Birdwatching

Every year, beginning in mid-November, Chupi Char fills with migratory birds that have travelled thousands of kilometres through the Central Asian Flyway from Russia, Central Asia, Siberia and Europe. Over 100 species of resident and migratory birds have been documented here. The species most celebrated among birdwatchers and wildlife photographers include the Red-crested Pochard (with its vivid orange-red bill and russet head), the near-threatened Ferruginous Duck, the Common Pochard, the Osprey, Ruddy Shelduck, Garganey, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Common Teal, Tufted Duck and Lesser Whistling-Duck. Among wading birds: Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Bronze-winged Jacana, Baillon’s Crake, River and Grey-headed Lapwings and various stints. The resident White-breasted Kingfisher is perhaps the most reliably photogenic year-round presence. In the island vegetation, Ospreys and Booted Eagles patrol above the reeds. A narrow creek locally known as ‘Goriber Amazon’ (the Poor Man’s Amazon) connects the oxbow lake to the main Ganges channel and offers extraordinary close-up boating through dense riparian vegetation, with the domes and towers of the ISKCON Mayapur temple visible on the far Nadia bank.
The prime time for birdwatching is undoubtedly early morning; the majority of species are most active during the first two hours after sunrise, which also offers the perfect lighting for photography. Weekdays offer significantly better experiences than weekends, when crowds can disturb the birds. Avoid playing music or making loud noises near the lake,and follow your guide’s instructions about approach distances.