Vadodara photographer made bird watching book based on his photography at Ratan Mahal

Published by Vadodara Wildlife Department

Dr. Rahul Bhagwat says that there are more than 205 colorful winged angels in Ratan Mahal. Ratan Mahal Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Dahod district at a distance of about 140 km from Vadodara, which is famous for bears. But few people knows that the area is also the favorite place of colourful species of birds

Dr. Rahul Bhagwat, a bird photographer from Vadodara, has taken a camera and walked around the corners of the sanctuary with a camera and has worked hard to capture the birds. Bird watching and photography is all about patience, restraint and sweat it out to capture the perfect shot.

Forest department published a Ratan Mahal Wildlife Sanctuary Bird Guide based on the photographs of Dr. Rahul's efforts. Under Vadodara Wildlife Department, it has been published by the Environmental Tourism Development Committee, Naldha, which is currently available at the office of Ratan Mahal Bear Sanctuary. Dr. Rahul done his photography with adventure and patience in famous bird and wildlife sanctuaries and places of the country. This book is the first publication to present his struggle and made keeping Ratan Mahal and his bird heritage at the heart.

According to Dr. Rahul, Ratan Mahal Sanctuary is home to more than 205 species of native and exotic birds, some visible in all twelve months and some in favorable seasons. The place is ideal for bird watching all through the year but in summer just before the monsoon and winter are considered more suitable, says Dr. Rahul. The sanctuary is closed to tourists during the monsoons. Currently, the Forest Department has declared a part of it as a special birding zone, which he consider a good move.

Dr. Rahul has published this booklet and thanked the Forest Department for making his efforts worthwhile. He said that this has been made possible by the encouragement of Forest Conservator Aradhana Sahu, Shashikumar and Deputy Forest Conservator Dr. Dhawal Gadhvi. He has received special help from Rohit Vyas, Dr. Bhavik Patel and Nisha Phadke in this work.

Birds considered as winged angels are adornment and heritage of nature. The more people know about them, more people can be involved in their protection. This guide will introduce tourists to the birds of Ratan Mahal.

Dr. Dhawal Gadhvi, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Vadodara Wildlife Department, while applauding Dr. Rahul Bhagwat's efforts for bird photography said, birds were found more in the Pipariya Nursery area of ​​Ratan Mahal Sanctuary. He feels the cultivation of fruit trees and water management in the area yielded good results in the area. Currently the area is considered to be a birding zone having a large population and diversity of birds.