New Bird Species Grace Kashmir Wetlands as Migratory Season Begins

New Bird Species Grace Kashmir Wetlands as Migratory Season Begins/KashmirLife

New Bird Species Grace Kashmir Wetlands as Migratory Season Begins

Amid the migration season of birds in Kashmir’s wetlands, local birdwatcher Reyan Sofi announced the sighting of eight new bird species this year, enriching the valley’s biodiversity.

Sofi highlighted the eight new bird species observed in Kashmir, including the Falcated Duck and Smew Duck at Hokersar and Wular Lake respectively, the Horned Grebe, Northern Wheatear at Pahalgam, Western Reef-Heron, Long-tailed Duck, and the Broad-billed Sandpiper, predominantly spotted at Wular Lake, the region’s second-largest freshwater lake.

Director Parvaiz Yousuf from the Wetland Research Centre at the Wildlife Conservation Fund in Kashmir explained that migratory birds utilize the Central Asian flyways to navigate to Kashmir, escaping extreme cold conditions in their native habitats.

3As temperatures plummet, making food scarce due to the thick layer of ice, birds journey thousands of kilometers to relatively warmer regions like Kashmir, where food is more accessible.

Yousuf detailed the migration pattern, mentioning that these birds start arriving in Kashmir from late October and commence their return journey in early May, following the same route.

He noted that some species, like the Mallard, choose to remain in Kashmir year-round.

Wildlife Warden Ifshan Dewan emphasized that these migratory birds arrive in Kashmir from colder regions like Siberia and Northern Europe, finding refuge in the wetlands, which serve as crucial habitats for them.

In response to freezing conditions, Dewan mentioned the provision of artificial feed if the water bodies freeze. However, she emphasized the birds’ reliance on natural food sources.

Expressing concern about poaching, Ifshan urged local communities to regard these birds as guests and collaborate with wildlife authorities to safeguard them within Kashmir’s wetlands, ensuring their safety and preservation.

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