Wading through 'slow' waters: Sonkhaliya fields

Monsoon showers give an unusual sight to the dry state of Rajasthan. In Sonkhaliya in Ajmer district, sudden showers result in floods in the fields.

Sonkhaliya, a hitherto unknown hamlet, 40 kms from Ajmer district in Rajasthan, has in recent years captured the imagination of birders for the two of the most sought after species in the oriental region - Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus) and Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps). Not just because both birds are strikingly pretty in their own respect, but because their populations have suffered rapid declines and not many are sure they'll see them in future decades. Best season to see these birds is from 15th July till 1st week of Aug when the Jowar in fields is not very high and chances of spotting the birds are high. The other factor is also the amount of rainfall that the region experiences. With heavy rains, the birds aren't easily visible though it probably is good overall for the survival of these very vulnerable birds. Drought like situation has been detrimental to the population in the past.

In the recent years, a substantial area in the region has come under Moong cultivation, which has found favours with both the farmer and the Lesser Floricans. Farmer, because it requires less water and grows quicker and Lesser Floricans for some unexplained reason. The village of Sonkhaliya is still untouched by surrounding urban compulsions and looked every bit a north Indian village, with small hutments, kuchha roads (or paths) turned into tiny stagnating puddles, harbouring mosquitoes, their larvae and the kins, children with curious expressions and relaxing elderlies by the well. Vast emerald fields interspersed with thorny scrubs were adjoined by vast Grasslands that looked very pristine and ideal for scrub land species. There's a large grassland just outside Sonkhaliya that's used for cattle grazing by villagers.

Source: birdsandbeyond.blogspot

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