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Journalism of Courage
Known as the last surviving abode of Asiatic lions,Gujarat is also home to over 400 species of birds,including the critically endangered great Indian bustard and scores of migratory species that travel from countries as far as 3,500 km away to make the state their winter home. Between November and February,some of the endangered species of birds Siberian crane,sarus crane,lesser flamingoes,dalmatian pelicans and great white pelicans arrive at major bird sanctuaries and wetlands of the state. The best time for bird-watching is at sunrise,or during sunset.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
Where: 60 km west of Ahmedabad
Nearest airport/railhead: Ahmedabad
Things to remember: You need a permit to visit the sanctuary. You can get it on the spot at the office of the deputy conservator of
forest,wildlife division,Sanand.
Telephone: 02717-223500
A shallow water body spread over 23 sq km,Nal Sarovar hosts greater and lesser flamingoes during winter. One can also spot 22 different species of birds,including a variety of ducks. Ride the boats with the local fishing community called padhars. The boatman is likely to tempt you to attract seagulls with ganthia,a local snack made of gram flour. But be warned: some years ago,fish,which is the prime feed of the gulls,had died because of ganthia consumption in one of the sanctuaries. Some other species found here include the pelican egrets,herons,ducks,cormorants and cranes.
Chhari Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve
Where: Banni grasslands,near Nakhtrana taluka in Kutch district,70 km away from Bhuj
Nearest airport/railhead: Bhuj
Located in the scenic foothills of Dhinodhar Dungar hills,Chhari Dhand is a wetland where dalmatian pelicans and great white pelicans can be seen foraging fearlessly.
Huge roosts of common cranes also pay a
visit,alongside several species of ducks
and storks. No permit is required to visit this bird reserve.
Bustard Sanctuary
Where: Lala village in Naliya taluka of Kutch,92 km from Bhuj
Nearest airport/railhead: Bhuj
Things to remember: You need to get a permit at Lala village. Contact the office of the range forest officer,Naliya South.
Telephone: 02831-222509
The critically endangered great Indian bustard,one of the heaviest flying birds,is found in this small grassland. The number of this majestic bird was pegged at 48 in the 2007 census. Birders can also spot lesser Florican and MacQeens Bustard or Houbara. If you are lucky,you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Stoliczkas Buschat. The black partridge is a common sight too.
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary
Where: Khijadia village,14 km from
Jamnagar
Nearest airport/railhead: Jamnagar
Things to remember: To get a permit,contact the office of the range forest officer,Khijadia sanctuary. Telephone: 0288-2571810
A unique juxtaposition of freshwater and brackish water makes up the Khijadia ecosystem. More than 250 species of birds,half of them migratory,can be spotted here. The rare black-necked storks and mallard ducks are the main attractions. Dalmatian pelicans and great white pelicans can also be seen from a close range. The not-so-common black-necked ibis,Indian skimmer and pallid harrier,too,can be seen here. Countless waders flying in the backdrop of a setting sun provide a rare view.
Thol Wildlife Sanctuary
Where: About 10 km west of Ahmedabad
Nearest airport/railhead: Ahmedabad
Things to remember: The entry fee is about
Rs 25 per head. To obtain the permit,contact the assistant conservator of forests,Ahmedabad. Telephone: 079-3723500
This lake sanctuary,spread over 7 sq km and home to more than 100 species of birds,is an ideal getaway for eco-tourists visiting the city. Cranes,geese,flamingoes,pelicans,egrets,herons,spoonbills,ducks,and whistling teals are some of the migratory birds that nest and breed in and around this shallow freshwater body. The most commonly noticed bird here is the Indian sarus crane with its long bare legs and elongated head.
Lakhota Lake
Where: Centre of Jamnagar city
Nearest airport/railhead: Jamnagar
You will get to see energetic seagulls up close at the lakefront of Lakhota,located at the heart of Jamnagar city. Groups of spot-billed ducks,mallard,common pochards and comb ducks keep the gulls company. Pelicans also visit the lake sometimes.
Amipar Dam
Where: Amipur village,60 km from Porbandar
Nearest airport/railhead: Porbandar
Amipar dam is one of the largest roosts of demoiselle cranes,which can be found in thousands here. Common pochards,crested grebes,pintail ducks and sarus cranes are also found here. Birders can also watch scores of species at the Karli-Gosabara dam on their way to Amipar dam.
Vadhvana Wetland
Where: Near Dabhoi town,40 km from Vadodara city
Nearest airport/railhead: Dabhoi
The 100-year-old irrigation lake is a wetland where migratory birds land during the winter. Grey-legged and bar-headed geese are found in large numbers. Comb ducks and pintail ducks are also common. Glossy,black and white ibis are also commonly seen here. Painted storks,open-bill storks and,sometimes,black-necked storks are also found here. The lake is surrounded by agricultural fields,where demoiselle cranes roost in thousands.
