Drought fury: Migratory birds missing in UP

Mahoba, Nov 23: Drought has not only affected human life in Bundelkhand region, but also resulted in a steady decline over the last few years in the number of migratory birds thronging every year during winters.

Ornithologists have expressed concern over this steady decline and cited changes in environment and activities in the area as reasons for the phenomenon.

Even as winter knocked the Uttar Pradesh doors early this year, water scarcity, which resulted in drought, is keeping migratory birds at bay.

This year, the region is not whirring with the cacophony of chirping melody for wildlife lovers and general people alike.

Besides drought, the spread of mangrove vegetation in the region has also resulted in mud flats on which the gradually decreasing guest birds congregate in search of food.

Owing to the missing birds at Vijay Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, seven km away from Mahoba headquarters on the Kanpur-Sagar National Highway, tourists would be disappointed this year.

Every year, scores of endangered bird species migrate from the beginning of November to February, which has been a centre of attraction for bird lovers over the years at the sanctuary. Hundreds of species migrate from places as far away as Europe, the northern regions of the Asian sub-continent, including Siberia, to escape the spine-chilling winter. They congregate on the mud flats, providing a spectacular sight.

These birds take 5-20 days to cover the distance of their annual winter home. Cranes cover a distance of almost 500 km a day without any halt.

Experts say the migratory birds follow their own social system and the most experienced always lead the flock during the flight.

This is to teach the baby birds the path and return during subsequent migratory seasons.

UNI