Birders look forward to arrival of bar-headed geese at Sukhna Lake from Siberia

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 13

Birders are looking forward to having a glimpse of bar-headed geese, a migratory bird that reaches the Sukhna Lake from Siberia after flying over the Himalayas during winter.

Rima Dhillon, secretary, Chandigarh Bird Club, said the migratory bird was likely to arrive in the city next month. The club had identified 34 species of waterfowl in a survey conducted yesterday at the Sukhna Lake and adjoining areas. A total of 429 waterfowls were spotted during the survey conducted from 7am to 10am by members of the club, said Rima.

During the survey, a maximum of 141 birds of the most common species of Ruddy Shelduck were spotted. Other migratory birds spotted included Black-winged Stilt (23), Eurasian Coot (27), Great Cormorant (47), Indian Spot-billed Duck (40) and Northern Pintail (23). However, only one bird each of White-breasted Waterhen, White-browed Wagtail, Pied Kingfisher, Citrine Wagtail and Common Kingfisher were spotted during the survey which is conducted every year by the club on November 12, the birth anniversary of Dr Salim Ali, an ornithologist. Rima said the birds’ arrival had just started. It has showed a drop in the number of migratory birds.

Regarding a decrease in the number of winged guests, Rima said more birds would arrive with temperature dropping further. She said the number of birds came down after the desilting of Sukhna Lake, as the birds preferred shallow water for feeding.