Bird Watching in Bharatpur

The name Keoladeo is derived from Lord Shiva Temple in the sanctuary. But it is very popularly known as Bharatpur after the township. This little place in the Indian State of Rajasthan is about seventy kilometers drive from Agra the home of the Taj Mahal. The drive intersects through quaint hamlets and green fields rich yellow with mustard in the winters. The small townships on the way display typical Rajasthani households aesthetically painted with simple designs. 

The colorful Rajasthani buzz is well visible on the highway that leads to Bharatpur. On the edge of the town resides the sanctuary enclosing twenty square kilometers and comprises an amazing network of large but shallow wetlands, deciduous forest, and scrub and marshland. This unique mix of habitats chiefly the water bodies support hundred of thousands of avian species both residents and migrants.          

The sanctuary and green fields are subject to regular ornithological surveys by enthusiastic ornithologists from overseas. Tourism is well organized by the government and a sound infrastructure exists. What was initially meant for water supply to the town was taken over by these winged wonders and the destination soon gained World Fame. 

Etched on a large stone slab are details of the shoot by imminent personalities mostly from Europe and the Indian trigger happy Maharajahs. Thousands of wintering ducks were shot in an unprecedented orgy of violence. The slab is a staid reminder of the gory past, thankfully it stands still and frozen in time with no addition. 

The killing of wildlife in any form in India is completely banned and the sport has faded out of memory and fashion. The avian species are well protected and subject to regulated tourism which does not harm but on the contrary, fetches much-needed foreign exchange in form of revenue.         

The bird-watching expeditions begin early in the morning from the gate of the sanctuary. After paying the entrance fee and selecting a bird guide you can enter the park. For many extensive walks are a bit difficult hence they choose the option of hiring bicycles or rickshaws. The latter is a tricycle manned by humans who are surprisingly good at the identification of avian species as well.   

Professional birders prefer long walks around the wetlands and treelines. The roads form a network and are numbered, they usually enclose the wetlands and sparse forests and scrubs that are typical of the destination. The opening and closing times are well respected and the exit takes place before it gets dark. 

The breakfast or lunch is organized at the center point which has a canteen and rows of benches for rest. No other commercial activity takes place in the confines, and visitors should arrange their food in advance. Usually, the hotels deliver the food at a designated time. Although Bharatpur is home to birds that come to escape the intense cold in the Himalayas and the Pale-arctic region the destination itself is quite cold. So be prepared with good enough warm clothing during the tour.   

A day's work takes almost eight hours on foot. In a day one can discover anywhere from fifty to eighty bird species. Depending upon the guide and the enthusiasm happy experience is guaranteed.     

The destination dazzles and enchants, thanks to the unique habitat and a panoramic spread. The ensemble of migrants is amazing and shorebirds, waders, and divers saturate the wetlands. Overhead hang a number of predatory birds eagles, harriers, and vultures some of which are resident while a good number arrive from the Himalayas and the pale arctic region.  The assemblage of birds can be startling for first-time visitors. The encompassing noise is sweet for a birder nevertheless. 

For professionals, the Bharatpur bird watching tour is organized for two to three days. This is enough to checklist more than a hundred birds including migrant warblers and arboreal species. The degree of difficulty is not at all high but the cold can be discomforting.   

Best Season 

The migrants arrive in winter and this assemblage swells from October onward and lasts till March. After the cold season is over only resident breeding species make the destination their summer home. 

Equipment

Walking shoes that are comfortable for extensive excursions. Winter clothing, books on birds, binocular, and spotting scopes are a must. Essentials should be purchased in advance before arriving at the resort.   

Albeit to a large extent, bird watching is an elite recreation but paradoxically the guides belong to local communities with members once living in abject poverty. This phenomenon is that of give and take that created decent livelihoods for the people and changed their life for the better. Visitors enlightened them on this recreation and the birds that thronged the wetlands. They learned fast and today a large gathering of extremely agile and able guides conduct field trips for the enthusiasts.

Very few are literate with a high level of qualifications, they come from every walk of life but mostly from agrarian backgrounds. They have garnered a repute as experts in the identification of winter migrants and resident species that visit the park.      

Most enthusiasts rely on guides for identification and photography and they never let one down. They are experts in their field and dedicated to the practice. The more learned ones now conduct birding tours in North India as well as in Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. They are expanding their horizons quite successfully. Nowhere I believe thrives a renowned community of birding guides like at Bharatpur in India.