The K.Gudi Wilderness Camp is one of the most scenic places one can stay in, sited as it is in the midst of the BRT Tiger Reserve. The tents and log huts overlook a gentle forested slope and visitors are occasionally lucky enough to experience the odd Leopard or Sloth Bear sighting within the resort’s area itself. But this location has another significant virtue – there is some excellent birding to be had within its perimeter.

The Gol Ghar (dining hall) is a great place to set up a camera and tripod in, when it is not in use between meals. The trees and bird-baths around it tend to attract a multitude of species. With some seasonal variation, commonly seen species are Asian Brown Flycatcher, Rusty-tailed Flycatcher, drongos – Ashy, Bronzed, White-bellied and Racket-tailed, Black-hooded Oriole, Cinereous Tit, Velvet-fronted and Indian Nuthatch, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Lesser Flameback, Grey Wagtail, Coppersmith and White-cheeked Barbet, Indian Treepie, Golden-fronted Leaf Bird, Jungle Babbler, Lesser Yellow-nape, Magpie Robin, Small Minivet and Orange Minivet.

Orange-headed Thrushes often forage by the path running in front of the tents and can be watched or photographed from the plinths of the tents at a fairly close range. Jacaranda and other trees around the reception area are a veritable magnet for large flocks of Vernal Hanging Parrots, when in flower. The Large Cuckoo-shrike is occasionally seen high up in the canopy and the Black Eagle can be frequently spotted soaring over the area. Brahminy Kites use the giant Eucalyptus trees behind the kitchen area as a resting spot between fishing expeditions to the little lake next door.

Here are some birds photographed within this beautiful campus, over the years.

The Magpie Robin is an accomplished songster, often delivering its extended song with wild abandon.

Jungle Babblers frequently like to forage amidst the leaf litter, or drink from the bird baths around the Gol Ghar

The Golden-fronted leaf bird can be very noisy at times, with a wide variety of calls and songs

The Bronzed Drongo, smaller than its cousins, can be identified from a distance fairly easily by the distinctly shallower fork in its tail, as compared to the Ashy Drongo’s deeper fork. While the other three species of drongo are commonly seen in the property, the Racket-tailed Drongo is a little rarer. This individual was photographed a short way off from the camp.

Bronzed Drongo

Racket-tailed Drongo

The Cinereous Tit is one of the most common birds in the place. Active and noisy, it is a delight to watch from the comfort of the Gol Ghar

Orange Minivet

The Common Hawk-cuckoo is more commonly heard than seen, often calling at intervals throughout the night