Migratory birds add to beauty of Sultanpur sanctuary

According to the spokesman, Sultanpur Lake is the point around which the bird sanctuary has been developed. The lake is a picnic spot, with boating facilities. The lake has a good number of reptiles, which attracts migratory birds during winters.

The spokesman said that the bird sanctuary is home to a large range of resident and migratory birds. Migratory geese and Siberian cranes spend the winter in Sultanpur. There are also the demoiselle cranes, ruddy shelducks, pelicans, flamingoes, bar-headed geese, grey lags, gadwalls, mallards, pochards, shovellers and teals. Local species includes plovers, red-wattled lapwings, herons, cormorants, white ibises, spoonbills and painted storks.

Other wildlife in the park includes blackbuck, nilgai, hog deer, sambar, wild dog or dhole, caracal, wild cat, hedgehog, mongoose, striped hyena, Indian porcupine, rattle/honey badger, leopard, wild pig, and four horned antelope. The sanctuary was a regular haunt of Dr. Salim Ali and innumerable bird watchers, who come to observe bird antics. There are hide outs, watch towers and a museum for those keen on serious study.

The spokesman said that the winter months from November to March offer an excellent opportunity for school groups, corporate houses, family groups and individuals to visit the sanctuary, and enjoy the week end in the lap of nature. The shallow lake and scrubby woodland add to the beauty of the area.

This park was established in 1972 and upgraded to national level in 1991. Located just 50 kms from Delhi, on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, it is part of Gurgaon district.

The birds spotted here include Siberian cranes, demoiselle cranes, ruddy shel duck, rosy pelican, mallard, pochard, teals, black winged stlit, greenshank, yellow and white wagtail, wood and spotted sandpiper northern pintail, long billed pipit, parakeets etc. Other wild life includes black buck, hog deer; stripped hyena; antelopes and money. It’s not just the nip in the air after sunset that is signalling the arrival of winter.

Haryana Tourism runs a tourist complex inside the park, that had air-conditioned as well as general rooms. The facilities available there includes bar, restaurant, and cottages for the guests.