Birders in low spirits as migratory bird nos drop

Hyderabad: Every year, some 35 to 40 migratory birds fly across the ocean to spend the winters in the city. They came last year too, but the number was less. The period between October and May is the time when the city witnesses a number of migratory birds. However, the number has been dwindling and the reasons cited include climate change, pollution and depleting water bodies.

During the season, one can see a huge number of migratory birds across different lakes in the city. Flamingos, Pelicans, Painted Storks, Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, White Browed Wagtail, Plover and Sand Piper are the birds that are spotted in majority during the season. These birds migrate from places like Burma, Myanmar and different parts of America.

"In nature, birds play an important role to build a natural mechanism, as they spread the seeds of various plant species, which have a viable germination, thus increasing the green cover and preserving variety of plants. They select a particular fruit and eat it and fly away and throw the seeds around in forests, gardens and grounds.

Birds and butterflies are the ones responsible for pollination, and if we are getting fruit today, it is because of this function or work, but unfortunately, today we are losing our birds and we need to protect them," said G Sailu, state project coordinator at Telangana State Biodiversity Board. "These birds have been using the same route for the past several years," she added.

Ameenpur Lake - The Lake has been declared as a Biodiversity Heritage Site after the Telangana government saw the population of flamingos visiting the lake every year. In fact, this is the first wetland in India to be declared so.

Osmansagar Lake - This is one of the best places around the city. Also known as Gandipet Lake, it is a fresh water source for the city. One can see plenty of flamingoes here in winter. The lake attracts large numbers of migratory Greater Flamingoes, who come here to escape the bitter winters far up on the globe.

Edulabad Lake - A very small number of birds can be spotted here like storks, kingfishers and several migratory species.

Apart from these, one can find plenty of non-migratory birds at Central University campus, Indira Park, Shamirpet Lake, Durgam Cheruvu, Lotus Pond, Infosys Campus, Bhagyanagar Nandanavanam, Indian Immunologicals Ltd., campus at Gachibowli, Mrigavani National Park and several other places.