Bird Watching in India - भारत में बर्ड देखना

One of the best ways of relieving stress is indulging in bird watching. The peace and tranquility of the environs, combined with the beauty of the birds, is enough to take away all types of tensions from your mind. What better place to enjoy bird watching, than the Indian subcontinent? The sheer number as well as the variety of bird species found here will make you fall in love with the place. The rich diversity of birds is the result of the varied topography of the country. The best season for bird watching in the Indian subcontinent is from October to March.

Bird watching in India is a completely satisfying and exhilarating experience. One can see the birds in their natural habitat, mingling easily amongst themselves. Of the numerous wildlife sanctuaries boasting of a rich variety of birds, the most popular ones include Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Corbett National Park, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Sultanpur National Park and the Valley of Flowers. The Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve also holds the distinction of having some of the most exotic species of birds.

Bird Watching Season in India : October to March

Birding Tips

First things first, do a complete research on the place where you are going for bird watching and the bird species found there. Now, gather all the information about those bird species - their features, songs, calls, color, etc.

Make sure to carry a good pair of binoculars with you. It is advisable to practice a little with the binoculars before actually using them.

It is better to search for the birds with the naked eye first. Use of binoculars narrows down the field of vision to quite an extent, making it difficult to spot birds.

Light reflections as well as shadows often lead to a distortion of the colors of the birds. It is better to first consider other factors while determining the bird species.

It is very difficult to correctly judge the size of the birds, especially when they are flying. Basing the identification of birds on the size can be misleading.

Observe the distinguishable features of the bird first of all. Features like bill, legs, etc, can be quite helpful in identification.

Even the behavior of the birds, like climbing a tree trunk, swimming, etc, can provide vital clues that may lead to correct determination of the birds.

Pay due attention to the songs and calls of the birds. They serve as an excellent way of identifying them.

Services of a good field guide are always useful, as they have much knowledge about birds, their features as well as their calls.

Precautions to be followed while Bird Watching

Do not make noise while watching the birds. You are visiting the national park/sanctuary for watching the birds, not disturbing them.

You need to be extra careful in case you are going for bird watching during the breeding season of the birds.

Never ever touch the eggs of the birds and do not even venture around the nest for too long.

Birdcalls should never be used for attracting the birds. It causes unnecessary confusion and disturbance amongst them.

Follow all the rules as well as the instructions given at the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Do not litter while inside the park/sanctuary. It is advisable to carry the trash back with you and put it in a rubbish bin.

The following wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are the best places for birdwatching in India:

Keoladeo National Park - Bharatpur, Rajasthan

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - Kottayam, Kerala

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary - Kothamangalam, Kerala

Sultanpur National Park - Sultanpur, Haryana

Valley of Flowers - Chamoli District, Uttaranchal

Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary - Chittor, Andhra Pradesh

Kawal Sanctuary - Mancherial, Andhra Pradesh

Kinnerasani Sanctuary - Khammam District, Andhra Pradesh

Kolleru Bird Sanctuary - Vijayawada, West Godavari

Manjira Bird Sanctuary - Medak District, Andhra Pradesh

Neelapattu Bird Sanctuary - Chennai, Andhra Pradesh

Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary - Nandikotkuru, Andhra Pradesh

Sonai Rupai Sanctuary - Sonitpur District

Flamingo Colony - Khavda, Gujarat

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary - Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Porbandar Bird Sanctuary - Porbandar, Gujarat

Velvadar Bird Sanctuary - Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Overa Wildlife Sanctuary - Pahalgam, Jammu, Kashmir

Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary - Mysore, Karnataka

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary - Kozhikode, Kerala

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary - Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
So, guys, what are you waiting for? Just take out your camera, load the film and get ready to have the best experience of your life. Happy Shooting!