Migratory Birds Flocking Okhla Bird Sanctuary- Start Planning Weekend Birdwatching Near Delhi
The onset of winter season with December is bringing some good news for birdwatchers in Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Noida. Seems like the bird reserve is finally receiving its share of migratory birds that make this place quite popular amongst bird lovers. Situated at Okhla Barrage over River Yamuna, Okhla Bird Sanctuary is the right escape for nature lovers living in and around Delhi to enjoy birding in the winter season. Here’s how this otherwise quiet sanctuary has turned into a lively place in just a week:
Arrival of European and Siberian Birds
While the Twitteratis on their Twitter handles are constantly tweeting about how they feel about the onset of winter, the actual ones were busy finding themselves nests and wetlands in North India, so to ensure when their tweets are out, they are heard loud and clear. Okhla Sanctuary being one of the best bird habitation areas often chosen by the migratory birds that fly all the way from Siberia as well as from European countries has welcomed about 5000 birds in the very first week of December.
Migratory Birds Making to the Guest List of Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Northern Shoveler | Photo Credit: Dan Pancamo
Winter birds as they are often denoted as, the avifauna of Europe and Siberia soar all the way to India to take refuge in the warmer climate. The major birds that can be seen flying to Okhla Bird Sanctuary are Northern Shoveler, Greylag Goose, Common Coot, Porard Pochard, Wigeon, Wigeon Duck, Gadwall, Common Teal and Gulls. According to the survey in the park, the maximum number of that of Northern Shoveler is being seen in Okhla Bird Sanctuary that is a gregarious species of birds.
Role of Okhla Bird Sanctuary
In order to offer a hospitable ambience to both birds and the visitors, Okhla Bird Sanctuary is taking few measures. The nests are being refurbished for the guest birds and the sanctuary is also making sure that the birds get enough quietude and safety to inhabit and reproduce as well. For the bird lovers, guides are being provided so that more knowledge about these foreign birds and the native bird sanctuary can be disseminated.
What is noteworthy is that on the Bird Watcher Day observed last month in November, only 1035 birds could be sighted in Okhla Bird Sanctuary but the number increased to 5000 in just 7 days. It is being hoped that by the beginning of the month of January around 22000 birds will be inhabiting the bird sanctuary. So, if you are an ornithologists or aspire to be one or simply a bird and nature lover, visiting Okhla Bird Sanctuary is something you can put in your weekend bucketlist.
How to Reach?
If you are taking a metro, it would be better to get down either or Sector 18 or Botanical Garden Metro Stations (Blue Line) from where you can take an auto or cab to Okhla Bird Sanctuary, which is located some 5-6 kms away.
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