In a first, scientific survey of bird species Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park records 197 species

The figure is smaller than the 320 species recorded informally by enthusiasts in the past but officials say after the three phases of the comprehensive survey, the number could go up.

When Hari Sharan Nepali, who is known as the first ornithologist of Nepal, visited the United States in 1978, he had the opportunity to meet President Jimmy Carter. During a brief meeting at the White House, Carter told Nepali that he would one day come to Nepal.