Among bird photographers and nature enthusiasts Sultanpur National park is a very common and known place for birding. This bird sanctuary, ideal for birding and bird lookers, is best visited in winters when a large number of migratory birds come here. After getting amazed by the beautiful captures of fellow birders on social media platforms I was eager to visit and capture the beautiful birds the national park has to offer. But after visiting the place for a couple of times I was confused that how everybody was getting various bird shots while I was unable to spot them.
After some inquiry I came to know about this place know famously as Sultanpur Flats among bird photographers. The farming area surrounding national park spreading in kilometres is what makes the Sultanpur Flats. It is very active in winters when various migratory visitors come here to spend the winter with us.
Short eared owl is one of the most awaited winter migrant which attracts birding enthusiast here. Various raptors and water birds also visit the place in winters. I am fortunate enough to be in touch with some seasoned bird photographers and with their guidance and company I explored the Flats a couple of times with senior members of Delhi Bird Photographers group. It was so far the best birding experience I had in Delhi NCR region. I got to sight multiple birds for the very first time and also captured some beautiful shots.
Our guide Sube Singh is an expert in spotting birds and very active even in his 60s. We first explored the area which is famous for raptors, cranes, water birds and small birds. The entire trail have lush green and yellow mustard farms on both sides. There are electric towers at regular distance all over the area and that is spot where raptors like Steppe Eagle, Short toed snake eagle, Common Kestrel, Marsh Harrier sit and scan the area for food. Black eared kites can be seen in the entire area on the trees and ground looking for food.
Common Kestrel
Black Francolin, the state bird of Haryana which is very hard to capture can be spotted here. Common and Sarus cranes can also be spotted in the fields. Siberian Stonechats, Flycatchers and Wagtails can also be seen flying over the mustard farms easily.
Black Francolin
Flamingos, Bar Headed Goose, Greylag Goose can also be spotted in the near by water bodies. The resident water birds like Cattle Egret, Black Headed Ibis, Red Naped Ibis and Purple Herons can be seen eating in the waters.
After capturing these variety of birds we headed towards Sadhrana village near the national park where our guide expected to spot the Short Eared Owl. On the way we spotted Sparrow Hawks and Tree Pipits also.
After hours of exploring the farms and fields of Sadhrana village our guide told us that Short Eared Owl has left the place possibly and we have to wait another year to witness the beautiful winter migrant. Disappointed we left the place to explore another near by area where Yellow Wattled Lapwig, Indian Courser, Sand grouse can be seen. We spotted Lapwing easily but couldn't find later two. Our guide also spotted various Skylarks, Wheaters and Pipits. The sun was up in the sky and it was getting very hot in the open fields so we called it the day.
Crested Skylark, Variable Wheatear and Yellow Wattled Lapwing
It was a good birding experience for me. I witnessed so many lifers in a single birding session and came to know about their nature and behavior. Sultanpur Flats really is a hidden gem for bird photographers and with its winter offerings It holds a very special place among nature and birding enthusiasts. As the area is remote and vast wandering here alone can be risky sometimes so it is advisable to explore the place in groups keeping necessary items like food and water handy.
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Happy Birding
Deepak
#birding #photography #nature #winter #migratory #birds #sultanpur #explore #travel
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