Eerst Bharatpur zien en dan

This report gives an impression of the number and species of birds of prey in Bharatpur (India), observed by the author during visits in January 1983, 1987 and 1998, with some additional observations from January 2001. Without doubt Bharatpur is one of the best spots to watch and compare wintering Palearctic raptors. Abundance and species composition depend on the water level in the sanctuary, due to the monsoon. During the visits, 29 raptor species were identified. Pallas's Fish Eagle was a breeding bird in 1983 and 1987, but disappeared since. During a visit in January 2001 no Gyps vultures were recorded in the area, due to the steep and ongoing decline in vulture numbers in India.