Travel Magazine

Photo Essay: Avian Wonders of Suhelwa – a Haven for Bird Lovers

By Rashmi Gopal Rao

A diverse state in terms of landscapes, flora and fauna, Uttar Pradesh is home to some unique wildlife sanctuaries.  One such reserve is the Suheldev Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Shrawasti and Balrampur districts of the state.  Also known as Suhelwa,  the sanctuary covers an area of 452 sq km and is home to several wild animals like the Cheetal, bear, leopard etc.  According to a study and subsequent report released by The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) in 2015, the area is home to a whopping 280 plus species of birds, some of which are in threatened and endangered status.

I recently visited the Suhelwa as part of the Uttar Pradesh Bird festival and was lucky to spot several species of birds.  The place is truly a delight for birders and wildlife enthusiats.  Here are some pictures:

Crested serpent eagle at Suhelwa
Osprey at Suhelwa
Wagtail on a wire at Suhelwa
Wagtail on a wire at Suhelwa
Plum headed parakeet at Suhelwa
Plum headed parakeet at Suhelwa
Plum headed parakeets in action in Suhelwa
Some more Plum headed parakeets in action at Suhelwa
Long tailed shrike in Suhelwa
Long tailed shrike at Suhelwa
Common Hoopoe at Suhelwa
Common Hoopoe at Suhelwa
Black-rumped flameback woodpecker at Suhelwa
Black-rumped flameback woodpecker at Suhelwa
The Sirkeer Malkoha at Suhelwa
The Sirkeer Malkoha at Suhelwa
Sarus crane at Suhelwa
Sarus crane at Suhelwa
Pond heron in Suhelwa
Pond heron in Suhelwa
White breasted king fisher at Suhelwa
Common king fisher at Suhelwa
Baya weaver bird nests
Baya weaver bird nests
A shikra at Suhelwa
A shikra at Suhelwa
A committee of vultures at Suhelwa
A committee of vultures at Suhelwa
Vultures and a serpent eagle at Suhelwa
Vultures and a serpent eagle at Suhelwa
A wake of vultures at work
A wake of vultures at work

Disclaimer: This post was made possible by UP tourism, opinions as always, are my own.   Also, being a novice birder,  am happy to be corrected in case any names of the bird names are wrong.


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