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Demoiselle Cranes have changed
the landscape of Khichan literally. A small sleepy town
in the vicinity of Phalodi, Khichan has now become one of
the most favored Bird watching vacation destinations in
India. Any to Rajasthan loses luster without a glimpse
of the Royalty of Khichan - The Demoiselle Cranes. Come
August and the Eurasian Cranes flock in large numbers to
Khichan. And the bird watching buffs are not far behind.
All this has made the Rajasthan Tourist Development Corporation
promote Khichan in large measure.
In earlier times, the number of Demoiselle
Cranes has been marginal. However due to organized feeding
of the Royale winged visitors in a natural manner by the
local inhabitants has swelled numbers to around 6000. In
August and later, the village sky is dotted with black patterns
as the cranes fight for attention with their typical krok-krok
calls. Of late though, enthusiasts and conservationists have encountered
a few problems.
In recent times, the cranes have been disturbed
by dogs and passing villagers. An effort to create a small
feeding place (50 into 60m) was set up at the edge of the
village. However this has become too crowded. To add to
the problems, illegal encroachments have developed over
the years much to the consternation of tourists. There has been also an effort
to move the feeding area. The villagers though make sure
the cranes are fed properly, all expenses borne by donations
from local people and Bird watching tour buffs.
Oblivious to all, the Demoiselle cranes
complete their early morning feeding and then alight on
the sand dunes in large numbers. They face the sun, their
tie-like black chest feathers contrasting with the blue
winter sky. A short while later they depart in different
directions in small family flocks. Once in the air they
immediately form a disciplined order led by the female,
followed closely by up to two sub-adults and brought up
by the male and start calling. These sights are a feast
for the Bird watching Vacation tourist. The mid day sees
them collecting for a short drink, punctuated by an occasional
bath or an acrobatic displaying of mutual affection between
couples, a sight to behold for Bird watching tour enthusiasts.
The fond wish of all local bird watchers,
Bird watching tour buffs, Bird watching vacation tourists
and conservationists is that the grand spectacle of these
Demoiselle Cranes is not disturbed in any way. Once their
sojourn is over, these winged visitors from Europe and Mongolia
return back leaving the small village of Khichan almost
deserted. They return the next year - to the sheer delight
of all Bird watching vacation tourists.
Bird watching vacations in Rajasthan
is a visual feast for the Bird watching connoisseur. Get
close to the famed Demoiselle Cranes. Take wings on a Bird
watching tour to Khichan and you will want to fly back again.
Experience India Tourism in all its colors. |
