Migratory birds become centre of attraction in Panna Tiger Reserve

Panna, MP, Jan 14 (UNI) With the arrival of hundreds of colourful migratory birds, the forest in Panna Tiger Reserve has turned into an important destination for amateur bird watchers as well as ornithologists.

Spread over an expanse of 543 km and with Ken river flowing in the middle, the forest is at present home for more than 300 species of colourful birds that travelled thousands of miles to be here.

The sight of Black Storks -- with a height of about 100 cm each -- resting at granite rocks in groups is particularly enchanting.

Panna Tiger Reserve Deputy Director A K Nagar said the Black Stork birds are called 'Surmal Laglag' in local language. These birds arrive here with the onset of winter and depart at around March when winter ends.

Ornithologist Kaustabh Sharma said Black Storks arrived here from Mongolia and make their dwellings at Ken 'gharial' sanctuary. These birds were particularly fond of consuming fish.

State Wildlife Board member Shyamendra Singh Vinni Raja said a good number of vultures had arrived in the tiger reserve area. These included King Vulture, Long Build Vulture, White Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture.

A tourist said several birds were found at this place. However, there was dearth of experts to provide information about birds to amateur bird watchers. This created a lot of trouble.

UNI XC-PS 1246