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Watch out for winged visitors

A visit to the nearby picnic spots in the city can unveil a whole new world of avian wonders, writes NIVEDITA GANGULY

PHOTOS: K.R.DEEPAK

BIRD WATCHING (clockwise) A pair of dabchicks, a jay bird, a red wattled lapwing and a pair of Indian cormorant birds

Have you watched the birds peck at the fruits in your backyard and wished you could watch them at close quarters? A visit to the nearby picnic spots can unveil a whole new world of avian wonders. Bird watching is fast catching up as an interesting hobby among the urban crowd. And the small patches of green areas surrounding the city are proving to be an ornithologist's delight.

The ideal time for bird watching is from November to February. This is the time when millions of winged creatures run over, rather fly over to this side of the world from the northern latitudes, flying away from the freezing cold, traversing through the Himalayan passes to the warmth and comfort of the subcontinent.

There is a good reason to be an early bird especially when it involves sighting some of the beautiful winged wonders. Many places within the city foster a diversity of bird-life. Take an early morning trip to Kambalakonda Wild Life Sanctuary or Kondarkarla Ava and you can see large flocks of winged wonders leaving their roosting site. There are more than 90 species of birds spotted at Kambalakonda Wild Life Sanctuary.

An alert mind and focused sight is one of the pre-requisites needed for bird watching. Don't make too much noise as you near the green expanse because these places are home to hundreds of birds. One has to be very patient and quiet at such places so that the birds don't get disturbed.

Grey pelicans were spotted at Kondakarla Ava this season says zoo curator, B. Vijaykumar. Normally, these birds that come from Siberia make transient halts at certain places where they find sufficient food, water and nesting ground in a tranquil surrounding. But sadly, growing urbanization in the name of development has meted out a raw deal to the avian friends. The number of migratory birds visiting this part of the State has reduced considerably over the years. "The migratory birds stay here for 75-80 days and then leave for their home country," he explains. While the most popular spot for birds is the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in the north, around 2,000 migratory birds come down every year to Telineelapuram in the Srikakulam district, he adds.

The still pool of water near the Visakhapatnam Port Trust area is a host to many such winged creatures. The leafy trees are overrun with avian colonies and the placid waters teem with birds. Here, the great egret, two species of cormorant, Indian pond heron, snakebird, crow pheasant and dabchicks are found in good numbers. You can watch the darter or snake bird take early-morning diving lessons. Or see the magnificent transformation of the Indian pond heron when it launches into flight.

The bio-diversity park situated at the R.C.D. Government Hospital nurtured by the Dolphin Nature Conservation Society is visited by more than 30 varieties of birds. "We are in the process of identifying the names and species of the birds for documentation so that it helps nature lovers and ornithologists in their study and research," says M. Rama Murty, founder member of the park. Endangered species of birds like the coppersmith barbet and golden oriole were also spotted at the park this season.

While sauntering among the fresh tracks of these places, if you are lucky enough, migratory bird species like the painted stork, moorhen, spotted bill duck, coot, teal and the grey pelican can be spotted among the greens. The resident bird population, which comprises sparrows, parrots, pigeons, hornbills, kingfishers and kites, keeps the birders busy. There are two kinds birds that the bird-watchers look out for - arboreal and shore birds. Arboreal birds are those that live off the vegetation and shore birds depend on water bodies for their food. Compared to shore birds, arboreal birds are more colourful and also good singers. But they are difficult to be spotted as the foliage hides them.

Why are people so enraptured by bird watching? While some fall for the sheer aesthetic appeal of activity, some love it for the intellectual challenge of trying to find and recognise the birds. "The moment one experiences the thrill of having caught a glimpse of a hornbill while on a trek, for instance, it can turn into an obsession or at least a serious hobby," remarks an ornithologist. Perhaps this can be best described in the words of Salim Ali who said, "You cannot teach bird watching in the classroom, like maths or algebra. Bird watching is like measles, you have got to catch the disease". Those who are interested in bird watching may contact the zoo curator at 9440810160 or 2552081.

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