Large flocks make Kutch birdwatchers’ delight

The Khadir area in Kutch this season has seen a large number of migratory avifauna owing to good rains this season. “Usually, there are 30,000 to 40,000 birds gathering at Khadir, but this time because of the good rams in the region, there was water and hence the migratory birds have come in large numbers. Availability of food and protective environment has also added to the increase,” said the officer. Chief Conservator of Forest D.K. Sharma said, “Lakhs of birds have arrived in Greater Rann of Kutch wetland this year Ornithologists and amateur bird watchers are excited about the flamingoes and many other rare birds in Khadir. More than two lakh flamingoes, 10,000 pelicans, 7,000 gulls, 5,000 black winged stilt, and reef herons, painted and white storks as well as Casper and river terns - all were spotted in Khadir area,” he said. Sharma said “We feel the number of birds that have arrived in Kutch this year would break all records of past years.” He said that the forest department is taking all safety measures and keeping a regular vigil by tracking the movements of the birds. Courtesy:- Times of India.