With flamingos thronging Gujarat after the onset of monsoon, the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary has been bathed with hues of pink. Flamingos also called as Surkhab, is considered to be Lakhajee’s friend, a famed ruler of Kutch in ancient times.
As the human activities are minimal during the lockdown, the visit of majestic flamingos have increased manifold and the sanctuary has turned into ‘Surkhab Nagri’. Nalsarovar and Kutch provide a haven to approximately 12 lakh birds. Experts believe that amid lockdown Kutch has become a host to a massive influx of flamingos
For the first time after 2012, more than three lakh flamingos have visited Kutch and built 10,000 nests. Better known as Surkhab Nagar, this place is the largest flamingo breeding sight in the country. At least 30 per cent migratory birds from Russia come here and make nests.
Exotic birds are currently being spotted at all the bird sites in Kutch, including Khadir Bet, Amarapar, Shanku Lake, Anda Bet, Hang Bet of the Great Rann of Kutch. These birds arrive in Kutch from Siberia and other places during winters.Not only the desert, but the hills and seashore of Kutch are also suitable for the habitat of a variety of birds. It is estimated that there are about 100 small and large sites for birds in Kutch and so bird watchers from 120 countries come to Kutch.
