Nepal is home to more than 850 species of birds, more than can be found in the entire continent of North America. Some 150 are migratory species that stop over on their east-west or north-south migration from Siberia to Indonesia, Sri Lanka and even Africa. It is Nepal's topographic diversity, ranging from the wetlands of Kosi Tappu, barely 90 metres above sea level, to Himalayan peaks above 8,000 metres, that makes this rich birdlife possible.

Nepal is a bird-watcher's paradise. And most serious bird watchers in Nepal will have used
'A Guide to the Birds of Nepal' at least once. In addition to being a perfect field guide for 'twitchers', the 1985 guide was fundamental in documenting the bird species of Nepal. The book was so popular that a revised edition was published in 1991. Even today, it remains the standard source of reference for Nepali ornithology.

The authors of the book, British ornithologists Tim Inskipp and Carol Inskipp, were in Nepal recently. In recognition of their more than four decades of contribution to Nepali ornithology, they were felicitated by senior ornithologist and founder President of Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), Hari Saran Nepali 'Kaji', during the organisation's 28th Annual General Meeting this month.

The Inskipps continued their research on birds of Nepal following publication of their classic guide. Their co-authored publication with Richard Grimmett, 'Birds of Nepal', is another sought after guide, and has been translated into Nepali. They expanded their research in South Asia, publishing 'Birds of the Indian Subcontinent' and 'Birds of Bhutan', and
also contributed to the establishment of the Annapurna and Kanchenjunga conservation areas, which are among Nepal's richest bird sanctuaries.

Carol Inskipp has also worked to support many young ornithological researchers and conservationists through her association with the Oriental Bird Club, UK, and has served as the Chair of Nepal Rare Bird Committee.

The good news for those who can't find their books in the stores? The Inskipps have decided to upload all of their published and unpublished work online.