The population of Bar-headed Goose has shown 68% increase in Pong Dam Wetlands, Himachal Pradesh

Annual Waterfowl Estimation exercise was divided in two parts, first day on 30th Jan 2020 was for pre-count discussions & planning and actual count was carried out on 31th Jan. 2020 for monitoring the numerical size of bird’s population during the year 2019-20 in Pong Dam Wetland. Experts from various organizations & Bird Groups viz. Birds of Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Bird Club, International Wetland, Wildlife Institute Of India(WII) ,Dharamshala Bird Club and many wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, volunteers along with officials & officers from H.P.Forest Department, participated in this mega exercise. Related Blogpost - Songbirds at Bharatpur || The Constant Orchestra of Keoladeo National Park

Annual Waterfowl Estimation exercise was divided in two parts, first day on 30th Jan 2020 was for pre-count discussions & planning and actual count was carried out on 31th Jan. 2020 for monitoring the numerical size of bird’s population during the year 2019-20 in Pong Dam Wetland. Experts from various  organizations & Bird Groups viz. Birds of Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Bird Club,   International Wetland, Wildlife Institute Of India(WII) ,Dharamshala Bird Club and many wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, volunteers along with officials & officers from H.P.Forest Department, participated in this mega exercise.



Related Blogpost - Tiny Darts of Color || Vibrant Birds of Darjeeling Entire Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary was divided into 26 Sections. About 150 persons participated in this exercise. Each section was thoroughly traversed on land and water by a team of 4-6 members headed by a Coordinator, an expert and assistant coordinator for smooth conduct of entire process. Related Blogpost - Bird of the Month || Year 2020 After concerted efforts of two days by various experts and forest officials, it has been concluded that 115701 birds of 114 different specieshave been recorded at Pong Dam Lake this year, that include 104032 migratory water fowls of 60 Species,10377 resident water birds of 30 species and 1292 birds of 24 other local Species. Related Blogpost - Yellow Colored Oriental White-eye Birds around my Home in Himachal Pradesh (INDIA)


Entire Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary was divided into 26 Sections. About 150 persons participated in this exercise. Each section was thoroughly traversed on land and water by a team of 4-6 members headed by a Coordinator, an expert and assistant coordinator for smooth conduct of entire process.


After concerted efforts of two days by various experts and forest officials, it has been concluded that 115701  birds of 114 different specieshave been recorded at Pong Dam Lake this year, that include 104032 migratory water fowls of 60 Species,10377 resident water birds of 30 species and 1292 birds of 24 other local Species.


Related Blogpost - Winged Visitors around our home in Mandi, Himachal || Birds of the Himalayas Dominant species are Bar Headed Geese (49496), Northern Pintails (12881), Eurasian Coots(10860), Common Teals(7334), Common Pochards (3988), Northern Shoveler (2818), Great Cormorants(2121),Eurasian Wigeons(1350), Eurasian Wigeon(1350), and Ruddy Shelducks(1028) have been noticed this year. Related Blogpost - Two Ruddy Shelducks Flying around a Water-boat parked on shoreline of Pong Dam Lake at Nagrota Suriyan, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India Other uncommon bird species recorded in the lake are Common Shelducks (75),Northern Lapwings(32), Common Ringed Plover(20) , Pied Avocets(09), Ospreys(05), Black-bellied Terns(05), Common Mergansers(04), Sarus Cranes (02),Eurasian Curlews(02),White-tailed Lapwings(01), Water Pipits(01), Lesser White-fronted Goose(01), and Buff-bellied Pipit(01). Related Blogpost - The Winged Wonders of Pong Wetlands - by Vibha Malhotra, TOI

Related Blogpost - Winged Visitors around our home in Mandi, Himachal || Birds of the Himalayas


Dominant species are Bar Headed Geese (49496), Northern Pintails (12881), Eurasian Coots(10860), Common Teals(7334),  Common Pochards (3988), Northern Shoveler (2818), Great Cormorants(2121),Eurasian Wigeons(1350), Eurasian Wigeon(1350), and Ruddy Shelducks(1028)  have been noticed this year.


Other uncommon bird species recorded in the lake are Common Shelducks (75),Northern Lapwings(32), Common Ringed Plover(20) , Pied Avocets(09), Ospreys(05), Black-bellied Terns(05), Common Mergansers(04), Sarus Cranes (02),Eurasian Curlews(02),White-tailed Lapwings(01), Water Pipits(01),  Lesser White-fronted Goose(01), and Buff-bellied Pipit(01).


Related Blogpost - Winged Wonder of California - Birding tours around San Francisco Bay Area, CA A few noticeable species are Great Crested Grebes, Red Crested Pochards, Ferruginous Pochards, Mallards, Tufted Ducks, Eurasian Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpipers and many other species of Larks & Pipits. Related Blogpost - Bar Headed Goose flying near Pong Wetland in Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh, India Total population of Birds as well as species of birds have shown an increase over last year. Population has shown marginal increase from 115229 to 115701 where as species have increased from 103 to 114. No of migratory water dependent species as well as resident water dependent species have also show an increase over the last year from 58 to 60 species and 29 to 30 species respectively. Related Blogpost - A visit to Surajpur Birds Sanctuary - A Bird Sanctuary at Risk


A few noticeable species are Great Crested Grebes, Red Crested Pochards, Ferruginous Pochards, Mallards, Tufted Ducks, Eurasian Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpipers and many other species of Larks & Pipits.


Total population of Birds as well as species of birds have shown an increase over last year. Population has shown marginal increase from 115229 to 115701 where as species have increased from 103 to 114. No of migratory water dependent species as well as resident water dependent species have also show an increase over the last year from 58 to 60 species and 29 to 30 species respectively.


Related Blogpost - Elusive Songmakers of Dalhousie, Himachal || Birds of the Himalayas The population of Flagship Species of Pong Lake ,Bar-headed Geese have shown 68% increase from last year (2018-19) as the total count was 29443 as compared 49496 Bar-headed Geese this year. Related Blogpost - The Winged Models || Birds of Badahin, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh Population of birds and number of species is expected to increase in coming days during return journey to their breeding grounds as birds from North-West, Central and South India will start arriving at Pong Lake. Related Blogpost - Incredible Birds of Costa Rica - part 4 || Flycatchers, Warblers, Solitaires, Jays, Egrets


The population of Flagship Species of Pong Lake ,Bar-headed Geese have shown 68% increase from last year (2018-19) as the total count was  29443 as compared 49496 Bar-headed Geese this year.


Population of birds and number of species is expected to increase in coming days during return journey to their breeding grounds as birds from North-West, Central and South India will start arriving at Pong Lake.


Most of these birds migrate from their breeding places in Trans-Himalayan region in Tibet, Central Asia, Russia and Siberia. Over the last few years , Pong Dam Lake also a Ramsar site, has become an ideal destination for winter sojourn for many species of Migratory birds. Related Blogpost - Birds of Ayuthhaya || 10-Day Vacation in Thailand

Most of these birds migrate from their breeding places in Trans-Himalayan region in Tibet, Central Asia, Russia and Siberia. Over the last few years , Pong Dam Lake also a Ramsar site, has become an ideal destination for winter sojourn for many species of Migratory birds.


Related Blogpost - Our trip to the Keoladeo National Park || An Overview In general, 425 Species of Birds have been known to occur in Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary that includes terrestrial as well as summer migrant birds which could be primarily attributed to the varied habitats, food availability, intervention done and protection extended by the staff of wildlife wing and active involvement of local communities. Related Blogpost - Okhla Bird Sanctuary - Top place to visit & explore in Noida Source : Himachal Pradesh Forest & Conservation Department


In general, 425 Species of Birds have been known to occur in Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary that includes terrestrial as well as summer migrant birds which could be primarily attributed to the varied habitats, food availability, intervention done and protection extended by the staff of wildlife wing and active involvement of local communities.


Source : Himachal Pradesh Forest & Conservation Department

Related Blogposts -

As winter approaches North India, various wetlands start seeing thousands of Migratory Birds and Bharatpur's Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular wetlands around National Capital region of India and hence sees lot of tourists from Delhi/Noida/Gurgaon region. And it's not limited to nearby tourists. Lot of serious birders visit Bharatpur during Winters from various parts of the country as well as foreigner tourists. This blog-post shares tips to plan a successful trip to Bharatpur from Delhi and what kind of things to take care while planning this birding trip. One day Road-Trip to Bharatpur Birds Sanctuary from Delhi : Winters Special
























We were definitely fortunate when it comes to the number of Herons and Egrets we were able to sight during our visit to the Keoladeo National Park in November. However, at that time, we did not know which was which. These two birds are so similar when it comes to their behavior that it takes an expert to identify them separately. We referred to our birding companion - A Pictorial Field Guide to Birds of India. However, I am sure we have made some mistakes in case of a few birds. In case you can spot any, please do point them out. We would be eternally grateful. Great Egrets.Both Herons and Egrets, and also the Bitterns, belong to the family Ardeidae. Though some argue that these are actually same birds with the only differences being that Egrets usually have white or buff plumage and develop distinctive white plumes during the breeding season. Otherwise, both these birds seek the same kind of habitat - wetlands. They breed in trees close to the wetlands, and they fly with their necks retracted, unlike storks and cranes who fly with their necks outstretched. Grey Heron in Flight. Experts are still undecided about what makes a heron, a heron and an egret, an egret. So much so that though these birds are classified under separate genera - Ardea and Egretta - the only marked difference in the definition of these genera is the size. Ardea consists of larger of the Herons whereas Egretta consists of the smaller ones. Though the size difference is often indistinct. Both the birds typically have a large wingspan and look very graceful in flight. Great Egret in Flight. You will often see these birds standing still with one leg raised and their necks outstretched carefully watching out for prey to come close enough so that they can snap it up with a quick movement of their neck and beaks. These birds are carnivorous and feed mainly on fish, frogs, lizards, and molluscs. Some herons, such as the cattle egret, often move away from the wetlands and follow cattle. These egrets feed on the insects that are disturbed by the movement of cattle in bushes. Juvenile Purple Heron(?) in the foreground with Great Egrets in the Distance. Another aspect that is unique about Herons is that they have powder down. These peculiar down feathers that often disintegrate into a powdery substance are thought to be of special significance to these birds because of their wet habitat and damp surroundings. It is also believed that these birds use the powder to preen and coat the feathers that cover the rest of their body. It is supposed to protect these feathers from slime and dirt. Purple Heron. It took us a while to associate these tall, graceful birds with the little cattle egrets we are used to seeing in the city. Initially I thought that these were cranes. However, when upon further research I discovered that though cranes and herons may look alike at a glance, they are indeed two very different birds. While Herons belong to the order Pelecaniformes, Cranes are part of the Gruiformes order. Unlike Herons who hold their necks in an "S" shape and completely retract them during flight, cranes old their necks straight. Herons have longer beaks and necks than cranes, though cranes typically are bigger in size. Indian Pond Heron. We were unfortunately not able to spot any cranes during our visit to Keoladeo. Cranes that are supposed to flock in Keoladeo during winters are Siberian Crane, Sarus Crane, Demoiselle Crane, and Common Crane. Of these, Siberian Crane does not visit India any more. A single pair of these critically endangered birds was last seen in Keoladeo National Park in 2002. Since then there is no recorded sighting of these birds in India. This is sad. If you think you have seen a Siberian crane during your visit to Keoladeo National Park, you are either mistaken or unbelievably fortunate and on the verge of being famous. Grey Heron keeping company with Black-Headed and Glossy Ibises. Herons and Egrets keep company with other water birds such as ducks, coots, waterhens etc. You will often spot one or two individuals standing tall among a flock of other smaller birds. In the above photograph, a grey heron is seen peacefully existing with the much smaller ibises. The ibises in this picture are the black-necked Ibis and the Glossy Ibis, which are often mistaken as white Ibis and Black Ibis, respectively. Though the black-necked Ibis is nearly threatened, they were a common sight in Keoladeo National Park. Grey Heron up close. The dotted line running down then neck of a grey heron creates an illusion of stitch marks and you may be forgiven if you confuse the bird with a stuff toy. From a distance and also at various stages of this heron's life, it may resemble the Great Egret quite a bit. However, two of the most distinctive identifying characteristics of the Egret are its dark legs and yellow beaks, which are also almost always easily identifiable from a distance, unless the legs are hidden behind the bushes or under water. Juvenile Cinnamon Bittern. A smaller member of the Ardeidae family, the bittern is classified into a separate subfamily Botaurinae. Typically smaller than the other herons, bitterns also exhibit slightly different behavior patterns. Bitterns are smaller and plumper than a typical Heron. They also have shorter necks, though they too can retract and elongate their necks. Unlike Herons who patiently wait for their prey to wander close enough, bitterns, and also pond herons, at times are known to chase down their prey. This kind of active hunting is not seen in other Herons. The bittern seen above has a similar plumage to the Indian Pond Heron (scroll up to see), but has a cinnamon colored underbelly as opposed to a white one in the pond heron. Grey Heron with Cattle Egret (?). In the photograph above, you can see a Grey Heron in close vicinity of a cattle egret. While structurally, both the birds seem similar, there are clear differences that can help you distinguish one from the other. While the Heron (on the left) has light-colored legs, the egret has darker, almost black, legs. Also, the beak in case of a Heron is pinkish, whereas an egret has a yellow beak. Both these birds, in the photograph above, are quite interested in something that is happening on their left. Intermediate Egret (?). This looks like a cattle egret though I cannot be sure. It's neck is too short for a great egret, though admittedly the bird looks a bit bigger than the egrets we see in the city. So may be it is an intermediate Egret. I will leave it to the experts to judge. However, such a picture of an egret standing still at the edge of water looks deceptively peaceful. I also found out what is known as the bagula in India (bagula bhagat for its unique habit of standing with one leg folded) is the same bird as the Great Egret. Purple Heron with Great Egret in the distance. Here are two of the larger birds in the same frame. The bird in the foreground is the purple heron and the one in the far distance is the great egret. You can see the thick "S" shaped neck of the Great Egret, while the purple heron up close has a slender neck, though this bird too can retract its neck when it so feels like. We were really grateful to spot these graceful birds in their natural habitat. The Keoladeo National Park is one of the very few walled wetlands where migratory and resident birds are safe from human interference. Cattle Egret. The sheer variety of birds at Keoladeo National Park is overwhelming. More than 400 different species have been observed here. Of those, we were only able to see a handful. At the time, we thought some of these herons and egrets and storks were migratory, but it turns out that they are all resident. The only migratory birds we saw were the smaller ones. The park is already lively, and I wonder how much more lively it would be once the migratory birds arrive. Anyhow, I think February would be a good time for another visit.
Juvenile Purple Heron(?) in the foreground with Great Egrets in the Distance

Herons and Egrets at Keoladeo National Park || Waterbirds and Waders at Bharatpur











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