Having met up at Manchester airport, we departed on our afternoon flight to Goa via Bahrain, where we had a break of about an hour and arrived in Goa at lunchtime on the Sunday. On the coach to the hotel, the birding started and we soon saw both Black and Brahminy Kites circling on the thermals - a sight which was to be virtually a daily occurrence. The ubiquitous Indian Pond Heron was also noted, as was the very common, but nonetheless lovely, White throated Kingfisher. Jungle Mynahs were sitting on several telephone wires and a Green Bee-eater was seen, too.

Once at the hotel and having put our luggage into the rooms, we had a brief walk to the nearby lagoons where Cattle and Intermediate Egrets seemed to be everywhere, together with Indian Cormorants, Red wattled Lapwing and a good Striated Heron. Black Drongos flitted down from and back to telephone wires. Plum headed and Rose ringed Parakeets flew over prior to roosting, while a Marsh Harrier was doingits final search over the reeds. A lovely Orange headed Thrush was seen and overhead we had our first Great spotted Eagle. A good end after a long day's travelling.

We started off early to get to Carambolin Lake soon after first light. At this time of day, the birds are most active and more in song and, of course, the temperatures are very pleasant for birding. The first thing to hit you at Carambolin is the very large number of Purple Swamphen (it must have been over a thousand). Overall, however, there were a large number of birds in view including Cattle, Little, Intermediate and Great white Egrets - the latter two useful to differentiate when they are together. The glossy plumages of Bronze winged Jacana really showed well as the sun rose and in among them were a small number of Pheasant tailed Jacana. Groups of Lesser Whistling Duck paddled in the water margins, as did a small number of Cotton pygmy Geese. Over the water flew Red rumped and Barn Swallows and there were the usual House Swifts. After taking in the birding activity a while longer, it was time for our first alfresco breakfast- and very welcome it was too. Lloyd, our guide, provided fresh buns with a choice of mango jam and honey and there were freshly picked bananas and boiled eggs. This was washed down with tea and coffee.

After breakfast we checked the trees behind us and Lloyd pointed out a pair of Spotted Owlets (later followed by Jungle Owlets) and a Black headed Cuckooshrike. Both Coppersmith and White cheeked Barbets provided good views and then a large Asian Openbill flew over the lake. Green and Blue tailed Bee-eaters were actively feeding and then back in the trees, a Rufous Woodpecker was seen. Other highlights of Carambolin and its adjoining rice fields included Pied, Common and White throated Kingfishers, Woolly necked Stork and Tawny Eagle. We also moved a short way along the road to another waterway and on an island we were very pleased to see a group of Black headed Ibis perched in the trees. In this area we also saw a number of waders including Pacific Golden Plover and Marsh Sandpiper and raptors included Peregrine, Greater spotted Eagle and Osprey. Our first Streak throated Swallows were there with Wire tailed Swallows. By the end of this, our first full day, we had seen 94 species, Carambolin again showing how reliably productive this area is.

Today we started the day at Morjim Beach, where we were to concentrate on gulls, terns and waders but where it is necessary to get there early before the beach later attracts the leisure fraternity. The group was particularly lucky to have Mike as a member as he was especially interested in the gull family and was indeed an expert on their identification. We therefore benefited from detailed descriptions of Slender billed, Brown headed, Black headed, Pallass, Heuglins and Caspian gulls and Mike was particularly delighted to see the Pallass as it was one of his prime targets for the trip. As for the terns, we saw Caspian, Gull billed, Little, Greater crested, Lesser crested and Sandwich. The main waders were Lesser sand Plovers and it was a bit of an effort to differentiate the Greater sand Plovers from them, although when they were closer together, it was more apparent. Tawny Pipits were also on the beach.

In the trees behind the beach, we had White browed and Red vented Bulbuls and a loud Black rumped Flameback flew in. Both Purple and Purple rumped Sunbirds were seen and we watched a female Asian Koel feeding on berries, its bright red eyes very noticeable. A Banded bay Cuckoo then flew into a nearby tree and gave good views The first of many Golden Orioles were seen and there was also White cheeked Barbet, Black lored Tit and a gorgeous Plum headed Parakeet. Lloyd then showed us where Black crowned Night-herons were roosting. Later in the day we moved to nearby Baga Fields where both Brahminy and Black Kites were very common. However, above them was spotted a falcon and after careful review, it was found to be an Amur Falcon- an excellent addition to the birdlist. A number of pipits flitted about including Tawny and Paddyfield. Moving to the renowned pool deck at the Beira Mar Hotel, we watched several Green Bee-eaters feeding and saw both Black capped and White throated Kingfishers on the wires. In the bushes immediately in front of us Blyths Reed and Clamorous Reed Warblers flitted around. One of the main trip targets was Greater Painted-snipe and some of the group were fortunate to find one further along behind the hotel - a site which proved to be reliable in the later days for this bird and which allowed all of the group to see it. Also, a few of the group managed to see a number of Black headed Munias on the wires over the fields, these being much less common than the White rumped variety. By now the species total had risen to 130.

Today was the morning trip on the Zuari River, where the main targets were kingfisher, especially the beautiful Collared Kingfisher. We headed to Cortalim where we were to meet the boat but not before having breakfast at the side of the river. While eating, we noticed a Purple rumped Sunbird seeming to be a little agitated and we saw that it was because we were close to its nest, a pendulous globe of grasses and seed fluff. We watched from a short distance as it went to and fro. As we headed up-river, we were soon escorted by a shoal of small silvery fish which jumped out of the water alongside the boat like mini dolphins and they seemed to follow us a large part of the way. Then we saw an Osprey and a mixed flock of Garganey and Pintail wheeling over the water. Terns included Gull-billed and Whiskered and then overhead there were two eagles - Great spotted and Lesser spotted and we were able to see the differing plumages of these large eagles.

On the banks, as we passed, we saw the first of our kingfishers - White throated followed by a Common. We then turned into one the side creeks and started to search for our target bird and it wasn't long before we caught sight of one on a low-lying branch over the water. As we approached it flew ahead but as we went further additional Collared Kingfishers came into view - lovely birds! Then it was the turn of the Pied Kingfisher followed shortly by a Black capped Kingfisher, making five for the day. Then as we slowly headed further along the creek, our boatman spotted a very large dark shape on the riverbank - a huge Marsh Mugger Crocodile and on seeing us, it slid into the river - was it coming for us?? House Crows and a Brahminy Kite were mobbing an Oriental Honey buzzard overhead before it landed in the trees alongside the river. Then our sixth Kingfisher of the day appeared, the Stork billed Kingfisher and so well is it named! We then moved to where the riverbanks opened out and there were expanses of mud and sand banks and where a good number of waders were enjoying the food on offer. We had Pacific Golden Plover, Kentish Plover, Little Stints, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank and Temmincks Stints. There were also several Terek Sandpipers, a number of them trying to catch the Mudskippers as they slid out of the water. Later, in the afternoon, we headed to Santa Cruz, to watch the lagoons where many wader species were evident. There were Curlew Sandpiper, Black tailed Godwits, Spotted Redshanks, Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint, Green Sandpiper, Temmincks Stint, Little ringed Plover and Black winged Stilt. A young Black Kite sat on a fence post. Another excellent days birding, the river trip and its Kingfishers being particularly enjoyed and the species total had now reached 143.

We spent most of the day at Mayem Lake, returning to the hotel via Chorao Island. Mayem Lake is a very popular lake for leisure activities for the locals and is in a very attractive setting with the lake surrounded by wooded hills. As we arrived a Changeable hawk Eagle flew across the lake - unfortunately a brief glimpse but we would get much better views at our second visit here. As we walked along the side of the lake, a Hoopoe flew over and we then saw Green Pompadour Pigeons in a tree before they quickly flew away. A Coppersmith Barbet gave particularly good views here. As we approached the end of the lake, we saw our first White bellied Drongos and we continued to try and separate Green from Greenish Warblers!! An Oriole was spotted and this proved to be not the Golden but the Black Hooded. Then the big surprise.... a large Great Hornbill glided into the canopy above us and we were able to watch it for a while as it sat there. Normally, these birds are seen much further inland and it was a real pleasure to have this one here. Scarlet and Small Minivets flitted in the trees and what gorgeous birds these are. Back at the coach for breakfast and another hornbill flew in- this time a Malabar Pied Hornbill. Western crowned Warblers moved quickly in the trees by our breakfast area and House swifts and many Red rumped Swallows were in the air.

After breakfast we returned to the lake walk, this time seeing a Yellow crowned Woodpecker, a very uncommon member of the woodpecker family in this region. A golden fronted Leafbird was seen, although because of its colour, it was a while before everyone got onto it - another well-named bird! Birds were coming quite thick and fast with Banded bay Cuckoo, Paradise Flycatcher (the beautiful white male is quite a sight) and Blue headed Bee-eaters. Further round the lake path we came across the Blue winged Leafbird and a Little Spiderhunter and briefly above us were spotted Crested Treeswifts. We then headed back to the coach but had to pause while a Rat Snake finished its meal of a frog by the side of the path in front of us. A little before we reached Chorao Island, we stopped off at the lagoons at Tuckan and were rewarded with views of Lesser Adjutant and Woolly necked Storks. A large Tawny Eagle flew over and suddenly our guide spotted a movement in the reeds across the lagoon and there was a Slaty breasted Rail. It then flew a short distance before disappearing into the reeds. Green Bee-eaters and Black Drongos gave good close views on the wires beside the path. Baya Weavers were also on wires. A Siberian race of the Stonechat was perched on the top of some reeds. On to Chorao Island and here we watched an Indian Roller actively feeding and returning to various fenceposts in front of us. The area can be good for raptors and we able to see Steppe and Tawny Eagles and then we got on a ferry for the short crossing to the mainland and then back to the hotel.

This morning we went the short distance into Arpora Forest. Almost immediately on arrival, we heard loud squawks and watched a pair of Alexandrine Parakeets excavate an old palm tree- the beauty of the birds not matched by their calls!! Among the regular birds, which followed, was our first Nilgiri Blackbird, similar to our Blackbird but clearly greyer in appearance. A Black headed Cuckooshrike then flew in followed by Common Iora and a Shikra. Then a bit of a problem bird. We watched this warbler for some time and identification alternated between Lesser Whitethroat and Orphean Warbler. Initially recorded as the latter, on later reflection and review, it was decided on a Lesser Whitethroat. Typically for babblers, one was briefly seen in the undergrowth and this proved to be a Tawny bellied Babbler. A lovely Tickells Flycatcher showed reasonably well. Not many Woodpeckers had been seen to date, but another Black rumped Flameback flew on to a nearby tree. A Lotens Sunbird called from the top of a tree and we clearly saw its particularly diagnostic longer bill. Then one of the birds we had been waiting to see - over the hill glided a White bellied Sea-eagle and we had excellent views as it moved from a low height and rose on the thermals. The first Crimson backed Sunbird was watched. Then two other eagles- first a Booted Eagle, this one a dark phase and later to be compare with a light phase and then surprisingly a Black Eagle was seen and this suddenly dropped into a tree and clearly went after some prey (a snake?). Normally the Black Eagle is a bird of the higher hills much further inland. Just prior to our leaving Arpora, a Brown cheeked Fulvetta was spotted by some of the group.

We then moved to Soligao Zor, where the main target was the Brown Wood Owl. We moved into the wood, seeing Coppersmith Barbet and Lesser Spotted Eagle as we did so. A Rufous Treepie gave good views in a tree by the path and then the guide spotted a Blue winged Leafbird which really are difficult to pick up but once pointed out we enjoyed watching it. A little further up the path another flycatcher was seen and this was a gorgeous pure white male Paradise Flycatcher which was a real treat to see. As the group watched Grey headed Bulbul and a Blyths Reed Warbler, our guide went in search of the owl. After a while he returned and led us up a steep path through the trees, the group having acquired a new temporary member, a Dutch birder also looking for the owl. The guide pointed out the Brown Wood Owl and while initially difficult to find, we did get it into scopes for everyone to see and also photograph. Back at the hotel and the birdlist was updated, the total now 184.

The schedule today was to start at Pilerne Lake and then moving on to Dona Paula and we set off in the usual good spirits, oblivious to the drama that was to unfurl later that day. On arrival at Pilerne, we parked by the lake and watched White browed wagtails acting in accordance with their name and the usual array of water birds. A less common Western reef Heron was across the lake and in the trees surrounding the water were dozens of Brahminy Kites. Lloyd, the guide, then heard a Brown hawk Owl calling behind us but despite searching we couldn't pin it down back in the trees. There were Pied, White throated, Stork billed and Common Kingfishers diving and Green Bee-eaters also feeding. The amount of birdlife was very impressive. A young Shikra called excitedly and flew into a tree close to us, providing excellent views and another photo opportunity. Sunbirds included Lotens, Purple and Purple rumped. Moving to the end of the lake produced Hoopoe and Wire tailed Swallows. We then headed to Dona Paula, where the target bird was Yellow wattled Lapwing but it had also been reported that a Desert Wheatear was present, a bird which at this time of the year should have been in the Himalayas or Pakistan! The area is not attractive and looked as if much of the surface had been burned off, although it was in fact only the colour of the rocks showing on the surface. We scanned the area and picked out Tawny Pipits, Red wattled Lapwing, Indian Roller and Pied Bushchat but not the Yellow Wattle Lapwing. Then a couple of birds flew towards the back of the area and they certainly looked as if they were what we had come for. Moving over, indeed they were Yellow wattled Lapwings. Further scanning then picked up a bird behaving like a wheatear and on getting much closer, we were able to see very clearly it was the Desert Wheatear and we watched it for some time. Another specialty of the area is Ashy crowned sparrow Lark and a few of the group spotted a small flock and although a little distant, confirmed them to be the sparrow Larks.

Then suddenly we heard the startled alarm call of a bird, which proved to be an Indian Robin. The reason for its alarm was immediately apparent because on its landing into a small tree, it was snatched by a Green whip Snake estimated to be over 6 feet long.. The group watched in startled wonder as the snake began to eat and swallow the bird and it was extremely incongruous to see a group of enthusiastic birdwatchers staring at the demise of the bird!! Before leaving Dona Paula we added Common Tailorbird, another White bellied Sea eagle and Blue tailed Bee-eaters. Before returning to the hotel we called again at the Beira Mar pool deck we saw the usual Bee-eaters, Warblers and Munias. We walked to another area behind the hotel where again the Painted Snipe was in view and everyone had good views of this secretive bird. A large number of hirundines were wheeling in the air and a Dutch birder spotted a Fork tailed Swift among them and we were then able to pick it up among the other swifts. At the end of this first week before heading for Backwoods, the bird total had now climbed to 190.

We set off early having been picked up at our hotel by the Backwoods minibus. After a couple of hours and just prior to reaching our new base, we stopped and did some birding before breakfast. Soon it was difficult keeping up with the birds being called out by our guide, Leio. There were Verditer Flycatcher, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Crimson fronted Barbet, Thick billed Flowerpecker, Black Bulbul, Ashy Minivet (a really good find), Bar winged Flycatcher-shrike, White rumped Shama, Ashy Woodswallow, Brown headed Barbet (another good bird) and these were just the new species for the trip!! We moved eventually to Backwoods where we had our breakfast and sorted out the sleeping quarters. We then discussed the schedules while at Backwoods and these comprised having an early tea, coffee and biscuits before our first birding outing, then back for breakfast. There would follow a morning local trip and back for lunch after which there would be time for a siesta for a couple of hours (although birding around the camp proved to be too much of a temptation for some). There would be further tea, coffee and biscuits in late afternoon before the final birding outing following which we would have dinner. One evening we would go out for Nightjars and there would be a raptor search.

The overall plan outlined, the birding began. Apart from the many bird species only seen in the foothills of the Western Ghats, birders often come here for 4 main targets- Indian Pitta, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Malabar Trogon and Blue eared Kingfisher as well as a range of Flycatchers. Firstly, after breakfast, we went a short distance into the forest led by Leio. He went ahead and on finding the Frogmouth had set up his scope, which was just as well as the bird was difficult to locate initially. In fact, there were two birds and everyone in the group got the chance to see this unusual looking species. Secondly, on the Monday morning, we were taken to the back of the Backwoods main building and peered through the shrubbery to see some birds feeding on the ground. Soon however, an Indian Pitta came and we all managed to get views of it as it came and went. The third, however, proved to be too elusive and despite several searches, we could not find the Blue eared Kingfisher. This was more disappointing as another small group staying at Backwoods had been successful. However, in our search for the Blue eared, we were particularly lucky and fortunate to see an Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher - a rarer and lovelier bird and certainly the envy of the other group who missed it, but thats birding!! On one of the riverbed walks looking for the kingfisher, we came across an elegant Malabar Trogon and a Grey headed Canary Flycatcher in close proximity - two excellent birds. So we had seen 3 of the 4 main targets, together with a couple of very good bonus birds. The time spent looking for raptors was a little disappointing, in that they proved to be quite distant but included Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black Eagle, Booted Eagle and a distant Mountain Hawk Eagle, which certainly need the skills of our guide to pick out. In the evening, the group went out for Nightjars and was successful in getting good views of Jerdons Nightjar. Other species of note were the Asian Fairy Bluebird (everyone agreeing the male being a really handsome bird), Black crested Bulbul, White bellied Blue Flycatcher and Heart spotted Woodpecker. A species causing a lot of discussion was the Drongo Cuckoo. The guide had a particularly favourable view of it and called the name but when it flew to another branch and we all got to see it, it appeared to be a Black Drongo. Leio maintained it was a Drongo Cuckoo and so in the end it was down to individual members within the group to decide how they wanted to record the bird for their own list. Altogether we had seen 7 types of Flycatcher and the bird species total after our Backwoods visit now amounted to 231 and it was back to our first hotel after the Backwoods adventure.

We started the day early to try and find nightjars at Fort Aquada before first light. We soon got there from the hotel and searched the area, which was a former helicopter landing area, but unfortunately we were unsuccessful. We found evidence of spent fireworks around the place and we suspected that the use of these would have disturbed any birds. After an early breakfast then, we walked around the fort, seeing our first Indian Peafowl, some on the ground and others atop a tree. Good views were obtained of Coppersmith Barbets, Golden Orioles and Grey headed Bulbul. We also became aware of the two races of Black Kite - the smaller resident birds and the larger migratory ones. Other good birds included Small Minivet, a Red breasted Flycatcher and a Pale billed Flowerpecker. Moving over to the cliffs, we watched small boats with their tourists and soon saw the reason they were there - bottle-nosed dolphins were riding the surface and sometimes jumping out of the water. Brown headed Gulls and Gull billed Terns flew past and above us passed a pale phase Booted Eagle, compared to the dark phases previously seen.

We later moved to the Beira Mar fields where we watched a nearby Paddyfield Pipit and several Richards Pipits. Common and Jungle Mynahs were flying around as were a flock of Rose coloured Starlings. Soaring above, apart from the numerous Black and Brahminy Kites, there was a Steppe Eagle. In the bushes we had Plain Prinia and a Paddyfield Warbler. Walking further, we disturbed a snipe and on seeing it fly it was clear that this was not a Common or Painted-snipe and indeed we were delighted to confirm a Pintail Snipe. Finally, we went up Baga Hill, although on getting there we noticed that since our visit there the previous year, work had started on a wide road up the hill and which will undoubtedly affect the birds in the area in future. There was a Rufous Woodpecker going up an old palm and an Asian brown Flycatcher, only the second of the trip. Some of the group saw a beautiful Black hooded Oriole, while above, we had another White bellied Sea Eagle and a Booted Eagle. Green Pompadour Pigeons flew by and on the way back down the hill, we had Brown cheeked Fulvetta and, briefly, a White browed Fantail.

Today we went to a new site for our Goa trips, Divar Island but first we returned to an old favourite, Carambolin Lake and nearby woods. As on our first visit, the lake was teeming with herons and egrets together with swamphens and jacanas. Over the lake there were the regular kites and kingfishers were feeding away - a glorious view in front of us. We were particularly fortunate to see a flock of 21 Asian Openbills fly over. Swimming quietly in the waters were a number of Lesser Whistling Ducks and Cotton Pygmy Geese After breakfast, we moved to the nearby lagoons and watched a group of Ruddy Shelduck, the first recorded on our Goa trips. Raptors also put in an appearance and Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Steppe Eagle, Greater spotted Eagle and Peregrine were added to the days total. Many waders were present here and we watched Pacific Golden Plover, Redshank, Dunlin, Marsh Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Kentish Plover and Grey Plovder. Among all the exotics, it was a little comforting to see a number of our home waders. As we returned to our coach, Wire tailed Swallows swooped low over the water beside us.

Later we went to Divar Island, where a number of good birds had been recorded recently. We quickly stopped the coach as we saw a harrier quartering the reedbeds - a Pallid Harrier, which was soon followed by Montagus Harriers and we watched these for some time as we became accustomed to the differing plumages among the males and females of both species. Late afternoon and we drove a little further to watch and listen to Oriental Skylarks. There were also Crested Larks and Paddyfield Pipits in the fields around us. In the distance, a juvenile European Roller was spotted which is quite an uncommon bird for Goa. A Brown Shrike hunted from its base on the wires and then, just before leaving, a very smart-looking male Black shouldered Kite drifted past.

As Mayem Lake had been so good on our first visit, we decided to go again and to return via Chorao Island. We had very good views of a White cheeked Barbet as it pecked at an old palm tree stump, either feeding or prospecting a potential nesting site and towards the end of the lake, we watched a pair of Lesser whistling Ducks closely escorting a family of 4 chicks. A Crested Serpent Eagle had been calling loudly from the trees surrounding the lake and eventually it was pinpointed and again the group enjoyed looking at this beautiful raptor. Later we also viewed a Changeable Hawk eagle. As we watched a Black rumped Flameback across the lake, a pair of Emerald Doves shot past and through the trees, allowing only the briefest of glimpses. A pair of Chestnut headed Bee-eaters perched high but regularly dipped over the water to feed. Before leaving, after lunch in the restaurant overlooking the lake, we added Golden fronted Leafbirds and Small Minivet, always a very popular sighting because of its exotic colouring

We then drove to Chorao Island, stopping as before at Tuckan where the Lesser Adjutants were still there, but this time we got close views of a Woolly necked Stork as it glided in and landed nearby. Black headed Ibis were in the distance but then a spectacular flock of around 30 Glossy Ibis flew by. Both Pied and White throated Kingfishers fished from the wires and these were accompanied by Black Drongos and Green Bee-eaters. A number of the group went further round the lagoon and having identified some birds as snipe, were able to confirm them as Pintail Snipe as they got closer. By now it had become very hot and the group returned to the coach for very welcome cold drinks before returning to the hotel.

Our final day of birding and it was designed to be a leisurely one, so the first part was spent at Morjim beach (much to the delight of Mike for his gulls) and then on to the Beira Mar. At Morjim, we had the usual Brown headed Gulls interspersed with the odd much less common Black headed. A small number of Pallass Gulls were there, one or two almost with their dark hoods. Among the terns we had both Great and Lesser Crested and we had the expected discussions of Greater or Lesser Sand Plovers, although now the group was becoming more confident in differentiating between the two. In the trees on the beach, we saw both Purple and Purple rumped Sunbirds, Western crowned Warbler. A pair of Hoopoes regularly dropped to the ground to feed and on the wires, a Richards Pipit perched and gave good views of its diagnostic long rear claw. We went to see again the roosting Black crowned Night Herons. The group then drifted up to the beach restaurant for an extended drinks break before heading to the Beira Mar.

The group split up for lunch options, following which some enjoyed the refreshing delights of the hotel pool while others watched the fields and wetlands behind the hotel or even had a last look at the shops. The Greater painted Snipe gave very good views on this last occasion, far better than had been previously experienced. We had been advised the previous evening by a taxi driver that he knew where an Oriental Scops Owl could be seen and while often these claims by taxi drivers have to be taken with a large pinch of salt, a couple of the group went prior to our final meal of the trip. The meal had started by the time they returned but they did see the owl.

It's said that East is East and West is West, but in Goa it is also said that is where they meet. This is because on the lovely palm-fringed sandy beaches where you sunbathe under the parasols, you also find ladies in full saris selling fresh fruit, free roaming cattle are everywhere and oxen pull carts past internet cafes. East meets West also in the birding context because not only is there a huge range of stunning endemics but Goa is also on a migration route with birds moving down the coast of India to the southern tip. Many of the birds stop or stop off in Goa and it is perhaps surprising the number of Western Palaearctic species, which can be seen

We had experienced the people, the unbelievable traffic, the culture, the food and the tremendous birding potential of Goa in the last two weeks. As if to emphasise this potential, over the 14 birding days, we had managed to see new species every day and by the end of the trip, 262 species had been recorded by the group. From being complete novices at the beginning of the trip, many group members had become accomplished at identification, not only by sight but also by hearing the calls! Goa had once again lived up to its reputation as a birding destination and everyone took home some fond memories of Goa 2005.

• Indian Palm Squirrel - Funambulus palmarum
• Indian Flying Fox - Pteropus giganteus
• Hanuman Langur - Semnopithecus entellus
• Indian Giant Squirrel - Ratufa indica
• Bottle-nosed Dolphin - Tursiops truncatus