SYLHET, Dec 08 (UNB): With winter already underway, Beanibazar in Sylhet is witnessing an alarming disappearance of migratory birds.
Once a vibrant winter habitat, the region's wetlands, including the Muria Haor and several small and large beels, are now largely devoid of the seasonal visitors.
Local residents said that despite the seasonal chill, migratory birds have almost vanished this year.
Waterbodies, reservoirs, canals and rivers in the upazila no longer echo with their familiar calls.
Even a decade ago, various wetlands, rivers, creeks and canals across Beanibazar teemed with numerous species of migratory birds as soon as winter approached.
But with forest areas shrinking and natural habitats deteriorating, the birds appear to have changed their routes. In recent years, the upazila has seen widespread deforestation.
Concrete expansion has replaced greenery, while the use of pesticides and grass-killing chemicals in farmlands has made natural grasslands scarce.
As a result, experts said, ecological diversity is declining and bird populations are steadily reducing. Locals say that bird calls no longer wake up villagers as they once did.
They said chirping in homestead yards, the fluttering on tree branches, and the lively movement of native species such as doyel, parrots, doves, crows and cuckoos have largely faded.
Previously, they said, migratory birds would arrive in Muria Haor and other wetlands with the onset of winter. As water receded towards the end of Ashwin, large flocks-along with native egrets-descended to feed on small fish like puti. The birds stayed through January and February before returning to their native habitats in spring.
This year, however, even familiar sanctuaries show no sign of their presence, with the arrival rate dropping sharply.
