BENGALURU: Renowned for its long migration route spanning continents, an Amur Falcon was sighted and recorded in the vicinity of Daroji Wildlife Sanctuary in Ballari district.
Two birders, Pampayya Malimath and Kushal Adaki, have recorded this rare raptor that was perching on a transmission line near Kannada University, Kamlapur, next to the sanctuary.
Speaking to Express, Malimath said, “We spotted this female bird on November 21 at 6.15 am and fortunately, it was recorded. This was a passenger migrant and the next day also, I found this small raptor just 60-70 feet away perched the same way.”
Kushal Adaki, who captured images of the little bird on the first day, said, “Usually they don’t come down as they can fly for long stretches but this may have come down for rest or food or it may have been injured. This is the first recorded sighting of Amur Falcon in Ballari district. We are not sure if it has been sighted elsewhere in the state.”
Speaking to Express, Bhaskar, Range Forest Officer, Daroji Wildlife Sanctuary, said, “The recording and sighting of this bird is a great thing. It means our ecosystem has been accepted by nature. As it is, we have very few records of migratory birds. It must have been taking rest on its long route as it is known to fly for 23 days at a stretch. A few rare varieties of snake have also been recorded at Daroji.”