There has been a significant drop in the number of migratory birds that normally visit in the Yamuna Biodiversity Park (YBP) in the national Capital during this time. This year, only 22 birds arrived in the YBP, which is quite low as compared to the last five years, especially during September -October period.
Ornithologists in Delhi said low presence of birds in wetland and sanctuaries can be attributed to climate change but their route also plays pivotal role in marking their presence in Delhi-NCR.
“Yes… bird sighting is low this year in October. There are several factors affecting. First is the local climate of Europe, Siberia and Central Asia. This year, there is a change in temperature there,” said Dr Faiyaz Khudsar. Inadequate vegetation in wetland is also a factor in lowering the number of winged guests, the bird watchers said.
“Birds come here to enjoy climate. They gain weight and younger birds come first, there are several indicators in and around wetland area, phragmites, a type of grass, is one,” Dr Khudsar explained.
According to the database prepared by environmental division of Delhi University, this year only Eurasian Coot, Great Cormorant are the only visible species whereas every year Ferruginous Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall, Northen Shoveler, Tufted Pochard , Greylag Goose, Knob-Billed duck, Brown Headed Gull , Red Crested Pochard, Common Teal and Eurasian Marsh Harrier are also witnessed.
“This year only 22 Eurasian Coot and 48 Great Cormorant visible, said Dr Khusdar, adding that while in 2018, 255 Eurasian Coot had arrived here. In October 2016, 450 Eurasian Coot were witnessed, popular bird Northern Shoveler also marked its presence with a flock. Great Cormorant — Chinese bird were 65 in 2016 while this year in 2019, only 48 Cormorant witnessed. When asked about the low turnout of the birds, Dr Khudsar said pollution is also a reason, but most important is to track their routes.
In 2017, the total bird count in Yamuna Bio-Diversity Park was also recorded well as compared to 2019. “The five year trend of migratory birds, especially Eurasian Coot is always on with at least 250 in number but this year, graph has gone down and that is quite disappointing… they are just 22 in numbers, these birds are indicators of good or bad ecology system,” the scientist explained.