Woolly-necked Storks make the Basai Wetland their home

This month when I visited the Basai Wetland in Gurgaon, I saw a couple of Woolly-necked Storks at home! I have been seeing Woolly-necked Storks for a whole year now and they seem to be less inhibited than the Painted-Storks that are shyer and tend to avoid proximity to the paths on which people walk.

Although I was on the spot for a good half an hour or a little more, I didn't see the Storks hunt for fish. It was morning, a little after eight in the morning and the lighting was not so good. One very evocative photograph was that of the birds on the path with a man in the background. Both were least bothered and, I guess more tolerant of each other! Another, rather touching snap was of the crow on one side, seemingly talking to one of the storks.

It is clear that the Woolly-necked Storks are resident for the season and apparently will breed here. The Basai Wetland in Gurgaon is an important breeding ground for a large number of birds. Although the shrinking size of the Wetland poses a serious problem, migratory birds, however, will continue to visit the place.

As long as the Basai Wetland exists, the Woolly-necked Storks will continue to make an appearance. These Storks are quite big and yet graceful in appearance. I am glad to have been able to look at them at close quarters and hope that they continue to have a breeding ground to visit. The Basai Wetland is truly a valuable gift of nature to Gurgaon. Herein lies a treasure-trove that no money can buy!