Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary Jamnagar, Gujarat
Around 12 km from Jamnagar, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, home to a
number of resident and migratory birds, is located in an area stretching
up to 6.05 km. A birdwatchers paradise, it was officially declared as a
sanctuary in May 1981. Construction of reclamation bunds, before Indian
Independence, has led to the formation of two fresh water lakes. The
bunds helped to prevent seepage of salty water into the soil and to
store freshwater drained by Ruparel and Kalindri Rivers.
The sanctuary plays host to birds who prefer marine, freshwater, or
both kinds of habitats as there is a freshwater environment at one side
of the bund and a marine environment at the other. Being located at the
Northeast coastal region of Jamnagar district, the creeks flowing from
the other side of the bund create a marine setting, where healthy marine
vegetation, like marshes, salt pans and mangroves, flourish. The bird
watching experience is enhanced with the availability of three watch
towers, inspection paths and paddleboats.
Major Attractions at Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
The location of the sanctuary on the western-most end of the country
brings it on the traditional path of migratory birds. Moreover, having a
unique wetland setting attracts a large number of feathery creatures to
nest in the winter season of the year. The types of nests can
differentiated on the basis of their location – nests on trees, nests on
the ground and nests on water (floating nests).
More than 250 species of resident and migratory birds can be found
over here; some of the most remarkable birds among them include -
Dalmatian Pelican, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Black-necked Stork,
Brahminy kite, Indian Skimmer, Marsh Harrier, Grey Francolin, Indian
Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Eurasian Pigeon, Pheasant-tailed Jacana,
Common Greenshank, Garganey, Common Teal, Comb Duck, Indian Pond Heron,
Demoiselle Crane and so on.
Nilgais, wolves, mongoose, jackals, rabbits, jungle cats and a few
varieties of snakes have made Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary their home.
