Gurgaon: Sultanpur park turns hub for migratory, domestic birds

More than 240 migratory and domestic species of birds have been spotted in the Sultanpur National Park this year.

More than 240 migratory and domestic species of birds have been spotted in the Sultanpur National Park this year.

Officials said around 30,000 birds have arrived at the park this year. (HT File Photo)

The wildlife department of Gurgaon is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of these winged visitors, due to the large number of tourists who visit the park during the winter. The park is located 15km from Gurgaon.

“About 25,000-30,000 birds have arrived at the sanctuary this year. We are making all efforts to create a more secure environment for them and ensure that there is no hindrance. We are expecting more birds to arrive soon,” an official from the forest department said.

Last year, only 65 species of migratory birds were recorded whereas this number has already been recorded this year. The migratory season begins in September and ends in February.

Officials have restricted a large part of the park to protect the migratory species from the large inflow of visitors. As the Sultanpur National Park traditionally attracts large number of birds, forest department officials are trying to provide isolated space for the birds and restrict human intervention in the area. Officials said these migratory birds have travelled more than 2,000 miles.

The white backed vulture, long billed vulture, red headed vulture, sarcogyps calvus and Siberian crane, which are critically endangered species, have also been spotted at the park.

There are also 12,000 water birds in the park at present, according to officials.

The migratory birds which usually visit the place can be classified into three categories— waders (water dependent birds), ducks (require slightly deeper water) and warblers (prefer reeds). Birds from Europe, Siberia, China and Gulf countries, which include the yellow bittern, black bittern, peregrine falcon, tickell’s leaf warbler, Spanish sparrow and mallard, visit the park every year.