At time when the presence of birds is considered a sign of wildlife opulence for any nation, the northern States of India are awaiting the arrival of migratory birds into their habitat. Ornithologists working on birds’ navigation have found that since 2017 the arrival of winged guests into the Indian territory has been delayed by at least three months.
The delay in arrival of migratory birds has been ascribed to climate change, claimed ornithologists of Delhi University.
This means that due to relatively more conducive weather climate patterns in Russia and other cold countries, migratory birds preferred to stay put in the homeland between August and November.
“It is pivotal to understand the behaviour and overseas journeys of the birds. Their early arrival is always a good sign because they play crucial role in the balance of ecology and in large perspective the economy,” an ornithologist said, adding, “The pattern has changed significantly. Earlier they arrived in August or maximum by September. However, this year is different.”
Sharing more interesting facts about the migration route to breeding areas, a Delhi University Professor said the migration route is extended from Narurzum wetlands in northern Kazakhstan, before diverging southwest to the Caspian Sea and southeast to India on journeys that navigate seven nations. “The migration route of these birds takes them over Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and then to the Gangetic basin of northern India; much of the journey is hazardous and through difficult terrains,” the ornithologist explained.
However, he added a large number of birds have diverted to Rajasthan.
When asked about the reason, he said good amount of rains in northwestern region is pivotal factor in diverting migratory birds.
"The revival of wetland is required if we want to see winged guests in Delhi and National Capital Region," he said.
Meanwhile, against all odds, there is some good news for Delhiites as rare species of migratory birds — Red Pochard beak has been spotted in Yamuna biodiversity park.
Dr Faiyaz Khudsar, Scientist in the Environment department, Delhi University, said December month has recorded good number of migratory birds. "We have recorded 1,000 birds of ten different species of migratory birds such as Northern Shoveler, Common Pochard," Dr Khudsar added.
It is important to mention here that in a recent bird counts in Delhi recorded 251 species of birds in Delhi-NCR. These species were found in Najafgarh, Sultanpur, Bhindawas, Dhighal, Okhla Bird Sanctuary and Yamuna floodplains.
As per the findings, this year 15 birds were spotted which were missing last year, however, 21 species were not spotted which was spotted last year.
Najafgarh Jheel is a favorable wetland where bird watchers may spot hundreds of species of birds, including large flocks of greater flamingo, common shelduck, osprey, pelican, duck and goose.
Importantly, Stoliczka's buschat, listed in the vulnerable category by International conversation of Nature (IUCN), has been spotted only at a few places in the past, including Hisar and some areas of Rajasthan and Kutch.
