Are you mesmerized by these winged beauties? Do the chirps and coos of birds enthrall you every morning? Does the sparrow visiting your window sill get more attention than your partner every morning? Than here are perfect destinations for you.
1. Chilika Lake, Odisha
This is a perfect destination in late winter as many migratory species take a short rest here before flying out of the country. White ibis from Bangladesh, Brahminy ducks from Mongolia and the greater flamingoes, you can catch them all here. But move away from the first popular Satpada island in Asia largest salt-water lake, and wade ahead till the Nalabana island to watch birds in the natural glory. While at it, keep a look out for Irrawaddy dolphins.
2. Mollem, Goa
This tropical forest has a treasure of winged beauties. You will sight the emerald dove, fairy bluebird, golden oriole, greater Indian hornbill, grey-headed myna, paradise flycatcher, ruby-throated yellow bulbul and the Sri Lanka frogmouth. If you are lucky, you will get to see the blue Mormon and the endemic Malabar tree nymph. Plan your visit around the 3 day Bird Festival in December to make the most of expert birding guidance.
3. Pangot, Uttarakhand
Pangot and the nearby Sattal in Kumaon ranges offer sighting of different altitude birds in the Himalayan region. The favourites to be spotted here are the cheer peasant and the koklass. You can combine this trip with Jim Corbett National Park for more fauna adventure.
(Image credits: dcpexpeditions)
4. Pong Dam, Himachal Pradesh,
Located in the Kangra Valley and with a view of Dhaula Dhar ranges, this pretty wetland is hidden away among other popular attraction in Himachal. This is a must visit for the large flocks of bar-headed geese , and other endemic wetland birds.
(Image credits: blogspot)
5. Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Conferred the World Heritage Tag, this destination is home to a wide variety of birds, and the very rare Sarus Crane also makes an appearance sometimes. The best time to see this one is winter.
(Image credits: amazingindiablog)
6. Silent Valley, Kerala
Silent Valley is another paradise on earth for bird-lovers. Apart from 170 endemic species, it is also visited by more than 30 migratory birds. Keep a close watch in order to witness the Ceylon Frog Mouth, House Martin, Bonelli’s Hawk Eagle, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Malay Bittern, Peninsular Scops Owl, Shaheen Falcon, Short-Eared Owl and Rufous-Bellied Shortwing.
(Image credits: pinimg)
7. Kutch, Gujurat
This place will offer the most beautiful vision as a flock of pink flamingoes on a white salt desert. One may also spot the Houbara Bustard, cranes, Macqueen’s Bustard, Sociable Lapwing, reef egrets and some other dessert birds.
(Image credits: ytimg)
So, get your binoculars and cameras out. And visit these destinations to add to your birding list.
