The Odd Ruby Throat

Bhimtal, Uttarakhand

E bird describes the Himalayan Ruby Throat as “Shy inhabitant of thickets and dense grassy areas from subalpine scrub to above treeline”. Now, I’ve met just one of these guys and Id say that this description is either wrong, outdated, or my guy is an anomaly.

We set out from Sattal post lunch and Neerdiv, my friend and guide on my Uttarakhand trip was not just confident, he was sure we’d see a ruby throat that afternoon. I assumed he had a tip off seeing his confidence but as we drove into Bhimtal town, I started having doubts about what was going on. I mean we were in town and the car was finally parked next to a noisy school. Add to that, there was construction work going on the other side of the road with a cement mixer and I had to ask, “here?” Neerdiv said, “Haan ! Here, here !”

So I stepped out of the car, camera in tow and a little embarrassed by it given there were school kids all around staring at my big lens. We walked up a bit and on the side of the road, next to a stream, there were a few bushes and right then, hearing us approach, out hopped one single solo Himalayan Ruby Throat.

Nothing shy about this guy at all. He looked us over and held his ground firm. Didn’t even flinch, He hopped about his territory a little and even sang some (probably barked insults in bird speak), not really even caring that I was walking around and getting pictures of him. He wasn’t doing much after that. It was a standoff of sorts so I decided to back off and we walked back to the car. As we got inside I was like, “How did you know he’d be here? That bird didn’t even fly off.” Neerdiv replied, “Aree bhai, ghar hai uska. He lives there.”

I guess dude picked his spot for the winter and adjusted himself to town life and inquisitive noob bird photographers like yours truly. Pretty awesome bird, if you ask me.