New Delhi: Every year during winter, from November to February, the wetlands, lakes and rivers of India become homes to numerous migratory birds who come to our country from faraway lands, from as far as Siberia and the Arctic. Thanks to the diverse landscapes of our nation, India has become the perfect habitat for more than 350 species of birds. They take a break in India as a a warm stopover during their long journey to escape the harsh northern winters. In this article, we will take a look at best places in India to witness migratory birds in February.
Best places in India to witness migratory birds
Keoladeo National Park
Located in Rajasthan, the national park is home to thousands of native, resident and migratory birds, especially during the winter season. More than 400 avian species have been observed in the national park. It was formerly a duck shooting reserve and the bird sanctuary was established due to the efforts of ornithologist Salim Ali. In 1985, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from Siberian crane, other common birds which can be seen there include warblers, bee-eaters, Old World babblers, bulbuls, chats, buntings, quails, and painted francolins.
Chilika Lake
The largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, Chilika Lake is spread over Odisha’s Puri, Khordha and Ganjam districts on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal. A tentative UNESCO World Heritage site, the lake is one of the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent. During the peak migratory season, the lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Kazakhstan, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas come there. Some common birds which can be seen there include White bellied sea eagles, purple moorhen, greylag geese, flamingos, jacana, egrets, grey and purple heron.
Sambhar Salt Lake
The Sambhar Salt Lake near Jaipur, the largest inland salt lake in India, is a great place to witness migratory birds. It has been designated as a Ramsar site due to the wetland is a key wintering area for tens of thousands of pink flamingos and other birds that migrate from northern Asia and Siberia. It is mesmerizing to see the sight of flocks of flamingos taking flight against the backdrop of Rajasthan’s desert landscape.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is situated at Kumarakom in Kerala’s Kottayam taluk. Set in the Kerala backwaters, the bird sanctuary is visited by many migratory bird species. Some of the migratory birds come from the Himalayas, and a few from Siberia. Some common waterbirds seen there include the Asian Openbill, the Great Egret, and the Little Cormorant.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is the largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka and comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri river. On February 15, 2022, the sanctuary was designated as a protected Ramsar site. During winter months, starting from the middle of December, as many as 40,000 birds congregate at Ranganathittu, some migrating from Siberia, Latin America and parts of north India. During January and February, over 30 species of migratory birds can be found in the sanctuary.
India offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities during February, as numerous migratory birds from Siberia, the Arctic, and Central Asia arrive for the winter. This article highlights five premier locations offering an impeccable experience to watch migratory birds. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
