The only reason we decided to go to Bhindawas was that Sultanpur, the better-known bird sanctuary around these parts, was closed owing to the recent bird flu outbreak. When Google estimated an ETA of two hours for the 45-km distance, we knew this place was not well connected. Even that fact didn't prepare us for how cut-off Bhindawas is. In the four hours that we stayed there we saw exactly two other humans. Which all goes to say that the birds - and they were here in their hundreds - seem to love it here. Bhindawas was a perfect reminder that the most effective method of conservation is to identify untouched habitats and leave them the heck alone.
While there, our birding activity was limited to finding a fallen tree trunk and sitting there without moving much. Once the birds realised we were no longer a threat, they went about their business. As one species after another kept flying into our view, Bhindawas was rising up almost to the top of my favourite birding spots. Here's what I managed to capture.
Saturday, 13th March, 2021
Bhindawas - 2021
The Lifers
Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)
Known by a variety of alternative names - ferruginous pochard, common white-eye or white-eyed pochard - this brilliantly coloured bird is a winter visitor to the plains of North India. This individual spent much of the morning sleeping. I got only a few seconds in between its nap to take this poor quality shot.
Striated Babbler (Argya earlei)
Jungle Prinia (Prinia sylvatica)
Others...
Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)
Garganey (Spatula querquedula)
Common or Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Grey-headed Swamphen (Poryphyrio poryphyrio)
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
Common Coot (Fulica atra)
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Pied Bushchat (Saxicola caprata)
