Indian Roller

We drive (4 hrs) from Jamnagar, stopping for bird watching along the road, to reach Velavadar Sanctuary, renowned for its richness since the Raj days; it is around this region that Dharmakumarsinhji, prince of Bhavnagar, practised falconry and undertook research on avifauna of Saurashtra. Velavadar can be approached from Ahmedabad, and also while returning from Gir National Park. We can stay at the forest rest house, or at Bhavnagar.

Harrier Paradise : Created for the conservation of the Blackbuck, Valavadar is a unique grassland and dry deciduous scrub ecosystem. It is a favoured roost for thousands of Harriers during winter (October to early February).

Montague's Harrier are remarkably the maximum. The Lesser Florican reaches here to breed during the monsoon. Wheatears, Larks, Shrikes, and other arboreal and ground birds can keep us engaged. The Stoliczka's Bushchat has been recorded here. Black-shouldered Kite, Shikra, and Short-toed Eagle are observed occasionally.

Blackbucks : The Blackbucks are in thousands surviving on the grass land vegetation. Their population is kept under check by two significant predators : Wolf and Jackal. Other mammals likely to be seen are Fox, Hare, Desert Gerbil, Jungle Cat, and Bluebull.