Hyderabad: The unexpected showers in October have signalled a good beginning for the migratory season of birds.
The heavy rain received by the state has led to the filling of lakes and ponds, because of which birds were reaching the state a fortnight early, birdwatchers sad.
The state has seen new varieties of birds. Osman-sagar, a popular spot for migratory birds, has seen more coastal birds rather than inland birds this year. Among the birds spotted were curlew sandpipers, terek sandpipers and plovers.
Mr Amardeep Singh, member of the Society of Birdwatchers, Telangana and AP, said, “Migration happens when birds notice that the lakes and ponds are full as they fly overhead. The rain has led to an increase in the presence of of the aquatic creatures such as frogs, tadpoles and insects, which is food for the birds. This has also caused early migration.”
Mr Singh said the state might not be the birds’ final destination but many flocks land here to gather energy before flying on to Pulicat lake and other places.
Birdwatchers claim that with the rain, there might be more laying of eggs. The important waterbird breeding area is on the Manjira river in Medak district.
Birds migrate to warmer climate to escape from the harsh winters in the north like Mongolia, China and Tibet. The popular early birds spotted this season were Siberian stonechat, marsh sandpiper, Eurasian marsh harrier, common kestrel, blue rock thrush and paddyfield warbler among others.
Mr Hari Krishna, a member of Hyderabad Birding Pals, said, “The rains have been a boon for migratory birds. Most birds can be spotted at Osmansagar, Anantagiri Hills and the Nacharam forests. Birds do not fly during the rains. A lot of birds can be noticed along north Telangana from Adilabad to Ranga Reddy districts.”
Birdwatchers claim that the encroachment of wetlands and poaching has continued to affect migratory birds. Ms Anita Negi, a member of the Bird Society said, “The prime example of encroachment is the Kolleru lake in Andhra Pradesh, where we had previously seen many bird species including pelicans. Ever since fishing began there, nets have been spread and birds are shooed away.”
She said the burgeoning local fish industry had reduced food for the birds and there were few migratory birds at the lake. “Human movement and construction or interruption will hamper migratory bird patterns,” she said. Bird societies have asked citizens to not share information of birds and their locations on social media to avoid poaching.
