Pareij Wetlands is an amazing birding destination in Gujarat
Taken from the highway while driving towards Kheda, running behind our scheduled time.
Pareij Wetlands is a beautiful site in Gujarat for birding.
Edward's precisely planned birding journey to the Pareji wetlands in Gujarat's Kheda region was extraordinary. Beginning in Ahmedabad, we took a cab to Vaso village, where we met Vishal, a knowledgeable local guide who was conversant with the subtleties of this region.
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I took this photograph while driving past a small village.
The ancient bullock cart brought back nostalgic memories of bygone years when I first visited Bera in Rajasthan, an era when Taxis were a rare commodity. I vividly remember riding one of these late at night from the railway station to my mate's farm a few kilometres from the village. The bed of hay and the starry sky above will always live in fond memories of a time never to be seen again.
Rakesh, our cab driver was a cool character, well-experienced at the wheel a man who has seen more of our continent than the average traveller. When he saw me snapping the urns like pots, he filled us in on the history of it. He said that these vessels were once exclusively used for storing grain, and the quality of grain in them never spoiled. After filling them, they sealed the top and only used a small opening at the base whenever they needed grain. If they put these prehistoric artefacts up for sale how much would they fetch?
Even though we arrived late, our trip took off with a bang. After a short drive out of the village, we stopped near a canal and explored the marshes in this area. The birds we recorded here were the Purple Moorhen, Bluethroat, Pond Heron, Bronze Winged Jacana,(my first), Yellow Bittern (another my first), Blyth's Reed Warbler, Cormorants, Long-tailed Shrike and quite a few other common birds.
Rakesh, our cab driver was a cool character, well-experienced at the wheel a man who has seen more of our continent than the average traveller. When he saw me snapping the urns like pots, he filled us in on the history of it. He said that these vessels were once exclusively used for storing grain, and the quality of grain in them never spoiled. After filling them, they sealed the top and only used a small opening at the base whenever they needed grain. If they put these prehistoric artefacts up for sale how much would they fetch?
Even though we arrived late, our trip took off with a bang. After a short drive out of the village, we stopped near a canal and explored the marshes in this area. The birds we recorded here were the Purple Moorhen, Bluethroat, Pond Heron, Bronze Winged Jacana,(my first), Yellow Bittern (another my first), Blyth's Reed Warbler, Cormorants, Long-tailed Shrike and quite a few other common birds.
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| A collage of wild birds from the Pareij wetlands |
We were fortunate to see the marsh crocodile, commonly called mugger. It is a common crock and widely spread over a large area and in numbers of hundreds coexisting with the local population. According to Vishal, crocks and humans have never had any conflicts in this specific area.
The roads in these areas are picturesque, with lush green paddy and tobacco fields.
While driving along the small water- channels and pools near the paddy fields, we saw and photographed the Sarus Cranes, egrets, Black Cormorants, Common Moorhen, Woolly-necked Stork, Pied Kingfisher, Steppe Eagle, Asian Koel and Western Marsh Harrier.
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| A collage of wild birds from the Pareij wetlands |
As the day progressed, Vishal headed for an area called Naradar, here we witnessed a considerable number of Sarus and Demoiselle cranes on either side of the road. The high density of Sarus cranes in this area was a feast for our eyes. I was fortunate to photograph the Indian Spotted Eagle (my first) and some Western Marsh Harriers, Common Kestrels, and Steppe Eagles. The black drongo and Indian roller are also available in large numbers. Snapping the Red Avadavat, both male and female, made my day. For years, I longed to snap this bird and now I have finally found my pot of gold.
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| A collage of wild birds from the Pareij wetlands |
A little after noon we headed for the famed Pareij Lake, the water body that supplies drinking water to all the villages around this area. On our way, we stopped at a chai stall at "Limbasi Chokdi". The tea had the right temperament and the sugar was just as we had instructed him to add. The bajjas of aalo, and methee on ravenous stomachs, tasted just great. CAUTION there are no restaurants or eateries in this area, so I advise one to carry one's snacks or sandwiches to tide one over for the day.
From here, we headed towards the lake. On the way just outside on the outskirts of the lake area is a water body that harbours a large variety of water birds. Here we photographed the ruddy duck, Glossy Ibis, Dalmatian Pelican, Purple Swamphen, Lesser Flamingo, Indian Skimmer, Grey Heron and the common snipe(my first).
On our way back we witnessed hundreds of larks and buntings flying in huge groups. We snapped black-headed buntings, Red-headed buntings, crested larks, common babblers, Red Avadavat and the Eurasian Wryneck.
Serious Birders this is one area you should cover it's worth the experience, there were a few negative moments but I'll refrain from mentioning them as it's going to make no difference to the authorities who should be promoting this unique place.
Vipul who runs a travel service can be contacted on this number +919825013833. His rate for a full day early morning to evening is quite reasonable.
For an experienced Birder Guide, Vishal Mistry should be called upon.
His number is +919428564455.
From here, we headed towards the lake. On the way just outside on the outskirts of the lake area is a water body that harbours a large variety of water birds. Here we photographed the ruddy duck, Glossy Ibis, Dalmatian Pelican, Purple Swamphen, Lesser Flamingo, Indian Skimmer, Grey Heron and the common snipe(my first).
We arrived at 3 p.m. at the 'Pariej Wetland Bird Watchers Paradise.' This location is absolutely one-of-a-kind, located in the distant rural regions of Gujarat. It has official quarters, an observation station with a view of the lake, and a tranquil garden that serves as a home for a variety of birds. The Oriole, Bird of Paradise, Spotted Owllet, and Grey-headed Canary are among them. We spent nearly an hour exploring the area, photographing ducks, geese, and raptors flying overhead. Hundreds of migrating birds flocked to the lake, creating a vivid and bustling scene.
Serious Birders
Vipul who runs a travel service can be contacted on this number +919825013833. His rate for a full day early morning to evening is quite reasonable.
For an experienced Birder Guide, Vishal Mistry should be called upon.
His number is +919428564455.
The icing on our Trip
