Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. Covering an area of 2.246 Sq. Km, the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary was established in 1984. Uttar Pradesh`s valuable natural heritage lies in its wildlife and this bird sanctuary is a living instance of this north Indian state`s natural bounty. The flocks of resident and migratory birds in and around the lakes of India have always been the special attraction during winters. The contribution of birds to maintain the ecological balance is immense. India has approximately 1250 species of birds among which about 300 species of birds migrate across Himalayas from Tibet, China, Europe and Siberia during winters. Some of these birds fly over 5000 km and above 8500 metres high to reach India.
In order to promote proper protection and conservation to the resident and migratory birds Nawabganj Lake and its surrounding area was declared as Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary in 1984. Approximately 250 species of resident and migratory birds are found rowing here. The arrival of migratory birds starts from the month of November. The lake is in its behest during the month of December and January. By the end of February these migratory birds gradually start leaving for their respective destinations. Some resident birds stay here round the year, do nesting and lay eggs.
Migratory Birds, such as, Greylag Goose, Pintail, Common teal, Cotton teal, Red Crested pochard, Brahmini duck, Gadwall, Shoveller, Wigeon, Coot and Mallard etc. are to be found in the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary. Besides these Spotwill, Sarus crane, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Black Ibis, Dabchick, Whistling teal, Open billed stork, White necked stork, Black necked stork, Spoon bill, Pheasant tailed jacana, Broze winged Jacana, Purple moorhen, White breasted water hen, Indian Moorhen, Grebe, Cormorant Darter, Lapwing, Egret, Purple heron, Pond heron, Stone curlew, King fisher, Night jar, Tern vulture, Kite, Partridge, Hawk, Koel, Dove, Pigeon, King crow, Baya, Muniya, Golden oriole, Barbet. Babler, Indian roller, Bee eater, Parakeet, Drongo, Hoopoe, Finch, Peacock, Brain fever bird, Comb duck etc. are the local birds.
The lake is the breeding ground for fishes like Katla, Mangur, Saul, Sindhi, Kavai etc. The travellers can also catch a glimpse of reptiles, such as, Cobra, Viper, Krait, Ratsnake and Water snake. A deep park is also situated in the bird sanctuary area which has Spotted deer and Barking deer. The flora of the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary includes Babul, Acacia, Arjun, Kanji, Siras, Neem, Bargad, Eucalyptus, Gulmohar and some water plants.
To enhance the knowledge of visitors regarding birds an Interpretation Centre is established in the Sanctuary. It has the provision of film shows related to wildlife. Further to facilitate close observation of birds in the sanctuary two walking trails namely eastern and western trails have been constructed whereupon platforms and benches are placed for rest.
Nawabganj Bird sanctuary is situated at a distance of 45 kilometres from Lucknow and Kanpur on Lucknow-Kanpur National Highway. Buses and taxies are easily available from both cities. The Nearest Railway Station is at Kusumbi while the Nearest Airport is at Lucknow. The best time to visit Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is from November to February.
