Birdwatchers cherish long-awaited reunion with feathered friends at Motemajra, Sukhna
The waterbodies in Motemajra near Mohali are abuzz with hundreds of winged guests. Despite the sun playing hide-and-seek in the foggy conditions, avid birdwatchers show up without fail to make the most of the opportunity that presents itself only once a year.
The number of migratory birds flocking the region is relatively low this year, but even that has failed to dampen the birdwatchers’ spirits.
Ethused as ever, they are busy encouraging people of all age groups to take out time for a visit to countryside.
The winter vacations in schools, they believe, provide the perfect opportunity for youngsters to take up the hobby.
For those who are to be patient viewers, the reward is the rare sighting of Avocet, a long-legged, white-black patterned shorebird with a long, upcurved beak.
Making an appearance in the area after a prolonged absence time, birdwatchers cannot hold back their excitement when talking about the flock of around 15-20 birds that has become the centre of attraction for visitors.
“It is beautiful long-legged bird found foraging in wild growth alongside the water body. It catches eye because of its unique upturned bill, quite opposite from all other migratory birds. Black wing stilts with their antics make for a sight to behold,” said Kulbhushan Kanwar, 75, a birdwatcher who retired from the Punjab Health Department.
City residents have also keep a keen eye on Sukhna Lake during this time of year. The bird population goes up significantly in October-January period.
Leading the list of visitors are the Red-Crested Pochard, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Brahminy Duck and Great-Crested Grebe, Mallard, Pallas’ Gull, Brown-Headed Gull, Bar-Headed Goose.
“The pochard has come to the Sukhna Lake after a long time. It is also fascinating to see the little ringed plover here,” said Lalit Bansal, 55, serving as the Sub-Divisional Officer in the UT Admistration.
Birdwatchers say retired professionals, businessmen who have a lot of free time to spare make for great players of the game.
Sector-48 resident PK Jain, 65, who took up the hobby after handing over his Baddi-based industry to his sons, said, “It was a very fulfilling weekend as I was able to capture pictures of a sand piper in bright daylight.”
