Danapur in Bihar, a sanctuary for storks

Danapur (Bihar), Jul 3: Danapur cantonment area in Bihar has been virtually transformed into a bird sanctuary as the monsoon season attracts storks from far off places to the region.

The migratory birds choose the cantonment specifically every year, as it is a safe haven. Besides, they also find a doting host in the army authorities stationed there.

The cantonments officials have marked out certain areas favoured by the cranes as an ecological park, and have restricted human activity and movement of vehicles.

Apart from the hospitality, what also attracts the birds to this area is the logged rainwater, which results in the breeding of small fish. For food, they also find plenty of fish in the nearby Ganges River.

"These birds migrate to our area in the month of June at the onset of monsoon. They stay till October or November. We consider it a good omen for us and welcome them every year," said Abhimanyu Raut, Commandant, Jharkhand Sub Area Headquarter, Danapur cantonment.

The storks began descending in the area in late May and early June. They started building their nests soon after and now have started breeding and nursing their chicks.

The army officials looking after them said the birds usually finish raising their young by the end of the summer and leave by November.

ANI