Vadodara: Vishwamitri River has long been known to be a habitat of crocodiles and turtles. But few know that this river that passes through the heart of the city also plays host to a variety of migratory birds. The ravines of Vishwamitri come alive during winters when migratory birds fly in from northern parts.The river is shallow and has lot of green surroundings in some stretches along with marshy patches. Apart from fishes, many birds feed on maggots and insects that are in abundance in this river due to the sewage released in it.Neelkumar Solanki, who has been photographing birds that visit Vishwamitri River, said, “About 40 to 50 variety of birds, both foreign and local, nest in the river during winters.” The river is also home to local migratory birds like Indian Pitta, lesser whistling duck, Asian paradise flycatcher and grey lag goose. Bird watchers have seen the winged guests near the river stretch behind Vadodara central jail, near Akota-Dandia Bazaar Bridge and in Sayajibaug.Chandrashekhar Patil, who has organized exhibition on birds found near Vishwamitri River, said that the water body offers an ideal spot for the migratory birds. “I have spotted a variety of local and migratory birds in the ravines of the river. Some varities of birds are seen during monsoons too,” Patil said.

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