This past weekend we took a little jaunt West out of Ahmedabad to the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Tis a large lake with marshes hosting large flocks of migratory birds in the winter months from November - February...flamingos, different varieties of cranes, storks, ibis, etc. We walked around the small shore line as the boat tours initially scared us - it looked like our only option was to ride in a tiny row boat, driven gondola-style, with 10 other people. Other than the trash strewn shore, which was swept & burned as is most trash in India, it was quite beautiful.
Over the chattering of the weekender crowds, we could enjoy sounds of the water, birds and a lovely breeze. After some chai and photos of local water buffalo, we saw there were small boats with only a few people inside so Bradd and I opted for a 1 hour ride. Apparently, only the 2 hour ride would allow us to get to the flamingos but it was still a pleasant ride even though the majority of visible birds were black ducks and sea gulls. Although disappointed in not seeing the huge flocks of flamingos or other masses of exotic birds, we were able to spot some black ibis, storks, spoonbills, grumpy brown herons, emerald green kingfishers, 3 flamingos, and a few others I haven't found the names of yet.
On the drive out of the park, I spotted a flock of enormous birds in a field which ended up being demoiselle or sarus cranes...not positive. They were magnificent birds that we were lucky to photograph on land and in a swirling flock above our heads. They looked to be at last as tall as me with a 5-6 foot wingspan so it made quite an impact on me flying above our heads.
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