Introduction

Uppalapadu volary may be a natural habitat for a variety of bird species. An oversized number of migratory birds flock to the present freshwater lake during the winter months. I live just an hour’s drive away and never knew the Uppalapadu edifice sanctuary existed until some years ago. At that point, it had been in an exceedingly neglected state. But after I went recently it was heartening to determine it all dressed up with a serious facelift. I’ve been there repeatedly and each time, I’m awestruck by the magnificent birds that fly halfway across the world to come back and roost here. I keep clicking pictures whenever and stop only if the memory is full.

What is a bird sanctuary?

An aviary may be a place that birds are drawn to. More rightly, it’s a sanctuary for the birds! Bird sanctuaries are natural preserves that support the conservation of diverse species of birds and their natural habitats while encouraging rehabilitation and survival. A bird reserve is additionally called an Ornithological reserve. The aim of a sanctuary is to forestall species from becoming endangered or extinct. Typically, birds found here are sheltered from hunting and their habitat saved from destruction by foreign invaders.

Location of the Sanctuary

Uppalapadu could be a small hamlet in Guntur District. The sanctuary is in a very narrow in-descript lane. But once you walk into the portals, the amazement is jaw-dropping. There are thousands of birds perched on the trees with their nests in the middle of the lake.

Bird species nesting within the Sanctuary

Birds come from Siberia to roost here. The sheer number of birds is overwhelming and it’s always a treat for the eye to watch them soaring into the sky, therefore come at dusk to rest here.

Painted Storks, Spot-billed Pelicans and other birds migrate from various countries like Siberia, Australia and use the sanctuary. The water tanks within the village are unique as they supply refuge to several species of birds including endangered Spot-Billed Pelicans and Painted Storks. There are spotted bill grey pelicans and a rather less number of Painted stork, pintail ducks, some cormorants, and red-crested pochard, common coot, common teal, black-headed ibises. The diet being fed to the chicks in the Uppalapadu aviary is both fresh and seawater fish.

Renovation & Restoration

Sadly sanctuaries are disappearing thanks to global temperature change and rapid urbanisation. This has, therefore, affected the migration trends of long-distance migratory birds in a negative aspect. The bird population in the Uppalapadu building has dwindled. But some initiatives have taken place like adding artificial trees, local awareness, proper water to the ponds, etc. Artificial skeletal trees are added to the pond on which the birds can perch additionally to the natural trees.

Nominal Entry Fee

The entry fee here is 10 Rupees for Indians and 25 Rupees if the person is carrying a camera. There’s a high watchtower from where we can enjoy the bird’s eye view of the lake. If you’re a bird lover you’ll sit here for hours watching these avian creatures. A camera, binoculars many times and a tea flask are all you wish for. There are some benches where you’ll sit quietly and feast your eyes on these heavenly creatures fluttering about.

Things to try to do in Uppalapadu Sanctuary

First of all, take a stroll from the doorway to the top at the far right. Fill your eyes with the sheer fantastic thing about the sanctuary. If you’re a birdwatcher or bird photographer then come alone. As an alternative, pack a picnic basket and spend a while in the lap of nature on a weekend. But please don’t litter.

Best Time to go to Uppalapadu edifice

Uppalapadu in Guntur District falls into a tropical climate and therefore the summers are always scorching. The bird population decreases during the summer months. The most effective time to go to the sanctuary would be between October to the tip of March. During this point, you’ll be able to see the sanctuary packed to capacity with birds.

How to Reach Uppalapadu edifice

By Air: Gannavaram is the nearest airport in Vijayawada at a distance of around 50 km from Uppalapadu aviary. Take a flight to Vijayawada Airport so hire an Ola or cab to the sanctuary.
By Rail: You’ll easily get trains from other major cities and towns to Guntur. Take a cab to Uppalapadu edifice from the railroad terminal.
By Road: Uppalapadu aviary is accessible by road via Guntur, Vijayawada or the Chennai Highway.

Not many of us realize this sanctuary, thus it’s still a virgin area empty of littering, swarming noisy tourists who would only drive them away. Other than some lovelorn couples who couldn’t have found a quieter place than this!

By :- Arpit Mangal