From Leonardo Da Vinci who designed the flying machine in the 16th century to the Wright brothers who flew their first aircraft ‘The Flyer’ for 12 seconds on 17th December 1903, birds have always fascinated and inspired man’s creativity. The mere sight of a Heart-Spotted Woodpecker can mesmerise and create an ardent bird-watcher.
Goa has everything to offer a bird enthusiast. Its suburban groves, barren plateaus, marshy fields and forests cover a wide variety of resident and migratory birds. The flagship species include the Yellow Wattled Lapwing (in Nerul, Bardez), Brown Hawk Owl (in Old Goa), Brown Wood Owl (in Saligao, Bardez), Brown Fish Owl and Greyheaded Bulbul (in Arpora, Bardez).
The Carambolim wetlands near Old Goa is a good spot for an amateur due to good visibility. The lake plays host to the wintering wetland species from Eastern and Central Europe and Asia in the months from October to March. The Lesser Whistling Teals, Shovellers, Garganeys and Coots can be seen in large numbers. Comb Ducks, Spotbill Ducks, Storks, Spoonbills and Redshanks can also be seen in smaller numbers here.
Other prominent bird watching spots include the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwaan Mahaveer Sanctuary (earlier Mollem National Park) and the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Some lesser known spots include the Baga fields, Morjim beach, Santa-Cruz, Pilar lake, Velim’s wetlands, Saligao springs, Chandranath hill and Benaulim.
WildGoa, a group of local birdwatching guides organises various outdoor events, such as treks, hikes, bike rides and nature trails. This group also conducts awareness sessions on subjects, such as snake rescue, birdlife, protection of frogs and turtle conservation.
Bird enthusiasts travelling to Goa for 3-4 days can opt for a short birding session and interact with the experienced birdwatchers and conservationists of the WildGoa group.
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