5 Places in India To Spot Migratory Birds During Winter

India is favourably positioned when it comes to the path of migratory birds. Many rare species fly down from Siberia and the snows beyond, cross the mighty Himalayas or the great oceans, and come to India during the winters. And if you are a nature lover or a birder, then this is the best time to bring out your camera, and go birding.

Birding in India is a pleasure through the year, but during the winters, some specific destinations turn into a paradise, with flocks of birds arriving here. Here are five destinations that you must not skip this winter if you are a passionate birder.

# The Wildscapes Of Nameri And Manas , Assam

These wildlife spaces are home to more than 400 species of birds, but during winter, you might spot the rare Wreathed Hornbills flying above. It is also where Fork Tails and Riverchats arrive in colder months. Manas was earlier closed to visitors due to security reasons. But now, it has been opened to wildlife enthusiast again. You need to get a permit from the forest authorities, but it is worth visiting these Himalayan plains from November to February.

# The Amur Falcon, Wokha Village

This North Eastern state is a charming mystery unto itself. But it has an enchanting air as the rare Amur Falcon fly 22,000 km every year to cover the longest migratory trail from Serbia to the Wokha village in Dayong reservoir of Nagaland. These birds breed in Serbia and Northern China, then stop here in Nagaland, before heading to South Africa for the winter.

# The Magic Of The Sundarbans

Sundarbans should be on your bucket-list regardless of any other factor, but it is an added charm to visit this place in winter when you might spot the rare Masked Finfoot, Lesser Whistling Ducks and Swinhoe’s Snipe. You must visit the Santragachi Jheel to spot many other migratory birds.

# Flamingos At Chilika And Sewri

These are some of the most elegant birds, even as they dip their beaks into the tail feathers and wipe the colour pink on the body to attract the females. As they wade in shallow waters, forming beautiful patterns with their long necks, it is a breath-taking spectacle. You can spot these birds At Sewri in Maharashtra, or across the sub-continent on Chilika Lake in Odisha.

# Demoiselles, Rajasthan

Though you can try your luck to spot the elusive Siberian Crane in Koeladeo National Park, another destination in Rajasthan is the Khichan village. Thousands of Demoiselle crane come to India, and land here. It is estimated that some years, 15,000 cranes landed in this village, and they even are amiable, feeding off the hands of local villagers.