Mountain birds migrate to plains to escape cold

Bijaya Kumar Sah,Dhalkebar, Jan. 5: Birds from the Himalayan region are beginning to spend the winter in the safe habitat of the protected forest areas, rivers and wetlands of Dhanushdham in Dhanusha.

Ganesh Sah, an employee at the protected forest area, mentioned that the arrival of birds began in December, and they will continue to migrate till the second or third week of January.

Sah informed that about half a dozen species of birds have arrived in the area so far. “The forest area boasts of abundant food, a secure habitat, an expansive eight-bigha lake, and numerous small wetlands, creating a safe and inviting environment for the visiting birds,” he added.

Highlighting the annual migration pattern, Sah mentioned that Himalayan birds arrive consistently during the cold season; out of the 888 bird species in Nepal, 282 are found in this forest area. 

Birds like Kalo Garudh (Black Stork), Seto Garudh (White Stork), and Khoya hans (bar-headed Goose) are spotted in grassland and wetland of Tarai, said Sah.

Dev Narayan Mandal, the president of Mithila Wildlife Trust, Dhanusha, said that Himalayan birds frequently visit Dhanushdham protected forest area and Kamala River and Janakpurdham. 

Mandal pointed out the numerous reservoirs in Janakpurdham and the continuous flow of water in the Kamala River, has attracted mountain birds. 

The migration of birds to Tarai is likely to intensify after it starts snowing in mountainous region.

These birds return to their habitat in Himalayan region along with their offspring in February after they hatch their eggs.