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India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
7 Hidden Saltwater Lakes Near Delhi You Must Visit For An Unforgettable Birdwatching Experience
The capital of India Delhi provides residents with more than political and cultural opportunities because the city leads toward dreamlike natural environments. The vital bird habitats include saltwater lakes which host both migratory and resident bird species. Saline water bodies develop exclusive habitats that attract numerous bird species which can be observed by birdwatchers. Birdwatchers can explore this guide to discover amongst the best saltwater lake locations around Delhi for their pastime. 1. Sultanpur National Park Sultanpur National Park stands as a prominent bird sanctuary in the Delhi vicinity at its 50-kilometer distance. The park holds seasonal wetlands with slight salinity because it stands near arid locations although it lacks complete saltwater characteristics. The shallow winter waters of this site attract thousands of migrating Northern Shoveler and Greater Flamingo and Bar-headed Goose species. Indian Peafowl together with the Grey Heron inhabit the park area throughout the year. Birdwatchers of every experience level can find pleasure at this location because of its excellent trail conditions coupled with observation platforms throughout the park. 2. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) The Keoladeo Ghana National Park deserves UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition for its global significance even though its distance from Delhi reaches 180 kilometers. The sanctuary combines freshwater marshlands with saltier wetlands which create various ecological habitats. During peak migration season (October to March), over 370 bird species visit this haven. Siberian Cranes and Painted Storks together with Pelicans are among the animals often seen at this location. People often visit this place from Delhi by road because of its convenient accessibility. 3. Surajpur Wetland From central Delhi's position at 45 kilometers distance one can find the bird-watching destination of Surajpur Wetland within Greater Noida. Part of the freshwater region but some sections have slightly salty water because of agricultural drainage and soil mineral content. Black-winged Stilts Common Teals together with Eurasian Spoonbills make up more than 200 bird species which inhabit the wetland. Enticing winter guests arrive at the site to become visible as Greylag Geese and Ruff. Public transport reaches the site directly and the place provides special pathways for walking visitors. 4. Okhla Bird Sanctuary Okhla Bird Sanctuary exists on the banks of the Yamuna River as it bridges the Delhi-UP state border and maintains its biodiversity in a small protected area. A mere 4 square kilometer area lets this site serve as an important habitat for countless birds who find comfort in its freshwater and mildly salty waters. Three hundred different bird species have been identified at this location which features two exceptional bird species—the Baer's Pochard and Ferruginous Duck. The sanctuary gains its fame from the winter gathering of waterfowl that occurs there. The well-built path enables people to observe nature without causing any disturbance to wildlife. 5. Basai Wetland The lesser-known birdwatcher destination Basai Wetland finds its location around 60 kilometers northwest of Delhi. The wetland continues to hold vital importance as an avifauna conservation site despite ongoing threats from urban development. Saltwater pools form in selected locations of this wetland because of industrial waste and natural water chemistry. The Black-tailed Godwit together with the Red-crested Pochard and Yellow-wattled Lapwing are commonly observed species at this location. The untouched birdwatching environment provides a peaceful sanctuary where protection work continues to defend against expanding development. 6. Dadhana Wetland Bird-lovers keep Dadhana Wetland as a hidden treasure based in Haryana's Jhajjar district which lies about 70 kilometers from Delhi. The saltwater combination in this habitat enables it to nurture life from the aquatic realm as well as birds of all types. Northern Pintail together with Gadwall and Common Coot birds migrate to this site when winter arrives. The wetland becomes brighter during all seasons because it sustains two native bird species: Purple Swamphen and the resident Indian Spot-billed Duck. The uncommercial site of Dadhana presents inherent natural beauty together with plenty of photo-worthy subjects. 7. Badkhal Lake Before neglect, the Badkhal Lake served as a local attraction for visitors who engaged in boating and organized picnics between Faridabad and Delhi which are about 30 kilometers apart. The lake experienced years of abandonment that resulted in its dry sections where only salinity remained. Conservation work in recent years brought back elements of the lake which now host Little Grebe and Moorhen and Cotton Pygmy Goose species. The protection and restoration work at Badkhal Lake position it as a potential upcoming birdwatching location if present conservation strategies continue achieving positive results. Why Saltwater Lakes Are Important for Birdwatching A network of saltwater lakes functions as a vital habitat for maintaining different bird species. Their particular chemical properties enable the development of special vegetation and water-based organisms that provide food for numerous bird species. Migratory birds make stopover use of these locations as they travel between continents. The high nutrient levels in saline waters create conditions that result in large ecta fish and insect populations which supply birds with ample food resources. Tips for Birdwatching Near Delhi The optimal hours for observing birds in their natural activity occur during early morning and late afternoon. Desert Birdwatchers need to purchase binoculars together with cameras that include strong zoom capabilities for distant wildlife observation. Choose Clothing Items with Neutral Colors because these tones will not alarm birds while matching the background environment better. Your distance from wildlife nesting areas and use of quiet activities can help prevent disturbing their habitats. Observing seasonal migratory movements will help you decide the best time to visit the area for bird observation. The vicinity of Delhi to multiple saltwater lakes and wetland areas creates extraordinary conditions for bird observation. All birdwatchers will find valuable viewing opportunities at these sites where they can observe both large flamingos and delicate warblers. Both responsible visits and advocacy efforts will help sustain these valuable ecosystems as vibrant environments throughout the generations. The serene beauty of nature awaits everyone who rests their gear to step outside and experience its symphonic appeal.
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Wales Online
Rare habitat in Wales threatened by jet skiers, dog walkers and sewage
Rare habitat in Wales threatened by jet skiers, dog walkers and sewage A community nature group is calling on Vale of Glamorgan Council to turn an old harbour into a local nature reserve in order to protect the numerous species there A community group is calling for the old harbour in Barry to be turned into a local nature reserve A community group has called for better protection of nature at Barry's old harbour amid concerns jet skiers and "irresponsible dog walkers" are affecting wildlife there. Barry Action for Nature and hundreds of residents have called on Vale of Glamorgan Council to turn the site, which is just to the east of the Harbour Road car park on Barry Island, into a local nature reserve. The local authority has two main local nature reserves. These are Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Porthkerry Country Park. Vale Council said it was currently looking into the possibility of making the old harbour in Barry and several other locations a local nature reserve. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Chairman of Barry Action for Nature, Rob Curtis, said: "Saltwater marsh is one of the rarest habitats in the UK. "The Old Harbour's saltwater marsh supports wintering red listed species such as Curlew and Whimbrel. "It also supports other waders and seabirds such as Shelduck, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Knot and Redshank. Article continues below "We call on the Vale of Glamorgan Council to declare this area a Local Nature Reserve which can contribute to the Welsh Government's aim of protecting 30% of Wales for nature by 2030. "We are concerned that jet ski users and some irresponsible dog walkers are disturbing resting and feeding birds. "We are also concerned at the sewage pollution currently being discharged into this harbour. Please help us protect our local wildlife." Vale of Glamorgan Council is the owner of the old harbour in Barry. It was the original anchorage and harbour at Barry before Barry Docks opened in 1889. A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: "The Council and Vale Nature Partnership are looking into the possibility of making this and several other areas of the Vale designated Local Nature Reserves (LNRs). 'It is believed 20 or so species of rare bird are found there, along with butterflies and moths, while it is also one of few places in the Vale where seagrass could be reintroduced, a plant that is excellent at capturing carbon. 'To gain the designation as an LNR, the old harbour would need to have sufficient wildlife value so work will be carried out to see if it reaches that threshold. 'Any sewage discharge into the area is a matter for Dwr Cynru/Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales and we will work with them to investigate this.' Article continues below
