cleared: jm
Hyderabad: While the bird watching season in Telangana began a fortnight ago and a handful of migrant birds arrived at a few lakes, bird watchers will have to wait to see more winged visitors. A majority of the lakes in the state are full of water and, hence, not an ideal habitat for birds.
Apart from lakes, birds are also dependent on fields and grasslands around it for their food. It is only when the water levels recede and the grass starts to dry out that insects grow in these fields.
“Currently, the fields are too green for the growth of insects, which is why the habitat is not ideal. We are hoping that once the water levels decrease, we may see many more winged visitors,” said Jagan Pannala, a birdwatcher.
As of now, bird watchers have noticed a few Greenish Warblers, which are one of the first migratory birds to reach this part of the country, flying down from the Himalayas and beyond to escape the harsh winter. These birds usually arrive as early as Aug or Sept, but this year they too have kept the birdwatchers waiting. Despite frequenting hotspots such as Manjeera, Kishtareddypet, Osman Sagar, Ammavaripeta, and Yenakathala, birdwatchers said they have not seen more than groups of 30-60 birds.
For instance, a group of 40 buntings was spotted last week at Yenakathala, while a group of 60 Northern Pintails was also seen. Other migratory birds seen this season include Barn Swallow, Brown Shrike, Blyth’s Pipit, Verditer Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Siberian Whitethroat, Common Snipe and Blue Tailed Bee-eater.
“The birds have started to arrive, but they are not that many. Usually, we would see a much higher population of birds in the season. This year, with rainfall continuing up to the first week of Nov, the lakes are full and the grasslands around them are too green. The maximum birds we get here are waders. They need the water level to be up to their ankle level, and if they do not find a place to land due to excessive water, they would fly off to further locations,” said Hari K Patibanda, an avid birdwatcher, adding that the current season is a bit frustrating.
Moreover, the population of migratory birds has been on the decline over the last few years, say experts.
“Overall, the wetland migratory bird population is drastically reducing over the years, and the protection status of many birds has increased due to the lesser numbers. Climatic conditions, water levels and loss of habitat are some of the reasons,” said Sriram Reddy, birdwatching expert.
Hyderabad: While the bird watching season in Telangana began a fortnight ago and a handful of migrant birds arrived at a few lakes, bird watchers will have to wait to see more winged visitors. A majority of the lakes in the state are full of water and, hence, not an ideal habitat for birds.
Apart from lakes, birds are also dependent on fields and grasslands around it for their food. It is only when the water levels recede and the grass starts to dry out that insects grow in these fields.
“Currently, the fields are too green for the growth of insects, which is why the habitat is not ideal. We are hoping that once the water levels decrease, we may see many more winged visitors,” said Jagan Pannala, a birdwatcher.
As of now, bird watchers have noticed a few Greenish Warblers, which are one of the first migratory birds to reach this part of the country, flying down from the Himalayas and beyond to escape the harsh winter. These birds usually arrive as early as Aug or Sept, but this year they too have kept the birdwatchers waiting. Despite frequenting hotspots such as Manjeera, Kishtareddypet, Osman Sagar, Ammavaripeta, and Yenakathala, birdwatchers said they have not seen more than groups of 30-60 birds.
For instance, a group of 40 buntings was spotted last week at Yenakathala, while a group of 60 Northern Pintails was also seen. Other migratory birds seen this season include Barn Swallow, Brown Shrike, Blyth’s Pipit, Verditer Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Siberian Whitethroat, Common Snipe and Blue Tailed Bee-eater.
“The birds have started to arrive, but they are not that many. Usually, we would see a much higher population of birds in the season. This year, with rainfall continuing up to the first week of Nov, the lakes are full and the grasslands around them are too green. The maximum birds we get here are waders. They need the water level to be up to their ankle level, and if they do not find a place to land due to excessive water, they would fly off to further locations,” said Hari K Patibanda, an avid birdwatcher, adding that the current season is a bit frustrating.
Moreover, the population of migratory birds has been on the decline over the last few years, say experts.
“Overall, the wetland migratory bird population is drastically reducing over the years, and the protection status of many birds has increased due to the lesser numbers. Climatic conditions, water levels and loss of habitat are some of the reasons,” said Sriram Reddy, birdwatching expert.
