Continuing their tryst with Kashmir, around four lakh migratory birds from different countries have visited Kashmir’s wetlands so far since the month of October, the officials said.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Ifshan Deewan, Wildlife Warden, Wetlands Division Kashmir, said till date nearly four lakh migratory birds have visited Kashmir so far this year from the month of October. She said the migratory birds keeping their centuries-old relationship with Kashmir visit the wetlands of the valley every year and enjoy the temperate climate.
“There are many new birds that have arrived in the wetlands here. Each year the department conducts the Asian Water House Census through which they reveal the count and new arrivals,” she said. The Wildlife Warden said many new birds including the bar-headed goose, that breeds in Central Asia visit Kashmir and were rarely seen in the valley wetlands before.
From October, these birds migrate from Siberia, North America, Russia, Central Asia, China, Philippines, Eastern Europe and Japan to the valley and stay here for about five months.
Ifshan said that the department has taken several interventions to make all the wetlands habitable and these initiatives have resulted in massive coming of birds.
“These wetlands not only serve as natural habitat for several plant and animal species but are a kidney of nature that purify nature and absorb the water,” she said.
Kashmir’s wetlands serve as a magnet for “foreign visitors” drawn by rich ecological diversity of plant and animal life, as well as lush aquatic vegetation. These guests extend their stay until late March before embarking their journey back to their native habitats.
Reyan Sofi, the bird photographer and resident of Zainakote Srinagar said these days, wetlands are abuzz with thousands of birds and it is inviting the attention of people.
“Kashmir presents them a comparatively hospitable alternate habitat compared to the extreme freezing conditions in their natural habitats in the northern hemisphere,” he said.
Some of the bird species that visit Kashmir are Monal, Jungle Bush Quail, Shikra, Himalayan Bulbul, Tragapon, Common Kingfisher, Blue Whistling Thrush, Common Moorhen, Koklass Pheasant, Little Grebe, Himalayan Woodpecker, Tundra Swan Great Tit, Black Kite, Mallards, Greylag Geese, Pochard, Shovelers, Pintails and Gharwals.
Notably, last year till March end, 12 lakh migratory birds visited the wetlands of Kashmir from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, as per the annual census of Wildlife Department.
These wetlands also provide winter resort for a variety of birds for shelter, nesting and feeding. They also harbour a vast array of flora and fauna and thus exhibit rich biodiversity
“Once treated as transitional habitats, the wetlands are now considered to be distinct ecosystems with specific ecological characteristics, functions and value,” said an official of the wildlife department.
