Nestled within the expansive landscape of the Central Indian highlands, where sprawling meadows blend harmoniously with dense Sal forests, the Kanha Tiger Reserve emerges as a symbol of unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation.
Its iconic status draws visitors from near and far to glimpse rare Barasingha and majestic tigers alike. Yet another spectacle waits with winter’s arrival—migratory birds appearing in a riot of colours, enriching the realm’s magic further. As cold sweeps over Kanha, a vibrant avian population takes to vibrant wing, layering the remarkable landscape with living moments that dance upon the breeze.
Rufous-bellied Eagle, Photo credit: Ratik
Verditer Flycatcher, Photo credit: Ratik
As temperatures drop in the Northern Hemisphere, the Kanha Tiger Reserve undergoes a fascinating yearly transition into a safe haven sheltering myriad migratory birds arriving precisely on schedule. The skies above the protected area burst forth with a flourish, decorated by a harmony of vivid plumages and melodic trills. From the charming calls of the indigo-hued Ultramarine Flycatcher to the piercing blue of the sapphire-coloured Verditer Flycatcher, these seasonal guests lend a distinctive charm to the reserved winter scenery within the sanctuary’s boundaries. Among the tall grasses and shaded sal wood copses, birds of all varieties congregate, their dowdy coats and dashing dresses exchanging places until the return journey home.
These feathered pilgrims embark on an epic odyssey, traversing vast distances as they journey through treacherous terrains and overcome imposing barriers. Many originate from the trans-Himalayan region and Central Asia, with some winging in from distant Europe. For example, the Northern Pintail and Eurasian Wryneck make their way from Northern Europe to grace Kanha with their fleeting presence. Meanwhile, the striking Amur Falcon undertakes an awe-inspiring migration from South-Eastern Siberia and Northern China, using the Indian subcontinent as a pivotal stopover in its remarkable journey to Africa. This annual avian migration spectacle weaves an enchanting element into the tapestry of Kanha’s natural wonders, where diverse wildlife converges in stunning harmony.
Black Stork, Photo Credit: Ratik
Taiga Flycatcher, Photo Credit: Urjit Singh
Grab this avian spectacle best suited birdwatchers, and nature admirer in Kanha during late October to early March. At this time the park is alive with water birds of many types, waders and dabbling ducks that migrate here. And the peaceful edge of one doesn’t always called as lake and ponds around in fact there are a great many lakes within this park, where oh so much wonders may unfold. Among the treasures we can find are, among others yet another Jack Snipe, just as elusive but an utterly delightful surprise for us open-mouthed lot to ogle at from close quarters. Common Greenshank and Wood Sandpiper attended poised on their mid- migration break in, equally elegant when compared head -to tail with Big Geese which sat cumbersomely complacent alongside a raft of other wondrous featheriness. This picture of nature’s spender makes Kanha delightful during the migratory season.
But this pageant goes beyond mere bird-watching, and delves into the complex tapestry of life that links one ecosystem to another on different continents. For those countries expressed by these migratory birds it’s a stark reminder of the precariously challenged balance that is our natural world and how important it can be to afford them their habitats.
More than just protecting the homes of resident species, we must care to see that these seasonal visitors who have flown thousands upon thousands of miles find safe harbor in our preserves. Their journey is a dramatic storyline of the resilience of nature and an allegory for biosphere dependence on all life.
So, if you haven’t already, pack those binoculars and make your way to Kanha this winter. The avian
wonders await, ready to enchant you with their tales from distant lands.
Rudy Shelduck, Photo Credit: Ratik
- Rufous-bellied Eagle [ Lophotriorchis kienerii ]
- Amur Falcon [ Falco amurensis ]
- Peregrine Falcon [ Falco peregrinus ]
- Jack Snipe [ Lymnocryptes minimus ]
- Verditer Flycatcher [ Eumyias thalassinus]
- Ultramarine Flycatcher [ Ficedula superciliaris ]
- Siberian Rubythroat [ Luscinia calliope ]
- Northern Pintal [ Anas acuta ]
- Common Pochard [ Aythya ferina ]
- Gadwall [ Anas strepera ]
- Common Snipe [ Lophotriorchis kienerii ]
- Common Sandpiper [ Gallinago Gallinago ]
- Griffon Vulture [ Gyps fulvus ]
- Greenish Warbler [ Phylloscopus trochiloides ]
- Sulphur-bellied Warbler [ Phylloscopus griseolus ]
- Eurasian Wryneck [ Jynx torquilla ]
- Black Stork [ Ciconia nigra ]
- Taiga Flycatcher [ Ficedula albicilla ]
