My friend Kishore had been itching to test out a Sigma 150-500 lens for sometime.The opportunity finally came on the second weekend of October.We decided to visit Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary which is about 30-45 mins drive from Calicut.
Our plan was to reach there as early as possible, make a few images and return back home before lunch.We started off at around 5:45 am, stopping for some hot tea at Feroke, and finally reached Kadalundi before 7am.
Little Egret.
Now I had visited Kadalundi about 2 years ago and was least impressed with that place.Little did I know then that, to get to do some serious birding/bird photography in Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, one has to trek a bit.
So for those who like me have/had no clue about the precise directions to get to the birding spots read on….
We parked the car near the tourist information center.Alternately one can also park their vehicle behind the Kadalundi railway station.We had to cross one bridge across the river.Now there are two bridges, the new one and the old(infamous Kadalundi train crash). While the new one on the left has an excellent footpath, one has to cross the track on the right to reach the birding site.
We had a tough time as we had taken the new bridge, and then climb down a scary ladder, jump from a height across a ditch and climb up back and across the railway track. Now as you walk along on the right side track you will come across a second set of bridges. Just before the start of the second bridge on the right side track, there is a small rough path which starts with a rock climb down.One has to be very very careful while descending down, especially with expensive cameras and lenses.Also it is recommended to wear waterproof sandals with a good grip rather than shoes.
Now once you descend down, you reach the island/prime birding site.
We had taken permission from the authorities before venturing on this trek and I would recommend that to anyone visiting this site as this is a protected area.
3 Whimbrels with a Eurasian Curlew
Lesser Sand Plovers
We came across Sandpipers, Gulls, Redshanks, Wagtails,Kites, Whimbrels, Eurasian Curlews, Kingfishers,Egrets, Sand Plovers at this site. Apparently the winter migrant birds had not started visiting.
Western Reef Heron
We photographed birds till around 9 am.The sun was getting hot and the light harsh….we decided to make the walk back to our car.
Now on the way back we walk along the old railway bridge. The foot path was broken and we had to walk along the tracks…SCARY !!! Finally we made it to the car safe and sound, and headed back home in time for a late breakfast.
Eurasian Curlew
Brown Headed Gull
Common Redshank
Photography tip: The birds are skittish and very vary of humans.It is best to lie flat on your belly and crawl commando style to get close to the birds and also get some good eye level shots. Make sure you have a clean towel and spare clothes as one is bound to be covered in wet sand…not a very comfortable feeling.
Ps. The wiki on Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary.
PPS. Please ask me before using any of my images.
The Lazy Traveller 