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) is a fascinating, large raptor widely distributed across the Indian Subcontinent and Asia. In my home region of Hooghly, West Bengal, it is a common sight throughout the year. However, despite its frequency, capturing a high-quality photograph has always been an elusive goal for me—until February 26th.

While I have seen this bird countless times in flight, perched sightings are rare, numbering only four or five in my experience. On a beautiful February morning, the ‘guest’ finally paid a visit to our home. While I was scanning the nearby trees, my mother spotted this magnificent raptor perched regally on a coconut tree. I rushed for my camera, and finally, I was able to document this beautiful bird of prey.

The Year’s Last Lifer: An Unexpected Lesser Adjutant in Diara

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 16:06:35 +0000

Diara, situated in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, is a well-known gem for bird watching in Eastern India. During the winter, it transforms into a paradise for migratory birds. One can find everything from Eagles to Harriers, wagtails to Pipit, and egret to stork. While every season has different charms, the winter arrival is truly something special.

The Unexpected Surprise

On 24th December 2025, I arrived at Diara at 10:00 AM on a fine, chilly morning with the temperature sitting at 16°C. I had no idea what surprise was awaiting me. After entering the place, I decided to do some searching in the agricultural fields for pipits—especially the Richard’s Pipit, which I didn’t have a photo of.

Tiny Terrors of the Foothills: Encountering the Collared Owlet in Rongtong

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 15:27:05 +0000

Deep in the lush, green foothills of the Himalayas lies Rongtong, a legendary destination for birdwatchers seeking the diverse avian life of West Bengal. On a recent trip, I had the pleasure of crossing paths with one of the region’s most charismatic residents: the Collared Owlet (Glaucidium brodiei).

Measuring barely 15 centimeters in length, the Collared Owlet is the smallest owl found in Asia. Despite its diminutive size, it is a ferocious predator, often taking down prey significantly larger than itself. What makes this species particularly fascinating to birders is its diurnal nature; unlike many of its nocturnal cousins, the Collared Owlet is frequently active during the day, making it a prime subject for photography if you can manage to spot it among the dense foliage.