With the mercury levels gradually dipping across the State, migratory birds have started flocking to water bodies in and around the capital city. The falling temperatures coupled with the decreased levels of environmental pollution have resulted in the early arrival of these beauties this year.

Migratory birds arrive here from Siberia, higher Himalayas, Pakistan and parts of Central Asia in search of food and protection from the bitter cold. Himalayan Ducks, Siberian Ducks, Ruddy Shedduck, Red Breasted Pochard, Pin Tail are some of the species that make an annual visit. The residents of Ranchi can see these birds at Patratu Dam, Dhurwa Dam, Kanke Dam and Rukka Dam.

“The migratory birds seen in Ranchi generally arrive from the Himalayan region. This time as the winter season has made an early onset the birds too have started arriving in search of food and get attracted to the wetlands in Ranchi,” said Environmentalist and Assistant Professor, Department of Geology Ranchi University, Nitish Priyadarshi. 

The birds generally visit the region from the last week of November to the last week of February. The coronavirus imposed lockdown resulted in a decrease in the pollution levels and favourable weather condition, a lot of these winged beauties did not go back to their hometown.

“Even during the summer months, with frequent rainfall and lack of no air and sound pollution, the birds had stayed back. The atmosphere was also free of poisonous gases and the birds had a natural habitat which compelled them to stay,” added Priyadarshi.

However, over the years there has been a significant decrease in the number of migratory birds. One of the major reasons of the fall is the illegal poaching of these wonders of nature. The birds are not only killed at their destination but also on their route to warmer pastures.

“With a lot of water bodies being filled, the number of migratory birds visiting the regions has drastically reduced. About 10- 15 years ago, long necked Siberian cranes would visit in huge numbers but they have not been spotted for some time now. An initiative needs to be taken by the Government to ensure that these guests have a protected environment upon their arrival. Awareness also needs to be created among the general public to not kill them as these birds are very human friendly creatures. This move will gradually result in the birds arriving in large numbers once again,” further added the environmentalist.