United States
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Birding in the Doon Valley is a world-class guidebook for northern India, covering Dehradun, Mussoorie, Asan, Rajaji NP, Deolsari, Dhanaulti & nearby areas. With 15 original colour-coded birding maps, a species guide to 200 regional bird species, 320+ colour photos of over 270 bird species plus landscapes, and a fully annotated regional bird list covering 504 species, Birding in the Doon Valley functions as a site guide, bird ID guide, driving guide and walking guide all in one.
The Doon Valley is in a wide, geologically-rich gap between the Shivalik Hills and the Mussoorie Range of the lower Himalayas. The Doon Valley is a "microcosm" of the western Himalayas because of the wide range of habitats and steep altitudinal range, and contains three Important Bird Areas (IBAs), making it a birding hotspot. It is also an area of historical importance for ornithology, as it was the first Himalayan region to be conquered by the British Empire in 1816. As a consequence the first scientific efforts at formal, long-term, unrestricted ornithological study in any part of the Himalayas began in the Doon Valley.
Suniti Bhushan Datta is a wildlife biologist, nature educator and decades-long resident of the Doon Valley. He has been fascinated by birds since kindergarten and since his teens has dreamt of writing this book. He eamed an MSc from the Wildlife Institute of India, preceded by a BSc in Zoology from Bombay University. He began his career as a naturalist at the famous Kabini River Lodge in Nagarahole NP in Kamataka. He is an alumnus of the Doon School.
Nikhil Devasar is one of Asia’s leading nature photographers. His images appear globally and have graced many ofthe better birding books on India. He revived Delhibird, now one of lndia's top birding clubs, and leads the club including its conservation and educational programs. Endemic to Delhi, he is a frequent migrant to every birdlife-rich nook of the subcontinent – in pursuit of the perfect shot. He is an alumnus of St. CoIumba's School and Delhi University.
"This remarkable and much-needed book holds rich rewards, lor young and old alike. In leaming about the birdlife of our blessed region you just might learn more about yourself as you discover an ever-true source of lifelong joy: Birding."
- Ruskin Bond
"An excellent book for creating and enhancing interest in a magnificent and biologically-rich landscape.“
Dr. Asad Rahmani, director – Bombay Natural History Society
"At last, a detailed and elegant guide to one of lndia's finest birding areas. A must for anyone visiting the Doon Valley and surrounding region."
- Bikram Grewal, author of 6 books on Indian birds
"An imaginative. innovative book for a bird-rich region, setting new standards for content and design "
- Bill Harvey, author of Photo Guide to Birds of lndia
