Agra – India

About

When you picture Agra, India, the first thing that comes to mind is the Taj Mahal. The white palatial mosque is the focal attraction of the city and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, With such an iconic background in each shot, it leads to some of the best bird photography. The Taj Mahal was built as a gift for Shah Jahan’s wife between 1631-1648. Visited by roughly 7-8 million people a year, the grounds are a popular destination, not only for nature photographers. The Taj Mahal has its own nature walk that nature photographers can be seen taking photos of the gardens and birds found there. Its 70-hectare experience takes you through the banks of the River Yamuna. The trail is about 9 kilometers, along the way you will find many nature photographers capturing the area’s lush flora and fauna. In addition to the vast number of birds, you can also spot a few species of mammals and butterflies.

A lesser-known attraction, that brings many species of birds and nature photographers from around the world to Agra, is the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Located a stone’s throw from the Taj Mahal’s gardens, this 403-hectare wetland preserve is home or a migratory stopover to over 165 species of birds, including the Rose-ringed Parakeet, Spotted Owlet, Indian Roller, and Bluethroat. Soor Sarovar became a bird sanctuary in 1991. Winter is the best time to visit this sanctuary since you will get to see the most migratory birds.

Owen traveled to Agra, India in February 2015.

© Joel Godwin

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Birds found here

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  Spotted Owlet

  
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  Egyptian Vulture
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  Rose-ringed Parakeet

  
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  Peacock

  
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  Black-winged Kite