A rare bird sighting has excited birdwatchers in Vadodara. A mother-daughter duo recently spotted a Eurasian hobby, a type of falcon rarely seen in central Gujarat, in Sundarpura on the outskirts of the city. This elegant falcon is usually spotted in the Little Rann of Kutch.
Rare Sighting in Sundarpura
Prajakta Kulkarni, an avid birdwatcher, was out birding with her daughter Durga when she noticed the bird perched on a tree. She immediately clicked a picture but could not identify it at first. After consulting experts, it was confirmed to be a Eurasian hobby. "I spotted the Eurasian hobby perched on a tree from a distance and immediately clicked a picture of it. I couldn't identify it initially so I consulted some experts who confirmed that it was a Eurasian hobby," said Prajakta Kulkarni.
Seasonal Visitor
According to Kulkarni, this bird is usually spotted in the region at this time of the year. In the past, birders have spotted this falcon a couple of times in and around the city. The Eurasian hobby preys on small birds and insects and prefers open, wooded areas. Its presence in Vadodara is considered rare, making this sighting significant for local birding enthusiasts.
This sighting highlights the rich biodiversity of the Vadodara region and encourages more people to take up birdwatching. The Kulkarni duo's keen observation and quick photography have contributed valuable data to ornithological records.
