They visit us in our garden often, they wake us up with their chirping, they hide in the branches of the trees, they sing songs for us, they melt our heart with their coos-caws, they delight us with their antics, they entertain us all round the year. They look pretty in their nests and high up in the sky. They are beautiful birds. Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located at the border of Noida and Delhi, but on the map, it is located in Noida in Uttar Pradesh. You might have noticed it if you use metro line from Delhi to Noida. Okhla Bird Sanctuary Metro Station is located on the Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro, near Kalindi Kunj. It is a city birder’s paradise and there is no doubt about it. If you prefer to spend time in the lap of nature, bird watching is your thing, you love to chase them with your camera and you are up for morning activities, Okhla bird sanctuary could be a very refreshing getaway for for you. As a matter of fact, for everyone in Delhi-NCR. Birding watching is a very joyful hobby and if you are an ornithologist, I am sure you know what fun it is to recognize the birds with their stark features, activities, voices, cooing sounds, etc. To see some of the migratory birds, the pink of winters is usually the best season for birding. Don’t miss the magical migration season.
Visit a bird sanctuary with a serious bird watcher or someone who loves birds.
I say this because I throroughly enjoyed my visit when I was accompanied by an enthusiastic and a serious bird watcher. Our guide and mentor brought in so much more from his experience. His talks and his stories on birds surged our interest more and more.
As soon as one walks in the premises, the lake is the first thing that one notices. In no time, one can hear callings and see different specifies of birds flying in and around. It is an open space and one is free to explore the sanctuary on foot. There is a well laid path around the lake and you will get to sight your first birds.
November to February is the best time to visit this small but vibrant bird sanctuary. This is popular period when migratory birds find their way to this green abode. I remember visiting it in December before the pandemic. Its been nearly 2 and a half years since my visit there but even now as I take a trip down the memory lane, I feel it like it happened yesterday. The overall walk, the company of friends and lots of information around birds made it a great day.
Some tips for hobby bird watchers and beginners!!
- Wear camouflaged clothes.
- A pair of binoculars must be handy. It can be yours or your friend’s. In fact, binoculars, have enabled people to see and study wild birds, without harming them, making modern bird watching all the more fun.
- Maintain distance from nests of birds. The parents birds become wary.
- Follow the rules of every sanctuary.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Silence is best, not to scare away the birds.
Overall, bird-watching is an inexpensive activity. So one does not need to worry much to be a part of the fun. For bird photography, one needs good lenses but you did not worry about that if you are a hobbyist. Wildlife and being close to nature is amazing.
How to reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary and the fee?
There is a nominal entry fee. I remember paying Rs. 30. Please check for any changes. Also, reaching Okhla bird sanctuary is easy with the help of metro. There are two gates of the sanctuary, the one closer to the metro maybe closed sometimes. Take an auto to the other gate, closer to the Delhi border.
