With the mercury level gradually dipping across Jharkhand, it is the perfect time to extend a warm welcome to the colourful winged guests.

 Thousands of migratory birds travel from the far away land of Siberia in search of food and protection from the bitter cold. Birds from higher Himalayas, Pakistan and parts of Central Asia fly into the State to enjoy the mild winters here.

The migratory birds visit this region from the months of November to February. The residents of Ranchi can see these birds at the Patratu Dam, Dhurwa Dam, Kanke Dam and the Getalsud Dam.

 The species include Ruddy Shelduck, Red Breasted Pochard, Pin Tail, Black Headed Gull, Large Cormorant, Bar Headed Geese and Ibis among others. “The birds travel a distance of more than 6,000 Kms at a height of more than 10,000 to 12,000 feet not just from Siberia but also from the Himalayan region as well.

Over the years there has been a significant decrease in the number of migratory birds,” said Environmentalist and Assistant Professor, Department of Geology Ranchi University, Dr Nitish Priyadarshi One of the major reasons for the decrease in this number is the illegal poaching of these wonders of nature. Even though the number of birds being poached has declined, these beauties are still killed not just at their destination but also on their route to reach warmer pastures.

The other reason is that their natural habitat has been greatly disturbed and damaged due to urbanisation. Construction of high rise buildings, installation of mobile towers is other reason for loss of natural surroundings.

“In Ranchi, a place likes Kanke Dam which at one point of time used to be a hot spot for these birds has also witnessed a decrease in the number of winged guests.

 This is also because of the blaring music being played at the parties held in its vicinity. Also these birds generally breed in tall grass patches which over the years have vanished and is now replaced by a concrete jungle,” added Priyadarshi. Another major factor responsible for a decrease in this number is climate change. The route these birds followed has also changed with time because of which they loose track on the way and get diverted to a different place.

“Just like humans, birds too have a memory. Once they return to their homeland they take a part of their surroundings with them.

The climate change, poaching and diminishing natural surroundings discourage them to come back the next year,” said the professor.

The areas these birds flock to should be protected where as adequate arrangements for their food should also be made. “Awareness also needs to be created among the general public to not kill them as these birds are very human friendly creatures.

The pollution in and around the water bodies also need to be taken into account,” said Priyadarshi.