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Description
A typical desert grassland, Jodbeed Conservation Reserve attracts numerous migratory birds in Winter. A portion of the reserve is fenced off as a municipal cattle carcass dump. In winter this is among the best places globally to see Griffon Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, Eurasian Black Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture and Red-headed Vulture as well as two subspecies of Egyptian Vulture.
Moreover, the carcass dump attracts large Eagles - Eastern Imperial, Steppe, Tawny, Greater Sotted, Indian Spotted, Bonellis, and Booted Eagles. Black Kites, Black-eared Kites, Black-shouldered Kites are also quite common. Shikra, Eurasian Sparrowhawk are seen as are Falcons - Red-necked, Peregrine, Laggar, Sakker, and an ocassionakl Amur during its migration to Africa. Both species of Kestrel are seen. Some years one gets to see the White-tailed Eagle. Punjab Raven is also common.
In winter, large skittish flocks of Yellow-eyed Pigeon are sighted. Common Starling, Rosy Starlings, Blue-eared Bee-eaters. Small Green Bee-eaters, Spotted Owlet, Cream Coloured Courser, Indian Courser, Sociable Lapwing are also recorded in the area. Post monsoon passage migrants include Red-talied Wheatear, Red-tailed Shrike, and Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin. White-browed Bushcat, Siberian Stonechat, Variable, Desert and Isabelline Wheatears are also to be sighted. Eurasian Collared Doves, Laughing Dove, Red Collared Doves and Rock Pigeons can be seen. One also sights Common and Long-legged Buzzards.
Colonies of Desert Jird and Spiny-tailed Lizards support the large raptor populations as well as Desert Fox, Indian Fox, Desert Cat and Jungle Cat populations.
Details
Access
Jodbeed Conservation Reserve is located 15 km southeast of Bikaner city. There are a few flights in winter, but the area is better connected from Jaipur/ Delhi by train. Bikaner is very well connected by highways from Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Many birders prefer spending two days in Tal Chappar and then driving for 2 hours to Jodbeed. Bikaner has sufficient budget and upmarket accomodation and is known by itself for its architecture, food and handicrafts.
Terrain and Habitat
Grassland , Plain , Desert , Scattered trees and bushesConditions
Flat , Dry , Open landscape , DustyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
WinterBest time to visit
WinterRoute
Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Accessible by
CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
It is not advisable to walk, especially in the carcass dump area. Vultures are skittish and fly away. Walking on sand is also quite difficult. Light is usually excellent.