Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Information :

Location: Island of Chorao near Mandovi River.
How to reach: Take a bus/cab from Panaji to the Ribandar ferry dock and then take a ferry across the Mandovi River to the island of Chorao.
Best season: October to March.
Main Attraction: Exotic bird species and small wild animals.

About the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Goa :

This is Goa's only bird sanctuary, 1.8 Sq Km in area. A variety of local and migratory birds can be found on this island. From Panaji , one needs to take a bus or a cab to the Ribandar ferry wharf and then take a ferry across the Mandovi river to the island of Chorao. The sanctuary is within walking distance from the ferry wharf at Chorao. On the western tip of the island of Chorao along River Mandovi, mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named after India best-known ornithologist. Open throughout the year, the sanctuary can be visited with the permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji. Apart from a rich variety of coastal birds, one may spot flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles.The area consists of mangrove vegetation. Mangrove ecosystems are among the most productive ones known to us. They provide refuge and breeding grounds for several varieties of fish and insects which fall at the base of the food-chain.

The "Mangrove Scrub" type of vegetation that is found here occurs in small isolated areas along the banks of Mandovi and Mapusa rivers and also along the Cumbarjua canal.This Sanctuary is criss-crossed with a network of water channels. So movement is restricted to the duration of high tide if one wants to go by boats. However for canoes, the creeks are accessible even during low tides.A watch-tower has been erected in the Sanctuary for better viewing of birds. Apart from the several resident birds, the Sanctuary also has some winter visitors like coots and pintails.

Some important features:

The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the only bird sanctuary in Goa. Thus it happens to a great tourist attraction for bird lovers. The sanctuary goes to lengths to preserve and promote wildlife conservation in Goa. This highly rejuvenating bird sanctuary is also dear to many because of its scenic and serene atmosphere.

Bird lovers and budding ornithologists are specially recommended to visit this sanctuary during their visit to Goa.

Flora at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary :

he flora of the sanctuary largely consists of mangrove shrubbery.

Fauna at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary :

A veritable paradise for bird-watchers, the sanctuary plays host to exotic varieties of avian species. During the winter season, migratory birds flock to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in large numbers. Apart from birds, flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles are found in the sanctuary.

How to Reach Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary :

by Air : Dabolim is the nearest airport, 29 km from Panaji.

by Boat : Take a bus or a cab from Panaji to the Ribandar ferry wharf and then take a ferry across the Mandovi River to the island of Chorao.

Bird Watching In Goa

Bird Watching In Goa :

Goa being a coastal state enjoys a unique combination of nature's endowment, a diversity of its coastal habitat characterized by a variety of landforms like beaches, estuaries, islands and lagoons. Located along the Midwest coast of India, Goa is flanked by the rugged Western Ghats in the east and the vast expanse of Arabian Sea on the west. Always a popular destination for conventional resort tourist, Goa now witnesses an upsurge in eco-tourism, the mangrove related eco-tourism enterprise such as backwater cruises, bird watching and crocodile safari of Cumbarjua canal, the mangroves swamps of Chorao, one of the largest Island at the mouth of river Mandovi and also the site of Goa's only protected areas for birds, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Bird Watching In Goa is a unique experience. Get information related to bird watching in Goa from Goa Hub.

Beira Mar is one of the hot spots for bird watchers. On can spot more than 40 species of birds here, some being White-throated Kingfisher, Green Bee-eaters, Blue-tailed Bee-eaters, female Asian Koel, Rose-ringed Parakeets, Spotted Owlet, Rock Doves, Oriental Turtle Doves, Black Kites, White Rumped Munia and many more.

Trailing in Goa

The mere mention of Goa brings images of sylvan beaches, tall palms and the splashing blue sea hitting the beaches. The beauty and glamour of Goa never fails to mesmerize the tourists. However, the beaches and woods of Goa are also a favorite among the birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is a treat for those who do not only wish to laze around on the beaches but would like to explore the interiors of the region in search of some of the most rare and colorful species of birds exclusively found in this region. The most remarkable feature of Goa that attracts several bird watchers is that it provides the right opportunity to observe coastal migratory bird life along with the resident birds. This allows the bird watcher to observe large number of species of birds with a very small radius.

The best time to venture out for bird watching in Goa is early in the morning and in the evenings till sunset. The beaches are the ideal areas to observe birds like Brahminy Kites, Whitebellied Sea Eagle and various species of gulls, plovers and terns and numerous species of migratory ducks and geese. Apart from these, the other species of birds that birdwatchers can observe are the Steppe Eagle, Lesser adjutant Stork, Siberian Stone Chat and all the usual terrestrial birds observed in the woodlands and forests. It is necessary that bird watchers have a good pair of binoculars, a field guide on birds and if possible a bird expert who can spot and identify the birds immediately. Some of the best places for bird watching in Goa include the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Chaporni Estuary, Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary and the Castlerock Sanctaury.