Record increase in migratory birds at Pong Dam sanctuary
The Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary has recorded a remarkable increase in the arrival of migratory birds, as revealed in the recently concluded Annual Water Birds Census. Over 100 personnel from the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Bombay Natural History Society, Wildlife Institute of India, local residents and bird enthusiasts participated in the two-day survey.
The sanctuary was divided into 25 sections, with each assigned a counting team to ensure accurate data collection. According to official records, the count recorded a total of 153,719 water-dependent birds from 97 species, including 144,371 migratory birds of 55 species, 7,382 resident birds of 31 species, and 1,966 birds of 11 other species.
One of the key highlights was the bar-headed goose population, which reached 90,959, marking a significant increase of 53,458 from last year. This is the highest number ever recorded since the census began in 2004. Other dominant species observed included Eurasian Coot (10,785), Common Pochard (9,692), Common Teal (8,497), Northern Pintail (8,053), Little Cormorant (3,520), Eurasian Wigeon (3,464), Greylag Goose (2,984), Tufted Pochard (2,331), Northern Shoveler (1,350), and Great Cormorant (1,271). Additionally, sightings of Greater White-fronted Goose, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Pied Avocet, and Northern Lapwing were also reported.
This year’s total bird population increased by 83,555 individuals compared to the previous year’s count of 117,022 birds from 198 species. The number of migratory birds in 2023 was 75,490 from 48 species, while resident water-dependent birds stood at 8,065 from 37 species.
Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), Reginald Royston, who supervised the census, attributed the rise in bird numbers to a lower water level at the lake, which expanded feeding grounds. He explained that the exposed lake bed and surrounding areas provided abundant food sources, making the sanctuary more attractive to migratory birds.
In recent years, the Pong wetland had witnessed a decline in bird numbers due to delayed migration in the Central Asian Flyway, warmer winters, and unpredictable weather changes. However, this year’s increase has brought joy to bird watchers and conservationists.
Most migratory birds at Pong wetland travel from Tibet, Central Asia, Russia, and Siberia, seeking a suitable winter habitat. As a Ramsar site, Pong Dam Lake continues to serve as a critical wintering ground for thousands of birds. The migratory flocks will return to their native habitats in March with the onset of spring.