Between February 1966 and December 1973, they collected 3,218 specimens of 481 species. On 22-27 November 1968, they surveyed the riverbanks of the Amo chhu and its peripheral areas (300 masl), including Samtse and recorded 46 species and collected 340 specimens. The bird list obtained by them are:

1. Indian Pond Heron

2. Cattle Egret

3. Common Kestrel

4. Lophura leucomelana moffitti (Hachisuka). Moffitt's Kalij (sub-species)

5. Rose-ringed Parakeet

6. Large-tailed Nightjar

7. Fulvous-breasted woodpecker

8. Black-hooded oriole

9. Maroon oriole

10. Hair-crested Drongo

11. Pied myna

12. Common green magpie

13. Rufous treepie

14. Large Woodshrike

15. Red-whiskered Bulbul

16. Red-vented Bulbul

17. Spotted Elachura

18. Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler

19. Pygmy Cupwing

20. Grey-throated babbler

21. Jungle babbler

22. Lesser-necklaced Laughingthrush

23. Greater-necklaced Laughingthrush

24. Rufous-necked Laughingthrush

25. Silver-eared Mesia

26. White-throated Fantail

27. Grey-bellied tesia

28. Grey-breasted prinia

29. Common Tailorbird

30. mountain tailorbird

31. Blyth's Reed Warbler

32. Dusky Warblers

33. Hume's leaf warbler

34. Blyth's leaf warbler

35. Grey-hooded warbler

36. White-rumped Shama

37. Hodgson's Redstart

38. Plumbeous Water Redstart

39. White-bellied redstart

40. White-tailed robin

41. Slaty-backed Forktail

42. Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch

43. Olive-backed pipit

44. Tawny Pipit

45. Crimson sunbird

46. Streaked Spiderhunter

On June 21, they left Haa for Paro by ascending Chelela and dipping down into the wide valley of Paro. Here, they spent a week as Paro Penlop’s guests during which time they were treated with lavish hospitality.

On June 28, they continued eastwards and reached Wangdi Phodrang on July 1. They observed the surrounding mountains of Wangdi Phodrang only clothed with shrubs and grasses and the Mo Chhu river surroundings comparatively dry but they noticed marked changes in the avifauna, which included species such as, Straited Prinia, Rufescent Prinia, and Himalayan Bulbul.

On July 3, they continued to Trongsa where they plunged into leech-infested rain forest only to find species such as Bhutan Laughingthrush and Brown Bullfinch. They did not record any species of great interest.

On July 9, they continued eastwards crossing Yotong La by obtaining Fulvous Parrotbill from the Bamboo thickets. They camped at Gaytsa where they found Quail aplenty in the crops. According to them, Gaytsa is one of the two localities where Dr Grifiths’s specimen of Black-rumped Magpie probably came from, or from Bumthang. After marching 6 miles from Gaytsa, they arrived at Bumthang, the summer residence of second King, Jigme Wangchuck, where they received the warmest of welcomes.

After spending a week at Bumthang, they continued their journey eastwards. From the Rudong La, they obtained Fire-tailed Myzornis, Yellow-browed Tit, Long-tailed (Mountain) Thrush, and, from the Kuri Chhu, Scarlet Finch, Great Barbet, Maroon Oriole, and Slender-billed Oriole. On the Dongla, they obtained a new Wren, Bar-winged Wren-babbler and the unknown female of the Tibetan Blood Pheasant.

They reached Trashi Yangtse on 28 July. From there, they recorded Grey Nightjar, Long-tailed Shrike, Green-tailed Sunbird, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Grey-hooded Warbler, Red-vented Bulbul, White-throated Laughingthrush, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Scaly-breasted Munia, Lesser Yellownape, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, and Kalij Pheasant.

On August 4, they trekked north up the Kulong Chhu and reached the Me La on the Tibetan Frontier. In dense temperate forest between Tobrang and Lao were Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Pygmy Cupwing, Grey-bellied Tesia, Chestnut-headed Tesia, and Collared Owlet. Above Shingbe were Grey-backed Shrike, Crimson-browed Finch, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch, White-winged Grosbeak, and Blood Pheasant. At the Me La were Snow Partridge, Himalayan Monal, and Tibetan Snowcock. From there, they returned to Tobrang and crossed the Dong La Range. Before Dong La was a pass by the name Pang La. There, in the rhododendron jungle they recorded Gould’s Shortwing in considerable numbers and Chestnut-crowned Bush Warbler. Thereafter, they descended into the valley of the Khoma Chhu. They obtained from here the specimens of Spot-winged Grosbeak and Blanford's Rosefinch.

They proceeded up the valley uphill to its head and reached Narim Thang where they halted for 10 days. They obtained Grandala and Smoky Warbler.

On 29 and 30 August, they left for Tibet by crossing the Kang La and Pu La passes.

The holy grail is none other than Himalayan Quail Ophrysia superciliosa (aka Mountain Quail, Himalayan Rock Quail). The last time it was seen was in 1876 by Major G Carwithen from the eastern slopes of Sher Ka Danda near Nainital of Uttarakhand (Banerjee, 2015). Since then, its presence in the hill state and elsewhere was not known. Rieger & Waizthony (1993) and the updated checklist of the Uttarakhand Forest Department (2017) asserted that Himalayan Quail is a species endemic to the Lesser Himalayas. A great many past attempts to rediscover the species include extensive surveys by various ornithologists and birdwatchers including the Birdman of India as early as 1977.

Unsubstantiated reports of Himalayan Quail from birdwatchers kept the hopes of Uttarakhand Forest Department alive. In this regard, the Uttarakhand Forest Department, in the quest to rediscover the species, initiated ‘Mission Himalayan Quail’ in October 2013 to explore the scientific possibilities of the presence of Himalayan Quail. The department announced a cash prize of Rs 100,000 to a person who gives the first irrefutable evidence (Banerjee, 2015).

Dunn, Buchanan, Cuthbert, and Mark (2015) estimated the extinction year of Himalayan Quail to be 2023 albeit recent searches in the historical sites have failed. The team believed that the species may still be extant. Dunn et al. (2015) investigated the use of two proxy species: Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallechi and Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus as these species are thought to have macro-habitat that encapsulates those of Himalayan Quail. According to their species distribution maps, they suggested the areas of Mussoorie and Nainital of Uttarakhand as highly likely habitat for Himalayan Quail. The team also suggested the western Nepal and other parts of the Himalaya as less likely habitat; however, the Indian side of the Nepalese border was identified as a suitable habitat. A similar study conducted by Ripley (1952) also proposed Nepal as one of the historical sites, but his proposition was based on an entirely different finding than what Dunn et al. (2015) proposed. Ripley proposed the possibility of the species occurrence in Nepal because Dailekh district has a local name for Himalayan Quail as ‘Sana Kala Titra’, which means ‘Small Black Partridge’.

The status survey and conservation action plan 1995-1999 initiated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) found that the grassy slopes of Himalayan Quail’s range were overgrazed and degraded by quarrying. Rieger & Waltzhony (1992) observed that the human density in the Lesser Himalayas increased continuously due to which Himalayan Quails were pushed towards the tops of the Lesser Himalayas. Similarly, Dunn et al. (2015) suggested the urgent need to conduct better surveys in some parts of the Himalayas if Himalayan Quails were to be rediscovered.

Ogilvie-Grant[**] (1896) undoubtedly considered that Himalayan Quail was a migrant from Tibet. Similarly, many researchers also believed that the bird is migratory, appearing in early winters and leaving by spring. This bird seems to have occurred in the altitudes ranging between 1,500m and 2,100m above sea level.

AO Hume[***] (1889), Ogilvie-Grant (1896), and Rieger et al. (1992) asserted that the species is a poor-flying bird relying on its legs rather than on its wings. They occurred in groups of five to ten and feed on grass, seeds, insects, and berries. It is very elusive keeping to tall grassland. The Wikipedia and the Uttarakhand Forest Department (2013) describes the species as a medium-sized bird belonging to a Pheasant family. The male is dark grey with bleak streaks and a white forehead and supercilium. Both sexes have a white spot in front of the eye and a larger one behind the eye. It is 10 inches long. The female is rufous with grey eyebrows, cheek, and neck. It has a red bill and legs which stands out distinctly from tall grasses.

Grimmet, Inskipp, Inskipp, and Sherub (2019) regarded Bhutan as one of the most magical parts of Aisa renowned for a high diversity of bird species. The Himalayas ranging from the Hindu Kush to Bhutan and north of Arunachal Pradesh, according to Grewal and Pfister (1998), form an important Endemic Bird Area. Like many researchers, Grewal and Pfister believed that the thick mountain forests of Bhutan and the Eastern Himalayas may reveal new species or subspecies. As such, the discovery of Bugun Liocichla Liocichla bugunorum in 2006 by Ramana Athreya from Arunachal Pradesh and Naung Mung Scimitar-babbler Jabouilleia naungmungensis in 2005 by a team of scientists from northern Kachin state of Myanmar (WWF 2009) are a proof that Eastern Himalayas support a remarkable diversity of habitats and bird species (Grimmet et al., 2019).

The Bird Prophets of an earlier age would call today (Ted Flyod, 2019) as the post-birding era as we have arrived at a more technologically informed birding. The avian minds of today are proliferated with new resources such as apps, blogs, online social media, and online libraries designated for bird study. In this regard, I am motivated to think that we have the knowledge, science and tools to develop resources and conduct extensive bird surveys.

Studies and surveys conducted by the IUCN between 1995-1999 show that there have been several unsuccessful attempts to rediscover Himalayan Quail. Several studies also suggest that severe habitat modifications due to developmental activities might have caused the species to permanently migrate to a more secure place, somewhere very far from the historical sites. The species distribution map of Dunn et al. (1992) shows a very less likely habitat in central parts of Bhutan, offering a ray of hope to the Bhutanese birders. Therefore, I assume that the sighting effort of Himalayan Quail in the rugged terrain and grassy slopes of central Bhutan would never fall to zero.

Karma Wangda and Tashi Tshering, avid birders from Samtse each sighted a Quail-like bird in Samtse, one at the beginning of 2019 and the other at the beginning of 2020. The first sighting came from the grassy plains of the Diana river and the second sighting from the thick forest of Saurani valley. They reported their sightings from the elevation of 500m and 1500m respectively. The aerial distance between the two spots was about 13km (Google Earth, 2020). The behavioural description of the species from both was extremely similar. Interestingly, both of them eliminated Chestnut-breasted Partridge Arborophila mandellii and Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola based on the size and colour. One of them recollected the absence of any white spotting around the head and supercilium which is one of the pointers in Himalayan Quail; however, the duo also observed short wings. Unfortunately, they could not photograph the bird.

It is understood that many researchers have pursued Himalayan Quail in great lengths by conducting extensive surveys and studies, however, they believe that they haven’t looked for it in the right place. The unsuccessful discovery of its presence in the historical sites could mean they have permanently migrated to a new location. Therefore, each time when I hear stories about a unique sighting, hopes rise that the Himalayan Quail will be, too, backed by scientific evidence - and that too from Bhutan.

References

As far as literature is concerned, only 32 confirmed sighting from different parts of India were reported, making the status of Golden-crested Myna, poorly known. The most recent sighting from India includes the observations of Khuluaia Aineh from Mizoram in 2017 (Aineh, 2017), Rejoice Gassah & Vijay Ismavel from Assam in 2017 (Ismavel & Gassag, 2018), Aakash Upadhyay from Arunachal Pradesh in 2018 (Upadhyay, 2018), and Pritam Dey from West Bengal in 2017 (Dey, 2017). It is, therefore, clear that the North-eastern part of India has relatively a widespread presence of Golden-crested Myna in the region (Ismavel & Gassag, 2018).

The first record of Golden-crested Myna in the country came from Sherub et al. from Darachu in 2014. The photograph of the species from Samtse is the second record and the first pictorial record in the country. Golden-crested Myna is evaluated as Least Concern even though the trend of the population is decreasing over the years (BirdLife International, 2020).

For dredging, total removal of bushes and scrubs along the river bank is unnecessary. This further impacts the livelihood of Warblers, Babblers, Tailorbirds, and Pipits. Where some clearing of bush and scrub was needed, retention of a few farther from the banks would have enabled rapid regeneration to occur.

The Forest and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations (FNCRR) of Bhutan, 2017, which came into effect from January 2017, enunciates that hunting, killing, destroying, and capturing wildlife species are not allowed. However, the status quo of developmental activities along the river banks jeopardises the practice of environmental conservation rules and regulations such as FNCRR2017. The FNCRR2017 was put in place to minimise the damage, but this is not enough to allow these developmental activities and birds to exist in harmony, especially in the case where the regulations are difficult to enforce. It is saddening to learn that the responsible firms are not taking appropriate measures to restore the affected areas. Otherwise, it could have facilitated the rapid recovery of the bird population.

Therefore, to stabilise the bird population and prevent extinctions, we must find the most effective ways to save habitat and influence best management practices.

Size: It is challenging to identify different species of birds that come in flocks. In such situations, you can use the ones you recognize to sort out from the ones you don’t and compared them based on their size. However, measuring the precise length of a bird in the field is not an option in most case, birdwatchers must learn to gauge the dimensions instead.

Shape: Birds of a particular family group often share distinctive shape. The overall shape of the body and the relative size of the head, bill, and legs are important while identifying. Their posture should also be noted as different birds have different perching position - some perch upright while others prefer horizontal posture. Also, the shape of the bird could vary according to their behaviour.

Colour: Birds are colourful. So, to make a precise identification, one should carefully observe colours and patterns in the bird's plumage. Remember that birds moult and their feathers wear. In such appearances, both young and old would vary in colour. Also, the plumage for juvenile birds varies in a great deal from the adult and would look entirely different. Moreover, the light the bird is sitting in can also have a huge effect on the colours you see.

The effects of coronavirus lockdown are more felt on the wildlife than humans as they continuously risk their lives to poachers. In other parts of the world, reports of illegal wildlife activities are coming in as the movement of field staff are restricted from patrolling. Also, in some parts of the world, people living in far-flung places are feeling difficulties as they face a shortage of supply of essential items. Indirectly, the coronavirus lockdown has welcomed human-wildlife conflict. For example, wildlife species like Tiger, Musk Deer, Pangolin, Elephant, and a shy and wary avian species such as Tragopons and Monal Pheasants are some wildlife in the Himalayas that risk heavy hunting pressure.

Even though the air has been cleaner as a result of global lockdown, the author of Choked: Life and Breath in the Age of Air Pollution, Beth Gardiner remains sceptical on this notion. He thinks this popular notion that nature is recovering while humanity stays at home, in reality, may not cooperate with such hopes. According to Gardiner, during the enthropause in early April, daily global emissions were down by 17% compared to last year. But as of June 11, new data show that they are only 5% lower than at the same point in 2019, even though regular activity has not yet fully restarted.

Cheval et al. (2020) while studying the Impacts of the COVID-19 on the Environment described the pandemic as ‘Once-in-a-century global disaster’, and criticised the humankind for not being able to deal with the pandemic despite six other pandemic outbreaks happened in the 21st century.

Manuel et al. (2020) pointed out that social distancing measures have caused many beaches around the world to get cleaned up, resulting in the reduction of waste. Despite the positive effects on the environment, they argued that it has also generated adverse effects where some countries in the world have suspended recycling programmes and sustainable waste management practices concerning the risks from spreading the virus. Some companies which once encouraged consumers to bring their bags have increasingly switched to single-use packaging. And, some companies have also announced temporary bans on the use of reusable cups increasing domestic waste, both organic and inorganic.

COVID-19 is a global threat that requires a global response. Three selected global strategies adopted by Chakraborty et al. are discussed below.

I. Restricting mass gathering: COVID-19 is spread from person to person through direct contact. Therefore, the distribution of infectious disease such as the spread of respiratory illness during the mass gathering is a public health concern. To reduce the risk of COVID-19 from spreading, WHO has recommended some precautionary measures such as avoiding close contact, regular hand-washing with soap & water, using hand sanitiser, maintaining cough etiquette, and avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animal.

II. Forestation: In the last few decades, the human population has more than doubled, causing grave danger to nature. The increase in human population has lead to deforestation, which is linked to different types of disease due to the birds and bat-borne viral outbreak (Afelt et al., 2018). COVID-19 is bat-related epidemic (Chakraborty et al., 2020). Billions of dollars spent on the development of diagnostic and treatment for this outbreak could be saved through forestation and respecting wildlife. Therefore, the world needs to realise the significance of the forest and encourage afforestation.

III. Global ban on wildlife trade: 60% of emerging transmittable diseases originate from animals, and 70% of these are supposed to originate in wild animals. Given this, the risks of unrestricted wildlife trade for the emergence of the new virus are huge. Therefore, considering the national security, biosafety, and public health, it is essential to ban wildlife markets and trades globally.

REFERENCES