Wildlife
doesn't mean only animals, birds are also very part of it. Major scene
stealers of any wildlife are predators like tigers and leopards. So when
people visit wildlife sanctuaries, they miss out the avi fauna of that wild
hub. But if you ever get a chance to visit the sanctuaries of India, make
sure to pay attention to bird watching as well. You will easily realize why
this sport is catching up as the best wildlife leisure activity in India.
Very first question that may pop up in your mind is that what's so exciting
about birding? Well, if you are searching for that bit of fun in the lap of
mother nature, it's the best suitable activity for you. Even our forefathers
use to indulge in this natural sport. Special about bird watching is that
even if you are not exactly killing any bird, it'll deliver all the
satisfaction of the hunt. Bird Watching connects you with nature.
Major Bird Watching Sites in India
Apart from bird sanctuaries, India features a number of national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries where the adventure sport of bird watching can be
enjoyed. Therefore, you can find a number of bird watching sites in India
and can spend some quality time having a tete-a-tete with nature and its
creations. Some famous sites of bird watching in India are as follows.
Bird Watching in Keoladeo Ghana Park
There isn't any thing unique or new about bird watching in India. And if
you are dying to explore the nature, it's your cup of tea. You can check out
some of the popular bird sanctuaries in India including Bharatpur or
Keoladeo Ghana National Park. It's blessed with some of the most exquisite
avi fauna offering delightful sight for bird watchers. Around 375 species of
birds, numerous mammals and reptiles include some of the major residents of
Bharatpur sanctuary. This bird sanctuary becomes a major attraction among
bird watchers because of the migratory birds, especially the Siberian
Cranes, with the arrival of winters.
Bird
Watching in Corbett National Park
When it comes to the avian treasures of the Himalayan region, Corbett
National park is another bird hideout. More than 600 species/subspecies of
birds have been recorded from Corbett at one time or another out of the
2,060 species and subspecies of birds recorded in Indian subcontinent. Great
Crested Grebe, White-Fronted and Greylag Geese, Bar-headed Geese and variety
of Ducks, occasionally White Stork and the common Black Stork, variety of
Plovers, Sandpipers and Snipe are among the migrants that may be seen at
river banks of Ramganga or along the streams.
Bird
Watching in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is placed 20 km away from Kathamangalam, on
Kochi-Munnar road. It is considered to be one of the most important bird
sanctuaries in Kerala. Malabar Grey-Horn Bill, Wood Pecker, rose winged and
blue winged Parakeer etc. are the most notable of the indigenous birds found
in this bird sanctuary. You would also find some of the rare birds including
Ceylon Frog-Moth, Rose billed Parakeer etc over here. One boat cruise from
Boothathenkeru to Thattekad is a memorable bird watching experience through
evergreen forests nesting migratory and indigenous birds.
Bird Watching in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The bird sanctuary occupies a position on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in
Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary covers an area of around 14 acres and
features a good number of both domestic and migratory birds. Bird watching
in Kumarakom is a wonderful experience and the houseboat cruises and
motorboat rides further adds to one's experience. The migratory Siberian
Cranes are a big attraction for birdwatchers here.
Other Bird Watching Places in India
Apart from the above mentioned bird watching sites in India, there are a
few other important places where bird watching can be fun. States like
Rajasthan, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Goa also offer some good options of
bird watching in India.
» Bharatpur National Park, Rajasthan
» Nandankanan, Orissa
» Rajaji National Park, Uttaranchal
» Kolleru Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
» Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
» Sultanpur National Park, Haryana
Bird Watching Tours in India
We have designed some cost-efficient bird watching tours of India. These
birding tours have been developed by expert naturalists themselves. While
you book one of our birding tours, you can really look forward to having a
wonderful and knowledgeable bird watching experience in India. For more
details about bird watching tours in India and birding sites, you can get in
touch with our travel counsellors.
Bird Watching Techniques
Don't ever disturb the environment and keep calm to view the birds closely
and clearly. Keep an eye on the vegetation movement, as this will give you
an idea of where the bird might be. There are different signs of alarms in
birds like half-raised wings, cocked head or a freeze in posture. If you
notice something like that, be calm and wait for the birds to calm down too.
Your field guide will always be there to help you through the adventure and
will teach you more bird watching techniques.
Bird Watching Equipment
A pair of binoculars, a camera and a notebook are some of the basic things
that you will need during your bird watching adventure in India. You can
also keep with yourself a list of birds and then can easily note the habits
of specific birds. Apart from binoculars, you can also get yourself the
binocular-camera combination to make it simple and easy.
