Colva Things to Do

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I am not a bird watcher but knew that I would see some interesting birds in Goa. So I packed a pair of binoculars into my suitcase knowing they would come in handy. The Oceanique hotel where we stayed was next to paddy fields and each morning before or just after breakfast we would go out for a walk to look at the local wildlife. Egrets are common in the paddy fields and you don't need binoculars to see them as they stand out with white plumage. In the same field Swamp Herons you probably will not notice until they fly off; blending in so well with the grass. Mynah birds riding on the backs of cattle and catching insects. On overhead wires you may see Bee Eaters, Drongos, Eurasian Kingfishers, WhiteFronted Kingfishers and Shrikes.

Just Around the corner from the hotel was a water tank for irrigating paddy fields. In this area we saw Kingfishers darting in and out of the water, otter playing on the banks, Kites roosting in the trees, a Coucal darting around the trees and two Red Wattled Plovers flew in one morning. Although we did not see any Bronze backed Jacanas on this visit we saw them here during November and December in 2005. In place of the Jacanas were a pair of White Fronted Waterfowl. On our last morning a Golden Backed Woodpecker flew in just a few feet from where we were standing. Grey Breasted Laughingthrush were also plentiful. A flock of Black Headed Munia were also feasting on the bushes in the area but we couldn't see what they were eating.

Along the seashore and just inland were various waders looking like Marsh Sandpipers. Their antics as the waves wash in and out amuse me no end. Also just in from the shore were cormorants and Little Green Herons as well as Eurasian Kingfishers.

All during the day you will also see Kites, Brahmini and Paraiah wheeling overhead on the thermals.

Like I said earlier, I am not a bird watcher but have probably taken a step closer to becoming one. There is a bookshop in Colva and you can pick up a copy Salim Ali's "The Book of INDIAN BIRDS" there.