c


If IIM-A is all about acads is the general perception of people outside these red brick walls, and
there are certain groups who are working tirelessly to prove that it is more than that. It is the nature
club and Photography club of IIMA we are talking about. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, things
were going on fine at their own slow pace, when a 25 odd nature lovers got together to enjoy the
scenic beauty of Thol Lake. It was pre planned trip by Prakriti-The Nature Club and Perspectives- the
Photography Club of IIM A. Situated about 35 km from the campus, in the village of Thol, this
beautiful lake is an ideal place for nature lovers. It·s a birder·s paradise and photographer·s delight.
Thol Lake is a shallow freshwater body surrounded by marshes on the edge and scrubby forest
embarking the sides. The agricultural land surrounding the lake provide ample amount of food for
quite a number of birds while the hydrological ecosystem takes care of the others. The lake sanctuary
covering an area of 7 square kilometers was declared officially in 1988 and is also known by the name
of Thol Bird Sanctuary. (Source: Gujarat tourism website)

We identified roughly 50 different avian species, 42 of whom were resident species and rest 8 was
migratory. The migratory birds were generally waders but the residents were both terrestrial as well as
waders. Some of the exclusive species observed were the Greater Flamingoes, Greater White Pelicans,
Common Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard etc,. Among the resident that
captured everybody·s attention were Purple Swamp hen, Indian Roller, Green Bee-eater, Purple
Sunbird in their complete mating plumage, Darters, Greater Coucal, Drongos with their forked tail,
Beautiful painted Storks, Cormorants, Grey and Purple Heron, and Ibises. We even saw beautifully
knitted Baya Weavers nests. They were so intricate yet so neatly made; it really amazed us that how
these cute little creatures can build up such magnificent structures. As the evening drew close and sun
started to set we could hear the sounds before the birds roosted. Prominent among them were the
calls of the Grey Patridges. Flocks of birds flying around in patterns, as if performing some kind of a
dance in the air, was a sight that no one could ever forget.

Well in addition to the birds, the whole trip was a visual treat in itself. Inspite of we people spending
our time among the greenest part of Ahmedabad, it was a welcome change to spend our time among
greenery, and not the red brick walls. The camera holders were busy clicking picture(with pin drop
silence so as not to disturb any birds) then the others were busy posing. All in all it was fun trip loaded
with Nature, Birds, Serene Lake, beautiful country side, a bit for each of us.
Thol lake bird sanctuary is a shallow freshwater body surrounded by marshes on the edge and scrubby
forest embarking the sides. The lake sanctuary covering an area of 7 square kilometers was declared
officially in 1988 and is also known by the name of Thol Bird Sanctuary.

The shallow water reservoir speckled with reed beds gives it a distinct ambience while being an ideal
dwelling for varied species of birds and insects. The agricultural land surrounding the lake provide
ample amount of food for quite a number of birds while the hydrological ecosystem takes care of the
others. One gets overwhelmed with flocks of bird flying together and crating graphical patterns on the
sky while long-legged elongated necked cranes keep stalking for fishes and small insects. The still and
serene ambience of the locale gets melodiously symphonized with the echoing of thousands birds and
illustrated by the varied movements of these spirited creatures.

A visual treat for any tourist and a treasurable experience for a bird watcher or ornithologists, this
place is home to more than 100 species of birds. Cranes, geese, flamingoes, pelicans, egrets, herons,
spoonbills, ducks, whistling teals and many other migratory birds nest and breed in the lap of this
natures exuberance. The most commonly noticed Indian Saras Crane with its long bare legs, elongated
head and red head gracefully pecks insects while walking around the lake with dance like movements.
This bird which flaunts the status of being the tallest flying bird on earth is often see in pairs and has
over centuries inspired poets and artists with its elegance and beauty.

The place is worth spending an entire day capturing the different movements and behavior of the
birds in alliance with nature.