Monday, 27 May 2019

The Magic of Indian Monsoon








The monsoon clouds surging all over India is not only a blessing in disguise for the farmers but also a window of opportunity for those who want to tap into the cryptic world of winged species. Across the globe, India is identified as the largest democratic country associated with the oldest civilization, youngest population, vibrant culture and delectable cuisine. With so much going on in the peripheral of the country only a few intrigued eyes could witness the beauty of fluttering wings in the virgin forests and untamed terrains of the country.




Forty kilometers away from the spiritual city of Ajmer lies the huge grasslands of Sonkhaliya. For a layman, the place is yet another local village which specializes in producing Moong Daal (a kind of lentil) however for a birdwatcher, the region is a holy grail to sight the critically endangered Lesser Florican. Once upon a time, the population of these bustards swelled across Asian but today they are confined in the scattered pockets of Western and Central India and Sonkhaliya is one such space. Being extremely shy, these birds shield themselves in the tall blades of grass to remain hidden from the people's attention except in the monsoon when these birds jump from the grassland with a unique call and flapping wings to attract their better halves.




Birdwatchers and photographers come all the way to India just to marvel at the captivating spectacles like these. Besides carrying the population of Lesser Florican the patches of dense clumps have also become a humble abode for the quail family including Rain Quail, and Rock Bush Quail.




Mounting up in the hills of Himalayas will unlock the gateway to the glorious kingdom of Kashmir and Ladakh. If one is an embodiment of tranquility and serenity the other is a passage to the land of high passes, rugged terrains, and pristine rivers. As you start exploring the unsullied landscape and virgin forest you might end up witnessing the mystical lives of Himalayan birds untouched till date.






Being part of the finch family Orange Bullfinch can be frequently sighted soaring high in the coniferous forests of Kashmir. The bird has ended up getting in the lifer's list of many birdwatchers due to its striking features and rarity to find them in other parts of the world. Birding in Kashmir will be an incomplete venture if one's eyes don't lay upon Kashmir Nuthatch and Kashmir Nutcracker. Generally coming out in the season of monsoon, these endemic species have managed to permeate parts of the valley with their uncommon beauty and unique call. The rugged terrain and lofty mountains of Ladakh have gained worldwide popularity for preserving the ancient and mystical monasteries reverberating with the Buddhist Hymes.




Covered with deep blue sky and unsullied landscape, the land of high passes has always cast a magical spell on travelers through its magnificent beauty, humble people and tranquil surroundings. But in the eyes of birdwatchers and wildlife photographers, the place has been a holy grail to view the beautiful birding colonies.



Leh and Tso Kar are the two important regions where one can get prolific sights of Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, Chukar Partridge, Himalayan Griffon, Common Kestrel, Upland Buzzard, Common Hoopoe, Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Common Merganser, Eurasian Cuckoo, Alpine Swift, Little Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Black-necked Crane etc.




It is only in the monsoon one get to see the witness the prolific display of Lesser Florican and the great fleet of Bearded Vulture if the coniferous forests of Kashmir are blessed by the presence of the rarest Large-spotted nutcracker the glacial lakes of Ladakh are clouded by migratory birds coming from Siberia and Europe.



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