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Rare White Stork Lands at Okhla Bird Sanctuary
4 Nov
Summary
- A rare white stork was spotted at Okhla Bird Sanctuary near Delhi.
- This species has only been recorded four times in the Delhi-NCR region in three decades.
- The bird is believed to be a subspecies of Central Asian origin, Ciconia ciconia asiatica.
A rare white stork has been observed at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, situated near the Delhi-Noida border. The bird has remained at the sanctuary for the past three days, attracting numerous nature enthusiasts, ornithologists, and photographers. This marks a significant event, as white storks have been rarely sighted in the Delhi-NCR area.
Historical data indicates only four previous sightings in the region over nearly three decades, with the last recorded instance in March 2019. Birders suggest this particular stork might be a subspecies known as Ciconia ciconia asiatica, which breeds in Central Asia and has a global population estimated at fewer than 2,000 individuals. Their migratory path typically leads them towards the Indian subcontinent for wintering.
The presence of this white stork highlights the ecological importance of protected wetlands like the Okhla Bird Sanctuary and underscores the necessity of conserving such vital habitats for migratory species.
