Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary

Introduction

It is one of the natural abodes for a number of different types of birds who reside or migrate here. It is the only bird sanctuary in eastern India. The bird varieties include house swifts, fishing eagles, Brahminy kites, and the swifts flying at alternating speeds. In this place, an ample collection of different migratory birds hail from other countries like Siberia and other European countries. They mostly migrate during the months of winter and dwell here for a longer period of time.
The Udhwa lake bird sanctuary is located at a short distance from the sacred small stream known as the Ganga river. This adds more pleasant and fills the atmosphere with cool fresh air. The rapid running water of the river passes through the sanctuary that please the eyes of the tourists with delight and pleasure.

Name, location, constitution and extent :

The Udhwa lake Bird Sanctuary lies between Latitude: 24° 57' 51" N to 25°1'14" N and Longitude: 87°47’40”E to 87°49’27”E in the Rajmahal Sub-Division of Sahebganj district in the state of Jharkhand. The Sanctuary mainly comprises of two large water bodies namely:
a. Pataura Jheel having an area of 155 ha, and
b. Brahma Jamalpur Jheel (Commonly known as Berhale Jheel) having an area of 410 Ha.
A total area of 5.65 sq. Km comprising of the above water bodies has been notified as Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary by the Government of Bihar in 1991 on account of the exceptional potential of the above water bodies as regards the variety of resident and migratory avifauna to which the above lakes serve as an ideal habitat for their survival, nesting and roosting. The area witnesses a noticeable influx of migrant birds during the winter, though sometimes it starts from early September.

Distance from nearby important towns and cities:

From Howrah : 326 Km by rail + 13 Km by Road (via: Tinpahar-Rajmahal)
From Howrah (via: Barharwa) : 284 Km by rail + 18 Km by Road
From Dumka : 158 Km by road + 42 Km by road
From Sahibganj : 42 Km by road
From Bhagalpur : 117 Km by road
From Barharwa : 18 Km by road

Point of interest at Udhwa lake bird sanctuary :

A. Flora :- Surrounding the sanctuary has scanty green cover consisting of few trees which are sparsely distributed. The lake contains algae ,small floating higher plants which can be of immense interest for botanists. 42 different forms of algae’s have been recorded and 36 species of aquatic macrophytes. Which are vital for existence of diving ducks.

B. Fauna:- As per Asian water bird census 2015 published by wetland international Udhwa lake bird sanctuary supports 1% bio-geographic population of the Black-headed ibis, Purple swamp-hen and Bar-headed goose .it is also home to vulnerable species of birds like Wooly-necked stork and Lesser adjutant .As per the bird census conducted this year 2313 birds of 53 different have been recorded

C. Lake: - The pristine locations in the Udhwa lake bird sanctuary are the majestic lakes that have been naturally formed and a bird’s eye view of the whole area can be seen from the hillocks adjoining the lakes. The impressive sight of the water hyacinths along with flocks of red crested pochard , lesser adjutants ad other water birds is indeed a pleasing sight.