Autumn 2003 Raptor Migration in Central Nepal

A count of migrating Steppe Eagles (Aquila nipalensis) and other species of raptors was made at Dhikur Pokhari, Pamdurkot, a raptor migration watchsite in central Nepal, for 39 days from 24 October to 5 December 2003. A total of 6,503 migrating Steppe Eagles was recorded, comprising 94 percent of the total migration. Other species seen included Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), White-romped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Himalayan Griffon Vulture (Gyps himalayensis), Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), and Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). Long-term monitoring of raptors, particularly Steppe Eagles, is expected to continue at this watchsite. This study is the first to include raptor counts from the latter half of November into December.