A guide at Nandur Madhmeshwar bird sanctuary in Nashik and a birdlover, Amol Darade is quite happy this year as the rare African White Stork has returned after 3-4 years.
A guide at Nandur Madhmeshwar bird sanctuary in Nashik and a birdlover, Amol Darade is quite happy this year as the rare African White Stork has returned after 3-4 years.
“This year we have sighted 2-3 White Storks again, and we are beyond happy to see them,” Darade said. It is also a rare pleasure to watch the Cormorant or the Painted Stork spread their wings and sunbathe in the chill of the winter of Nashik. The bird sanctuary of Nandur Madhmeshwar, some 40 kms from Nashik in Niphad tehsil is buzzing with migratory birds, both local and foreign visitors from far off places in the northern hemisphere.
The Nandur Madhmeshwar bird sanctuary attracts migratory birds to its wetlands every year in winter. Birds are known to travel from as far as Africa and Russia.
“Bird migration takes place because there is a lot of snowfall in the upper parts of the northern hemisphere. And the birds move from their habitat in search for food. Nandur Madhmeshwar has always attracted birds to its wetlands and has provided them a resort for the winter,” stated Madhukar Jagtap, a bird-lover who has been studying the birds at Nandur Madhmeshwar for many years.
This season migratory bird arrival was seen from third week of October and now by December and January the Nandur Madhmeshwar wetland is full with chirping.
“The arrival of local tree birds marks the start of the migratory season. They were followed by the wetland ducks, Northern Shoveller, Wigeon and Gadwall,” Darade said.
Apart from these, the Whistling Teal, Common crane, Painted stork, Open Bill Stork, Glossy Ibis, White Ibis, Black Ibis, Gargeny, Common ducks, comb ducks, who have come from regions of Africa and Russia have chosen Nandur Madhmeshwar as their abode for the winter. Local birds like Brahmi ducks and coots have also arrived in large numbers. “More than 30,000 ducks have arrived so far. They help in maintaining the ecological balance by eating the insects,” he said.
Deep inside the wetlands, one can also spot the Red custard Pochard and the common pochard from Russia. “These are endangered species. But this year there are about a thousand of them in group,” Darade said.
While the guide is happy seeing and showing the birds to the bird watchers, he is unhappy with those who come and disturb the birds.
“Many people come without any understanding of the situation and think of it as picnic. This is not a jungle trek. One has to respect the sanctuary as this place belongs to the birds first,” Darade stated.
Dos and Don’ts
Dos
Watch silently
Come to the sanctuary after 8 am for better sighting
Wear clothing that matches the colour of the nature
Wear shoes, caps & carry binoculars.
Don’ts
Do not leave plastic bags or bottles in the sanctuary
Do not make noise
Do not throw anything, including food, at the birds
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