When the quiet paddy fields of Keerampara panchayat in Kothamangalam played host to an extraordinary discovery on June 11, 2020, it wasn’t just another day for Anoop Jacob and Abid Haneef. The founders of Tropic Trails and avid naturalists, their keen eyes spotted a striking bird with a chestnut head and black upperparts foraging in the marshy plains. This was no ordinary bird; it was the Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus), a species never before documented in Kerala.
A Serendipitous Discovery
As adventure tour specialists with a passion for eco-friendly explorations, Anoop and Abid were on a cycling reconnaissance, scouting new carbon-neutral routes for Tropic Trails. Little did they know that their journey would lead to an unforgettable encounter. Initially mistaken for the more common Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii), the bird’s distinctive breeding plumage confirmed its identity as the elusive Chinese Pond Heron.
This bird, typically found in the wetlands of China and Southeast Asia, is a rarity in India. Its presence has been documented in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the northeastern states, with an isolated sighting in Tamil Nadu back in 2013. The Kerala sighting, however, marks a first for the region, putting Keerampara on the map for birding enthusiasts worldwide.
What Makes the Chinese Pond Heron Unique?
The Chinese Pond Heron’s elegant appearance sets it apart. In its breeding plumage, the bird boasts a vivid chestnut head, stark black upperparts, and white underparts. Its behavior is equally fascinating, often seen wading in shallow water, foraging for small fish and invertebrates. Unlike its Indian counterpart, it is predominantly a resident of East and Southeast Asia, making this sighting all the more significant.
From Wish List to Reality
For Anoop and Abid, this discovery was especially meaningful. Both seasoned birders, they had long hoped to spot the Chinese Pond Heron during their planned birding tour to the Andamans. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, had put those plans on hold. Little did they expect that their home state would fulfill this dream in such a spectacular way.
A Call to Nature Lovers
This remarkable sighting underscores Kerala’s rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation. The marshy plains and paddy fields of Keerampara, often overlooked, now stand as a testament to the region’s ecological wealth. Tropic Trails invites birding enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore these landscapes, where surprises like the Chinese Pond Heron await.
The discovery of the Chinese Pond Heron in Kerala is not just a feather in the cap for Anoop and Abid but a moment of pride for the entire birding community. It’s a reminder that nature’s wonders are always closer than we think, waiting to be discovered by those who take the time to look.
Plan Your Adventure
Join Tropic Trails on a journey to uncover Kerala’s hidden treasures. From birding tours to eco-friendly adventures, our expert guides ensure you experience the natural world in its purest form. Visit Tropic Trails Contact Page or reach out to us at info@tropictrails.com to start your adventure today.
