Having travelled via Dubai overnight, we were all a little jaded by the time we hit Indian soil. The sights and sounds of Kolkata were vivid and reminded me of the many television series and films which have visited this city in the past.
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| Downtown Kolkata |
The formalities were soon over and we left to go to our overnight accommodation at the Oberoi Grand Hotel. Outside the airport I spotted a Common Myna, Great White Egret, Black Kite and House Sparrow followed by House Crow. A Hummingbird Hawk Moth fought with the luggage and passengers to find space to feed on nearby flowers.
Once at the hotel, we were greeted with an extremely sweet apple drink, and once I had changed some money Chris and I went off to find our room. After a shower and a rest we decided that we should go and sit by the pool in the hope that it would encourage us to stay awake
In the garden more House Crows, Black Kites, House Sparrow and black backed White Wagtail entertained us. The crows were coming around the sun beds pecking insects. Feral pigeons were on the tiled roof of the hotel.
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| House Crow |
After lunch we were off out for the afternoon starting with a city tour which took us along the Jawahawal Nehru road, the original esplanade which runs through the old fashionable part of the town. St. John's Churchyard was our first port of call where we birded in the garden seeing Ring-necked Parakeet (a reminder of home) House Swift and Rufous Treepie. Jungle Babblers were feeding around the steps of the church. House Sparrow was another familiar species here. Five-striped Palm Squirrel were found scampering around on the walls of the buildings adjoining the garden.
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| Five-striped Palm Squirrel |
Off to the River Hugli where we wandered along between the river and the railway line, along a promenade lined with food vendors. Common Sandpiper, Spotted Dove, White-throated Kingfisher, White Wagtail, yet more House Crow and Black Kite vied for our attention, but the River Dolphin won over all bird species as it showed itself in the nearby waters.
Pied Starlings strutted around on the bank in front of us as they hunted for food.
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| River Hugli |
Victoria park and museum was our final stop, where a large unflattering statue of Queen Victoria stood before the magnificent building. Little Cormorant, Indian Pond-heron, Black Drongo, and a pair of delightful Oriental Magpie Robin posed on the edge of the lake. Common and Jungle Myna were also added before we returned to the hotel for dinner and an early night.
