Ancient tank-cascade (Ellangawa) dawn bird counts: waterfowl species in micro-catchments?
What wading and diving waterfowl congregate in the shallow Godawala (upstream silt traps) of dry-zone village cascades between dawn and 7:00 AM?
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3 Answers from travellers
The ancient tank cascade networks (Ellangawa) of the North Central Province create varied wetland habitats. The Godawala (the shallow, silt-trapping pond situated at the inlet of the main village reservoir) holds dense beds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and water lilies. At dawn, these shallows provide primary foraging habitat for wading birds: Pheasant-tailed Jacanas (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) walking on lily pads, Lesser Whistling Ducks, Purple Herons, and Black-headed Ibis feeding on small frogs and aquatic snails.
Fringes of Kumbuk trees (Terminalia arjuna) surrounding the tank trap silt while providing daytime roost branches for Little Cormorants and Darters.
Approach tank embankments quietly from the downwind tree line; wading waterfowl take flight if human silhouettes appear on unshaded bund crests.
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