Indian skimmers sighted at Manjeera reservoir in Hyderabad

Birdwatchers spotted three rare Indian Skimmers at Manjeera reservoir backwaters near Hyderabad, surprising local birding enthusiasts. The migratory birds, usually arriving from northern breeding grounds for winter, have sparked excitement and raised hopes of more sightings in Telangana

Hyderabad: It was one of those routine birding trips to Maneera that had a pleasant surprise for the birding trio of Rajasekhar, Jagadeesh and Syam when the Indian skimmers made their presence felt in their unique style, flying across to the delight of the visitors.

“It was a random decision for us when we arrived at Manjeera reservoir backwaters. In fact, we decided on going for a birding trip late in the night for the next morning, which happened to be a public holiday,” says the trio in a chat with ‘Telangana Today’.

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“There was a toss-up between Manjeera (where Pacific golden plovers were spotted on a previous visit) and Singur (there were reports of Flamingo sightings). In the end, it was decided to explore Manjeera while generally driving in that direction for either of the spots,” says Syam Sundar.

The trio photographed Indian Skimmers at mid-Manair in Sircilla the previous year; and in Bhairavapalem a couple of seasons ago. These birds usually arrive from the National Chambal Sanctuary and other breeding sites near river beds to a few places in the South, West and Eastern coasts to spend their winters, he explained.

“So finding them in Telangana and that too approximately 60kms from Hyderabad was a big surprise. There were a few reported rare previous sightings at Manjeera and early this year of a lone individual at Kishtareddypet,” says Rajasekhar.

“They usually are in large groups. The team only spotted three individuals. If these or on some expedition to recce the site, there could be more joining them soon in the coming days if they find it conducive to spend the winter. With humans too fishing nearby, there could be a bit of competition!,” chipped in Jagadeesh.

Well, it may not be surprising if Manjeera turns out tobe the next week-end’s preferred destination for the birders given this pleasant sighting of Indian skimmers.