Migratory birds have flocked Yamuna Biodiversity Park (YBP) indicating that the national Capital’s ecological balance is good. The biggest attraction has been the arrival of Black Crowned Night Heron after fifteen years in the YBP wetlands. “Black Crowned Night Herons have arrived in YBP after a gap of 15 years,” said Sameer, an ornithologist with Delhi University.
Ornithologists and environmentalists are delighted that about 196 different species of birds from Russia, Europe and Central Asia have arrived at the Phase -II, natural wetland of 350 acres between Wazirabad and Bhalswa.
“Due to ecological balance, birds have landed here. Besides favorable climate conditions, birds need aquatic vegetation and a good habitat for their survival and nesting,” said Sameer.
While describing about the aquatic vegetation, he said in this wetland, Hydrilla, Potamojiton and Valucineria are the natural vegetations, favourable for these migratory birds. “Due to good aquatic vegetation, 18 species of fish are found in this wetland and the presence of special birds is the sign of healthy aquatic vegetation,” he said.
With the improvement in the ecological balance, insects and vegetation (food for birds) have increased. The water quality in YBP is also good and this is one of the reasons for large number of migratory birds thronging this bio-diversity park, said Sameer.
Black Crowned Night Heron bird, is a bird that is nocturnal nature. “We have recorded 13000 nests during summer season of this year,” said Sameer.
Ecologist Ekta Khurana, who is heading the pilot project of YBP, said, “Besides habitat and aquatic vegetation, the fencing of native trees provide suitable environment for the birds as well as other species which are integral part of ecology system.”
Currently, the park is hosting above 10,000 migratory birds.
The ecologist said with the fencing of native trees, Delhi University’s environment department and the Delhi Development Authority has managed to curb noise pollution from the birds’ habitat. “In ecological perspective, the plantation of trees such as; Shesham, Babool and Bargad has helped a lot in attracting these birds,” said Sameer, an avid bird watcher.
When asked why these trees are necessary for fencing, he said these trees have the capabilities to absorb the sound pollution, example - traffic noise.
“A total of 35 species of birds make wetlands of YBP as their permanent home and reproduce. Some bird species include Spot - billed Duck , Grey and Purple Herons, Oriental Darter , little Cormorants and Indian Cormorants are the prominent resident birds,” he added.
“Eurasian Scoops Owl , European Roller , Golden Orirole , Eurasian Wryneck , Asian Paradise - flycatcher , Indian Peafowl and Common Rosefinch are the terrestrial birds here in YBP which can be easily spotted,” he further elaborated.