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The Crane is called "kokre" and
hence lends its name to a place that these magnificent
birds have been visiting for years. Kokre bellur lies
about 88 kms from Bangalore, one proceeds along Mysore
road for 75+kms until a rather prominent sign tell you
to turn left into the smaller, potholed rut that leads
inwards.
The birds come to nest in a few
trees close to the village itself.So making oneself
comfortable amongst the cane fields and the chickens,and
using binoculars for a good look at the Pelicans nestling
there. This scene here is entirely different from that
of Ranganthittu, but the waterholes from where the birds
get their fish is some distance away.
The best time to visit seems to
between Feb. and may,according to a local. The Pelicans
come earlier in the winter to breed, and when the chicks
take to the air, they return. The piece de resistance
of the place(from what's told),is the painted stork,which
stands as tall as man.
Note: Knowing the local language
helps,the local can then guide you around and explain
the intricacies of the bird visitors. Avoid the weekends,cos'
that's when the rather noisy city-bred riffraff tend
to make it less than amiable for bird watching.
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