Trails to Birding in Gujarat
Our birding tour in Western India kick-started in VelavadarNational Park which has earned the reputation of being world’s largest roosting
site of the harriers. Cruising through the towering grass fields the place has
served as a fantastic opportunity for the unusual species of Western India.
Grey Francolin happened to be the first bird that we managed
to tick off from our list of target species. Hidden in the large clumps of
grasses it was amazing to see how the female Grey Francolin was busy hatching
the eggs while the male collecting food for their tiny tots.
As we approached near a small pond, we saw a beautiful
congregation of spot-billed ducks, Northern shoveler & Ruddy shelducks.
Some of them were resting on the edges while others were swimming in the
waters. We stopped there to take a few photographs before moving further.
The population of Green bee-eater, Indian Roller &
Common hoopoe exhibit scenic view of the forest. We also stumbled Pied &
White-throated kingfishers which were sitting on each side of the river.
As we were passing through the gathering of Rose-ringed
parakeet, Greater Coucal, Red turtle dove, Eurasian Collared our eyes stopped
at the display of Lesser Florican. The awe-struck beauty of this endangered
bustard left us spellbound. We halted there for sometime before resuming our
journey.
Birds like White-breasted Waterhen, Marsh Sandpiper, Common
Sandpiper, Indian courser, Pied Avocet, Red-wattled Lapwing, Black-winged Kite,
Black kite, Griffon Vulture, Indian Silverbill, Long-billed Pipit, White &
Western Yellow Wagtail, Rufous Tailed lark, Ashy-crowned Sparrow-lark, Plain
Prinia, White-eared Bulbul crossed our pathway. We also managed to spot
Short-toed snake eagle crossing swords with Checkered keelback. The trip to
Velavadar National Park ended with the incredible fleet of Pallid Harrier who
was landing to his roosting place right behind the herds of blackbucks.
Gir National Park was the next destination in this eventful
journey. Around six hours drive from Velavadar National Park, the forest is
worldwide acknowledged as the last bastion of Asiatic Lions. The place is a
beautiful blend of vast savannahs and canopied trees sheltering some of the
rarest and most endangered species on this planet beside the majestic lions.
While penetrating this mystical forest through Jeep Safari we chanced upon
unveiling the roosting place of Indian Pangolin- a small sized mammal living a
secluded life inside the clumps of tall grasses. He was busy digging the mud in
search of termites and ants when we seized the opportunity to closely study his
behaviour and photograph it from various angles. Moving further we spotted a
pack of Golden Fox strolling in the region, a fleeting sight of striped hyena
and a Brown Fish Owl who was silently watching us from a distant tree. The dusk
was falling rapidy and we were returning from our afternoon safari when
suddenly apride of three female lions, 2 cubs and 1 one male lions crossed our
pathway. We awestruck by their royal gait. While some of us were busy taking
photographs other were gazing these royal cats with sheer astonishment. This
brought an end to our short wilderness tour to Gujarat.
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