ALAPPUZHA: With the season of migratory birds beginning in Kerala, birdwatchers have noticed low arrivals of wetland birds due to the climate change. However, they sighted early migration of forest birds at Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary in October. They looked askance at the chequered trend, making them expect a considerable stride of wetland birds in the upcoming months. Migratory bird used to make their way to the state between August and March. A bird count in Upper Kuttanad region last year by the wildlife and forest department had recorded the highest ever influx of 33,413 wetland and wetland dependant birds belonging to 54 species and 16 families from ten sites.
Experts say the low trend is the result of prolonged torrential rain gaining strength in neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states. Dr R. Sugathan, an ornithologist at its bird monitoring cell, said they conducted a survey on forest birds last month and sighted 17 species. "The small birds belonged to New World oriole from blackbird family often sighted in Kerala during November. They were early this year," he said. “As far as the wetland birds are concerned, there are various reasons for the fall in numbers,” he says.
"They migrate to sub-continent mainly from Siberia. It’s important to understand whether their breeding place got hampered by the Siberian weather conditions. The high wind and clouds can change their trajectory. Besides, the continuing rain in their migratory routes will expand the habitats. Often Kerala witnesses a strong influx when their habitats get shrunk on the course. Irrespective of weather conditions, Kuttanadan wetlands can provide better habitat as it offers a vast expanse of paddy fields. Adult birds which are capable of crossing frontiers reach here at the first stage of migration and then it’s minor birds after being capable of flying such long distance will follow in the gap of at least two or three months."
Wetland species such as Long Toed Stint, Common Ringed Plover, Spot Billed Pelican and Painted Stork Lesser and The Long Toed Stint are common to Alappuzha every season. “However, it’s too early to jump to conclusions," said Harikumar Mannar, a bird watcher. "Species Spot Billed Pelican and Painted Stork Lesser, Whistling Ducks and Northern Pintails are often seen here very early. This year so far arrival of these species is abysmally low. We hope it would improve in the coming months. An assessment can be done only by the end of January."
