World Migration Bird Day
World Migration Bird Day is celebrated globally on 9 May every year. The aim of this day is to raise awareness of migratory birds, their ecological importance, and ways to conserve these birds. Every year people take action regarding the migratory birds; they organize events like bird festival, awareness programme or bird watching and many more. The theme of World Migratory Bird Day is “Birds Connect Our World”.
Migratory birds in Bihar:
There are many birds which migrate to Bihar during the winter season. Northern Bihar is the region which is full of wetlands and flood plains of the big rivers. These places are the most favourite site for the migratory birds which fly from the upper Himalayas.
Birds which migrate in Bihar are Greater Adjutant Stork, Greater Flamingo, Common Sandpiper, Ibis and Little Ringed Plover. They come here for resting and for breeding. Kanwar Lake bird sanctuary is Asia’s largest freshwater Oxbow lake which is located in Begusarai district of Bihar. It is one of the largest favourite sites for migratory birds. Once the Indian Ornithologist Salim Ali is popularly known as “Birdman of India” mentioned that about 60 migratory birds come here in Kanwar Lake from central Asia. Once the Kanwar Lake was known as “Heaven for Migratory birds”. However, now the condition has changed; this wetland ecosystem is dying now.
The Greater Adjutant bird can also be spotted on the bank of Ganga River or Kosi River. Asian Koel, black kite, Rufous treepie, Shikara or spotted owlet can be seen in Bihar. This year due to lockdown the air and noise pollution level has dropped, and residents remain indoors so the birds are free to fly and can be heard their cheering. So, due to lockdown, they can be seen in city area also this year and mainly they are active during morning and evening hours. These birds fly back to their homes in March end. Nevertheless, due to less air and noise pollution, some of the birds can be seen in Bihar now also.