Bharatapur Bird Sanctuary

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Keoladeo or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the world’s best-studied wetland ecosystems. It is one of the major wintering ground for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia. Some 375 pecies of birds, including the rare Siberian crane, have been recorded in the park. If ever you need to be well equipped with binoculars, telescope and photography equipment, it is here.

History

Bharatpur’s rulers developed arid scrubland in the mid 18th century by diverting the waters of a nearby irrigation canal to create a private duck reserve. Extravagant shooting parties for British Viceroys and other royals guests was held here. Maharaja Brajendra Singh converted this estate into a bird sanctuary in 1956 and devoted many of his retired years to establish it. He had inherited both his title and an interest in wildlife from his father, Kishan Singh, who grossly overspent his budget – 30 Rolls Royces, a private jazz band and some extremely costly wild animals. It is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers an area of just 12 square miles, and it is an interlocking ecosystem of woodlands, swamps, wet prairies and dry savannah.

Birdwatching in Bharatpur

Accompanied by a local naturalist, one can go on birdwatching experience on cycles rickshaw or rowboats. It will be a rewarding experience as no other bird sanctuary in the world offers so many different species within so small a compass. One reason why this miraculous bird haven can support such a large number of birds is that each species eats different foods, and this reduces competition between them. For instance, Spoonbills prefer molluscs and weeds; herons gulp down fish in shallow water, Geese graze like cows in a meadow while Pelicans, Cormorants and Darters fish in deeper waters. Quite separately, raptors such as Kites, Harriers, Eagles and Falcons are able to hunt rodents, snakes, lizards and, when they can get to them, young birds in nests.

Photography in Bharatpur

Birds are accustomed to humans in Bharatpur & you can get near them safely with disturbing. You can achieve amazing results with a moderate focal length of 400 mm. Better yet, there are so many designated places in the park that allow you to get excellent viewpoints. Some places are wonderful to spend time witnessing Indian Darter flight, sunrise point, sunset point, Sarus Cranes dance, etc. Photographing Sarus Cranes is a trend among photographers. They are the tallest flying birds in the world. At an average height of five feet, these birds have a red nape and are famous for their mating habits. There are a couple of places where you can spot them.

Getting There:
The park is 200 kilometers south of Delhi and a 4-hr drive down the Expressway. Its about 1 hour from Agra.

Recommended Circuit:
Tigers, Elephants, Birds and Culture: Delhi - Corbett - Agra - Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - Ranthambhore - Jaipur.

Birds, Crocodiles & Tiger: Delhi - Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - Chambal Sanctuary - Agra - Satpura - Pench - Tadoba.

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