National bird watching day

[gallery]

There is an excited chirrup in the air amongst bird watchers across Kerala as they gear up to celebrate the birthday of the bird man of India, Dr. Salim Ali, on November 11. His birthday falls on November 12. Most of us like watching colourful birds but there was one man who was so involved in their study that he was nicknamed 'The Birdman of India'. This man also known as the 'Grand Old Man of Indian Ornithology' is Salim Ali.

Birds Gallery

[Jackman]

just what wud u have to do to get invloved

[Jackman]

i mean, like do i need to like get a book, or something?

[Perfection]

Collect information on the places in your country where you can watch birds. Note the season and commonly found birds. The best time to watch birds is the morning and evening times. If you make a hide - a tent - in forest, you can view and photograph birds closely. Don't make noise or flash light.

Once you are interested in birds, you will get information and books about native birds. Searching the internet will also help.

Best wishes, Happy bird watching.

For India wildlife sanctuaries visit : http://forums.bizhat.com/travel-tour...rks-india.html

[Perfection]

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kottayam, Kerala, India

Hill stations and exotic wildlife, valleys and waterfalls, plantations and paddy fields. Kerala features it all and is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the country. Known for its bird sanctuary, Kumarakom is the perfect vacation destination for avid bird watchers. The sanctuary opens from 6 am to 6 pm with an entry fee of Rs 5. Early morning and evening are good for bird watching. Following the tile paved route through the exterior of the sanctuary will not sight any birds. Sanctuary has plenty of Mangrove forest. Go to the interior by following the small tracks to watch birds. During the November-March season, you're likely to see King Fishers, Egrets, Australian Ibises, Siberian Teals and more. The nearly extinct birds darter and white ibis are found in the sanctuary.

In daytime, you have to go the backwater for watching the birds, preferably in a unmotorized boat.

Other exciting attractions, include :

Backwater Houseboat Cruises - Cruise beneath blue skies and see lush green paddy fields and the palm trees lining the shore of Vembanad Lake. Spend a day on the water or just enjoy the view.

Cultural Tours - Travelers can get a taste of Keralan culture by touring a martial arts school, Kalaripayattu, and marveling at the mural paintings at Ettumanoor Shiva Temple. Cheriyappally and Valiyapally are the ancient churches of Kottayam.

Farm Visits - Experience the life of a Keralite to discover banana farming, coconut farming and aquaculture. Learn about the fascinating methods of spice cultivation and latex extraction and processing by visiting spice and Rubber Plantations. Discover various types of native plants and animals as you stroll through a traditional Keralan village.

Kottayam Sightseeing and Shopping - You can also purchase local goods such as Kerala saris, spices, coir products and rubber products.

[Perfection]

The main centres of Houseboats for boating are Alappuzha and Kumarakom.

Alappuzha has a number of houseboats and during the season it will be difficult to get a boat.

A one hour trip will costs Rs 200 by normal boat. The charges for motor boat is Rs 350 per hour. The large rice boat called 'kettuvallam' has well furnished interiors and air cooled rooms for comfortable stay. Coir is extensively used in the decoration. Comfortable chairs, fans, LCD TV along with the tasty food cooked in Keralan style in the boat kitchen will be a memorable experience.

A night stay in a 'kettuvallam' costs around Rs 7000/-. The huge boat were used for tranporting goods through the rivers in Kerala. During the stay in the boat, it travels to Kochi or Kollam. The Yamaha engines fitted in the boat gives good speed. A visit to the unihabited island Pathiramanal (4 km from Kuramakom) will be a nice experience. There is no government ferry service to Pathiramanal island. You can enjoy tender coconuts and lime water in the island.