Almost on my fourth visit to this lesser-known bird sanctuary, with the stay-at-home order stretched far too long, and the travel bug hits me hard, I am on my daycation to watch the fleet of birds, missing my own flight to travel, I am eager to watch these.
Welcoming the Local and Migratory Birds
On my earlier visits, too, I wasn’t able to spot as many birds as the bird lovers say flock in the migratory season. Maybe I wasn’t there at the right time, so this time too, I wasn’t very keen.
What pulled me out of my beauty sleep was my travel bug, and this time I was keen on the Ecosystem, which is so favorable to the migratory Birds.
We were welcomed by the conservator of the bird sanctuary early morning, around 6:00 am, from our early morning drive of 40km from Nasik in the wee hours. This is the time I was prepared to ask and know about the ecosystem and the Flora and Fauna of the Bird sanctuary.
We started our walk towards the first watchtower amongst the 4 installed for better viewing.
The view from the top was breathtaking, with the mist just settling down obstructing the vision, but close by we see the black ducks, it seems they are practicing a drill in a perfect circle and a rhythmic moment, bending their necks to catch an insect or so.
ECOSYSTEM at Nandur Madhmeshwar
Nandur Madhmeshwar reservoir was declared the first wetland in Maharashtra. This man-made shallow reservoir on absolutely flat land was built in 1952, and it receives water from the Gangapur and the Nandgoa Dams. Water from Nandur Madhmeshwar is released for drinking and irrigation purposes to the neighboring areas like Aurangabad and Ahmednagar.
This being a reservoir, when water is released along its course, it forms shallow islands of mud en route, depositing silt and lots of organic matter. Over the years, making the ecosystem rich with reeds and algae.
The Variety of Birds at Nandur Madhmeshwar
The Life cycle continues with building and developing rich aquatic life, and the flora around it, making it rich for migratory birds like Indian Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Common Pochard, Bristled Grassbird, Wooly-necked stork, White-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, and Egyptian vulture, and threatened fish Deolali Minnow.
Birds of a feather flock together
The Ecosystem at Nandur Madhmeshwar is a unique and complex one with the major water source as the river Godavari, marshy, shallow mud islands formed en route its flow, tall grass with other adjoining farmlands rich with minerals, and the dropped seeds.
This man-made reservoir converted into a wetland attracts thousands of birds in the winters, which makes it a much-frequented place at sunrise and sunset amongst the bird lovers and other tourists.
The Rich Deposits
Rich with my deposits of knowledge and the ecosystem, it makes me think about inclusive sustainability. How I share my space not only at home but with every being in nature. How very important it is, and what have I done to allow each to breathe freely?
The moment is one of gratitude again for the gift of thinking, expressing, and penning my thoughts. I think of how I grunt and crib and keep a grudge and am vocal about a little discomfort.
I question myself how I have helped these beautiful winged creatures and every breathing being on the planet to allow them to breathe freely.
Why do Birds Migrate
I have come here to see the Migration, it’s a wonderful sight to see the colorful flocks, but the reason they migrate is in search of food and to reproduce; I’m lucky enough to be stationed at my pad for all above.
Encroaching or poaching for pleasure is are serious issue. The conservator tells us about many issues they face while maintaining the ecosystem.
It’s their Space…Leave it as it is for them
As I seek knowledge about the tall, thick grass, the grunting frogs, the whispering insects, the whistling birds, the quacking ducks with the first golden hue of the sun, I see myself standing there with my mind struggling about giving and sharing space.
I pledge to reduce my carbon footprint by going more eco-friendly and start using biodegradable and organic products, and to help protect these landscapes so survive and thrive.
Mindfulness
This time the birds were yet to arrive and could see few, the conservator asking us to visit a month later in the afternoon hours, but I was happy with what I could see and learn, with a promise to be back. As I write this, I am content enough to leave the place to the winged folk.
I have made these changes to mine, try and make it to yours. They are minor but will impact nature in a major way.
- Recycled Stationery
- Wooden cutlery
- Sustainable fashion
- Organic Self-Care products
- No to plastic.
- Reusable products (Cloth bag)
Keep reading, sharing, and do remember to leave your inputs. They are very much appreciated. To stay connected, hit the social media tabs on the top corner of the website.
Varsha Mahore Blogs. Enriching Lives through Travel.
Did you enjoy reading this blog? Read my other blog;
Ready for a hassle-free trip? Connect with me — I’ll plan it all for you!
Very good info on ecosystem…