An hour at the Asola Bhatti Sanctuary

This is the only sanctuary in the Delhi area as I learnt. Many times, while going to Delhi via Surajkund, I have noticed the signboard and I really regret not being able to visit earlier and at leisure. Chaps from the BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society) run the place, and its education officers accompany every group. On certain Sundays, visitors are allowed access to a lake deep inside the 21 sq km sanctuary, which sounded like a birding hotspot, apart from being the abode of wild jackals. And blackbuck, that exquisitely beautiful antelope of which so few remain in the wild

Since we were rather late, past 4 p.m, we were allowed access only to the butterfly garden and the beginnings of nature trails. Mr Ahmed accompanied us after our names were registered and the entry fees paid

Immediately thereafter, we spotted the pied crested cuckoo perched on a tree

Pied Crested Cuckoo, Asola Bhatti Sanctuary

The bird appeared to lead us on into the sanctuary and allowed us to take a few pictures

Mr Ahmed pointed out the long tailed shrike to us. Among the shadows, it was difficult to get clear pictures

Long tailed Shrike, Asola Bhatti Sanctuary

We were not allowed further ingress into the forest as it was already 5 p.m. Spotted a nilgai (blue bull) and huge peacocks from a distance and then suddenly, what appeared to be a piece of rock turned out to be an Indian Stone Curlew, quiet and still

Indian Stone Curlew, Asola Bhatti Sanctuary

Also saw the oriental white eye, the indian silverbill, the ashy prinia and the oriental magpie robin, common birds seen in the Delhi area.

The magpie robin was perched strategically, singing its heart out 

In case you are interested, you are welcome to visit the website of the Conservation Education Centre of the Asola Bhatti Sanctuary here 

And here is a whiteboard displayed at the entrance to the CEC, announcing recent sightings. Interestingly, leopard pugmarks as well!