Migratory birds: These days you will find exotic or migratory birds in the city’s reservoirs. It is amazing to hear and know how these birds reach their destination every year after traveling thousands of kilometers. These birds are seasonal guests that have a positive effect on our environment. Birds from 29 countries visit India every year. The country observes the arrival of large flocks during September-October, the beginning of the migration. According to the Government of India, 1,349 species of birds have been recorded by 2019, of which 78 are endemic to the country and 212 species are endangered globally. Let us know in detail how the presence and flight of migratory birds affects our lives, environment and why it is necessary.

If the forest is reduced, the risk of habitation increases.

Migratory birds need nesting sites and plenty of food for young. Over the past decade, depletion of aquifers, wetlands, natural grasslands and forest cover has been a major obstacle for them. Biodiversity has been lost as a result of overuse of natural resources, population growth and climate change. These factors have also adversely affected the entire life and survival of migratory birds. New methods are needed to prevent the adverse effects of birds and the changing patterns of migration.

Return trip in March or April

These migratory birds take signals and begin migrating south to winter destinations. The return journey begins in March or April. Migration causes birds to have bad weather and unavailability of food in cold regions. Birds often migrate to specific places and this is why some areas are identified with certain species. In Chennai, Palikarnai attracts a large number of flamingos, ducks and hunters.

Canadian Gaze: Flamingo in the South, Duck in Orissa

Flamingos live in Lake Plateau on the Tamil Nadu-Andhra border. Ducks and ducks can be seen in the Chalka Lagoon of Orissa. Other notable places to see migratory birds are Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan and Khajadia Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Some birds are migratory, such as the spotted fly catcher, the Rufus-tailed scrub robin, and the European roller. They migrate in winter to a large part of western India and to Africa. Falcon affairs pass through India in December. Many birds come from temperate regions. Siberian storks come to India in winter.

The Importance of Migratory Birds Locust protection, fertilizer in the fields

Migratory birds play a vital role in the ecosystem in which they live and travel. The birds that breed chickens feed on insects and other organisms and act as pest control agents that harm the environment and crops. A heart attack is one such calamity caused by the absence of birds. Migratory birds help spread seeds, thus maintaining biodiversity along their paths. Ducks can carry fish eggs into new aquifers in their intestines. Bird’s egg yolks, also called guano, are rich in nitrogen and act as organic fertilizer. Egg shells can contain calcium and other minerals.

The existence of birds is endangered.

In many parts of the world where they travel or live, their eggs are hunted. Unaware of the benefits offered by migratory birds, locals often engage in negative attitudes toward bird survival. Wealthy people hunt birds to please their palate, regardless of the environmental consequences.

Housing is being destroyed

The death of one mate can result in the death of another, and starvation can result in the loss of a child affecting the entire bird family and future generations. In addition to the loss of water resources and wildlife, a major concern is the loss of habitat around towns and villages, where small herds often take refuge. Increasing fishing due to increasing encroachment and human intervention is a challenge to food availability and birds may starve to death.

Safety and security can be achieved in these ways.

Educate school children, youth and the public about the importance of bird migration and its effects.

Fishing activities in rivers, streams and reservoirs should be banned during the migration season.

Adoption of sustainable organic farming practices by farmers to ensure chemical-free aquifers and pesticide-free hunting grounds

– Protect wetlands, meadows, natural habitats and forests with aquatic species to help birds settle and build their nests.

– Banning single stand plastic and avoiding dumping single stand plastic in water reservoirs.

– Advanced technology such as drones can be used to locate predators in areas where birds migrate.

Promote eco-clubs and civic initiatives to raise awareness, protect and conserve migratory birds and their natural habitats.