Changing Seasons, Changing Phases...a la vision of Botanical Garden

Situated in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Telangkhedi Lake, lies the Botanical Garden of Nagpur. It is a heaven for birdwatchers and a paradise for birds. Because of its location, Botanical Garden and the areas surrounding it have 5 major eco-systems namely- garden, lake, pond, plantations and forest. The varied habitats make it a rich bio-diversity hotspot of Nagpur. To support such a vast diversity and to maintain these habitats and ecologies, seasons play a vital role. With every season, Botanical Garden turns over a new look. The wildlife changes too. Lets have a look at how seasons affect the diversity, the habitats and the appearance of Botanical Garden.

1. Summer- After four months of cold weather, the hibernating reptiles come out of their burrows. Summer is the season of the Garden Lizard. By mid-April, the males sport a handsome breeding plumage to attract the females and can be seen displaying their bright red colouration from elevations. Skinks are frequently encountered in the gardens. Reptiles thrive in this dry weather. Apart from reptiles, Botanical Garden has its share of summer migrants. Minivets are common near light forests and Paradise Flycatchers- the most awaited summer migrants choose to reside among plantations and gardens. In the summers, Little Terns migrate from the coasts to inland water bodies. The Telangkhedi Lake and the Kingfisher Pond(called so because the unfailing attitude of Kingfishers to be present there always) inside Botanical Garden dry up, but still sprout with life. Just after sunrise, Peafowls, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas and Yellow-footed Green-Pigeons can be seen around Telangkhedi Lake. Even the Eurasian Cuckoo had once been sighted by our group on a tree on the banks of Telangkhedi Lake. Due to acute water shortage inside the garden, Bull Frogs and Skittering Frogs seek refuge in the fountains. Summer is the blooming season of the Flame of the Forest(Palas) which adds beauty to the forests adjoining Telangkhedi Lake.

2. Monsoon- After a long dry season, the monsoons bring a much needed relief. Monsoon is a season of renewal. The gardens turn green again, Kingfisher Pond gets filled up to the brink and even more, water of the Telangkhedi Lake spreads over vast areas. The forests adjoining Telangkhedi Lake become lush green and inaccessible. Some parts inside Botanical Garden become inaccessible too due to high density of plants and water logging. Birdlife also changes considerably with the arrival of Pied Cuckoos and Scaly-breasted Munias, who drop down for nesting purposes. The clever polygamist- the Baya Weaver also begins to nest in this season. Bitterns, though mainly nocturnal, may be encountered in the day time as well. The most noticeable of all the migrants is the Blue-tailed Bee-eater. Large numbers gather on the banks of Telangkhedi Lake, which at this time is full of Coots and Moorhens as the monsoons mark the beginning of the breeding season for them. Snakes also come out of their burrows. Ratsnakes can be seen swimming in the Kingfisher Pond. Bull Frogs return to the Kingfisher Pond, while Skittering Frogs can be spotted in stagnant water bodies.

3. Winter- Winter marks the beginning of the breeding season for most birds. Many species migrate from far off lands to this place- the Botanical Garden and adjoining areas. Winter is Green Bee-eater time in Nagpur, who come here as a result of their seasonal local migrations. Bee-eaters can be seen perched on any wire, from where they launch aerial attacks on winged insects. Inside Botanical Garden, Red-throated and Asian Brown Flycatchers are commonly seen. The rare Verditer Flycatcher is also seen from mid-October to November end. But the delight of winter is the Osprey which stays in Telangkhedi Lake from November to mid-February. Other migratory raptors recorded from the Telangkhedi Lake region are Western Marsh Harriers and Booted Eagles. Our group had also spotted a Bonelli's Eagle and a Crested Serpent Eagle in this region in December, 2006. The huge Grey Heron is also seen in the winter months. In the orange plantations, Rollers remain engaged in performing their elaborate courtship rituals. Migratory waders like Stints, Sandpipers and Snipes are common around lakes and ponds. This is not a season for the herps as they return to their warm burrows for hibernation.

As time goes by and seasons change, Botanical Garden too sports new looks. Species keep coming and going. Water level rises at one time and then suddenly drops down. But whatever the season is, this paradise is always full of life.