Uppalapadu near Guntur is one of the only three places in India where Spot-Billed Pelicans nest, while they reside at other places too.Karnataka, Kerala-TN Border are the other two places where these large winged creatures nest. Some nesting grounds of Burma, Malaysia and Vietnam got destroyed or were deserted for various reasons leading to increase in numbers at Uppalapadu.
And also this sanctuary is home to 60 species of migratory birds like Painted Stork, White Ibis, Heron and Cormorant. Birds like Rosy Pastor travel hundreds of kilometers to come to this place. The number of birds touches 20,000 during the peak season between September and February. The unique aspect of this place is that the birds can be spotted throughout the year. The number of birds inhabiting this small stretch of land also makes it one of the densest areas occupied by birds at any given time, any where in India.
I revisited this place on February 10, 2009 and found these Pelicans and Painted Storks have found a new tank at Garapadu for nesting. For the past several months this panchayat tank is being inhabited by about 700 pelicans and 50 painted storks due to shortage of space at Uppalapadu. To reach Garapadu, take a left turn at Sibar Dental College, if you are coming from Uppalapadu towards Guntur, and the road straight away takes you to Garapadu Tank.
In Uppalapadu a Zilla Parishad School is housed in a small island inside the tank on a 2.5 acre site and there is sufficient water around the school, but due to regular visit of human beings, these birds have not nested on some of the trees that are most suitable for their purpose. If the Gram Panchayat agrees and gets an alternative land with the help of Zilla Parishad and District Administration for the School Building, this could become country’s largest nesting ground for Pelicans. At Uppalapadu first half of February is the best time for visitors see young chicks making efforts to fly out and by June-July a new species of birds -- Open Bill Storks and White Ibis will take over the space and fly out sometime in October.
Route: From Guntur City this place is 10 km and is nearer to N.T.R Manasa Sarovaram on N.H-5.
And also this sanctuary is home to 60 species of migratory birds like Painted Stork, White Ibis, Heron and Cormorant. Birds like Rosy Pastor travel hundreds of kilometers to come to this place. The number of birds touches 20,000 during the peak season between September and February. The unique aspect of this place is that the birds can be spotted throughout the year. The number of birds inhabiting this small stretch of land also makes it one of the densest areas occupied by birds at any given time, any where in India.
I revisited this place on February 10, 2009 and found these Pelicans and Painted Storks have found a new tank at Garapadu for nesting. For the past several months this panchayat tank is being inhabited by about 700 pelicans and 50 painted storks due to shortage of space at Uppalapadu. To reach Garapadu, take a left turn at Sibar Dental College, if you are coming from Uppalapadu towards Guntur, and the road straight away takes you to Garapadu Tank.
In Uppalapadu a Zilla Parishad School is housed in a small island inside the tank on a 2.5 acre site and there is sufficient water around the school, but due to regular visit of human beings, these birds have not nested on some of the trees that are most suitable for their purpose. If the Gram Panchayat agrees and gets an alternative land with the help of Zilla Parishad and District Administration for the School Building, this could become country’s largest nesting ground for Pelicans. At Uppalapadu first half of February is the best time for visitors see young chicks making efforts to fly out and by June-July a new species of birds -- Open Bill Storks and White Ibis will take over the space and fly out sometime in October.
Route: From Guntur City this place is 10 km and is nearer to N.T.R Manasa Sarovaram on N.H-5.
14 comments:
Wonderful Info Mr. Nani. I would like to visit the place in April 2011. Do I get to see any birds in this month?
-Kalyan
Yes,you will Mr.kalyan
Thanks Nani for the reply. I am delighted see a blog that describes the beauty of Guntur and Vijayawada and their surrounding places. Let me introduce myself. My name is Kalyan. I was born and brought up in Guntur city. After completing my MSc from Andhra university, I joined Indian Institue of Sciences for my Ph.D in Neuroscience. Currently I am a Reserch Scientist at Columbia University, New York City, USA.
Just like you, I am a nature lover and like to explore wild life and beauty of nature.
I am very happy to see your blog.I truly appreciate your effort. Let me know about yourself, if it is ok with you.
-Kalyan
kalyan0000atgmail
Hi Mr.Kalyan
My native place is Ravivaripalem, Krishna Dist.I am a farmer.Currently living in Vijayawada.
Nice info bro.. keep posting info this.. will helpful for person like me ..
any updates ????
Still no
Hi can anyone let me know what are the visit timings ?
Thanks in advance ,
Yasaswy
Dawn to dusk
Nice blog!
Nice blog!
Really a good place to visit pelican, i also visited the sanctuary in 2008 and i had a great experience, hope you also enjoyed very well
Good one. Uppalapadu is a village near Guntur city known for the Bird Sanctuary. The water tanks in this village are a refuge to many species of birds including few endangered species like the spot-billed pelicans and painted storks. Check out best 26 hotels in Guntur also.
Hi there,I enjoy reading through your article post, I wanted to write a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation.
All the best for all your blogging efforts.
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