Ludlow's Expedition to Bhutan and the Himalayas

In 1933, Frank Ludlow and George Sherriff embarked on a remarkable expedition to document the birdlife of Bhutan and the adjacent regions of Sikkim and Tibet. Their journey was a testament to their passion for ornithology and their adventurous spirit.

Exploring the Western Himalayas

The expedition began in Sikkim, India, where Ludlow and Sherriff crossed the Chumbi Valley into Bhutan. Their first destination was Haa, a remote region in western Bhutan. Here, they spent ten days exploring the pristine forests and alpine meadows, encountering a diverse array of bird species, including the Spotted Nutcracker, Rufous-vented Tit, and the elusive Blood Pheasant. After a brief stay in Paro, the duo ventured eastwards to Wangdi Phodrang. While the lower elevations offered a different avian community, including species like the Straited Prinia and Rufescent Prinia, the higher reaches of Trongsa provided opportunities to observe the Bhutan Laughingthrush and Brown Bullfinch.

The Eastern Himalayas: A Birder's Paradise

The expedition continued to the eastern Himalayas, where Ludlow and Sherriff encountered a wealth of avian diversity. In the vicinity of Gaytsa, they observed Quail and possibly the elusive Black-rumped Magpie. Bumthang, the summer residence of the second King of Bhutan, offered a warm welcome and access to a variety of bird species, including the Fire-tailed Myzornis and the Scarlet Finch. The Dongla Pass proved to be a birding hotspot, yielding species like the Bar-winged Wren-babbler and the Tibetan Blood Pheasant. The higher elevations of Narim Thang provided opportunities to observe the Grandala and Smoky Warbler.

The Tibetan Frontier

The expedition culminated in a crossing of the Tibetan frontier via the Kang La and Pu La passes. This challenging journey offered glimpses of high-altitude birds, including the Snow Partridge, Himalayan Monal, and Tibetan Snowcock. Ludlow and Sherriff's expedition to Bhutan and the Himalayas was a pioneering effort that significantly advanced our understanding of the region's birdlife. Their meticulous observations and collections continue to inspire ornithologists and nature enthusiasts alike.