Brahminy Kites' Reappearance In Kathmandu

The Brahminy kite is one of the rarities in the bird world of Nepal. This bird was seen in Kathmandu Valley on 13 January 2013 at Toudaha in Kirtipur. Similarly, on 11 July 2016, wildlife photographer Pratap Gurung successfully captured this bird in the Bishnumati River in Kathmandu. After that, this bird did not appear in the valley for some years. In 2023 and 2024, in August, the Bishnumati River, specifically the Valley Cold Store near Balaju, once again welcomed the bird. The main reason for this bird coming to this place is that the cold store employees have been feeding the Black Kites (Milvus migrans) daily for a long time. It's possible that the Brahminy kite has been frequenting this location for the past two years, seeking food. Nowadays, bird watchers and wildlife photographers crowd to photograph this bird. Last year, I failed to capture it, but this year, I managed to do it on August 1 and 2, 2024. For hours, this bird would remain stationary, perched on the electric wire, while we captured its images. Only the black kite soaring around was visible. Local residents in the Bishnumati area, who are on foot, are now observing this red kite with interest and taking pictures with their cell phones. Also, wildlife photographers from outside the valley are visiting the Bishnumati River to take pictures of this bird. Particularly in the morning, this bird occasionally makes an appearance, but it is not always present. Some speculate that this bird resides in Balaju Park or Nargajun National Park.