Have you ever dreamt of exploring the mysterious and enigmatic wildlife that India has to offer? Visiting an animal sanctuary gives you a chance to explore all kinds of flora and fauna. Located in Dehradun, Asan Bird Sanctuary is one such place! And I’m here to tell you all about what makes this location so special.
From being on-site at the bird sanctuary and flocks of thousands of wild birds dotting the sky, to the diverse range of species found near the riverside, this blog post brings forth a thorough exploration of Asan Bird Sanctuary. So come along with me as we explore nature’s beauty – let’s dive right in!
Located on the banks of the River Asan, this sanctuary has been around for over 40 years and is home to over 250 species of birds. Let’s take a closer look at what visitors can expect to see at this unique bird sanctuary.
A Picture-Perfect Setting
The picturesque setting of the Asan Bird Sanctuary makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to enjoy some peace. The lush greenery, gentle river, and bright blue sky provide a tranquil backdrop that is perfect for birdwatching. Visitors can also take part in other activities such as boating, fishing, and picnicking while they explore the sanctuary.
What Kind of Birds Can You See?
The Asan Bird Sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, ranging from migratory birds that come during winter to resident birds that stay year-round. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot kingfishers, warblers, egrets, cormorants, swallows, and bulbuls. The sanctuary also offers opportunities for spotting rare species such as black-necked storks or white-cheeked laughing thrushes.
For those who are keen on photography, there are plenty of opportunities to capture stunning shots of these beautiful birds in their natural habitat!
How the Asan Bird Sanctuary Came to Be
Tucked away in the quiet hills of Dehradun is one of India’s hidden gems – the Asan Bird Sanctuary. A place where you can witness stunning birds in their natural habitat and enjoy some peace and tranquility. But, how did this sanctuary come to be? Let’s find out!
The Birth of the Asan Bird Sanctuary
The Asan Bird Sanctuary was established in 1986 after a local farmer named Mr. Arjun Singh noticed that there were large numbers of migratory birds visiting his farm during winter months. He and other local farmers got together and decided to protect this area as a bird sanctuary, with the help of the Forest Department. The idea paid off because, over time, many more migratory birds started visiting this small corner of Dehradun every winter.
Types of Birds at the Sanctuary
Today, the sanctuary is home to a variety of birds such as black-winged stilts, coots, terns, cormorants, egrets, ibisbill, and bar-headed geese. The most iconic species here is the red-crested pochard which can be found near the lake and is believed to migrate from Siberia every year. Other mammals such as blue bull antelope also inhabit this area and can often be spotted grazing along with cattle near the lake or even taking a quick dip in it when it gets too hot!
The Preservation Efforts for Asan Bird Sanctuary
In recent years, conservation efforts have been put in place to ensure that this unique ecosystem remains intact for future generations to enjoy. Local authorities have set up fences around certain areas where predators such as jackals or leopards may pose danger to these delicate creatures. They have also organized campaigns educating people about how they can contribute towards preserving this area by not littering or releasing balloons into its airspace which could harm migratory birds that are passing through here on their way to warmer climates during winters.
Feathery Fun at the Asan Bird Sanctuary Dehradun
If you’ve ever wanted a bird’s-eye view of the world, the Asan Bird Sanctuary Dehradun is the place to be! This sanctuary is home to more than 200 species of birds, ranging from migratory waterfowl to resident raptors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the different kinds of birds you can spot at this unique sanctuary.
Waterfowls
The Asan Bird Sanctuary has plenty of waterfowls that make an appearance during winter months, such as bar-headed geese and common pochards. These are just two species out of many that enjoy spending their time in this sanctuary.
The bar-headed geese have bright white plumage with black stripes running along their heads and wings, making them easy to identify. Common pochards are smaller ducks with brown and white spotted feathers across their necks and bellies. Both species can be found in large flocks around the wetlands in the sanctuary.
Raptors
The skies are full of raptors such as hawks, eagles, kites, and vultures at the Asan Bird Sanctuary Dehradun. These magnificent birds can often be seen soaring high above the trees or perched atop branches scanning for prey below.
The short-toed eagle is one raptor that visits this sanctuary frequently; it has an impressive wingspan and a distinctive brown body with white streaks across its back feathers. Vultures are also quite common here; they have large black bodies with bald heads and white tails which make them easily recognizable from up high!
Songbirds
The more vocal visitors to this sanctuary include various songbirds like bulbuls, warblers, thrushes, and babbles – among many others! These birds can often be heard singing beautiful melodies throughout the park in springtime as they search for mates or create nests for their younglings. Bulbuls have colorful plumage with red heads and yellow underbellies; these birds sing loud and clear songs that can be heard from miles away!
Warblers are small but vocal creatures with bright yellow feathers on their wings while thrushes have brown-speckled plumage which makes them blend in perfectly with tree bark! Babbles are also frequent visitors here; they have dull greenish-gray coloring but make up for it with their melodious chirps!
Getting There
The sanctuary is located about 40 km from the city center of Dehradun. If you don’t have access to a car, buses are available that will take you close enough so that you can walk or hire an auto-rickshaw for the remainder of your journey. If you decide to take public transport from Dehradun, make sure that you leave early to avoid traffic jams.
When To Visit
The best time of year to visit Asan Bird Sanctuary Dehradun is between October and April. This is because many migratory birds arrive during this period and make their home in the sanctuary throughout the winter season before departing once again at the start of summer. During this period, visitors can see beautiful species like White-capped Water Redstart, Black-necked stork, Grey Heron, Northern Goshawk, and more!
Exploring the Asan Bird Sanctuary in Dehradun: What to Do?
Are you ready for a bird-watching adventure? Are you looking for an activity that will excite and interest your whole family? If so, then the Asan Bird Sanctuary in Dehradun, India is the perfect place!
From strolls through the park to spotting rare birds, this sanctuary has something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of the activities available at the Asan Bird Sanctuary.
Bird Watching
The main attraction at this sanctuary is bird watching. With more than 200 species of birds, there is something for everyone to observe—from common sparrows to exotic woodpeckers. The best time to visit is during winter when many migratory birds flock to this region. You can also spot some resident species such as sunbirds, owls, parakeets, and lots more!
Nature Trails/Trekking
If you’re looking for a little bit more excitement than just bird watching, then why not take a nature trail or trek around the park? This way you get to explore the natural beauty of this sanctuary and observe different species of plants and animals along with birds. There are various trails available with varying levels of difficulty. So whether you’re an experienced hiker or just beginning your journey into trekking, there will be something suitable for you here!
Picnicking
If you want to spend some quality time with your family while still enjoying nature, then picnicking at Asan Bird Sanctuary is perfect! Bring your food or get snacks from local vendors in the area and find yourself in a nice spot by one of the lakes where you can sit back and enjoy the serenity of nature while admiring different species of birds flying overhead.
Exploring Asan Bird Sanctuary Dehradun—A Haven for Nature Lovers
For those of you who are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Asan Bird Sanctuary in Dehradun is the perfect destination. Surrounded by lush greenery, this sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers, offering plenty of activities to keep visitors occupied. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or just looking for some peace, here’s why you should add Asan Bird Sanctuary to your bucket list!
Observing Birds in Their Natural Habitat
As its name suggests, the primary activity at the sanctuary revolves around observing birds in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is home to numerous species of birds such as peacocks, ducks, eagles, kingfishers, and more! You can even spot migratory birds during certain times of the year.
The best time to visit is early morning when these feathered friends are most active. So grab your binoculars and cameras and get ready to explore!
Adventure Activities
The sanctuary also offers plenty of other activities that can help you enjoy an unforgettable experience. From zip-lining to rappelling and river rafting on the River Yamuna, there’s something for everyone here! There are also several trekking trails available if you want to explore further into the surrounding areas. Don’t forget to bring your camping gear if you plan on spending a night under the stars!
Gardens and Picnic Spots
If adventure isn’t exactly your thing, don’t worry—there are plenty of other activities available at Asan Bird Sanctuary as well. Visitors can also take advantage of its many gardens and picnic spots along with children’s playgrounds where they can relax with family or friends. Enjoy a stroll through one of its many gardens or take some time out to enjoy a leisurely picnic with delicious local snacks from nearby eateries.
Tips for Planning a Visit to Asan Bird Sanctuary Dehradun
This beautiful bird sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it the perfect destination for a fun-filled day trip or weekend getaway. Here are just a few tips for planning your visit.
Pack Your binoculars –
Let’s be honest here; unless you have a superhuman vision, you won’t be able to appreciate the beauty of these majestic birds up close. So make sure to bring along some good quality binoculars so that you can spot these feathered creatures from afar and take in their natural splendor.
Wear Appropriate Clothing –
The weather in Dehradun can be quite unpredictable. So if you plan on exploring the sanctuary, make sure to wear clothing that will keep you comfortable regardless of what mother nature throws your way. Lightweight layers are always a good idea as they can easily be added or removed depending on the temperature. Also, don’t forget your hat and sunscreen!
Research The Birds –
Before you head out on your adventure, make sure to do some research about the different species that inhabit Asan Bird Sanctuary Dehradun. Knowing a bit about the birds that live there will help enhance your experience as it will give you an appreciation for how unique each species is and how they interact with one another in their habitat. It’s also important to know what type of behaviors and sounds these birds typically exhibit so that you don’t accidentally scare them away when observing them up close!
If you are looking for a fun and educational day trip from Dehradun, look no further than Asan Bird Sanctuary! This beautiful sanctuary is home to many different types of birds and is the perfect place to spend a day exploring with friends or family.
There are plenty of activities available for visitors, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to plan your visit during October through March when the weather is cooler and the birdwatching is at its best. Keep these tips in mind when planning your trip, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time at Asan Bird Sanctuary Dehradun!
