Birding in Goa

GOA, the name, is synonymous with the 3 B’s……, beautiful Beaches, Babes and Beer, in no particular order … :)……, but very few ( including me )  think about the other nature related B’s like Birding and Buttering ( butterfly watching ), when it comes to Goa. Goa, is abound with some amazing natural diversity. Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, a rich and thick rainforest of the Western Ghats is located in Goa, though on the outer edge of Goa, close to the eastern border with Karnataka.

From Wikipedia,

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park is a 240 square kilometres (93 sq mi) protected area located in the Western Ghats of South India, in Sanguem taluk, Goa along the eastern border with Karnataka. The area is situated near the town of Molem, 57 kilometres (35 mi) east of Panaji, the state capital of Goa. National Highway 4A divides it into two parts and the Mormugao - Londa railway line passes through the area. It is located between 15°15"30’ to 15°29"30’ N and 74°10"15’ to 74°20"15’ E.[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=“yes” overflow=“visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=“1_1” background_position=“left top” background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style=“solid” spacing=“yes” background_image="" background_repeat=“no-repeat” padding="" margin_top=“0px” margin_bottom=“0px” class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed=“0.3” animation_direction=“left” hide_on_mobile=“no” center_content=“no” min_height=“none”][1] It contains several important temples dating to the Kadamba Dynasty, and Dudhsagar Falls. The parkland is also home to a community of nomadic buffalo herders known as the Dhangar.

Nestled right in the sanctuary, is this place called ‘Canopy Goa - Nature’s Nest’ , which is were we stayed. Wonderful place, right amidst nature, superb food, lots of nature walk and birding opportunities within the property, in all, a great place to completely unwind and a must visit for every nature lover. Our hosts there, Pankaj Lad and Ramesh, are very knowledgeable folks and very forthcoming and helpful. Also, forgot to mention, within the property, there is a small stream, with lovely little fish and rocks for seats, a great place for a wonderful fish pedicure………

Had a very brief stay of just one night, with the most part of the first day washed out due to heavy rain….but did visit the beautiful 13th Century Temple, at Tamdi Surla, nestled in the rainforest…….,

Tamdi Surla Temple

Morning of the second day, was much better with some good sightings, White-rumped Shama, Jungle Owlets, Malabar Grey Hornbills and the Brown Wood Owl, being the highlights…….,though not much in terms of photography per se…….

Would definitely want to visit the place again, in season, like in November/December…….., Nevertheless, was an enjoyable experience……………..

A slideshow of some the images here…

You can view the full Gallery here - Canopy-Goa-Sep-2012



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