Rajasthan— Thousands of migratory birds travel from the faraway lands of Siberia in search of food and protection from the bitter cold to Rajasthan. Also, birds from the higher Himalayas, Pakistan, and parts of Central Asia also flock in every year to enjoy the mild winters in the desert state.

Udaipur division has a large number of water bodies and wetlands and these are home to some 500 avian species including 150 varieties of migratory birds coming here in winters. Commonly seen here at this time are the Bar-headed geese, Pelicans, Greylag geese Ferruginuous pochards, Common pochards, Tufted ducks, Ruddy Shelduck, Great Cormorants, Gadwall, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Common coots, Greylag goose, Grey heron, Purple heron, large egrets, common Pochard, Tufte, etc.

However, compared to last year, this time the number of winged guests is low, ornithologists opine. The reason behind the decline in numbers is attributed to the heavy rains which have kept the water bodies full. Migratory birds prefer shallow water, making it easier for them to catch prey. This time the water bodies are full and hence the bird count is comparatively low this time.

Bird enthusiast Kamlesh Sharma says, "Migratory and resident birds are a delight to watch especially in the lakes of Pichhola, Fatehsagar, and Badi in the city area, while wetlands in the outskirts like Madar, Menar, Badwai, Kishan Kareri, Bhatewar, Mangalwar, Ghasa water bodies too have quite a good number of birds these days. "

Jawai Dam expecting more flamingoes

The mesmerizing and scintillating beauty of Jawai Dam in Pali district attracts thousands of migratory birds during winters, which includes the highest flying bird the Bar-headed goose, the fastest flying bird the Peregrine falcon, and Shaheen Falcon, Common Cranes, Ruddy Shelduck and Grey lag goose, pochards and waders. According to wildlife conservationist Anil Rodgers, this time Jawai Dam is almost full, so the numbers of birds that prefer shallow water are quite less, but the number of migratory birds is increasing day by day at the backwaters of dam.

Right now there are Eurasian Marsh Herrier, Ospery, Common Starling, Eurasian Hobby, Perigren Falcon, Marsh Sandpiper, Green Shank, Red Shank, Common Sandpiper, Great Cormorant, Little Ringed Plover, including resident birds like spot bill duck, lesser whistling teal, knob bille while Flamingos and Pelicans are expected to arrive soon, he added. The backwaters of Jawai Dam near Sena Village and Choti Dudhni towards the Dam's front side are the best place to see migratory birds. Apart from the birds wild life lovers can also spot huge crocodiles basking in the sun and if one is more lucky, he may see leopards too.

Dungarpur emerging as breeding site for painted storks

In Dungarpur, Sagwara is emerging as a potential breeding colony for painted storks – broad-winged birds falling in the nearly threatened species of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) list. Sizeable colonies of these birds near wetlands and water bodies in and around the district, especially in Sagwara and Galiyakot, Ringwal area have given them their new identity as these birds were recognized as Dungarpur icons in 2017. More than 200 nests of these birds have been seen in Gameshwar talaab while sizeable colonies are reported in areas like Bicchiwada, Dhambola, Karoli, Bhiluda, Bodigama, etc.