Birdwatching In Bollywood’s Backyard? These 5 Nagpur Spots Are Pure Magic!
Orange City Nagpur is predominantly famous for its orange farming region and is also one of the major cities in the state of Maharashtra. The city is famous for the Indian culture that is present along with its rich history and due to being in the center of India. In addition to all this, surprisingly, Nagpur is also a hotspot for birdwatchers. This city is in the center of India so most birdwatchers wouldn’t think of it as a primary location but, the city is home to a variety of surprise avifauna. Beautiful lakes and green reserves make birdwatching in Nagpur an outlandish experience for nature lovers.
This article will discuss the most prominent and interesting bird watching places in and near Nagpur City to enlighten readers about the avifauna biodiversity of the city and its ecosystems along with places worth visiting for bird lovers.
1. Ambazari Lake
Nagpur’s residents frequently visit Ambazari Lake, one of the largest artificial lakes in Nagpur, for leisure and relaxation, while this site serves as an important habitat for countless avian species. Its tranquil waters, ideal for a variety of birds, cover portions of the lake, which is surrounded by verdant vegetation, creating an ideal environment for snorkeling and semi-aquatic birds.
A few winter months, including the common teals and European coots, have specific migratory Northern Pintail birds. Additionally, those present year-long include purple swamphens, Indian moorhens, and the little grebes. Besides, erecting peripheries makes this area a perfect nesting conical for kingfishers, egrets, and herons while also creating hotspots for professional and amateur photographers and ornithologists
Ambazari lake is quite easily accessible and can be very critical when taking into consideration its position in the heart of the city. Being within the city limit, the area remains relatively undisturbed, which makes it a perfect place where urban civilization does not interfere, and nature can be enjoyed.
2. Gorewada International Safari Park
Famous for its wildlife safaris for big cats like tigers and leopards, Gorewada International Safari Park is a treasure for birdwatchers as well. The park features dense forests, open grasslands, and different water bodies which makes it a great place for a variety of wildlife, especially birds.
Among the notable residents here are raptors such as Crested Serpent Eagles and Chakras, which fly above the trees looking for food. Indian Peafowls and Jungle Bush Quails are typical ground birds noted for their graceful tails now flourish in the shrubbery. During the migration period, species like Blue-tailed Bee-eater and Rosy Starling also come to Gorewada, bringing even more vibrance to the already diverse avian population.
Birdwatchers who seek a more hands-on experience can take guided tours through the park to see and learn about less well known parts brimming with life.
3. Futala Lake
Another famous water body in Nagpur, Futala lake is renowned for its beauty, as well as a safehouse for urban wildlife. The lake surrounded by gardens is quite natural to migratory birds along with a few resident birds throughout the year.
During winter, many Bar-headed Geese, Gadwalls, and Red Crested Pochards visit the lakeshore of Futala while summer welcomes Painted Storks and Black Winged Stilts. Among its permanent residents are a variety of ducks, darters, and cormorants, which enhance the vibrant ecosystem of the lake.
Futala Lake’s most intriguing characteristic is the ability to sustain biodiversity despite human settlements encroaching on it. In addition to caring for the birds, conservation campaigning along with a waste management system has helped keep the ecosystem intact, enabling birds to continue finding shelter over here.
4. Maharaj Baug Zoo
Zoos may have an association with only captive animals, but in contrast at Maharaj Baug Zoo located at Nagpur, India, birds are able to roam freely around the perimeter of the zoo’s boundaries. Many of these birds which are not caged frequently visit the zoo which is located in the center of the city. The beautifully constructed garden of the zoo contains woods, open spaces, and ponds.
Foliage is often brightened by the Indian Robin, Ashy Prinia, and the White Throated Kingfisher which can be spotted basking in the sun or diving headfirst into the water. Sometimes the focus of ornithologists, Ospreys and the Greater Flamingo along with other migratory birds can be seen.
Because Maharaj Baug serves as both a conservation center and a habitat for wildlife, it stands out as an all-year-round bird watching area. It is impossible to miss something new all the time. From a peacock displaying its full allure while walking on the grass to pelicans soaring over the pond.
5. Pench Tiger Reserve
Pench in Nagpur is often left out of the bird watching countries due to its location. However, it certainly deserves credit for being amongst Nagpur’s foremost bird watching places. The protected forest is home to more than 285 bird species, from which, many are seldom found in other regions. This is the forest which inspired the famous Jungle Book written by Rudyard Kipling.
Birds such as the Changeable Hawk-Eagle are impressive predators whereas Verditer Flycatchers are petite songsters that occupy the face of Pench’s deciduous forests, rocky outcrops, and riverine sections. Among the migratory birds, interest is added in spring by the Booted Eagle and the Pied Cuckoo, while the rest add interest in autumn. For those who are ready to venture out and explore after sundown, the Brown Fish Owl and Indian Nightjar offer bone chilling experiences for those willing to venture out at dark.
Birdwatching safaris in Pench are done along with tracking tigers, which enables participants to appreciate how captivating the life forms are in this UNESCO biosphere reserve. For committed bird watchers, Pench represents the apex of ornithology in central India.
Conclusion
Nagpur does not have the best reputation for having great nature or wildlife , but its changing landscapes have many amazing features for all to see. From the ferris wheel and restaurants in the middle of the city to the parks on the edges, all places mentioned in this article have diverse birds waiting to be spotted.
If you are an experienced bird watcher or someone who simply appreciates nature, Nagpur has plenty of sites that will give you beautiful memories to cherish forever. By watching all the places as a birdwatcher, you learn about lots of species of birds and their peculiar ways while helping to save their habitats. So, grab your binoculars and pack your camera to head out and explore the beauty of Nagpur one winged creature at a time.
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