Thol lake bird sanctuary is a shallow freshwater body
surrounded by marshes on the edge and scrubby forest embarking the
sides. Thol Lake is an artificial lake near Thol village in Kadi in Mehsana District in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was constructed as an irrigation tank in 1912. It is a fresh water lake surrounded by marshes. The lake sanctuary covering an area of 7 square kilometers was
declared officially in 1988 and is also known by the name of Thol Bird
Sanctuary. it is a habitat to 150 species of birds, about 60% are
waterbirds. Many migratory birds nest and breed in the lake and its
periphery.
Location: Around 20 km from Ahmedabad
Cranes, geese, flamingoes, pelicans, egrets, herons,
spoonbills, ducks, whistling teals and many other migratory birds nest
and breed in the lap of this natures exuberance. The most commonly
noticed Indian Saras Crane with its long bare legs, elongated head and
red head gracefully pecks insects while walking around the lake with
dance like movements. This bird which flaunts the status of being the
tallest flying bird on earth is often see in pairs and has over
centuries inspired poets and artists with its elegance and beauty.Things to do
Post rains in between and during the beginning of November to February a drive down to the Thol Lake is an ideal way to be away from the maddening rush of the city life. While driving to the lake, keep a watch for the variety of birds which populate the pools and canals on the way. Toddle around the lake while you get acquainted to large and small, textured and plain, and their mesmerizing concord of sounds.
The place is worth spending an entire day capturing the different movements and behavior of the birds in alliance with nature.
This is a sanctuary loved by birds because of the abundance of food it can gather from the agricultural land surrounding the lake. The shallow water reservoir dotted with reed beds not only give a unique ambience but an ideal dwelling to many types of birds and insects. Huge flocks of birds draw large geometrical patterns on the sky and when they are grounded they form a milling winged mob teeming at the seams.
Saras Crane and other birds with long necks and elongated necks prey on fishes and small insects in the water and the marshes. The area sometimes is echoed with the orchestra provided by thousands of birds making their own unique calls and sounds, but all seem to synchronize with
ease, instead of being a noise.
Geese, flamingoes, pelicans, egrets, herons, spoonbills, ducks,
whistling teals and many other migratory birds nest and breed in the lap
of nature’s exuberance, creating magical experiences for all kinds of
birders and keen avian photographers. Look out for: Flamingoes, Pelicans, Egrets, Herons, Spoonbills and Whistling Teals
Be one of few to record: Egyptian Vultures and Saras Crane (world’s tallest flying bird)
Seasons: Winter
Recommended time in the field: 1 Day
Accommodation: Ahmedabad (30 km)
Other attractions: Driving down to Thol from Ahmedabad is in itself attractive with scope for spotting birds as you near the sanctuary
