Many migratory birds from Europe, Siberia, Central Asia and China visited Delhi this winter. On Sunday, on the Big Bird Day-2021 (BBD-2021), the bird count was held at seven wetlands which host Pied Aocet, Marsh Harrier, Ferruginous Pochard and Grey Headed Canary Flycatcher  and it was reported that the Yamuna Biodiversity Park (YBP) gained first rank in hosting winged guests with total bird count at 101.

“Today, there are seven biodiversity parks in Delhi spread over 3,000 acres in which Yamuna Biodiversity Park is the oldest (2002) and the South Biodiversity Park is the youngest (2019),” said Dr Faiyaz Khudsar, DU Professor.

Illustrating the features of wetlands in Delhi, Dr Khudsar said Delhi has two life supporting landscapes —River Yamuna Basin and the last spur of Aravalli Hill Ranges and both have lost their life supporting characteristics.

Delhi biodiversity parks have assumed global importance as models for replication not only to conserve the vanishing natural heritage from urban centres but also to provide environmental sustainability and resilience.

Yamuna Biodiversity Park and Kalindi Biodiversity Park are in the floodplain of Yamuna River Basin and now known for their functional wetland ecosystems migratory birds. During winter we receive about 30 species of migratory birds from Europe, Siberia and Central Asia and China in Yamuna Biodiversity Park in which Red Crested Pochard and Ferruginous Pochard are noteworthy among wintering ducks.

Aravalli Biodiversity Park is known for its beautiful restored scrub jungle, thorn forest and Kullu and Dhawa, typical Aravalli vegetation which is home to many migratory and resident terrestrial bird species.

Yamuna Biodiversity Park recorded Pied Aocet, Marsh Harrier, Ferruginous Pochard and Grey Headed Canary Flycatcher as noteworthy sightings. Aravalli Biodiversity Park recorded White Capped Bunting as a noteworthy sighting. Whereas Tilpath Valley Biodiversity Park known for its mythological value and valleys with various ecological niches recorded Chestnut shouldered Petronia (Yellow throated Sparrow). Tughlagabad Biodiversity Park recorded Sirkeer Malkoha as a noteworthy sighting. Northern Ridge (Kamla Nehru Ridge) recorded Booted Eagle.

Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Tilpath Valley Biodiversity Park, Northern Ridge (Kamla Nehru Ridge), Neela Hauz Biodiversity Park, Tughlaqabad Biodiversity Park and Kalindi Biodiversity Park are the host wetland popular for bird sighting among the ornithologists.