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Bird Watching
Bird Watching
Bird watching is an excellent leisure activity for people who wish to escape
the monotony of their day to day life and are eager to see something that
is exceptionally unique and enthralling. For all those people who presume
that bird watching can do little to entertain them are missing out the real
essence of the adventure. Bird watching brings out the hidden appreciation
that we all nurse for the nature and its various creation. It is an activity
that reveals to the tired eyes a completely new aspect of life on earth.
Still unconvinced? Picture this. The number of birds that are seen flying
in the sky everyday is very less, nonetheless, there is very little or
perhaps no time for people to stop and watch these wonderful creation
of nature for even a moment. The rushing lifestyle and time constraint
that are the characteristics of cities prohibit any sort of leisure activity
like bird watching to be enjoyed by the urban people. So, when people
want to spend a relaxing vacation doing very little or perhaps nothing,
what can be better than watching birds in some of the most rich places
of the country in terms of avifauna. And as for entertainment, it can
be safely said that as an activity bird watching is something that never
leaves its participants free even for a while.
Bird Watching in India
India is home to a large number of bird species that are found in the
different parts of the country. If seen together, these birds present
a panorama of colours, shapes and size. Each with its unique characteristics
is a delight to watch. The flurry of activities that fill the day of these
birds are worth noticing. Hopping and flying from one tree to another
and sometimes from the back of one animal to the other, these birds present
a life that is totally different from humans. Moreover, some of the birds
have a very sweet and whistling voice. Listening to them can be really
a pleasure. And, if in any case, the voice does not appeal to the hearing
sense, there is no need to get disappointed, since sometimes harsh, shrill,
squeaking or even screeching sounds of the birds can be interesting to
listen to.
However, this requires a lot of patience and luck. People who lack patience
prove to be a bad watcher of birds and are sure to notice only the regular
birds. In India, there are many places where tourists can come specially
for the purpose of watching birds. Even in places where birds are not
the prime attraction, they hog considerable amount of attention towards
themselves. It is they who keep the tourists busy while they are on their
trip to visit some larger and ferocious animals.
Major Sites for Bird Watching in India
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - As per its name, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
is one of the best destination to watch different types of birds. According
to an estimate, around 300 species of birds have made Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
their home. The prominent birds of the park include Cranes, Pelicans,
Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears,
Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits. The park also plays host to a
number of migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia. The best time
to visit the park is between the months of August to February. The sanctuary
is located in the state of Rajasthan.
Corbett National Park - Though primarily known for its Tiger and
Elephant population, Corbett National Park in the state of Uttaranchal boasts
of some very interesting bird varieties. In an area of 520 sq kms, around
600 species of birds can be spotted. These include Herons, Darters, Cormorants,
Lapwings, Paradise Flycatchers, Weaver birds, Fishing eagles, Serpent eagles,
Spotted Eagles, Black throated Payas, Mynas, Jungle Fowl, Vultures, Peacocks,
Kingfishers, Ducks, Geese, Sandpipers, Nightjars, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers,
Wagtails, Black winged Kits, Drongos, Doves, Plovers, Black necked Storks,
Parakeets, Owls, Pheasants, Grebes, Grey Lags, Snipes, Harriers, Ospreys,
Minivets, Hornbills and falcons. The best time to visit the park is between
the months of December to June.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located in
the state of Kerala is yet another place that is loved by the lovers of
birds. Spread over an area of 14 acres on the banks of Vembanad Lake,
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favourite with the migratory birds. Some
of the most important birds that can be found in the park include Waterfowl,
Cuckoo, Owl, Egret, Heron, Water duck, Siberian cranes, Parrots, Teal,
Larks, Flycatchers and the Wood beetle. The best time to visit the park
is December to February.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary - Located in the Ernakulam district of
Kerala, the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is an abode of around 250 species
of birds. Some of the most prominent birds of the sanctuary are Grey Junglefowl,
Red Spurfowl, Spot-billed Duck, Common Pintail, Woodpecker, Hornbills,
Barbet, Kingfisher, Cuckoo, Owl, Pigeon, Eagle, Falcon, Flycatcher, Egret
and Crow. The ideal time to visit the park is between the months of September
to March.