Migrant birds make a beeline for Ranthambore

By Lokendra Singh

Ranthambore, Jan.29 : Popularly known as a tiger reserve, the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is also a sustainable habitat for migratory birds that arrive here even during the winters in large numbers, courtesy surrounding water bodies.

But this year, the slightly higher arrival of migratory birds has delighted visitors at the National Park in the State's Sawai Madhopur District, which is about 130 kilometers from Jaipur, the State capital.

The increase is being attributed to some birds shifting from the nearby Keoladeo Sanctuary in Bharatpur.

"There's a large variety of birds. Actually, I thought that the largest variety of birds was in Bharatpur. But this morning we noticed many birds here as well. We saw a lot of fowls, peacocks. Although I am not a bird specialist, we saw at least 10 to 15 different species," said Andrew, a Swizz tourist.

During winters, the water bodies in Ranthambore's lush jungles become a favourite destination for migratory birds. Adequate rains also proved to be an advantage. Bharatpur's Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary lacks this advantage.

"Actually, Ranthambhore presently records over 300 birds like storks, ducks and others. There are loads of migratory birds. It is pretty famous for bird watching. The season begins from October and will last the entire winter till March and April," said Sudarshan Sharma, Assistant Conservator of Forest at Ranthambore.

Ranthambhore is home to over 200 bird species including a large number of migratory birds. Some of the many varieties of birdlife found here include the great Indian horned owl, eagles, parakeets, spoonbills, kingfishers, partridge, quail, storks, owls, geese and ducks.

But the most visible bird is peacock. While migratory birds such as they grey-legged goose, pintails, shell duck are specifically visible during the winter season.

ANI