Discussion Forum
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Topic for Discussion : Migratory Birds
(Posted on: January 2009)
Migration is the mechanism behind the seasonal appearance and disappearance of some species of birds, mammals, fish and insects. In India and South Asia, out of over 2000 bird species and sub-species, about 350 are extralimital migrants. Generally, in birds, migration is seasonal, and in the Indian subcontinent the majority of migratory birds are winter migrants. In India, the winter migrants from central Asia and Siberia are thought to use two main flyways; one in the west along the Indus valley and the other in the north-east along the river Brahmaputra. The best place to see such migratory birds are certain wetland or riverine areas. The most striking feature of the migratory birds is that they come in flocks in enormous numbers and often swarmed the areas they visited. Millions of birds annually travel between there nesting sites in the northern hemisphere and their wintering ground in the southern hemisphere. The most amazing aspect of this bird migration is the bird's return to its location faithfully with pinpoint accuracy.
Wetlands in Mumbai serve as the wintering grounds for migratory birds. Flamingos, Sandpipers, black-tailed Godwits are some of the migratory birds visiting the city. All the winter migrants are a treat for birdwatchers, nature lovers, ornithologists. Among these birds Flamingo is a major attraction.Two species of flamingos, the Greater Flamingo and the Lesser Flamingo, visit the city, the former prefers freshwater lakes, the latter which is found in large numbers, has a liking for marine and coastal areas.
All the birdwatchers, nature lovers, ornithologists are requested to send there views / observations regarding this year’s migration of birds in their area. |
Comments received so far :
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Name of the Person
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Comment
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| Kirti |
This is really informative & interesting topic for discussion. We also regularly visit Sewari to see Flamingos. But this year we observed very less number of Flamingos during the same period, as compared to last year. Is arrival of Migratory birds delayed this year….???
I would like to know more about the topic.
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| Archana |
One of the spot to watch flamingos in Mumbai is Sewri Creek; it is not only a dock area for many Mumbaikers but also a gentle bay and one of the best bird spots in the country. Many bird lovers visit this site to see migratory birds. During 1st week of January ENVIS team visited the Sewari Creek. Nearly 150 flamingos, few sandpipers and black tailed Godwits were observed. We also interacted with locals in the area, which revealed that activities like Mangrove Cutting/ burning, Coal burning, Oil Spillage are mainly responsible for destruction of habitat & food shortage for migratory birds.
According to ornithologists in the city, this year very less flamingos arrived till January. Refer the news from Time of India dated 1st January 2009 entitled ‘Flamingos may stay away’. For details you can visit News section of ENVIS website, GoM
(http://envis.maharashtra.gov.in/envis_data/files/news/natural%20resource%20conservation.html)
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| Harshad |
This year comparatively less number of migratory birds were observed. I had visited Nandur-madhameshwar Bird Sanctuary near Nashik for last several years. Last year there was decrease in number of flamingos visited. I think this may be due to disturbance in the sanctuary area. One more observation which I would like to share with you is ‘the number of Migratory birds depends on crop pattern of the year’ & water level of the backwater. Shallow water attracts more migratory birds.
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