As we celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, here is us celebrating as we always do, by indulging in nature, realizing its importance and need to conserve it.
Hundreds of species of birds cross the Himalayas during the autumn/winter period and spread across the length and breadth of the country. During early spring, birds start moving northwards towards their breeding grounds on the high Himalayas or in the regions across. This phenomenon is known as Spring Bird Migration.
Corbett Tiger Reserve is known as a birder’s paradise, with over 550 species of birds found in the protected area. Many migrant species are known to occur in the area. During spring and early summer months, the area attracts a large number of birds that are on their way north. As the migration picks up the momentum towards late spring, the numbers within the species moving northwards also increase dramatically. These birds stop over in the foothills of the Himalayas to feed and gain body weight and strength to take up the mighty leap across the largest mountains in the world.
The Ruddy Shelduck is a typical winter migrant visiting Corbett Tiger Reserve from October to May, found on the rivers and reservoirs of the area. It breeds on wetlands across the Himalayas. This beautiful image of the Ruddy Shelduck was obtained by C. Abhinav, who, along with Jim’s Jungle Retreat, celebrates World Migratory Bird Day and wishes that this spectacle of nature continues to unfold forever.
(Image Credits: C. Abhinav)