Birds of Tripura

The Jerdon's Baza

Whenever the name Ishanchandranagar comes in my mind, a nostalgic feeling takes over me. It takes me back to those colorful university days, when I first started to explore the surroundings of Tripura University along with some of my enthusiastic friends. Yes, Ishanchandranagar always gave us new surprises, and the trend continues till date. For a bird lover, this place is like a heaven. One can hardly believe that such an wide array of avian diversity exists at such a close proximity of human habitation. Its not a protected sanctuary or any thing like that, but one can easily get a glimpse of a grey headed fish eagle or an elusive Jerdon's Baza here. Crested serpent eagle, Orange-breasted green pigeon, Olive-backed pipit, Ruby-cheeked sunbird, Rufous necked laughingthrush, Scarlet-backed flowerpecker, Emerald Dove are some of the frequently seen bird species here. Its just not only birds, Ishanchandranagar is a paradise for snakes and amphibians too. The Mock viper, Spot-tailed pit viper, Rat snakes, Cobras and even the huge Burmese python have been found here recently. The lush green vegetation comprising of mixed plantation, fruit orchards, hedges, bamboo grooves along with paddy fields and small lakes makes such an unique environment which provides habitat for such rare fauna. Over the years we have visited the place many times, and we were amazed to witness the beautiful co-existence of man and wildlife side by side. Here are a few bird photographs that I have captured at this place over the years.

The Lakes at Ishanchandranagar abounds in water birds like these Lesser whistling ducks which are found in huge flocks

The Great egret in flight

The Pale-billed flowerpecker

Orange-breasted Green pigeon

Grey-headed fish eagle