Sarus Crane

It is always a pleasure when you spot birds which you have only heard about or seen in pictures in close proximity, especially birds like the Sarus Crane.
 

Physical features 

Sarus Cranes are tall, reaching upto 1.6M in height, the females identical to males but slightly smaller. They are slender and stately in appearance with overall greyish-white plumage, thin red legs and red upper neck and head, sporting a white crown. Its tail is whiter than the rest of body.
Viewed from a distance, the white spot behind the eyes often is mistaken for its eyes.

Habitat and food 

Sarus cranes move around in pairs, very often with juveniles, and are seen in open cultivated fields and grasslands adjoining water bodies. They feed on insects, berries, seeds grains, small reptiles and frogs abound in the wet grasslands. They are familiar with human presence in cultivated fields and can be closely approached without being alarmed.

Distribution 

These are non-migratory resident birds, widely distributed in northern and central India. They usually nest in isolated wet and marshy areas to avoid predators.

Photograph location: Near Sanand, Gujarat (en route to Nal Sarovar)

 

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Thol Bird Sanctuary

For naturalists and birders, a visit to Ahmedabad would be considered incomplete without  visiting the famed Nal Saraovar. However, not many are aware of another bird sanctuary, easily accessible from Ahmedabad.  It is about 30 km from Sarkhej and can also be reached via Sanand.

In comparison to Nal Sarovar, the fresh water lake is quite small, only about 7 sq km, but size does not matter in this case. As it is located off the state highway and the road leading to the sanctuary is narrow and poorly maintained, it is not very crowded, except for groups of kids bunking college. On weekends, with the large number of two wheelers on road, it would be easy to mistake it for a college road.

There is adequate parking space available at the base of an embankment beyond which is located the small lake. A flight of steps will lead one up to the viewing spot and also to mud paths on either side, along the periphery of the lake. There is no boating facility, may be because the lake waters are unsafe. This makes it a good place for bird watching, as it is yet unknown and uninteresting to the regular tourists. 

The lake, with reeds, long grass, and dense growth of aquatic plants providing food in the form of fish, frogs, tadpoles and insects, is home to several species of aquatic birds. The wet and marshy surroundings prevent anyone from venturing too close to the birds and this affords the birds the much needed seclusion and protection from poachers.

Grey Heron

Common Moorhen

Glossy Ibis

 

Red-naped Ibis

Spot Bill Duck

Purple Heron

Pelicans

The monsoon has been weak until now. Pray for good rains in the next phase.

Save water; it has to last for another 11 months.

 

Nal Sarovar

Continued from previous post on LRK

The initial excitement of spotting the wild-ass had worn off and by mid-morning, the heat became almost unbearable. The sun shone blindingly bright and made photography difficult. Head and eye protection against the sun is recommended, as a trip to the mudflats also involves walking over long distances.

Nal Sarvovar

 
It is possible to visit Nal Sarvovar on the same day after LRK, if you have a vehicle at your disposal. February is the best time of the year to visit this large lake with clear fresh water. 

The lake is spread over 120 square kilometers and has a maximum depth of 1.5 meters. It is densely covered with reeds and under water vegetation, making it an ideal nesting location for an extremely large number of migratory birds.
 

Boats are available on hire throughout the day and charged on hourly basis.

Grey Wagtail

Yellow Wagtail

Greater Egret

Glossy Ibis

Setting Sun (view from the island in Nal Sarovar)

Pond Heron

Purple Moorhen

Sarus Crane


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Wheatear

(Visit to LRK - continued from previous post) As we proceeded further into the mudflats, the landscape became drier with lesser vegetation and fewer watering holes. In one of the waterholes, we spotted a lone Pelican. 

Pelican with Pied Avocet

 

And as the sun rose up, it became increasingly hot and uncomfortable.

Even in these dry surroundings, we sighted numerous birds: the Indian Bushlark, Desert Wheateater, Hume’s Wheateater, Eyebrowed Thrush, Green Bee-eater and several small birds which I was unable to identify.

Indian Bushlark

Desert Wheatear

 

Hume's Wheatear

 

Eyebrowed Thrush

 

Small Green Bee-eater

This year, the monsoon is predicted to be below normal in most parts of India. Fore-warned is fore-armed: I hope the government initiates measures to handle the shortage. Now is the time to prepare for cloud-seeding, so that we have the necessary ingredients and the aircraft ready to take to the skies when conditions are ideal.

Meanwhile, let us do our bit: save water, save ourselves.