CHATTOGRAM, Dec 25: Migratory birds have started taking sanctuary on the banks of the river Karnaphuli and the seashore in Chattogram from the second week of this month (December) with the advent of winter.
The hillsides, seashore and the banks of the river Karnaphuli resound with chirping and fluttering of the foreign feathered friends, who come far from Siberia and other cold territories seeking refuge in the warmer climate of Bangladesh every year in winter.
Bird-loving people in a large number gather on the seashore and the riverbanks, especially on the holidays, to enjoy chirping and fluttering of the migratory birds.
The migratory birds mostly come from the northern parts of the globe. Birds in theirs millions, especially from Siberia, travel south during winter in search of food and shelter. They fly hundreds of miles across the globe using a specific migration path called, 'the flyways" to reach Bangladesh. Around 15 species of migratory birds take shelter here every year. Boro Sorali which is known as greater whistling ducks and Chhoto Sorali which is known as the lesser whistling ducks are found more on the riverbanks than other species.
Azizul Bari, a resident of Patenga seashore area, said, "Morning starts for us with twittering of the migratory birds in winter. Many birds have built nests in our village also, it being very close to the river Karnaphuli. There are many birds at the fishermen village in Katgor area as well."
Asma Begum, an ornithologist, said, 'Every year during winter, when cold feels severe, migratory birds like ducks flock to the seashore areas and the banks of river Karnaphuli in Chattogram from Siberia, China and Himalayans reign between December and January. The nature then takes a different shape due to the presence of huge birds here and there in Chattogram.'
"Many of the city dwellers then go to the riversides to see the birds twittering and fluttering. But, no step is being taken by the administration or Chattogram Port Authority for protection of these birds which come to the benefit of the ecology here in various ways," she added.
On the other hand, it is learnt that poachers are killing these migratory birds in a great number.
They sell the birds after hunting them at the local markets in Anwara, Poita and Boalkhali areas.
The climate of Bangladesh during the short period of winter takes an ideal form due to these migratory birds.
Very colourful, these exotic birds add to the natural beauty of the rivers and lakes of the country.
According to the sources, migratory birds coming from the coldest parts of the central Asia settle down in the marshlands, forests, and plains near the rivers of Bangladesh, and other nearby South Asian countries because of the warm weather, abundance of fresh water, and food. This event has been taking place in nature for tens of thousands of years.
Migration is critical for survival of several species of birds that make this journey every year.
Most bird species are precise in following their migration calendar. Several factors influence the length of migration- how far they fly depends on the time taken for the journey, the amount of time it takes to produce healthy brood, and amount of nurturing their young need, experts opined.
The greatest mystery lies in the bird's ability to navigate accurately across the states. Many scientists believe that natural magnetic sensors in their brains, eyes, and bills help them sense the Earth's magnetic fields, and so they can sense the north and south directions as they fly. Some birds also learn these routes from their parents.
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