These cranes have been coming here to winter since the 1930s. Their numbers increased dramatically when local volunteers began a systematic feeding program of ‘chugga’ (grains). For example, the crane census count in winter 2004-05 was an amazing 11,500 cranes.

In the early afternoon, they assemble around these ponds near the village to drink, but they seldom wade into the water. When it nears 3 pm, the entire flock suddenly takes wing with a deafening noise, and abandons the ponds in a westerly direction. I think they are fed in a different place.