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During one of my work visits to Jamnagar, I reached
out to Chetan Sitapara, a local birding guide of Jamnagar. As I had only one
evening and the next morning available before I caught my flight back to Delhi,
he suggested three different locations. Each one of these locations had a
distinct set of birds.
That evening, we drove to a beautiful spot along the
coast, close to the Marine National Park, where we spotted flocks of Crab
Plovers, Sand Larks, Curlew Sandpipers, Great Knot, Bar Tailed-Godwits, Western
Reef Heron and two Oyster Catchers. Unfortunately, the government has decided
to open a ship scrap yard. Once the first ship is brought in, I can safely say
that this small paradise tucked away from everyone will disappear.
I stayed at an Hotel ARAM, an old Colonial Hotel, a
clean hotel, with large rooms and even larger beds. The bathroom is simple as
are the rooms. Overall, the hotel does it’s job, but being an all Veg hotel, I
would rate it 5 on 10.
Anyway, the next morning, at six, Chetu picked me up
and we drove to the salt mines. The aim was to catch the Greater and Lesser
flamingo’s during the golden hour…. And he was right. The early morning suns
reflection on the water, gave this beautiful golden glow and this special was
well worth it.
Not only did the early morning sun give us a magical view,
we must have seen over a thousand flamingos.
En route to the airport, Chetan took me to a
non-descript location, which I would call a perfect birding habitat. There was
a largish lake, some grasslands and dry land. Here we spotted around two dozen
Indian Skimmers, Indian Spot-Billed Duck, Montage’s Harrier, Indian River tern,
Whiskered Tern and stonechats.
I could have stayed the entire day watching the Indian
Skimmers, but with my flight leaving for Delhi, I promised myself to visit
Jamnagar again. Overall, my birding experience at Jamnagar would be a 10/10
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