While bird watching is a meditative activity and opportunity for city people to spend time close to nature, however this year, the experience may turn soar as noxious air quality prevalent in and around the national Capital has impacted the presence of migratory birds in the habitat. Famous Sultanpur bird sanctuary, the natural water lake is hosting less number of winged guests this season as only 50-55 species have arrived till date as against 100-105 species that used to make this bird sanctuary their habitat every winter.
Environmentalists say, rising pollution and climate changes have adverse impacted these birds. According to officials of Haryana state forest department, besides pollution and climate change, low visibility is another factor that has deterred migratory birds from making Sultanpur bird sanctuary as their ‘winter home’.
Speaking to The Pioneer, an official from the Harayna forest department said that bird count has fallen this year as compared to the last year.
“Purple Heron, Common Teal, Rufous Woodpecker, Fire-Capped Tit and Red Throated Flycatcher, are few migratory species which have not arrived yet. We are expecting winged guests to arrive in this seasons despite the fact that pollution has affected their presence”, the official added.
However, the bird watchers have not lost hope. Ornithologist and an avid bird watcher Sameer said, “New species may turn up soon in this water body”. Citing visibility as an important factor due to which bird count also gets affected.
“Yes, pollution is a reason but if you still want to enjoy bird watching, visit sanctuary in the early hours. One can see different species such as Red Crested Pochard, Northern Shoveler and few others,” Sameer added.
Sultanpur bird sanctuary was set up in 1972. Accomplishing the requirements of domestic and migratory birds, this bird sanctuary is a vast marsh land well equipped with aquatic vegetation and has been playing host to the migratory birds since it came into existence.
From Hydrulla to other plants for migratory birds, it hosts winged guests in 1.42 square kilometre areas and has been a favourite place for the bird watchers since ages.