At the Sonkhaliya crossing, early morning at 5 am, schoolgirls get ready for school, edging with the monsoon rains.

Sonkhaliya, a hitherto unknown hamlet, 40 kms from Ajmer district in Rajasthan, has in recent years captured the imagination of birders for the two of the most sought after species in the oriental region - Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus) and Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps). Not just because both birds are strikingly pretty in their own respect, but because their populations have suffered rapid declines and not many are sure they'll see them in future decades. Best season to see these birds is from 15th July till 1st week of Aug when the Jowar in fields is not very high and chances of spotting the birds are high. The other factor is also the amount of rainfall that the region experiences. With heavy rains, the birds aren't easily visible though it probably is good overall for the survival of these very vulnerable birds.

Source: birdsandbeyond.blogspot

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