Baratpur, Fatepur Sikre, Chambal

The last day in Baratpur we walked round outside first and managed to see an Indian courser. Then we went inside and were taken to the Nursery where we found Orange-headed and Tickell's thrushes. we also managed to see white-tailed robin, a first for the park.

As we walked through the forest we heard a strange call which was identified as Oriental Honey Buzzard. We got great views of it as it sat on a branch. We also saw a it's potential food source, a honeycomb hanging from a branch. We were taken to a spot for Indian Python. Eventually we spotted it curled up under a bush.

We spent the rest of the day walking around and had great views of painted storks, egrets, Indian spotted, imperial, greater spotted eagles and ducks among the other more exotic birds like, treepies, babblers and prinias.

The next morning we left for Chambal via Fatepur Sikre, an amazing place. It was built by Shah Jehan's uncle for his 3 wives, one Hindu, one Christian and one Muslim. It is an excellent example of the Mughal architexture.
Then we were on to Chambal where we settled in before having a walk round the grounds with our guide. We saw yet more butterflies but they were very difficult to capture as it was so warm they were very active.We saw Brown Hawk Owl, more Flying Foxes, Babblers and Treepies.

Next morning we were taken to the river for our 'cruise'. After rescuing a couple we set off down river seeing sandlarks, osprey, small pratincole and, one of the reasons for coming, Indian Skimmers.

We also saw gharials which slid into the water as we approached. We returned upriver, seeing turtles, muggers, Great Thicknee and the other reason, gangetic dolphins amongst many other birds. A magic morning.

The place where the boat was kept was obviously a main crossing point and quite reminiscent of Bithor. Camels laden with wood crossed one way and empty camels returned, the water level was around their tummies. Tried to find out what happened in the rainy season but couldn't quite communicate. There was also a ferry which was poled across the river carrying everything from people to motor bikes, although it seemed these had to be washed before embarking?? Any cattle were held from the boat and had to swim themselves across.

In the afternoon we went for a walk round and managed to get good views of Brook's leaf warbler as well as Barred Button Quail. In the evening we went to the back of the hotel grounds where we managed to watch civet cats as they emerged from a hole in a tree.
The next day our driver collected us and we made our way to Agra getting to the Taj around 8.30 am