Tuesday 15 November 2011

Punaka - Jigme Dorji National Park

We were awakened at 5am by the camp cook with bed tea in our cots and a quick breakfast. Following breaky we headed out to the nearby national park for some hiking. It was a great day, the forest was spectacular, pristine and very much reminded me of South-East Alaska in terms of temperature, dense forest and fast clear running streams. The flora here though is more tropical with lush epiphytes, a few orchids and ferns. We spotted all three of the local Forktails (no usable pics) as well as  a Collared Owlet and the Wallcreeper pic below. Had a fantastic picnic lunch by the river then returned to Punaka to seek out the endangered White-bellied heron.
On the way to the heron habitat I took the opportunity to take a picture of a farmhouse with peppers drying on the roof. When I asked the driver to stop so I could take the picture kencho says " but Sir why do you want a picture of them? They are your enemy! True oh so true.




Water Prayer Wheel





White-Bellied Heron