The banks of Ganga seem to beckon the migratory birds from far-off lands with the onset of winter. A flock of thousands of migratory birds from the Palearctic regions have started coming to Misserpur wetlands, Bhimgoda barrage of Haridwar and Pashulok barrage of Rishikesh. These birds come from northern polar regions every year for winter migration when the lands there start getting snowfall. Pairs of Cormorant commonly known as Jal Kaag are sighted more, almost in their thousands, in Misserpur wetlands than Bhimgoda barrage.
The wetlands of Ganga and Yamuna rivers are dotted with these winged guests once again, announcing the onset of the winter. These birds covering thousands of miles come mainly from Palearctic region which includes Middle Asia, Magnolia, China, Siberia and eastern parts of Russia. Ruddy Shelduck, ducks with orange plumage, commonly called as Chakwa Chakwi, have also arrived. A well- known ornithologist Prof Dinesh Bhatt said while talking to The Pioneer that the bird species like Pan Kaua (Jal kaag), black- headed gulls, Surkhab, Pintail, large and small Egrets, Common Teal, Stilt and Tern have reached the Ganga wetlands. Other species like Mellard and Sobler are yet to register their entries. They are expected to reach the wetlands of Uttarakhand soon.
Expressing concern on the dwindling number of migratory birds, Prof Bhatt said, “Some six years ago, Bhimgoda barrage of Haridwar was the winter seat of the migratory birds from 23 distant countries as well as 30 Himalayan birds. But the floods of 2011 and Kedar Valley disaster of 2013 have made them change the routes of their winter flight. The islands dotted with vegetation inside the Ganga riverbed have vanished with time, making them to opt for Misserpur wetlands, some 10 kms away from the main Haridwar city. Their hiding place during daytime and resting place at night was washed away by the floods. Now, more of migratory birds are spotted in Misserpur wetlands than in Pashulok and Bhimgoda barrage,” he said.
Hopefully, the Rajhans bird would reach Haridwar by the end of November since they start their journey from Mansarovar lake quite early, added Bhatt.
He further said that among the Indian birds which migrate from the Himalayan ranges down to the plains in search of food include Wagtail, Red Start, Warbler and Fly Catchers. local migratory birds like black -winged Stilt, Grey Pond and Heron also come after the winter sets in, he added.
The scientists of Gurukul Kangri University have observed that over the past 10 years or so, the number of bird species visiting Ganga wetlands has come down by 30%. Citing instance of Pintail, Prof Bhatt said, “Earlier Pintail used to come to Haridwar in their hundreds, but last year saw just 35 of them.” Dwelling on the reasons that have triggered the fall in their number, the bird scientist said that environmental dis-balance leading to floods, droughts and soaring temperatures are blocking their flights to their earlier destinations. “Besides, mining activities have also affected the number of the migratory birds,” he said.