WINGS OF WONDER

BIRDWATCHING IN GOA'S OCTOBER EXTRAVAGANZA

- KALYANI MERWADE

Nature enthusiasts and avid birdwatchers flock to this coastal state in western India, especially during the month of October. Why, you may ask? It's the time when Goa becomes a transient home to a plethora of avian travellers, transforming this serene destination into a birdwatcher's utopia.

October marks the annual pilgrimage of migratory birds to Goa. The diverse range of bird habitats, including beaches, rivers, lakes, forests, and farmland, provides an idyllic backdrop for the fascinating display of avian diversity. From the graceful flight of flamingos over tranquil waters to the playful dives of kingfishers, Goa becomes a theatre where the avian actors take centre stage.

Migratory birds that grace Goa's skies in October include the striking elegance of flamingos, regal pelicans, stealthy cormorants, patient herons, and dainty egrets. The vibrant hues are further enhanced by the electric presence of kingfishers and bee-eaters. Swallows flit about, their aerial acrobatics a testament to their nimbleness, while cuckoos serenade the air with their distinctive calls. In the lush forests, warblers and flycatchers flit through the canopies, and melodious thrushes share their harmonious symphonies.