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Today was one of our best days of the trip. The weather cooperated and we traveled out of town to an area that was less congested. Although it has been developed since Terry has been coming here, even our first stop along a ravine held a huge surprise. At first unidentifiable, a large mammal was perched in a tree, resting calmly peering into the brush with its long bushy tail wrapped around its feet. Not the least bit perturbed, it somewhat resembled a badger. Ears alert, eyes wide open, we couldn't believe it didn't move as cars, school children, barking dogs, and people with binoculars were around it. Tom, internet at his fingertips, id'd it as a Himalayan Palm Civet, a lifer for everyone. What a way to start the day!
We moved along areas with less congestion until settling in at Sattal (Seven Lakes) which was a balm at this point in the trip. It seemed we had the woods to ourselves as we wandered stone paths seeing little warblers, redstarts, laughingthrushes, Slaty-headed Parakeets noisily streaming overhead. Although the lake was an unnatural shade of green, the woods were free of trash and quiet. Then the birds were everywhere, some at eye level as we stood along a raised path. Two Barbets (the Blue-headed particularly pops), a Maroon Oriole, black with sunlight streaming through its rich red tail, then close views of the Parakeets mauling fruit in front of us. Long yellow tails, bright green bodies, red bills and dark gray heads!
When we finally pulled ourselves away for our picnic lunch back at the cars it was 1:30. Down the road was a group of young people dancing along the road. The woman, in black waving a red scarf around, sauntered down the road, a man spinning, weaving and bowing around her, music playing as someone filmed them. Take two, take three, take four. Bollywood? We were definitely not a part of their plan as we plopped onto rocks and watched. Rakesh said it was for a pre-wedding video. Apparently young Indians with money make these videos and send them out to invitees, like a Save The Date mailing. Okay….
Another walk after lunch, another lake, more quiet woods. Not as many birds but a couple nice ones. A pleasant end to our stay in the resort area of Nainital.
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