Flamingos to Sandpipers: Winter migratory birds turn city into birdwatcher's paradise

While sparrows and crows are the common avian companions of our everyday lives, Telangana has been a popular destination for winter migratory birds originating from Europe and Central Asia. The lakes of Hyderabad attract several birds from October to March, providing an abundance of food, water, and vegetation. During this time, the urban space turns into a home for a variety of birds, making it an ideal spot for birdwatchers. Recently, Hyderabad Times caught up with a few birdwatching enthusiasts from the city who are passionate about capturing the beauty of these feathered friends.

Season’s popular migratory birds
As several birdwatching groups organise events at various locations in and around the city during this time, 28-year-old Jnana Krishna, who has been passionately pursuing birdwatching for the past three years, says, “Some rare birds like black-winged kite, river tern, and purple swamphens and others migrate to Hyderabad during winter for breeding. For amateur bird enthusiasts, prime locations within the city include Ameenpur Lake, Osman Sagar, Shamirpet Lake, and Kishtareddypet.”

Regular spots no longer greet migratory birds
Shaji Mathew, a former banker and member of the ‘Hyderabad Birding Pals’, opines that while the surge for birdwatching has increased, he is worried about popular birding spots in Hyderabad losing their natural habitats due to encroachment, pollution, and rapid urbanisation. “The Ameenpur lake, once considered a paradise for migratory birds has diminished to less than 90 acres, now appearing as merely another water body surrounded by concrete structures. There was a time when magnificent birds would call it their home, but now sightings have decreased.”

Tips for birdwatching

• Don’t force your presence on birds, stay calm and let them wander freely
• Be patient and observant, as birds can be elusive and may require keen attention to spot
• Join local birdwatching groups or clubs to learn from experienced enthusiasts to discover new locations
• Always carry drinking water and food with you but act responsibly and don’t litter
• Wear neutral-coloured clothes and comfortable shoes
• Invest in a good pair of binoculars or camera gear and a field guide to help identify birds

Best time for birdwatching
The golden hour after sunrise, around 6-9 AM is the ideal time for birdwatching as the birds engage in a lot of action like territorial fights, hunting and preening. It’s the perfect time to capture the rare visitors.

Common birds found in the state:

• Greater flamingo
• Eurasian marsh harrier
• Godwits
• Egrets
• Spoonbill
• Hornbills
• Purple sunbirds
• Cotton pygmy goose
• Sandpipers
• Northern pintails

Written by- M Priyanka GoudPics by- @En_route_44, taruntejphotography.wild, krishnakanth.photography