‘Ghana Pakshi Abhayaran’ or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary , an asset for the country and a site of world heritage ( UNESCO)is brimming with the birds though ,not anything new for delhibirders as we see all these birds in NCR . In my recent trip with IIT-Delhi students I observed that the wetland and aquatic ecosystem of this bird sanctuary are flooded with 4-5 months old youngsters of painted storks and waterfowls mainly migrants and couple of residents. There is a sizable number of Chestnut shoulder petronias . A pair of Sarus has started courtship display. Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Jacanas, Moorhens and good number of Crested serpent eagles can be seen hunting. Water levels are good. Dusky Eagle Owl family with a young (out of nest) can be seen taking sunbath on a tree surrounded by water.
The wetland also offers a good shelter to near threatened ‘Indian Rock Python’ we saw 3 ( one road kill) among raptors Indian spotted eagle, Egyptian vultures,Spotted owlets,Steppe eagle,black winged kites are visible. Jackals, Spotted deer, Sambhar are couple of mammals can be seen.
My personel targets were ‘Ruby throat’ and ‘Marbled teal’ which probably have returned or could not be seen during our trip. Sonar Havelli close to park is a good place to stay as it is situated at a walk able distance from the sanctuary.
Overall a good trip.
When Rakesh Ahlawat called me on 26th Feb in the afternoon and reported the sighting of ‘Great Bitten and Marbled Teal pair’ from Dighal it stimulated my all nerves once again though both the birds were not new for me as we ( Self,Wingco,Anushman,Partha,Sunita,& Kanika) have already seen this very secretive and shy bird the ‘Great Bitten’ in KJ-MJ Wetlands on Sunday 18th Nov 2007and Marbled Teal on 3rd March 2013. But our excitement remained the same .When Wingco called me in the evening to visit the place on 27th morning I was in a fix as I had to go to Bharatpur next day early morning to see Ruby throat & Marbled Teal. Thanks Wingco for re-scheduling the trip to 1st March. We also squeezed our Bharatpur trip and returned on 28th night. Exhausted after 2 days rigorous birding in Bharatpur trip I got up early next morning and went to Dighal. We weren't sure whether the weather will open up or not. but wingco's booster dose worked for us and the sun came up.
We waited for two and half hrs for G.Bittens one of which intermittently showed up by raising its head and gave good glimpses but not good shots . We remained inside our cars listening the melody of white browed fantail on a near by tree and finished our first round of breakfast inside the cars ( Sandwitches, Biscuits, Namakparas , Chocolate Cake and tea) waiting patiently for Mr. Bitten to come out. It again came out at 11.30 a.m. but partially and gave us some record shots .For better shots I guess we may have to plan an additional trip.
Dusky Eagle owl was another highlight apart from Samajvadi party and RSS conferences ( I am referring to Red napped and Black headed Ibises as Vineeta calls them) .We took our second food break here ( Puri,Mathi Paranthas,Pickle,Cake, and Snacks with tea)
Painted storks,regular migrantories and resident water fowls . Plenty of waders and couple of E.vultures, Osprey,C.Snipes,Sarus .
While returning we stayed for sometime at Basai for M.Warbler and Rudy B. Crake. Many common and rosy starlings, Marsh Harriers, Bar Headed Geese Sarus family waders are there at Basai. Idon’t know how long this precious wetland would survive . But over all it was a lovely day after a longtime with old friends.We returned home at 6.30 pm after covering 240 kms journey for 12hrs birding.
Happy Birding
SP
Room # 219 C.C.I.F.
School of Life Sciences
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi 110067
INDIA
Phone (Work) 26704184
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