Hidden Goa Wetland Becomes Haven for 500 Purple Swamphens

When a security guard excitedly pointed wildlife writer Ranjit Lal toward a hidden wetland north of Goa's Lake Mayem, nobody expected to find over 500 purple swamphens peacefully sharing breakfast with spoonbills, herons, and rare migratory visitors.

The discovery came after disappointment at Lake Mayem itself, where a popular picnic spot with bungee jumping had left the water nearly birdless. But a half-hour drive through forested countryside and palm plantations led to something special: a thriving wetland ecosystem that locals are just beginning to appreciate.

The large waterbody sparkled with life in the early morning light. Purple swamphens, normally seen in small groups, covered the shallows in unprecedented numbers, feeding peacefully among the reeds. A dozen Brahminy ducks gleamed copper-gold in the sunrise while spot-billed ducks settled smugly on the water nearby.

The diversity continued to unfold with every scan across the lake. White egrets stood tall and still while purple herons spread their mauve wings across the water. An osprey swooped down and caught its breakfast fish in less than five minutes, a feat that left observers envious of its efficiency.

Over a hundred sandpipers flickered white and brown as they raced excitedly across the water, vanishing when they landed in the shallows. Blue-tailed bee-eaters launched aerial hunts from tree perches while glossy ibis arrived fashionably late, their iridescent black and chestnut feathers catching the light.

The real showstoppers were four spoonbills sweeping their distinctive ladle-like bills through the water. A young motorcyclist stopped to watch in excitement, saying he'd never seen them here before. The sighting suggests this wetland is becoming an increasingly important habitat for diverse species.

Why This Inspires

Sometimes the best conservation stories aren't about dramatic rescues but about nature quietly reclaiming space when left undisturbed. This forgotten wetland, tucked away from tourist attractions, shows how protecting ordinary spaces can create extraordinary refuges for wildlife. The security guard's enthusiasm and the young motorcyclist's wonder hint at growing local appreciation for their natural treasure.

As the morning visit ended, a pair of young swamphens faced each other with bowed heads in what looked like early courtship behavior. The wetland's serenity and abundance prove that not all of India's important birding sites need fame or fanfare to succeed.