Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary is present in Begusarai District in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, which is based at a distance of nearly 22 kms away from the northern portion of Begusarai town. The sanctuary is existent surrounding Kanwar Taal or Kabar Taal Lake which is renowned for being the largest freshwater Oxbow lake in the region of Asia. The lake was born as a consequence of the meandering of Budhi Gandak River and the total area occupied by the sanctuary measures about 67.5 square kilometres. It was officially declared a Protected Area during 1987. A large quantity of flora and fauna are there inside the sanctuary grounds.
Flora of Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary
Visitors to Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary will be welcomed by the beautiful greenery present in the area represented by several trees like Imili, Neem, Bamboo, Sohar, Babool, Sissoo, Khajur, Shirish and many others.
Fauna of Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary
There are more than 40 different species of fishes in Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, which are often observed swimming in the waters of the Kanwar Lake. Musk Deer, Palm Squirrel, Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Common Mongoose, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Fox, Barking Deer, Jackal, Nilgai and reptiles including Indian Cobra, Indian Krait, Tortoise, Water Snake, Dhaman and various types of Lizards.
The sanctuary boasts of over 106 species of birds and about 60 species of colourful migratory birds belonging to Central Asia which pay visit to this sanctuary every winter, as reported by the famous ornithologist Salim Ali. Some of the beautiful birds which are found here comprise Crested Serpent Eagle, Yellow Throated Sparrow, Purple Rumped Sunbird, Magpie Robin, Tailor Bird, Red Wattled Lapwing, Black Winged Kite, Long Billed Vulture, Black Drongo, Jungle Babbler, Swallow, Oriental White-Backed Vulture, Painted Snipe, Bush Lark, Spotted Owlet, Palm Civet and others.
Numerous photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers often frequent Kanwar Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, enchanted by its beauty and natural splendour. The nearest city to the sanctuary is Begusarai while Patna is the closest local airport. The best time to approach the sanctuary is the time between October and June.
