Harike turns into an avian wonderland during migratory season

Harike Wetlands, located in Amritsar, are teeming with life as the migratory season takes full swing, attracting thousands of rare bird species from Siberia, Russia, Kazakhstan, and other cold regions. Every year, these wetlands, which span a 14-km radius, become a critical stopover for over 50,000 birds from November to February.

This seasonal phenomenon provides a vibrant opportunity for ornithologists and birdwatchers to explore the unique habitat that hosts a diverse array of avian species.

The annual bird census by Harike Range officials is expected to be completed by March, while the wetlands will also host their annual bird festival, aimed at showcasing the various species that arrive here, encouraging ornithologists to witness this natural spectacle.

Amit Sharma, a wildlife volunteer and photographer, has spent the last few days documenting these incredible species. “Interestingly, we have managed to capture images of Greater Flamingos, which were last seen in Harike in 2021. Additionally, we’ve spotted the rare Jack Snipe in the Vallah-Mehta cluster, which is a shallow water area perfect for waders,” Sharma shared. He has been documenting the bird species found in and around Amritsar for years, emphasising that while Harike is renowned for hosting migratory birds, the city and its outskirts also attract many intriguing species during this period.

Currently, the wetland is home to a variety of bird species, including bar-headed geese, common teal, coots (which fly in from Tibet), godwits, northern shoveler (Siberian bird), ruddy shelduck, and common pochard, among others.

The mass migration has also drawn the attention of researchers from Guru Nanak Dev University’s Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences. Prof Rajinder Kaur Gill, the department head, expressed concern about the impact of human activities on bird migration. “Human intervention, water and air pollution, and rising temperatures have significantly affected bird migration patterns. Many species are struggling to find suitable nesting and feeding grounds due to habitat loss and contamination. The endangered Siberian Crane and the Great Crested Grebe are among those at risk,” she noted.

According to the Harike Wetland Census 2023, conducted by the Punjab Forests Wildlife Department and WWF-Punjab, the bird population at Harike has fluctuated over the years. In 2019-20, a record 123,128 birds from 83 species arrived. This decreased to 91,025 in 2020-2021, with 90 species recorded. In the 2021-22 season, the number dropped to 74,869 birds from 88 species. While there was no census in 2022, 65,624 birds were counted in 2023—the lowest count in recent years. However, the 2025 count is expected to range between 70,000 and 80,000. Kamaljeet Singh, the Harike range officer, confirmed that the water bird census would be completed by the end of the month.

The wetlands continue to provide a vital refuge for migratory birds, but experts remain vigilant about the ongoing threats to their habitat.