Observing Mixed-Species Flocks in Shogran during the Summer

( All pictures are taken by me, kindly respect copyrights) 

27th July 2024

In my 12 years of birdwatching and wildlife photography, I believed I had seen most of what the wild had to offer. Yet, a visit to Shogran Hill Station during the vibrant summer monsoon proved me wrong. On this three-day trip, I witnessed something extraordinary—a mixed-species flock of birds foraging together at Siri Paye. At 2600 meters, the pine forests served as the stage for one of my most fascinating birdwatching experiences. Despite the season, this flock exhibited winter-like behaviors, offering an unexpected and enthralling glimpse into their world.

Shogran Hill Station, with its lush greenery and fresh mountain air during the monsoon, is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The forests, alive with new growth and the songs of birds thriving in the season’s bounty, set the stage for my latest adventure. Unlike the harshness of winter, summer in Shogran is a time of abundance, with food more plentiful and birds at their most active. It was in this vibrant environment that I encountered the mixed-species flock—a sight usually associated with colder months, yet just as mesmerizing in the warmth of summer. As I observed the birds, I developed a theory as to why they flocked together: near a small pond in Siri, I noticed a group of more than six Eurasian Hobbies. The mixed flock might have banded together as a protective measure against these predators.

As I trekked through the forest, the sound of fluttering wings and soft chirps caught my attention. There, moving gracefully from tree to tree, was a mixed-species flock—a fascinating blend of birds, each contributing to the collective symphony. Here’s a list of the birds I observed in the flock:

• Coal Tit (4 to 5 individuals)
• White-Throated Tit (1 to 3 individuals)
• White-Cheeked Nuthatch (1 individual, the largest bird in the flock)
• Green Shrike Babbler (1 individual)
• Lemon-Rumped Warbler (1 to 4 individuals)
• Hume's Warbler (1 individual)
• Hudson's Treecreeper (1 individual)
• Speculated Finch (1 individual)
• Green Tit (2 to 4 individuals)
• Himalayan Bluetail (1 individual)

Leading the charge were the energetic Coal Tits, always the first to land on a branch. With four or five of them scouting ahead, they guided the flock to promising foraging spots. Close behind, the White-Cheeked Nuthatch—the largest bird in the group—asserted its presence with sleek, agile movements on the tree trunks, serving as both sentinel and forager. Among the smaller members were White-Throated Tits, Lemon-Rumped Warblers, and Green Tits, each playing its role—some scoured the bark for insects, while others picked at the pine needles. The solitary Green Shrike Babbler and Hudson’s Treecreeper added a touch of uniqueness, their distinct calls blending seamlessly with the others. The Himalayan Bluetail, with its vibrant colors, provided a striking contrast against the green forest, adding grace and beauty to the flock’s movements.

White-Cheeked Nuthatch

What struck me most was the orchestrated movement of the flock. The Coal Tits and Nuthatch were not just foraging; they were leading. As they darted to a new tree, the rest of the flock followed, almost in unison, as if connected by an invisible thread. It was clear that these birds weren’t randomly grouped together; there was a strategy designed to maximize their chances of survival. Mixed-species flocking is a survival strategy. Even in spring, birds must stay alert for predators. The flock relies heavily on its sentinel species—the ones who lead and alert the others to danger. In this case, the Coal Tits and Nuthatch took on that role, their keen eyes and quick reflexes keeping the group safe. If a predator, like a hawk or owl, approached, these leaders would sound the alarm, and the entire flock would freeze—a well-rehearsed act of self-preservation.

Coal Tit

Over two days, I encountered this flock at least six times, each sighting more thrilling than the last. Photographing them was both a challenge and a joy. The interplay of light filtering through the pine trees, the movement of the birds, and the snow-capped peaks in the background created a visual feast for my lens. In the quiet moments between the flurry of activity, I reflected on the sheer beauty and complexity of what I was witnessing. This was more than just a group of birds; it was a testament to nature’s resilience and ingenuity. The flock’s ability to work together, to protect and provide for each other, was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of life in the wild.

Green Tit 

As I left Shogran Hill Station, my heart was full, and my mind was buzzing with thoughts of this incredible experience. In all my years of birdwatching, this was the first time I truly grasped the significance of mixed-species flocking. It’s a phenomenon that speaks to the adaptability and intelligence of birds and one I’ll never forget.

Lemon-Rumped Warbler

Himalayan Bluetail

Green Shrike Babbler

Hume's Warbler

White-Throated Tit

Hudson's Treecreeper

Speculated Finch 

𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀: 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗶𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻

( All pictures are taken by me, kindly respect copyrights) 

27th July 2024

The Kashmir Gray Langur (Semnopithecus ajax), an endangered and elusive primate, inhabits the remote and rugged landscapes of Pakistan's northern regions. Recently, I had the remarkable opportunity to encounter these mysterious creatures firsthand, deep in the heart of the Shogran Kagan Valley. What began as a simple trek through the alpine jungles quickly transformed into an unforgettable adventure, unveiling the hidden world of these majestic langurs.

As we ascended to an altitude of over 2,600 meters at Siri Paye, the dense forest enveloped us in an otherworldly silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. At first, I suspected the sound of snapping branches to be the work of illegal loggers—a sadly common occurrence in these parts. But then, through the mist and rain, a troop of Kashmir Gray Langurs emerged, their silvery-gray coats shimmering in the damp air. It was a moment of pure awe, watching these large, graceful monkeys descend from the towering trees of Makra Peak.

On that first day, we observed them from a distance of about a kilometer, their agile forms moving effortlessly along the ridge. The following day, our paths crossed again, this time with the langurs just 300 meters away. A wildlife expert later informed us that this particular clan comprised at least 45 members, who reside in this area for most of the year. Their presence here was a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Shogran Kagan Valley, a habitat that provides them with the shelter and sustenance they need to thrive.

The locals shared a fascinating tale with us, one that seemed to hold a kernel of truth. According to them, the langurs descend from the high ridges when rain is imminent. Indeed, on the third day of our trek, heavy rains began to pour over Kagan Valley, causing floods that even swept away the Mahandari Bridge. The langurs, it seemed, had sensed the impending storm, moving to safer ground in anticipation.

This encounter was not just a chance to observe the langurs in their natural habitat; it was also a reminder of the delicate balance these creatures maintain with their environment.

The Kashmir Gray Langur (Semnopithecus ajax) is an endangered primate species found in Pakistan, particularly in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). The Kashmir Gray Langur is a species that relies heavily on the dense forests and diverse ecosystems of Pakistan’s Himalayan foothills. Found primarily in regions like the Lachrat Forest Range in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), these langurs face significant threats from habitat loss, deforestation, and human encroachment. Despite being protected under various wildlife laws, their fragmented populations remain vulnerable due to weak enforcement and limited conservation resources. Ecologically important for seed dispersal and controlling plant growth, these langurs exhibit complex social structures and adapt their behavior to seasonal changes. However, their survival is jeopardized by human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and the ongoing degradation of their habitats. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to ensure the continued existence of this species in Pakistan.

In pursuit of Orange Bullfinch

28th July, 2024

On the final day of our three-day birding tour in Shogran, I traveled from Lahore to photograph the rare orange bullfinch. Despite hiking 40 kilometers through Shogran and Siri Paye over the first two days, we could not spot any. On our last day, we woke up early at around 5 am, but our view was obscured by heavy clouds. Just as we were about to conclude our birding journey, a lone orange bullfinch suddenly appeared before me, giving me just a few precious seconds to snap some photographs.