New migratory bird varieties a treat to bird lovers
Bird watchers and enthusiasts have sighted new varieties of migratory birds here in the recent times with the change in climatic conditions.(PTI Photo)
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It seems the heat condition has not affected the number of birds arriving here.
"Some of the birds visit places like Munderikkadavu and Kadalundi because here the wetlands have not dried up completely despite low rainfall in South India especially in the Deccan plateau," said C Sasikumar, a researcher on migratory birds.
"However, there is a huge reduction in the number of birds coming here when compared to the 80s," he said.
Nearly 50 varieties of migratory birds including Siberian cranes and gulls come to Kerala. What is surprising ornithologist here is the presence of birds found only in the arid climates. Recently, they found some varieties of finches in Kerala, which is quite unusual.
"Migratory birds play a crucial role in agriculture. They increase the soil fertility with their droppings and also feed on harmful pests. We must ensure a better environment for them," he said.
"No serious effort has been made by the experts to study the climate change. Studying the pattern of the birds that come over here could reveal many interesting aspects of our climate," he added.
Academician Khaleel Chovva said that there are some major changes in the pattern of the migratory birds coming to Kerala. "This year we sighted some rare birds like ruddy shelduck (chakravakam) at Munderikkadavu, which nests in the Himalayas. Though such birds leave the Himalayas only during winters it would be interesting to study why they came here this time," said Khaleel.
A few months ago he had sighted the nesting of black-winged stilt and painted storks at Kannur. Forest birds like turtle dove were also spotted in Ezhom. Change in the habitation of the birds could be a clear indicator of the climatic change and that should be studied, he added.
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