Mahendra Vyas: Hi. Jyotsna and Ramani. I am sorry I could'nt get thru earlier.

Susan: Welcome!

ramani: hello????which is the rarest resident bird in india & where is it found?

Mahendra Vyas: Mr. Ramani the rarest resident Indian Bird could be the Jerdons Courser - a small bird found in the arid region of Anantpur in Andhra Pradseh - It was discovered a few years ago by team of BNHS after a gap of about 30-40 years.

Mahendra Vyas: There may be a few white winged wood duck deep inside forest swamps in the North Eastern States, another rare bird is the lesser florican a bird belonging to the bustard family- found in grasslands near Ratlam in M.P.

ramani: thanx 4 the information. i'm aware of the team which made this discovery. have there been any recent sightings?

ramani: i remember seeing a picture of the jerdon courser in the office of my agent (exotic journeys). On further questioning,i was told that the trip was organised by them..the bird is probably nocturnal.The team had gone inside the forest with head lamps/torches & special shoes which imitated the sound made by the bird. How far this is correct,i don't know but the team had a very good sighting & the photograph was taken & was the on on display in the office.Approximate year wud be 1994-95.

Mahendra Vyas: Mr. Ramani - I am glad if you know the team which discovered it - we may also know from you the latest status of this bird-

but I have'n much heard about it after that.

Mahendra Vyas: I can certainly give you more information about the discovery of the J. courser nocturnal bird. It has a funny band of colour around its neck. The common desert courser I have seen around the arid region of Jodhpur. The team which rediscovered J. courser was able to take its photographs which was given a wide publicity.

Susan: Mr. Ramani can you send a pic of the Jerdon courser to IWC.com?

ramani: i'll get a copy of the picture & send it across w/t jyotsna

Mahendra Vyas: Susan- you can see its painting in Salim Book of Indian Birds if you have it in your Lib.

Susan: Yes, I have seen the painting -but not a photo.

Susan: I wish more members had logged in. Thank you for the stimulating views, Mahendra Vyas.

ramani: Thx Susan/Mr Mahendra Vyas. It was gr8 sharing this information with you.Hope to get back to you very soon.

Susan: Thanks Mr. Ramani

Susan: Qn.from LilaGhosh : Please tell us about the Brown Cloud over Asia from your perspective.

Mahendra Vyas: The brown cloud could be result of the pollutants hanging over this region - this a new discovery - we have to wait till we get more facts - but it is quite a disturbing news.