INDIA’S FEATHERED JEWELS – EXPERTS’GUIDE TO BIRD WATCHING IN INDIA-FORWARD PART 2
by Shabari Shankar | Posted on May 18, 2023 Dear friends, I found the articlefound in QUORA QA very interesting. The answer is about 35 pages and I amposting in 3 parts. Hope veryinteresting Gopalakrishnan 18-6-2023 Expert-recommended wingspots – Top birdwatchingdestinations in India Vishal highlyrecommends exploring these incredible destinations in India for birdenthusiasts, where you can witness a diverse range of avian species: Uttarakhand – Kotdwar, Sattal, Pangot, Chopta,Mandal Valley, Ramnagar, and Jim Corbett Park offer diverse bird species instunning landscapes. Sikkim – Pangolakha WLS, Zuluk, Gurudongmar,Lachung/Lachen, and Pakyong provide unique avian sightings amidst mountainousterrain. West Bengal –Sundarbans, Darjeeling, Mahananda WLS, and Gajoldoba Wetlands offer coastal andforest ecosystems teeming with birdlife. Rajasthan – Rajasthan’s Desert National Park andTal Chhapar WLS showcase desert avian species. Kerala – Munnar and Thattekad boast lush greeneryand vibrant birds. These locationspromise unforgettable experiences in varied habitats, and the best way toexplore them is by booking a reliable taxi for a hassle-free commute. Grey-headed canary flycatcherGrey-headedcanary flycatcher | Image clicked by Rajani Modi Rohan offers recommendations for the finestbird watching destinations in India, where bird enthusiasts can indulge in theawe-inspiring diversity of avian species: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan: Highlyrecommended by Rohan, this sanctuary offers a remarkable opportunity to witnessthe captivating spectacle of migratory birds. Sattal lake, Uttarakhand: He suggests exploringUttarakhand as it provides exceptional birdwatching opportunities with itsdiverse landscapes, including the Himalayas and lush forests. Mangalajodi, Odisha: Rohan highlightsMangalajodi as an exceptional location for bird enthusiasts, known for its vastwetlands and a wide variety of avian species. Delhi: While in Delhi, Rohan had the privilege ofencountering some rare avian gems, such as the magnificent Bengal Florican andthe vibrant Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher. Rajanienthusiastically recommends several exceptional destinations for bird watching inIndia. She suggests these locations based on her own memorable experiences andencounters with a wide variety of avian species. Sattal, Uttarakhand: Rajani highly recommendsSattal as an exceptional birdwatching destination known for its unparalleledbiodiversity and captivating avian species. The higher altitudes of Sattalenhance the experience with vibrant colours and remarkable vibrancy. Dandeli, Karnataka: Rajani suggests visiting Dandelifor birdwatching in India, offering an opportunity to encounter a variety ofavifauna amidst the rich forests of Karnataka. Lava, West Bengal: Lava is another recommendedlocation by Rajani, known for its scenic beauty and diverse birdlife, making ita must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa: Rajani highlights theSalim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Goa as an excellent spot to explore and appreciatethe avian diversity of the region. Chopta, Uttarakhand: Rajani recommends Choptain Uttarakhand for birdwatching, where the breathtaking landscapes and sereneenvironment provide a perfect backdrop for encountering various bird species. Birding 101 – Expert tips and tricks for aspiring birdwatchers When asked for tipsfor beginners in bird watching in India, Vishal provided the followingsuggestions: Be mindful of yoursurroundings and observe the avifauna around your home. Maintain a distance from birds, especially duringnesting activity, to avoid disturbing them. Invest in a good pair of binoculars to observepatterns and behaviours without causing disruption. Consider wearing dull or camouflaged clothing to avoiddrawing attention from birds. Explore new spotsfor birdwatching in India. Verify the legitimacy of local bird watching clubs andconsider joining them. Rohan provided the following suggestions for birdwatchers: He emphasized theimportance of being equipped with a binocular and a notebook.These serve as valuable tools for observation and documentation. For wildlifephotography, he highlighted the significance of having good gear. It helpscapture the intricate details of birds and their surroundings. Furthermore, Rohan stressed the need to study the areaand its specific habitat. Understanding the birds’ dietary preferences andfamiliarizing oneself with their distinct plumage and mating behavioursare crucial. Rohan advised conducting thorough research on each bird.Utilizing the vast resources available online helps in exploring thefascinating diversity found within each species. Rajani said, “Embarking on the journey of birdingrequires patience and focus. It’s important to start with a smile, armed with acamera, and a thirst for knowledge. A great way to begin is by immersingyourself in reputable birding literature such as ‘Birds of India.’ These booksserve as valuable companions, providing insights into the diverse species youmay encounter.” These tipsfrom our birding experts can help newcomers to birdwatching in India have afulfilling and respectful experience. Savaarirecommends – India’s birding hotspots, a comprehensive guide to India’s aviandiversity 1. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana Birdwatching spotsin India - Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary Nestled in thepicturesque state of Haryana, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is a sprawling birdreserve that spans over 1.43 square kilometers of lush greenery. This sanctuaryhas earned its rightful place among India’s most revered bird sanctuaries,attracting avian enthusiasts from all corners of the world. The best way tovisit Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary and indulge in bird watching is by booking a carrental in Gurgaon for a comfortable commute. Its diverse and vibrant ecosystemprovides a haven for over 250 species of resident and migratory birds, eachadding their unique melody to the serene ambience. As the winter months set in,the sanctuary becomes a hub for nomadic birds seeking respite from the harshSiberian winters. These magnificent creatures journey from far-flung regions,such as Russia, Turkey, and Eastern Europe, to bask in the sanctuary’stemperate climate and abundant food sources. Location: Gurgaon Farukh Nagar Rd, Sultanpur,Gurugram, Haryana Best Time To Visit:October to February Ticket Price: INR 5per person for Indians | INR 40 per person for foreigners Timings: 6 am –4:30 pm Birds found: The avian residents of this regioninclude a diverse array of stunning species, such as the black-necked stork,cattle egret, laughing dove, Indian roller, white-throated kingfisher, greategret, red-collared dove, red-wattled lapwing, rock pigeon, rose-ringedparakeet, common mynah, and little egret. 2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan Step into thebreathtaking world of avifauna at the enchanting Keoladeo National Park, fondlyreferred to as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, nestled in the vibrant state ofRajasthan. Once a royal hunting zone, Keoladeo was designated as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site in 1985 for its significant role as a wintering ground forPalaearctic migratory waterfowl and a thriving habitat for numerousnon-migratory resident breeding birds. Despite being within a populated zone, the park boasts astunning array of grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps, and wetlands,spanning just 2,873 hectares. It is home to nearly 375 birdspecies and other fascinating creatures such as snakes, peacocks, deer, and nilgai.Keoladeo is renowned for its illustrious history as the wintering ground of theSiberian Crane and continues to captivate visitors worldwide with itsawe-inspiring beauty and diverse wildlife. Book an airport taxi from Jaipurairport to Bharatpur to explore the rich variety of birds in this NationalPark. Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan Entry fee: INR 75per person for Indians | INR 500 per person for foreigners Best Time To Visit:August to November Birds found:Various species of cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks, eagles, hawks, shanks,stints, wagtails, warblers, wheatears, flycatchers, buntings, larks, andpipits. 3. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand Binsar WildlifeSanctuary in Uttarakhand is an idyllic haven that beckons avid birdwatchersfrom across the globe. This exquisite sanctuary covers an expansive area ofaround 45 square kilometres, providing a sanctuary to nearly 200 bird speciesthat call it home. The sanctuary is a bird lover’s paradise, offering anunparalleled opportunity to observe and capture exclusive photographs of thesemagnificent creatures. The sanctuary’sdiverse flora consists of oak and Chir pine trees, along with vast expanses ofagricultural land. These provide an ideal habitat for many local and migratorybirds. Noteworthy avianinhabitants of the sanctuary include the blue whistling thrush, bar-tailedtreecreeper, brown-fronted woodpecker, coal tit, Eurasian jay, Grey-wingedBlackbird, Himalayan vulture, Long-tailed broadbill, oriental turtle dove, andVerditer Flycatcher. Adventureenthusiasts can enjoy thrilling trekking opportunities offered by thesanctuary. For a more leisurely experience, visitors can stroll along thescenic trails. Location: Binsar, Uttarakhand Best Time To Visit:Feb – Apr, Oct – Nov Ticket Price: INR150 per person for Indians | INR 600 per person for foreigners Timings: 6 am –4:30 pm Birds found: Bluewhistling thrush, bar-tailed treecreeper, brown-fronted woodpecker, coal tit,Eurasian jay, Grey-winged Blackbird, Himalayan vulture, Long-tailed broadbill,oriental turtle dove, and Verditer Flycatcher. 4. Karimganj, Assam Karimganj Districtin Assam has some of the most pristine forests in India. Many Indian birdersare yet to explore this destination. Karimganj is home to the endemic Cacharbulbul, black-headed bulbul, large scimitar babbler, purple-throated sunbird,Asian stubtail, golden crested myna and great slaty woodpecker. An enviablechecklist, indeed! Take some time off birds and explore the wilds forincredible mammals, such as clouded leopards, leopard cats, sloth bears, sunbears and Bengal slow loris. Location: Kali Bari Rd, Karimganj, Assam Best Time To Visit: March-May Birds found: Cachar bulbul, black-headedbulbul, large scimitar babbler, purple-throated sunbird, Asian stubtail, goldencrested myna and great slaty woodpecker. 5. Kumarakom BirdSanctuary, Kerala Kumarakom BirdSanctuary Kumarakom BirdSanctuary, located along the banks of the stunning Vembanad Lake, spans 14acres and boasts picturesque greenery. This sanctuary is a popular destinationfor birdwatchers as it is home to a diverse range of resident and migratorybirds. In particular, the pristine Pathiramanal island in the lake is an ideallocation for migratory birds from Siberia and Russia. Book a cab from KochiAirport to Kumarakom for a hassle-free journey. It is undoubtedly one of India’smost renowned bird sanctuaries, and birdwatching here is an exhilaratingexperience. Location: Kavanattinkara, Kumarakom, Kerala Best Time To Visit:November to February Ticket Price: INR50 per person for Indians | INR 100 per person for foreigners Timings: 6 am – 6pm Birds Found: Theavian inhabitants of this region include paradise flycatchers, pheasant-tailedjacanas, golden-backed woodpeckers, parrots, teals, larks, owls, herons,egrets, and kingfishers. I will continue with other sanctuaries in thenext posting -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. 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