This morning I was up at around 5.25 am, on the deck, taking photos of the beautiful sunrise. With a line of trees along the river bank in the distance, the mist hanging in the air and the sun just starting to break
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| Sunrise on the Bhramaputra |
through, it was a lovely sight. Peaceful and calm, before the 'storm' of the rest of the boat waking.
The first bird I spotted was an Osprey - the first of several that we saw today, including one eating a fish whilst perched on the sandbank. White Wagtail and Grey Heron (Humphreys) were calling and Barn Swallow flew in huge numbers following the line of the river feeding low on the insects there. A White-throated Kingfisher perched on a fallen tree, Greenshank flew along the river and settled tight in on the river edge. A Sand Martin joined in with the Barn Swallow but I only spotted it once.
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| Part of our welcoming committee |
At around 7.30 am we arrive alongside the Mishing Village of Pecholigaon, where we would get the opportunity to view life by the river. The whole village (and many from the surrounding areas it appeared) came out to welcome us. It was strange to be the ones being watched rather than the other way around for a change!
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| Typical stilted home |
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| Inside the house |
Paddyfield Pipit scurried along on the field alongside the river. Red-collared Dove and Rufous Treepie were also seen. The villagers were happy to show us around their houses, and share their way of life. The buildings are all built on stilts to withstand the flooding when the monsoon season comes. Several people purchased locally made textiles and we gave the children sweets. The school children were rewarded with extra cakes as well.
Soon we had to return to the boat for breakfast, and to start on our all day journey to the next destination - Kazaranga National Park.
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| Preparing for our BBQ |
We sailed the rest of the morning, had a great lunch and then continued on until around 4 pm. Thick-knee, Great Cormorant, Pallas's Fish-eagle, Asian Honey-buzzard, Black Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, over 20 Asian Pond-heron and a flock of Curlew were all seen along the way. We also saw our first Indian Elephant, Water Buffalo (both wild and farmed), and Great Hornbill.
The staff did a great job of moving chairs and tables onto the sandbank and then set up a fire for us to sit around. We were treated royally by their attentive service and had a great evening. Richard set up his telescope so that we could look at the moon, stars and planets - the crew especially enjoyed this.
A great evening with lovely BBQ food.
This post dedicated to Alan on what would have been our 33rd Wedding Anniversary x
