Migratory birds. Photo : Collected

By Md Mamun Islam
 
RANGPUR, Jan 14, 2025 (BSS) - The arrival of thousands of migratory birds has transformed rivers, riverbanks, Beels and other water bodies into sight-beholding places, delighting many visitors during this winter in the northern region. 
 
People are witnessing the arrival of the migratory birds from the Himalayan and Siberian regions to rivers and water bodies and their orderly flight and movement have turned nature into a beautiful fleeting sight.

Talking to BSS, environmental observers, experts and local people said the number of arriving migratory birds from the colder northern hemisphere is comparatively higher this year.  
 
After arriving at rivers, streams, and other bodies of water, migratory birds survive by eating small fish, insects, small snails, plants and animals, and aquatic plants, which are abundant in northern water bodies.

Superintending Engineer of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) for Rangpur Circle Engineer Md Habibur Rahman Khan said the number of arriving migratory birds in the northern water bodies is higher this time. 

From the beginning of November, temperatures in the Himalayan, Siberian, Xinjiang and Mongolian regions begin to drop sharply, making these regions uninhabitable for birds in December, January and February every year, with few exceptions.

"As a result of the increasing cold in these regions, migratory birds started leaving those areas and began flocking to northern water bodies since last November and the process still continues," he said. 

The 11.59-acre watery area of BMDA's re-excavated Bharardaho Beel in Rangpur, circled by 100-foot wide bank, is home to flora, fauna, and 6,500 trees of 213 species of rare timber, fruit, medicinal, and flowering plants has become a sanctuary for migratory birds.
 
"The entire Beel area is now filled with the chirping of thousands of guest birds and the sound of their wings fluttering freely and flying gracefully, attracting many visitors every day to enjoy this spectacle," Khan added.

Housewife Minara Khatun came to Bharardaho Beel with her son Mirazuzzaman, 6, and nephews Kunjo Ahsan, 18, and Arian Ahsan, 11, to enjoy the aesthetic beauty there.
 
"The orderly flying of migratory birds in the air, their chirping and swimming on water have created a heart-cooling divine scene in the Beel," she said.
 
Ahsan said he was fascinated enjoying the beauty of everything available in the Bharardaho Beel, including the chirping guest birds, a botanical garden-like green nature and sprouting flowers.

Begum Rokeya University Professor and Director of Riverine People environmentalist Dr Tuhin Wadud said that even 35 to 40 years ago, numerous migratory birds could be seen in the rivers and water bodies in the northern region.

In recent years, the number of migratory birds arriving has declined due to the reduction in the number and area of water bodies and the loss of plants, animals, and abundant fresh water fish from wetlands for climate change impacts.

“However, it is good news that the number of arriving migratory birds is comparatively higher this season,” he said, adding that the number may decline again in the future.

The changing climate is causing rivers to dry up, posing a threat to biodiversity, ecosystems and environment and creating an imbalance in nature, leading to extinction of many species of fish and insects and reducing the amount of food for migratory birds.

 Locals said many migratory birds have arrived in the Brahmaputra, Teesta, Jamuna and other rivers and ‘Ramsagar Dighee’ in Dinajpur, ‘Ramsagar Dighee’, Chatra Beel in Rangpur and many other water bodies in the northern region.

“Visitor are rushing to the ‘Ramsagar Dighee’ in Dinajpur and ‘Ramsagar Dighee’ in Nilphamari to witness migratory birds and pleasant moments of their flying in the air and coming down on the water again and again,” said Engineer Fazlul Haque, a visitor. 
 
Hundreds of people of all ages are enjoying the pleasant arrival and well-mannered flying and movement of the migratory birds giving nature a decent fleeting glimpse in the northern rivers, Beels and water bodies.

Migratory birds like Chhota Sarali, Bara Sarali,  Pati Merganser, Common Merganser, Balihans, Bhulihans, Khuntehans, Uttorer Titi, Pintail Duck, Gurgani, Khopa Duburi, Machh Mural, Kan Pecha, Tisabaz, Ziriya, Titi, Monmcand, Chokhachokhi, Neel Kuthi Patihansh, Red Jhuti Bhutihans, Baro Khopa Duburi, Shah Chokha, Porijayee Rajhans, Dagi Rajhans are mostly arriving in the northern rivers and water bodies this season.