Gadag is known as the Kashi of publications. But many unaware of the bird sanctuary in the District. Magadi Bird Sanctuary is located in Shirahatti Taluk of the District.
In the Magadi cachement area, spanning 900 hectares, upto 134 species of various birds have been spotted. The main bird sighted in this region is the Bar Headed Goose, and it feeds on agricultural produce, and not on fish or amphibians. Birds have been visiting this region for well over 21 years now.
Bar Headed Goose, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Comb Duck, Oriental Ibis, White Breasted Water Hen, Greater Flamingo, Black Winged Stilt, Cattle Egret, Asian Open Bill Stork, Woolly Necked Stork, Painted Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Ruddy Shed Duck or Brahmini Duck. There have been upto 5,000 Bar Headed Geese spotted at one time, followed closely in number by Brahmini Duck, Black Ibis, Painted Stork, and the Spoonbill.
The Magadi Bird Sanctuary is an ideal place for children to visit and the local villagers will be more than delighted to show them around. The exquisite birds make for interesting bird watching and people flock to Magadi from across the globe for this purpose.
However, the downside is that there is no watch tower and not many facilities for bird watching. Although this does ensure that the natural habitat is entirely undisturbed, for tourists who are not used to the wild ways of nature, things can be a bit daunting. There is also no real protection undertaken to protect the birds.
You will find on your visit here that the villagers are more than happy to help and will guide you along your quest for some unique birds. The villagers take care of the birds and they have learnt to live in harmony with them and even cherish them. This serene little village is a clean place to visit, and there is minimal pollution here since there are no industries and factories located close by.
Laxmeshwar, Gadag, and Shirahatti are the near by places one can visit during Magadi trip. November to February is the best time to visit this place.
