GUWAHATI: As winter unfolds its chilly embrace, the lush landscapes of Greater Kaziranga in Assam transform into a bustling hub for avian activity, welcoming migratory birds from distant lands. This year, the winged visitors have graced the park earlier than usual, with sightings reported as early as October 23, 2023.
Greater Kaziranga, renowned for its diverse ecosystem and UNESCO World Heritage Site status, provides a sanctuary for these travellers journeying thousands of miles from regions such as Russia, the Netherlands, and various parts of Europe. The park hosts an impressive array of species adorning the skies and water bodies.
Rare storks and cranes, including the lesser adjutant, greater adjutant, and the elegant black-necked stork, find refuge in the park. The Asian openbill stork also makes the park's rich habitats its temporary home. The presence of raptors indicates the robust health of the ecosystem.
Bird enthusiasts and researchers have reported sightings of migratory birds like the lesser white-fronted goose, ferruginous duck, Baer's pochard duck, and the bar-headed goose. The great white and elusive Dalmatian pelican grace the park's wetlands, while green pigeons and oriental pied hornbills add vibrant hues to the verdant backdrop. The black-necked crane, with its striking appearance, is another majestic visitor.
Kaziranga's status as an important bird area is evident through its nesting colonies of spot-billed pelicans and adjutants, housing almost all species of tall, wet grassland birds native to the Brahmaputra floodplains. For those eager to witness this natural spectacle, the prime time for birdwatching extends from November to April.
During this period, migratory birds are in full force, and the vegetation is less dense, providing clearer views. Beels (oxbow lakes), the Brahmaputra River, and tall grasslands are prime birding spots, offering sightings of waterbirds, eagles, herons, storks, and waterfowl.