 |
| Storks and An Antelope Calf |
Just yesterday when I decided to visit the Sultanpur National Park in Gurgaon, I was initially in for a disappointment as there was a thick fog all along the road to the National Park from the outskirts of Gurgaon. Nevertheless, I decided to hang around at the National Park even though the visibility was less than a few meters. What was even more frustrating was that the birds were so restless that they simply fled away even before I reached them. I guess they were very tense because of the fog and were easily alarmed by the sound of footsteps, or even the ethereal shadow I must have been casting in the fog. To make matters worse, the trees were literally dripping and everywhere I went I was drenched with dew-drops. While walking on the pathway, I was accosted by herds of Asian Antelope, Peacocks and the ubiquitous Bulls (Bachelors I guess) that have made the National Park their pads, but then I guess they were more scared of me than I was of them!
 |
| Knob-Billed Ducks |
I hit pay-dirt however when at about 8:00 a.m. the fog started to lift. I was able to spot Little Egrets, Knob-billed Ducks, Nothern Shoveller Ducks, Black Storks, A Falcon, and of course, Swamphens that were busy feeding on fish and Common Coot. The Park guards have told me frequently that the best time to spot the birds is early in the morning. You need to enter the National Park at 7:00 a.m. if you really want to spot the birds before they fly away. One of my most interesting shots is that of an Asian Antelope Calf and a few Black-Necked Storks in flight (well that is figurative as Antelopes cannot fly). I have pasted the snap at the beginning of the Blog-post.
 |
| A Falcon |
It was most heartening to see that the authorities have finally to do something to improve the conditions in the National Park. I could see that the electric golf-carts were up and running. The Golf-carts were ferrying excited visitors around the park and there were guides who were identifying the birds. Moreover, I could see that channels had been dug and they were carrying water into the main park area to keep the central pond filled with water. In addition to this, there was a lot of work taking place to level the area beyond the centre, JCBs and tractors were being put to good use to beat out a proper path for visitors to walk on. But then, back to the birds, well I was able to spot a Black Necked Stork at close range. I, however, wonder why it is called a Black Stork because when I looked closely at it, it seemed to be anything but black!
 |
| Black-Necked Stork |
What fascinated me the most, however, was to see Swamphen and Egrets catching fish. Some of the Swamphen that had caught fish were being chased by others. Waterbirds clearly like to have a hearty breakfast of fish and crustaceans early in the morning! I tried to take a few snaps of the birds catching fish, they are not pin-sharp though, well that's because of the fog and poor light!
 |
| Egret |
 |
| Common Coot |
The Cormorants seemed to be feeling the chill and they were trying to absorb the heat into their wings from the rising sun. The capers of the Little Ibis and the Storks, and the Little Egrets would win the heart of any visitor to the Sultanpur National Park. What is important however to be able to visit the Park when it is peaceful and not as noisy as when people visit the park just to have a fun time. That is when people call out to the Egrets and call them Swans! I was astounded to hear one visitor to the park call an Egret a Swan! He was gently corrected by the driver of the Golf-Cart. The National Park, fortunately, has a lot of posters that identify the birds that frequent the National Park and also give some basic information about them. I would nevertheless, like to see the National Park providing a bookshop that sells books that help identify the birds.
 |
| Cormorant |
 |
| Little Egret |
 |
| A Black Ibis (landing) |
But then, I should not omit to mention the Gentlemen that live in the Sultanpur National Park. They are known as the Asian Antelopes. Don't be scared of them as, unless provoked, they will leave the path for you like the true gentlemen they are! The Asian Antelopes live with great harmony with the other creatures that make the National Park their homes. The Sultanpur is a microcosm, a world within a world, a place where one can connect to nature. The only problem is when the street dogs arrive at the Park and create a ruckus that disrupts the tranquillity of the place!
 |
| Asian Antelope (male) |
Leadership patterns are established and the Shoveller Ducks move around, constantly following their leader. The Sarus Cranes that often visit the National Park are exemplars of faith and honesty in matrimony.
 |
| Northern Shoveller |
 |
| White Egret |
 |
| Pond Egret (alighting) |
No comments:
Post a Comment