6 Most Surprising Birdwatching Spots In Shillong City
Shillong is a city located in the northeastern part of India, and the rich green hillscapes along with the foggy views of nature in Meghalaya make it so beautiful that the state is tinted with the title ‘Scotland of the East’. Apart from alluring visitors with its scenic quality, the city serves as a hotspot to numerous birdwatchers. Avian lovers can witness an intriguing variety of bird species amidst quaint lakes and dense wooded areas. Shillong may be an urban area, but its serene locations are ideal for observing migrating and native birds. This article will outline the unexplored yet spectacular bird watching locations across Shillong City.
1. Ward’s Lake
Due to moderate weather and a plethora of lifescapes Ward’s Lake (also known as Lady Hydari Park) located in Shillong city is surrounded by gardens and several walking passes. It may be well known due to these features, but the picturesque artificial lake appears to be a hotspot for waterbirds and other aquatic species. These benefits make Ward’s Lake an incredible site that fulfills the desires of bird watchers looking for a chance to view these stunning beings at close distances.
Birdwatchers wanting to capture the sights and sounds of nature will enjoy all the species of water birds found in Ward’s Lake. Stanly, purple swamphen, and little egret can be observed at the lake, whereas northern pintails and garganeys pop by during winters. The surrounding region is also home to an assortment of vibrant passerines inclusive of sunbirds, flycatchers, and bulbuls. One unique aspect of Ward’s Lake is that even those who do not actively seek it out can spot it due to its central location which makes it easy to admire nature without the need to travel far from the city.
2. Umiam Lake
Fishing, bird watching, and walking are only a handful of activities available by Umiam Lake located 15 kilometers north of Shillong that tourists will love. Damming the Umiam River creates this scenic reservoir allowing easy capture of diverse birds throughout the seasons. The calm atmosphere around the water makes it easier to capture both local and migratory birds, making it a gem for birdwatchers.
Andaman-specialist Pramod lists some unique species spotted around the lake including cormorants, herons and kingfishers. Osprey Kites can be seen soaring over the water, hunting for fish, while Pied Bush Chats, Jungle Babblers and Warblers can be seen along the undergrowth. For the patient observer, Umiam Lake does offer a glimpse of the shy Himalayan Woodpecker and the Chestnut-Headed Tesia in the early morning.
The region offers a dual appeal – as a popular tourist location with Umiam Lake, as well as a wildlife sanctuary at the edge of Shillong. This makes it an ideal day trip for people who want to indulge in leisure time while also enjoying bird watching.
3. Bishop Falls
Bishop Falls is known mainly for its waterfall – a stunning cascade that drops from a height of 370 feet surrounded by stunning scenery – but it is also a favorite among bird watchers. Located 5 Kms from Shillong, this picturesque site boasts a stunning drop laden with rich greenery and foliage covering the mountain, creating a microhabitat. Every tourist’s delight, the thundering sound of cascades combining with chirping birds creates a harmony like no other.
The region encircling Bishop Falls is home to myriad bird species that are characteristic to this particular forest ecosystem. Nature enthusiasts can try their luck at spotting barbets, minivets and laughing thrushes as they flit from branch to branch. Black eagles and sparrowhawks can be spotted soaring in the skies above as they look out for their next meal. And if you’re fortunate enough, you might come across Mrs. Gould’s stunning sunbird or the fire-tailed myzornis, both of which flourish in the cooler regions of the area.
Gorgeous sceneries combined with plentiful wildlife make Bishop Falls one of the best tourist spots in the area of Shillong. Though accessing Bishop Falls is a bit challenging due to the tight road systems, the picturesque waterfall is worth the trip.
4. Sweet Falls
Another one of the waterfalls located in the city limits of Shillong is the “Sweet Falls.” This waterfall is one of the tallest, plunging from a height of 96 feet into a rocky gorge capped by dense foliage. Remaining hidden underneath the green cover are birds, many of which are endemic to northeastern Himalayas, that add life to this already vibrant region.
Sweet Falls is very popular among birdwatchers for the grey-headed canary-flycatcher. This small bird is stunning with a body of bright lemon-yellow and a slate-gray head. Other prominent residents include the blue-throated barbet who calls from deep within the forest and the slaty-backed forktail who can often be seen near the stream banks. Mixed-species flocks composed of yuhinas, nuthatches, and fulveta’s as well as bigger birds like hornbills add even more vibrancy to these beautiful landscapes.
Sweet Falls is perfect for anyone looking to escape and connect more deeply with nature. Due to its scenic and remote location, there is little disturbance to the area, allowing the birds to behave naturally. This in turn, results in remarkable opportunities for observation and photography.
5. Shillong Peak
At over 6,000 feet, Shillong Peak is the highest point in shilling. It is well known for being a gateway into some incredible high altitude bird watching. It also offers stunning views of the natural landscape. Due to the extreme altitude and cooler temperatures, the peak is home to a distinct group of avifauna which have adapted to the thinner air.
Every spring and summer, the slopes of Shillong Peak are rich in biodiversity. The area becomes home to different species of birds like the rufous-gorgeted flycatcher and the white-browed shortwing. While in winter, we can spot migratory birds like the alpine accentor and the red-flanked bluetail. Raptors also such as lammergeiers and Himalayan griffons add drama to the already impressive scenery of the place.
Moderate hiking is required to reach the peak, but the views observed from the top are impressive and provide a sense of peace. Furthermore, access to barely anywhere else in the city is also presented which gives the unique opportunity to bird spot different species that are localized.
6. Don Bosco Museum Grounds
Close to the well known Don Bosco Museum, the museum’s grounds serve as a base for one of Shillong’s hidden birdwatching spots. While dealing with cultures and history, the museum captivates a wide audience which ends up missing out on the wildlife spectacle the museum’s grounds offers.
The wooded areas and open spaces enable a mix of habitat types to attract everything from tiny flowerpeckers to large hornbills. Highlights include the crimson-breasted barbet, the velvet-fronted nuthatch, and the streaked spiderhunter. During certain seasons, the orange-headed thrush and the verditer flycatcher can be spotted resting at the grounds during migration.
The Don Bosco Museum grounds stand out because they are convenient to the city center. They are easily accessible and seldom crowded, making them ideal for both novice and experienced birders. Plus, it is more enjoyable to have a cultural outing and go birdwatching at the same time.
Final Thoughts
“Shillong is a busy city but it has some incredible wild areas which Shillong bird watchers will appreciate.” This is true, as the city has many hidden gems that are not exclusively tourist attractions. When you walk around the beautifully tended gardens of Ward’s Lake or hike to the summit of Shillong Peak or bask in the calm of Sweet Falls, you can experience nature at its best. These are some of the unexpected places one can go birdwatching in the city and they prove how important it is to protect urban green areas for not only people’s leisure but wildlife too.
To the more adventurous types, birdwatching in Shillong is guaranteed to be one of the things that you will remember most. With some effort, good eyesight, and maybe some good binoculars, you will find a city which is altogether a dream for people who love birds. So get your kit ready because the stunning birds of Shillong are waiting to be explored.
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