Common Cranes that are not so common reach Telangana’s Nizamabad
Wildlife photographer, Santosh Kumar Kytham spotted the common cranes
By Nikisha Uddagiri Published on 13 March 2023 4:28 AM GMT
Common cranes were spotted in the backwaters of the Sriram Sagar Project in Nizamabad district.
Photo credits: Santosh Kumar Kytham
Telangana: An interesting sighting—a group of common cranes—were spotted in the backwaters of the Sriram Sagar Project in Nizamabad district, Telangana by a passionate wildlife photographer, Santosh Kumar Kytham.
The common crane, a medium-sized bird species also referred to as the Eurasian Crane and native to Europe, migrate during the winter season and reach Telangana. Despite this, it has been spotted and captured on camera only two times in the state. The first sighting was made by a team of birders from Hyderabad in the Singur Project, Sangareddy in 2020.
Not so common
The word common is misleading. Common cranes are not so common. They are known for their distinctive appearance—grey plumage, black wingtips, and a long neck and bill. They are typically found in shallow waters, flooded areas, and swampy meadows, where they feed on roots, leaves, fruits, seeds, and pond weeds. The average weight of a common crane is around 5.4 kg.
Santosh Kumar saw two common cranes in the backwaters of the Sriram Sagar project last Sunday on March 5, which prompted him to return on March 11, Saturday for another stroll. Speaking to NewsMeter, Santosh said, “I was thrilled to come across a flock of nearly 20 birds and managed to take several photographs of them.”
The sighting of the common cranes in Nizamabad is a significant discovery, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts and preserving the natural habitats of rare and endangered species. It also reflects the growing interest in birdwatching and wildlife photography in Telangana, as more and more people are discovering the beauty and diversity of the state’s natural landscapes,” said the photographer who first introduced blackbucks in Telangana through his photos.
A Passionate Wildlife Photographer
Santosh Kumar, the founder of Navyabharathi Global School and a passionate wildlife photographer since 2019, has photographed over 200 bird species across Telangana. He is also the founder of the Nizamabad Environmental Conservation Society (NEWS) and is well-known for his photographs of blackbucks in the backwaters of Sriram Sagar.
The sighting of the common cranes in Nizamabad is a testament to the importance of preserving and protecting the state’s natural resources and wildlife and serves as a reminder of the need to continue supporting conservation efforts in Telangana and beyond.
