Migratory birds
By Avijit Biswas
Bhagalpur: With arrival of winged guests in quite large number had started since early winter this time, it is expected their number would further swell as the season advances. In most of the wetlands besides dams and reservoirs located in this region presence of migratory as well as domestic bird species could be witnessed currently in quite large number.
The weather condition and also biodiversity in surroundings of wetlands besides dams and reservoirs remaining by and large congenial for migratory birds, the bird watchers are hopeful this region of state would play host to varied migratory avian species this season.
The Odhni dam in Banka district, Nagi and Nakti dams in Jamui district besides Jagatpur lake and Ghatora wetland also known as Ghatora lake or Sonbarsa Ghatora wetland located in this district, are potential winter abode of both migratory and domestic bird species.
Dr D N Choudhary, professor of Zoology in T M Bhagalpur University (TMBU) also coordinator, Asiana Water Bird Census (AWC), Bihar recently led a team of bird watchers and researchers to Jagatpur lake and Odhni dam for presurvey of bird arrival. He said encouraging bird diversity was witnessed in both the places.
The AWC part of International Water Bird (IWC) is a yearly citizen event under which counting of waterbirds across Asia and Australia is undertaken by volunteers mostly bird watchers. Intended at monitoring population of birds and also health of their habitat, the event is coordinated by Wetlands International.
Corroborating satisfactory arrival of migratory birds in this region so far, Dr Choudhary said the birds were found roosting and foraging in wetlands covered for presurvey work.
He informed the birds spotted in course of presurvey included Red crested pochard, Common pochards, Wigeon, Northern shoveller, Northern pintail, Gadwal, Garganey, Osprey, Peregrine falcon, Booted eagle etc. Bar head goose and Osprey are among the bird varieties for whom Odhini dam is most preferred winter abode Dr Choudhary further said adding they can be spotted in large number every year in dam and its surroundings.
Associated with bird survey work besides bird study and research for substantially long time, Dr Choudhary informed the migratory birds from Siberia, Russia, Alaska, Mongolia, Tibbet beside some other European countries generally come to stay here during winter.
Availability of sufficient food and water in wetlands beside dam and reservoirs this season is reason migratory birds in quite large number had started arriving in this region since onset of winter, he corroborated.
Talking about presurvey findings concerning bird arrival in Jagatpur wetland located close to the city in northern side of river Ganga, Dr Choudhary said the wetland has huge potential of hosting winged guests.
The birds spotted in course of presurvey included Orange headed ground thrush, Fulvous breasted woodpecker, Common Kestrel, Black neck stork, purple heron, grey heron, Moorhen beside others, he informed.
Dr Choudhary added as per presurvey findings it is expected bird diversity in the wetland would register significant increase by February 2026, when final survey for bird count has been planned.
He however expressed concern over uncontrolled weed infestation in wetland areas. Uncontrolled infestation of aquatic plants like water hyacinth at Jagatpur wetland area in particular could lead to serious adverse effect on bird habitat resulting in less bird arrival at the site in future, Dr Choudhary added.
Stressing upon need of ensuring less human interference in bird sites he said there should be consideration on restricting tourist activities to a particular area in Orhini dam so that bird diversity remains undisturbed in dam area.
As per reports highly encouraging arrival of birds have been also recorded at Nagi and Nakti dams in Jamui district besides at Ghatora wetland, a seasonal fresh water wetland located in Bihpur block of this district. Ghatora wetland is often referred as mini Chilka due to similarity of the place with famous Chilka Lake located in Odisha.
Known for its rich avian diversity, as per reports currently there is active consideration on according status of Ramsar Site to Ghatora Wetland. Inclusion in list of Ramsar Sites would ensure status of wetland of international importance for Ghatora.
Meanwhile members AWC team that carried out presurvey work at Odhni Dam and Jagatpur lake included Rahul Rohitashwa, Jay Kumar Jay, Anand Kumar, Divyanshu, Priyanka and Nivedita beside others.
About the Author
Avijit Biswas is a former reporter with the Hindustan Times, Patna Edition, based in Bhagalpur. He has more than 25 years of experience covering politics and other key beats across eastern Bihar. Known for his in-depth ground reporting and strong grasp of regional issues, Biswas has closely followed political developments and social trends in the region, earning credibility for accurate and balanced journalism.
About the Author
