Bird photography gives you a different high. Not only do you get
to see the best of nature but it also tells you that life is all about moments.
Last week Tammu Bhaiya (my cousin) was in town and we
decided to go to Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Though May is not the right time, but we
had heard so much about this place that we just could’nt stop ourselves from
exploring it.
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is home to around 250 species of birds.
The best time to visit is from October-March when the migratory birds also come
in. It is 23kms from our house in Vasant Kunj (New Delhi).
We left from our place at 5am and were there in about 25
minutes. The authorities charge Rs. 100/- per car entry and Rs. 30/- per person’s
entry. As we entered we were greeted by 2 koels perched on the top of the tree and we knew this was just the beginning. For the first time i saw a grey partridge, also called Teetar in hindi
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| Grey Partridge chicks also called Teetar, bundled up on the bridge that takes you to the tower |
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| The Black Winged Stilt |
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| This buffalo almost came charging on us and we hid in the grass. Can never forget that moment, for the first time i was scared of a buffalo. |
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| The Babbler |
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| The duck and the Purple Swamphen |
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| For a long time this chamelion was eyeing the butterfly and then the butterfly flew off to another bush |
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| The Yellow Bittern Preparing for the kill |
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| Eurasian Collared Dove |
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| Playing Hide n seek |
It was a great place, thanks to Tammu Bhaiya, i got to see some 15-20 species of birds that i had never seen before. We will definitely come here again in November or February hopefully with a better camera.
The only thing that pained us though was the sight of the polluted Yamuna. If we cant look at that dirty water, wonder what havoc it's causing to the innocent birds and fishes who feed on it! Sometimes, it makes me wonder if we are a curse to this earth. Pollution is all that we are creating. Why can't industrialists/corporates dispose of their wastes responsibly. Why is it so difficult for us to recycle and use environment friendly materials like jute. What exactly do we want our grandchildren to see...only malls, movies, spas and entertainment parks?
I pledge to be a responsible citizen by recycling, planting trees, putting up birdhouses and minimizing the use of plastic. And i request all of you to try n do your bit for the environment. Lets bring back the human in us and think a little beyond ourselves.
