Arrival of migratory birds begins

As the winter is about to set in, people living near Gorfar Beel and Jhanjhar Beel of Sherpur in Bogura are witnessing the arrival of migratory birds in its water bodies and riverine char areas of the northern district.

Eye-catching views of hoards of birds are not common in the two marshlands as the arrival of colourful migratory birds and their flying en masse continues.

Environmental experts, officials and local people said the number of arriving migratory birds from the colder northern hemisphere is comparatively higher this year.

They said the migratory birds are arriving a little earlier this season. They live on small fishes, insects, small snails, and watery plants after arriving in water bodies and riverine char areas of the region. Among others, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Kingfisher, Little Cormorant, Openbill Stork, Indian Myna, and different kinds of Heron are most commonly found in these water bodies in this season.

However, the lesser whistling duck (Dendrocygna javanica), or the Indian whistling duck or lesser whistling teal, locally known as Pati Sorali, is the most common kind of bird found in abundance in this region, said the locals. It is a species of whistling duck that breeds in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

They are nocturnal feeders that during the day may be found in flocks around lakes and wet paddy fields. They can perch on trees and sometimes build their nest in the hollow of a tree. This brown and long-necked duck has broad wings that are visible in flight and produces a loud two-note wheezy call. It has a chestnut rump, differentiating it from its larger relative, the fulvous whistling duck, which has a creamy white rump, said Sohag Roy, president of Paribesh Pratirakkha Sangstha.

“These migratory birds come to the water bodies of Bogura for breeding purposes and their breeding seasons range between October and January. The female birds lay seven to 12 eggs at a time, and it takes 22 to 24 days for the eggs to hatch. The guest birds live on small fishes, insects, small snails and watery plants after arriving at the region searching for protection from severe cold and fog,” he said.

During a recent visit, the whole area was seen buzzing with the chirping of migratory birds, and people living in the vicinity seemed to be enjoying the natural beauty in their spare time. Numerous groups, consisting of school and college goers, nature lovers came to the area to experience the serene beauty of the water bodies.

One such group of nature enthusiasts, Nuri Begum, Amena Khatun, along with a few others, came to the area to see the birds. They said that they visit these water bodies every year to see these birds chirping all over the place.

Mamun, a resident of the area, said that they appreciate the arrival of the guest birds. “We get a spectacular view this time every year as these migratory birds flock to the area. We consider it as a blessing and stop anyone who tries to disturb or poach these birds,” he said.

Anowar Hossain, an accountant of Bhaskar Agro Farm in Bogura, said the locals are so attached to these birds that they protect them from poachers and anyone who want to cause any harm to them. They consider these birds as their guests and therefore soulfully welcome them to be a natural part of their lives.

“Such harmony and love towards nature are praiseworthy and mandatory to ensure a safe natural habitat for migratory birds,” said Fazle Bari Ratan, member of Bogura Wildlife Conservation Committee.

“We have informed the locals about the importance of conserving these birds, and they voluntarily involved themselves to save these birds for adversaries,” he added.