Migratory birds from Siberia and other cold regions have started flocking to different water bodies of the coastal district Bhola after the onset of winter.
From mid-November, they started coming. They are getting adequate food as well, according to field sources.
They have come for six months. Birds' experts said Bhola is one of two important habitats for birds in the country. It is a very safe haven for many endangered birds of the world.
According to a researcher and bird watcher said, in 12 chars, 84 species of birds have been found in this coastal district.
At dawn, birds are seen diving, gathering food or flying in flocks. The vast wilderness of Nijhum islands has become lively with the chirping of visiting birds every day. Every year at this time, the birds come to Bhola from various snow-covered areas. Many globally endangered birds also arrive at this time.
The beauty of the meadows is enhanced by the migration of guest birds. The chirping of birds can be heard in rivers nearby the sea, grass and green forest. The birds flying from one end to the other through the fog on a winter morning are unforgettable. There is a competition to collect food for birds in the pastures.
The birds are seen in different pastures including Bay of Bengal, Manpura, Kalatali, Char Kukri Mukri, Char Shahjalal, Char Shahjahan, Char Piyal, Ailuddin Char, Charnizam, Char Patila, Degararchar, Meghna-Tantulia Coastal Char, Charbarti Chatkimara, Madanpura.
Many globally endangered birds are found here. During this time, as different areas including Siberia and Tibet are covered with snow, the birds come to our country through a long sky route due to lack of food and shelter.
Various rare birds such as Spoon-billed, Button, Indian Skimmer, Eurasian Northern Linja, Narn Sewer, Eurasian Vision, Black Headed Ivy Bird, Beach Tern, Palasus Girl, Grilled Sangk, Red Sangk can be seen in the region.
Commonly in these pastures are Zulfi panchil, Gangchil, Sonaziria, Northern lenjahans, Black-tailed jay, Eurasio gulinda, Grey-headed tit, Sithi duck, Khunte haas, Khaira chachachokhi, Little pankauri, Little boga, Big boga, Pyong duck, Gray boga, Pati duck, Black-headed Gangchil, Little Dhalajira, Little North Jira, Go Baga, Mete Raj Duck, PatiVarious species of birds including batan, chega, pati chega can be seen.
A bird observation centre has been constructed by the forest department to watch local and foreign birds at Char Kukri-Mukri's Char-Patila. From here the guest birds of this pasture can be seen easily.
Apart from this, several umbrellas, benches and a barrack have also been constructed for the tourists. Tourists flock here from different parts of the country to see birds during this winter.
Mezbah Alam, a teacher who came to watch birds at Char Kukri-Mukri, said that this area is surrounded by the unique beauty of nature. Char Kukri-Mukri is famous for its guest birds.
The chirping of birds creates an enchanting atmosphere. Business Sirajul Islam said bird watching is a hobby. It is for this hobby that guests come here to see birds.
He said it is a wonderful feeling to see so many foreign birds together. However the locals say that the arrival of birds is decreasing due to the construction of settlements in grazing areas, shortage of grazing land and hunters. If bird hunting is stopped and people are made more aware, the number of birds will increase.
Kukri Mukri residents Rafiqul Islam, Anwarul Haque and many others said that human settlement has increased in the bird's habitats. A few years ago thousands of birds could be seen in the pastures on the west side of Kukri Bazar.
Char Kukri-Mukri Union Parishad Chairman Hasem Mahajan said that every winter season tourists flock here to watch birds. Various awareness activities including distribution of leaflets are being carried out to preserve birds and ensure undisturbed migration.
Bird hunting is discouraged. Divisional Forest Officer of Bhola Forest Division S M Kaichar said, like every year, this year too, a large number of guest birds have arrived in our pastures.
Instructions have been given to the concerned so that no one can disturb or hunt these birds. Patrols have been strengthened from every range. They are patrolling regularly.
