Renganathittu – The fascinating Bird Sanctuary

Renganathittu – The fascinating Bird Sanctuary

by T. L. John

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka State is one of the best charming bird sanctuaries in India. It is a haven for birds and bird watchers, nature lovers and enthusiastic photographers. It is widely regarded as one of India’s most known nesting and breeding grounds for birds especially for several species of resident birds. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 0.67 sq km and situated on the bank of Cauvery river in the Mandya District. By the construction of an embankment across the Kaveri river, is lets were formed. It was built in the period between 1645 to 1648 by the then king of Mysore, Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar. These lush green and idyllic is lets and serene lake attract birds as a safe haven. Ranganathittu is situated 3 kilometers from the historic town of Srirangapattana and 16 kilometers north of Mysore.

Though it is small area wise, the plethora of birds is extremely high. It is a home for hundreds of birds and water species. It is amazing to watch that irrespective of changes in the season and the nesting behavior of birds, most of them are seen throughout the year. The study and survey conducted by the renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali noted the importance for protecting and preserving the habitat. He persuaded the king of Mysore for the establishment of a Bird sanctuary. Thus it came into being as a bird sanctuary in the year 1940. The area is completely devoid of plastic and other waste materials. The bird sanctuary has beautiful blossoming gardens, bamboo and lush green trees. The gentle and calm boat ride on the tranquil water body makes a pleasant and joyful day. The well trained boatmen taking us for a ride narrate the habits of every avian species.

The sights of various species of birds flying, bathing, catching fishes and feeding chicks perched on branches of bushy trees are fascinating. It is a wonderful experience to watch all these things very closely. Likewise the inhabited crocodiles can also be viewed either on small islands or on rocks. Because the river bed is of small and large rocks the water flows in a placid mode and its bank is covered with Riverine reeds and other bushy plants.

Approximately more than 150 bird species have been recorded so far. The painted stork, Open-bill stork, Spoon bill, Wooly-necked stork, Black-headed ibis, Lesser whistling duck, Indian shag, Stork-billed kingfisher, Egret, Cormorant, Oriental darter, Spot-billed pelican, and Heron are the common sightings here. They roost and breed regularly in season at Ranganathittu

Though Great stone plover and River tern are very few in number they are seen hither and thither. Occasionally large flocks of Streak-throated swallows can also be sighted. uring winter, thousands of migratory birds congregate here. During monsoon most of them leave for other habitats.

Presently the sanctuary is being maintained by the Forest Department of Karnataka. In 2014, the area around 28 square km of sanctuary was declared as an eco-sensitive zone. Boating for tourists is suspended during monsoon season as the islets flood heavily. The recent frequent flooding has caused damage to some portions of islands. Many
informational hoardings have been set up and even a souvenir shop, a small bird museum in the sanctuary premises. For refreshment, an eco-friendly food court also has been put up. There are even neat and tidy refreshing washrooms too with adequate availability of chilled fresh water

All these are surrounded with lush green meadows and flora. In the midst, there are short pathways for leisurely walk and even placed benches for resting. There are even a few watch towers to see the wide as well as top view of the entire area. If we move to the adjacent places of the sanctuary it can be seen men engaged in fishing by coracle
(basket boat). As the adjoining lands are so fertile, agricultural activities can also be seen copiously elsewhere. Here most of the farmers follow traditional methods of agriculture and even use Oxen for ploughing fields.

The gentle and calm boat ride on the tranquil water body makes a pleasant and joyful day. Really to be merged with this sanctuary throughout the day, observing the activities of birds and experiencing the cool atmosphere of greenery is something pleasant and energetic. The early morning hours are the ideal for photographing and watching the activities of birds in their habitual mood. No doubt, the natural, enthralling beauty of the sanctuary will definitely evoke in us a sort of inexpressible pleasant satisfaction