Lakes near Vadodara: Paradise for bird lovers

Lakes near Vadodara: Paradise for bird lovers 

Hello all,

                                         

“Feet, what do I need them for

If I have wings to fly.”

― Frida Kahlo

           Thousands of birds flapping their wings together causing amazing murmuration with changing patterns in such synchronization that requires months and months of practice for us humans.  This is one of the most amazing wonders of Mother Earth. Yes! We have witnessed it. We have beheld this amazing phenomenon with thousands of birds flying high in the sky flapping their wings synchronously creating a harmony that mesmerized us and left us spellbound. If you want to teach your kids about migration come to this place as soon as the winter chill sets in the atmosphere and nights start getting longer. You might want to stay that extra 15 minutes in your bed... But, No!. wake up early one weekend, and go to this place before or at the time of sunrise...you won't be disappointed. 

         Yes! This is the unique wetland in our Gujarat which attracts thousands and thousands of migratory birds every winter. You all must be thinking why am I telling you winter destination in the oppressing summer heat? The reason is, that this Saturday (14th May 2022) is 'World Migratory Bird Day'. Every year the day is celebrated bi-annually in May and in October. It is an awareness program to make people understand the threats to migratory birds and their importance in the ecosystem. It makes us understand that what can we do to preserve them,  what can we to do prevent threat to their existence. The theme of this year is "Dim the Lights for Birds at Night!", to make us realize about harmful effects of light pollution on birds. 

         I don't know why I was postponing writing about these two lakes. May be because they were famous and most of us know about them.  But the blog will be incomplete without these two. By this time most of you have guessed the locations. Yes! You guessed them right.  These are Timbi lake and Wadhavana lake. 

Timbi lake: 

                                     

                                                 

                                                 

              This lake is near Waghodia and in the Timbi village. Before a few years back the place was relatively less explored but nowadays we feel disheartened to witness the condition of the lake. It needs regular cleaning and proper maintenance. 

                                                        

                                             

                                            

          The beauty of the lake enhances more at the time of sunrise and sunset. There is a wide variety of insects and birds you can find at the lake. though the lake is in the village with many complexes and societies now being built in the area, it still has its own charm and aura where you can find peace and calm.  we took our cycles there. You can also go. by bicycle from Vadodara. It is that near. 

Wadhwana lake and Bird Sanctuary: 

                                      

            This is one of the largest wetlands in Gujarat and it is located near Dabhoi. It is appx 40 k. from Vadodara.   It is really a paradise for photographers and bird lovers as many migratory birds come here in winter. So the best time to visit this place is between October to March.  Just make sure you reach there before Sunrise or Sunset.

        There is one eco campsite just besides the lake and they also have few rooms and canteen. They provide basic snacks with some packages food at canteen. There is trail all around the lake with appx total distance of 5-6 km. Along the trail they have kept few benches also. Just don’t go too near the lake as there are crocodiles. Many paddy fields are there beside the lake which enhances lake’s beauty. You name the rare bird and you will find them here. 

    These are the pictures of some birds we have seen at Wadhwana:

LET ME FLY...

a little bird 

peeking from the nest

waiting for her mother 

ready to fly

Shh! don't you dare!

Shh!! be careful!

predators are everywhere 

waiting for the right moment

a little bird

it grinned 

i have wings

wings to fly

why should i bother 

they are just like 

you and me 

children of mother earth 

came mother bird

"Oh dear, munchkin,

don't you trust easily

some will judge harshly

will deceive knowingly 

so, listen dear 

let me take care for a while 

yet the little on flew

flew higher in the sky

spreading its wings 

fluttering them gently

and sometimes 

flapping them loudly 

proclaiming 

asserting 

declaring 

i am free

i am independent

accidents can happen 

predators may come

but "oh dear mother'

you have given me power

power of freedom 

power of liberty

this privilege 

don't take it from me

let me fly

let me fly 

till i reach the sky...

                   - kaajal

That's it from our side this week.

See you soon.