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GBWC, The 2nd Global Bird Watcher's Conference 2012
Author : Gujarat Tourism
Submitted : 2011-12-23 00:44:52 Word Count : 541 Popularity: 0
Tags: GBWC , 2nd global bird watcher's conference 2012, gbwc confe
Gujarat is fast emerging as an eco-tourism destination; boasting of a wide range of pristine and even hitherto unexplored destinations for avid nature lovers. It is known as land of warmth and hospitality. It is so pleasing that even the angels of nature - birds - feel this spirit and flock down from distant lands. We host over 520 species of birds today, and have been attracting these wonderful creatures for decades.
The 2nd Global Bird Watchers' Conference being held from January 19-22, 2012, is an endeavour to not only showcase this strength of Gujarat; but importantly to also deliberate on how to preserve this wonderful gift of nature from the many threats posed by the modern world.
Gujarat sees environmental preservation and the maintenance of ecological balance, as non-negotiable elements of a sustainable growth agenda. Ensuring the sustenance of appropriate eco-systems for these lovely feathered friends of ours from around the world forms an important component of our overall strategy.
Let us jointly enjoy the delicate symphony of chirping of these beautiful creatures, and simultaneously get together to keep this deep music alive for the generations to come.
The major birding site in Gujarat is Nalsarovar.
The sanctuary, consisting primarily of a huge lake and ambient marshes, is situated about 64 km to the West of Ahmedabad near Sanand Village, in the Gujarat state of India. Mainly inhabited by migratory birds in winter and spring, it is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, and one of the largest in India.
The lake measures 123 km2, attracts over 210 species of birds in the winter, and harbors a variety of flora and fauna. Thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to this sanctuary just after the Indian monsoon season. The shallow area and ponds on the outer fringes of the lake attract the wading birds that feed in the shallow waters. Besides a few mammalian species including the endangered wild ass and the blackbuck, its migratory bird population includes Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks and Herons.
Millions of magnificently colored birds visit the sanctuary in winter and spring. It provides a habitat to over 250 species of wetland birds. Winter migrants from the north including Rosy Pelicans, Flamingos, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks and Herons visit Nal Sarovar. Between November and February, this lake, is home to vast flocks of indigenous and migratory birds. Ducks, geese, pelicans and flamingos are best seen early in the morning and in the evening and the sanctuary is best visited as a day excursion by taxi, as buses are infrequent and there is no convenient accommodation.
The best time to reach there is just before Sunrise as the lake is calm and quiet and flock of birds waiting for their regular food. The water in the lake is only about 4 feet deep and the boatmen are quite friendly guides. The vast lake comprises several places of interest. Migrating 'Bharwad' shepherds populate the islands of the lake, and 'Padhars', maintain settlements on the main banks, are excellent folk dancers, artisans and boatmen. One can hire country boats on the lake for bird viewing, and picnic at shacks the on the islands.
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