When I visited the Sultanpur National Park today, a send time after a fortnight, I was surprised to see that the Painted Storks had left! Of the numerous varieties of ducks, there were hardly one or two to be seen. Ironically enough, a signboard beside one of the paths in the National Park seemed to indicate that the birds had 'migrated' as in left the park.
I guess environmental changes have forced the migratory birds to stay away from the National Park. Diminishing water levels caused by the cutting away of natural rainwater runoff channels (due to construction activities in the area) have resulted in drying up of most of the park. While some of the hardier water-bird species continue to reside in the park, the migratory species probably don't find it viable to stay, what with diminishing numbers of fish and other amphibians and crustaceans. However, I was able to spot Grebes, Herons and Egrets.
This Little Grebe entertained us for a while, diving into the water only to appear in an area we least expected it to pop up. Strangely enough, it seemed to appear closer and closer to the edge of the lake. One pleasant surprise was the appearance of a pair of Indian Grey Hornbills! This breeding pair of Hornbills seemed to be oblivious of us as they were greatly engrossed in each other.
The antics of the Oriental White-Eye Birds offered some entertainment for a change. They seemed to be nibbling whole-heartedly at Neem-leaves. Flipping upside-down and then climbing up a stem, they seemed to be full of energy.
While walking down the path on one side of the Park we were startled by a couple of Asian Antelopes running towards us scattering the Purple Swamphen in the process. I wonder who was more startled, the Swamphen, the Antelopes or my brother and me!
The resident White-Throated Kingfisher however, seemed quite comfortable having us around. It seemed to have grown plump enough!
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