Srinagar, JULY 09: In a remarkable first, Kashmiri bird photographer Reyan Sofi has sighted and photographed a female Common Goldeneye, a medium-sized sea duck, at the renowned Hokersar wetland. This groundbreaking discovery, which holds immense significance for the region, has been published in Indian Birds, a prominent bi-monthly ornithology journal/newsletter.
Reyan Sofi, a resident of Zainakote Srinagar, described his initial encounter with the sea duck as a careful observation. “On 26th February 2022, I once again sighted the bird in the heart of Hokersar wetland,” he shared. The female Common Goldeneye exhibited distinguishing features, including a chocolate brown head, slaty-grey back and tail, and white flanks, belly, and breast. After meticulously analyzing field characteristics, examining photographs, and consulting expert birders, Sofi successfully identified the bird species.
The Common Goldeneye’s presence in the Kashmir Valley has eluded the region’s history, with previous records lacking photographic evidence. Sofi’s groundbreaking sighting and photographic documentation now stand as the first definitive record of the Common Goldeneye in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh since 1907.
Situated 10 km northwest of Srinagar, the Hokersar wetland reserve holds the prestigious title of a Ramsar Site and stands as one of India’s vital wetland reserves and Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). It serves as a significant wintering stopover habitat for a diverse range of migratory ducks, geese, and swans.
The Common Goldeneye, a medium-sized diving duck, primarily breeds across boreal forests in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, northern China, Canada, Alaska, and northern USA. During winters, it is known to migrate to southeastern Europe and various parts of Central and South Asia.
Characterized by its black and white plumage, the Common Goldeneye displays a predominantly black head with a round white spot near the bill, accompanied by a striking yellow eye. The back is black, while the sides are white, giving the bird an overall appearance of whiteness. Females, on the other hand, possess brown heads and grey back and wings.
Sofi emphasized the rarity of the Common Goldeneye, stating, “It is an important bird and rarely seen even in India. It is a rare visitor to the Indian Subcontinent.”
Regarding habitat preferences, Sofi explained that Common Goldeneyes inhabit freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, pools, and rivers during the breeding season. During winter, they are often found in inshore waters, shallow bays, estuaries, tidal creeks, and coastal lagoons.
Feeding primarily through diving, the species sustains itself with a diet consisting of aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, other aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, and small fish.
The breeding season for Common Goldeneyes typically occurs during April and May. They nest in tree hollows and artificial nest boxes, with the female taking responsibility for incubating the eggs. After one to two weeks into incubation, the male abandons the female.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has evaluated and categorized Common Goldeneyes as being of “Least Concern,” indicating that their population is relatively stable.
Reyan Sofi, known as the “young birdman,” has dedicated the past seven years to capturing and documenting various local and migratory bird species. His efforts have led to the documentation of over 300 different kinds of birds in Kashmir, earning him a prominent reputation among bird enthusiasts.
With Reyan Sofi’s historic sighting, the birdwatching community in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh celebrates a significant milestone in avian conservation and contributes to our understanding of the rich biodiversity found within the region.
