Bird
Watching
Bird watching is the very best kind of fun. It is easy, inexpensive,
healthful and satisfying. Bird watching is about wild birds and the sport of
birding. It's for everyone who's interested in bird watching and enjoying
nature. You always don't need to go to the reserved bird habitats to watch
birds. Whether it's watching birds in your own back yard or whether it's a
trip to the bird habitats to watch some very rare species of birds, bird
watching is your lifetime ticket to the amphitheater of nature.
Why Bird Watching
India has an enormous number of bird species, both resident and migrant and
many parks in the country have over 2000 species. First time travellers are
often surprised how prized this element of a experience can be. Tourists
coming here have ample opportunity to notice birds, as even if they don't
remember their names, for sheer dynamics and diversity they are impressive -
from singing cuckoos to dancing peacocks.
Here birds are eminently visible and often actually doing something
remarkable; fish eagles plucking writhing cat fish out of a river in front
of you, rollers doing loops and aerobatics, vultures with 9 ft wingspans
fighting over a carcass a few feet from you. For the more dedicated
ornithologist Indian Wildlife Sanctuaries and Parks have access to some of
the best birding guides and numerous ornithological safaris are also
arranged by the forest departments and travel agents for better sighting and
bird knowledge.
Bird Watching Tips
Visit The Water Bodies
Birds generally assemble in the watery areas. So to have some very rare
bird viewing, travel to the calm and restful wetlands, where you will find
some very rare species of birds.
Bird Viewing in Summers
Some of the best birding in summer is from a boat. Birds sing and are
active along the river even when summer disturbance have made some bird
lovers hang up their binoculars. The birds generally love staying in the wet
lands. So search for such areas in summers.
Wait for the Winters to Arrive
Winters are the right time to watch birds, as thousands of birds migrate to
India for comfortable stay. Mostly the birds flock to the remote and
secluded areas, far from the busy lifestyle of the human beings. The remote
areas of India are the best option for bird watching if it is difficult for
you to go to the bird sanctuaries.
Feed the Birds
Start feeding the birds. This approach will invite numerous birds to your
place.
Visit
the Forest Areas
Birds are generally love staying in the lush green surroundings. Visit the
forest areas, and you will surely have a rendezvous with some rare species
of birds.
Few Suggestions
» Carry a fine quality binocular with yourself.
» Do not disturb the environment they live in.
» Do not frighten them.
» Do not shoot them.
» Keep the surroundings calm as much as possible.
Bird Watching In India
You will find varieties of birds in the India surroundings. With the
arrival of the winters, India becomes the Bird's Paradise.
Some Bird Watching Sites in India
Thattekad Bird
Sanctuary
Thattekad, on the banks of the River Periyar, is a dense monsoon forest.
Located near Cochin. A plantation forest with teak, mahogany and
fruit-bearing trees along with the natural wild tropical deciduous
vegetation, it is home to nearly 350 species of birds.
Kumarakom
Bird Sanctuaries
The pristine Kumarakoam Bird Sanctuary is famous across the world for its
varied avian population. The migratory siberian cranes add to the attraction
of the park. The natural beauty of the park is sure to leave you spellbound
and makes this a great Indian bird sanctuary.
Keoladeo
National Park
Welcome to the fascinating world of feathered species at Keoladeo National
Park. The park derives its name from the Shiva Temple in the heart of the
sanctuary. The park was formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and
was brought into the light by the famous ornithologist Mr. Salim Ali. It is
one of the most famous bird sanctuaries of India.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area
surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha River flows into the Arabian
Sea. Over a hundred varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of
migratory birds flock here in large numbers.
Overa
Wildlife Sanctuary
Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its population of pheasants. The
park has a diverse flora and offers 13 species of mammals and over 80
species of birds. It is best to visit this Indian wildlife sanctuary with a
person having some knowledge about the local wild species and birds.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
The delightful Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, nestling around the Nal Lake,
offers a sheer variety of color, pattern and a cacophony of sounds that the
birds use for recognition and courtship. Exploring this Indian birs
sanctuary with a pair of binoculars and a person well versed in local bird
life is definitely the best outing you can have.
Sultanpur
National Park
The Sultanpur National Park has been given a totally new look to attract
the tourists. A stretch of marshy land has been remodeled. The artificial
mounds have turned into green glades and the marsh has been converted into a
water body. It is one of the best national parks in India.
Flamingo Colony
It is reputed among the admirers of feathered species as the largest
flamingo colony in the world. It receives countless variety of birds from
the other corners of the globe. Birds come here to breed and feed before
their journey back to a distant land. It is one of the great bird
sanctuaries in India and is very attractive and adventurous for all foreign
tourists.