Dec 15th, 2005
WADHWANA LAKE SET TO WELCOME WINGED VISITORS


Set amidst lush green fields, a huge lake at one end, and with Pavagdh as a backdrop, the little hamlet of Wadhwana is ready to welcome a large number of winged visitors leaving the cold climes of their breeding grounds in Northern Europe and Asia.

Situated, barely 40 kms from Vadodara city, and 8 kms from Dabhoi, Wadhwana boasts of an impressive habitat that provides wintering grounds to large number of waterfowl as well as land birds. For the enthusiastic birdwatcher, it is a delight to visit any time of the year!

I am part of a waterfowl census held on 20th November 2005 at Wadhwana. The sight of nearly 25000 birds enthralled me. This year has brought a bountiful monsoon and hence the water level is high. Large number of ducks- Coots, Ruddy Shelduck from ladakh , Little Grebes, Ferruguginous Pochards, Common Pochards, Greylag Geese from Northern Europe could be seen at the far end. The shore birds were equally conspicuous. All three varieties of Ibis- black, glossy & white, three varieties of Kingfishers- Common, Pied and White throated, common sandpiper, Openbill Storks, Little cormorants, Darters, as well as Pond Herons, Small and medium Egrets, Black Winged Stilts, and the noisy Red Wattled Lapwings were seen. Large numbers of Wire Tailed Swallows were flying above the lake. Hoopoes, Paddy field Pipits, Rufous tailed larks and the migrants- common Stonechat as well as white and yellow Wagtails were all present. With such bountiful life, could the Raptors (Birds of Prey) be far behind? I saw a number of black Kites,  and a Marsh Harrier circling for their share of the pickings.

A smaller pond in the village had the Bronzwinged and Phesant-tailed jacans, Purple Moorhen, Common Moorhen, Pond herons and a large number of Little cormorants roosting on a nearby tree. The usual birds, Indian Roller, Indian Robin, Rose-ringed parakeets, Spotted Owlet were seen.

Many of us have been regularly visiting the village for bird watching for many years and have witnessed a large number of species. These include, Curlews, various Sandpipers, Redshanks, Greenshanks, Black tailed Godwitt etc., It is expected that the lake would play host to nearly 65000 birds of various species this winter.

The Office of the Conservator of Forests - wildlife has prepared ambitious plans to make this an eco-tourism spot considering the importance of this area for migratory as well as resident birds. They have already got a Prajeev Ecological Development Samiti consisting of local people for administering their plans. Shri Ashokbhai B Patel of the Samiti showed great enthusiasm and warm hospitality during our visit and is an active leader in the development of his village as an eco-tourism spot.

So, Birdwatchers, look forward to a great season and do remember to record your observations!!!

(From Baroda, Wadhwana can be reached by train form Pratapnagar Station and by road via Dabhoi. Buses are available from Dabhoi. Do check the Train and bus timings before making a plan)