[1] It is the second largest bird sanctuary in the state, after Rangantittu Bird Sanctuary in Mandya, and around 21 species of birds have been recorded here, including the purple heron, white-necked stork, white ibis, black ibis, brahminy duck, and bar-headed goose.

[2] The sanctuary has its origins in thetank of bonal, a water conservation tank built by the 17th century ruler of Shorapur, Pam Naik, later during the British Raj, Meadows Taylor, the British administrator at Shorapur, extended it to 1,600 acres with 12 feet average depth, as he mentions in his autobiography, The Story of My Life.

It was one of largest amongst the twelve such water tanks built in the drought prone region, and gradually started attracting migratory birds.

Subsequently, fishing was banned the tank, but it took many more years before it was formally declared a bird sanctuary.

[2][4] Bohnal Bird Sanctuary is 10 km west to the city of Shorapur.