Bird Watching in Karnataka has become quite popular. Some of the best bird sanctuaries are based in Karnataka. The landscape of Karnataka is such that migratory birds love to make it their dwelling place.
Dense forests, ample rainfall and adequate food make it easy for these creatures to rear their young ones here. As a result, a number of sanctuaries have mushroomed to support birds. For bird watchers Karnataka is the best place to be. Several nature clubs are also scattered throughout the state to boost adventure tourism. The forests in Karnataka vary from dry ones to moist forests. Depending on the kind of forests, the species of birds will also differ.
The best season to visit the bird sanctuaries is probably summer. With migratory birds, flocking in groups to different sanctuaries this will be a great opportunity for the bird lovers to catch a glimpse of their favourite bird. In the dry deciduous and teak forests this is the best season to watch out for birds in particular and wildlife in general. The visibility in these forests is best during summer.
The several sanctuaries in Karnataka are as follows:
Gudavi Bird Sanctuary
Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is known for its serenity this sanctuary will be perfect to locate grey heron, night heron, white-headed crane and cormorant. Perched beside Gudavi Lake, this place is one of the favourite dwelling places for the birds.
Kokkrebellur Pelicanry
Kokkrebellur Pelicanry is safe haven for pelicans. The white and brown pelicans are migratory birds, which come, lay eggs and rear up their young ones. Their cacophonous sound brings life to the entire region. It is because of birds like these that ordinary towns have become internationally famous.
Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary
It houses around 5000 birds comprising of median egret, cormorant, darter and others. A watchtower has been constructed here to get a better view of the place. From here, bird lovers can trace out the species and click away fantastic snaps.
Kaggaladu Heronry Wildlife Sanctuary
Kaggaladu Heronry Wildlife Sanctuary is a residing place for the herons and probably one of the unique bird sanctuaries in Karnataka. Herons are migratory birds. According to locals, they have been coming here for ages but the park itself was discovered only in 1993. The remarkable feature bout this place is that the local people take care of these birds. While some think that, they are beautiful some consider them harbingers of prosperity. Anybody who is interested in watching herons can come here and observe them.
Cauvery Wildlife Park
This is one of the biggest sanctuaries in Karnataka. Sirkeer cuckoo, pigmy woodpecker, green billed malkoha and white browned bulbul are the various birds that dwell here.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
This is also an important sanctuary in Karnataka. Travellers may catch the glimpse of birds such as black winged kite, king vulture, great horned owl, great pied hornbill, Indian tree pie, black napped flycatcher and the open billed stork.