My recent trip to Goa is now documented
http://www.hows.org.uk/inter/birds/...p/ind/india.htm
Mark
Hi Mark
Thanks for the bird report very nice. The videos look great which I shall take a longer look at in time as my wife and I are to visit Goa in Feb.
May I ask about the status of sites close to the Marihna Dourada hotel? Still good?
Was the hotel OK? I hear building work has been a problem for some guests?
Thanks again for the report.
I stayed at the MD up to a couple of weeks ago and have nothing but positives to report. We were situated in the new block, the rooms are fine and kept very clean as is the rest of the hotel. There was virtually no noise from the building site at the rear as most of the construction is finished.I think it represents excellent value for money, especially if booked through a package tour.
The MD is in a great spot to walk the local lagoons and to walk to both Arpora woods and Baga Hill.There are plenty of species to be seen, especially if you are good on ID's . Unfortunately I'm not.
I was not particularly impressed with the Beira Mar and although it's worth a visit I wouldn't want to stay there.
Recommended are days out to Morjim beach and Siolem paddyfields, Carambolin lake ( now restored, it apparently had been drained last year) Chorao Island and the Zuari river boat. The latter was arranged through my guide "Raymond" who can be contacted if you ask at the taxi rank outside the Beira Mar. He often visits the viewing area at the rear of the hotel. He knows what he's about and worth engaging.
We got lucky on the Zuari ( only 4 birders on board the boat which was comfy too) and found several Collard Kingfishers. Chorao Island gave good views of Pallid and distant views of Montagu's harrier too.