Trogon Travels

31/12/2024

𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 Citizen Science beyond the Classroom Matthew Dutile Yeshey Dorji

26/11/2024

17/11/2024

Exploring Pemako!

25/10/2024

Hiking to Tiger's Nest Monastery was an unforgettable experience. Nestled high above Paro valley, this iconic site offered a breathtaking views and a sense of serenity. The trail winds through lush forests, with vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we ascend, the air became crisp, and the distant sound of monks chanting filled the atmosphere. After reaching the monastery, we felt like a spiritual triumph on our victory. The intricate architecture and rich history captivated our senses. Each step along the path not only strengthened our body but also nourished our spirit, making it a day truly well spent.

18/10/2024

𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐰𝐧𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥

Met on the way to Tigers Nest.

12/10/2024

BIG DAY BY DEFAULT

I had just been lost in thought when a familiar yet distant song from a bird broke through my concentration. It was 2:15 PM, and I was sitting in my home office, reviewing some work. The song, although faint at first, was one I had heard many times before, yet I couldn’t quite place it. I had been so engrossed in my other works and daily routines that I had drifted away from the birds I once tracked so closely. The call, however, was unmistakable—haunting in its beauty, tugging at a part of me that had been dormant for a while.

I immediately felt a stir of curiosity, the kind that always spurred me to pick up my binoculars and seek out the source. I hadn’t cleaned my binoculars in a while, but there was no time to worry about that now. The song had awakened the birder in me. I grabbed my field kit, cleaned the lenses hurriedly, and headed out to find the songster. With each step, the song became clearer, yet still elusive in the thick foliage.

As I got closer, the sound crystallized, and suddenly, I knew—it was the Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler! I hadn’t heard or seen this bird yet this season. The realization gave me a surge of excitement, knowing I was about to observe something truly special. Time seemed to play tricks on me. What felt like moments turned into 30 minutes of patient searching, following the bird’s elusive song as it echoed through the trees. At exactly 2:45 PM, I spotted it. The streak-breasted markings, the curved beak, the curious gaze—there it was in all its glory. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched it for a while, soaking in the moment.

It wasn’t just the joy of spotting the Scimitar Babbler that made this experience special; it was the reminder of how connected I am to the birds around me. The rhythm of life can sometimes pull me away from these simple joys, but nature has a way of calling me back.

As I lingered in that serene moment, I started noticing more bird activity around me. The open field was alive with movement. The Indian White-eye darted through the canopy, its vibrant greenish-yellow plumage catching the light. In the underbrush, I could hear the soft chirps of a Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, flitting from branch to branch in search of insects. A little further away, a Brown Parrotbill, with its short tail and stout beak, was foraging amidst the foliage.

Not far off, a pair of Rufous Sibias were calling out, their distinctive rusty-orange bodies adding warmth to the cool green surroundings. Then, there was the unmistakable call of a Hoopoe with its striking crest and black-tipped feathers. As I scanned further, I spotted a few wagtails energetically bobbing their tails by the water’s edge, and overhead, doves cooed softly in the afternoon breeze. Magpies flashed their black-and-white plumage as they swooped down from tree to tree, while t**s added their cheerful chatter to the symphony of sounds.

It was a vibrant, unexpected birding adventure, a reminder of the richness of nature waiting just beyond my doorstep. The Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler may have been the highlight of the day, but the chorus of life around it was just as captivating. Time flew by, and before I knew it, I had been out for hours. The forest had given me exactly what I didn’t know I needed: a reconnection with the world of birds that I love.

09/10/2024

Mornings brief program over a bird look out in Paro,

07/10/2024

10 things to know, while hiking to Tigers Nest (Taktsang Goenpa)

Hiking to Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) in Bhutan is a unique experience, rich in natural beauty, history, and spiritual significance. Here are 10 things you should know:

05/10/2024

Taktsang hike!

02/10/2024

Hiking to Taktsang, is a breathtaking experience filled with awe-inspiring trails and stunning views. As we ascend, the fluttering prayer flags create a vibrant tapestry of hope. We hosted 30 of flags. Upon reaching the monastery, we received a long life blessing from the lama that deeped our connection to the sacred site. Offered a butter lamp to symbolizes and wished for the betterment of all sentient beings, filling the air with compassion and light, making the journey truly transformative. With Tenzin and Yangki, USA. KINGA aka Jaju

30/09/2024

Join us on a photo expedition.

30/09/2024

Do Jaga Lam Lhakhang

On our recent trip to Punakha, we came across Do Jaga Lam Lhakhang, a temple situated just 20 minutes away from Punakha on the road to Gasa. It wasn’t part of our original plan, but on the way back, we decided to stop and explore this spiritual site. The moment we set foot there, the serene atmosp...

28/09/2024

“𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲.” – 𝗚.𝗞. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻.

26/09/2024

𝐀 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭

Thimphu Weekend Market, nestled along the banks of the Wang Chhu River, is a vibrant hub of activity Starting Wednesday to Sunday. Locals flock to this bustling market, eager to showcase their produce and crafts. Stalls brim with fresh vegetables, fruits, and traditional handicrafts, creating a lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of bargaining and laughter.
As I wander through the market, I came across a young lady with a bright smile, showcasing an array of dried chilies. Her table is a feast for the eyes, displaying various types—red, green, and even some exotic blends. Each variety is neatly organized, and she eagerly explains their unique flavors and uses in traditional Bhutanese dishes.
Her passion for her products is evident as she shares stories of her family's chili farm in the nearby hills. She explains how the chilies are sun-dried and packed with flavor, perfect for adding spice to meals. It’s clear that for her, this market isn’t just about selling; it’s about sharing a piece of her culture and connecting with the community.
As I purchase a few packets, I can’t help but appreciate the sense of camaraderie that permeates the market. It’s a place where tradition and modernity blend, where people come together to celebrate local produce and foster connections. The young lady's enthusiasm adds to the charm of the Thimphu Weekend Market, making it a true reflection of Bhutan's rich culinary heritage.