River tern

                                                  

Migration of birds is an interesting phenomenon. What brings them to same place year after year? how they find way so accurately? It is really mind boggling! This small islet in back waters of Bhadra reservoir is home to these migratory birds small pranticole and River terns . Come every summer these birds are sure to visit this islet in backwaters and have breeding and fly away in May end with young ones! Every year when the water level goes down in the reservoir these islets which are actually submerged lands surface out . These islets give a safe ground for these birds as they are not approachable by humans and any other animals . They do not have nests but lay eggs on ground near stones or small crevices on ground. The colour of eggs merges with back ground so well that it is hardly distinguishable from surrounding. During the months of march -May they are seen in thosands in this small islet. Only way to see them is by boat ride in back waters run by Jungle lodges and resorts Ltd run by Govt of karnataka .They conduct the boat trip so well that it doesnt disturb the habitat of migratory birds ( of course any activity near them is disturbing for the birds but they seem to have adjusted and accepted the routine). The resort of JLR in Lakkavalli is named as River tern lodge.Apart from these two birds, a boat ride in back waters can also help us to spot other animals and birds of Bhadra reserve forest . Today I spotted wood swallow, Osprey, white ibis, peacock, deer, black bucks, hanuman langur, King fishers, red wattled lapwing, wooly necked stork etc.
During mansoon when water level increases these islets also get submerged in water and before this the birds are already off to their safe homes miles and miles away!!
River tern lodge is 30 kms from shimoga approx.
Links to picassa album https://picasaweb.google.com/shrikanthhegde/RiverTern?feat=directlink