KHULNA, Jan 18: As the cold wave grips Khulna coastal belt, enormous migratory birds have come in flocks to paddy fields, riverbanks and sea shore of the Bay of Bengal.
It is time for birdwatchers, tourists as the arrival of the guest birds has increased the beauty of nature.
According to tourists, villagers, migratory birds come to their safe havens on seashore, adjacent to the Sundarban, Pashur, Balweshar, Shibsha, Bhairab riverbanks and paddy fields, every year.
Meanwhile, many tourists, bird lovers are going to seashore at Bay, riverbanks and coastal areas to see such foreign birds on holidays.
Besides, a good many residents are going to riversides, water-land in Khulna upazilas including Bhutiar Beel, Koyra, Paikgacha, Dumuria to see the various varieties of guest birds.
However, it is alleged that the local administration has not taken actionable steps to protect the lives of birds.
Like every year, birds of different species have escaped extreme cold in their habitats in southern areas like other parts of the country and come to the seashore area, riverbanks, water-lands and paddy fields in Khulna in search of food.
Dr Hosne Ara, Professor of Zoology Department of Govt Brozolal College in Khulna told the Daily Observer, "Every year during winter, migratory birds like ducks come to the seashore areas in the bay, riverbanks and paddy fields in Khulna from Siberia, China and Himalayan region where severe cold waves prevail."
"Bangladesh's climate in winter is suitable for migratory birds which are very colorful. The migratory birds increase the natural beauty of rivers, waterlands and lakes in Bangladesh," he said.
Abul Hashem, Professor of the Zoology Department of Govt Women College, said, "Many migratory birds have come to Khulna paddy fields as huge food-grain grows. We hear the chirping of the birds."
Migratory birds coming from the coldest parts of Central Asia stay in marshlands, forest, and plains near the rivers of Bangladesh, he said, adding that migration is critical for survival of several species of birds that make this journey every year.
During a recent visit at Dumuria where huge crops than other part of Khulna Agri region, this reporter witnessed huge migratory birds are loitering in the paddy fields and water-lands. Huge bird lovers from Khulna city everyday assembled at Dumuria to see the beauty of guest birds.
Meanwhile, indiscriminate hunting of migratory birds has reportedly intensified in Dumuria upazila and several adjoining areas of Khulna, raising serious concerns among environmentalists.
According to local sources, a group of unscrupulous poachers has been setting traps under the cover of darkness to hunt migratory birds across Dumuria, Paikgachha and surrounding localities, including Golbunia, Dighi, Dakshin Kainmukhi, Natun Chak and Kharia. The hunting spree reportedly extends to neighboring upazilas such as Dacope, Koyra, Dighalia and Terokhada.
Experts says that every winter, thousands of migratory birds travel thousands of miles from cold regions such as Siberia and the Himalayan belt, crossing icy seas to reach Bangladesh in search of comparatively warmer weather, food and safe shelter.
As survival becomes difficult in their native lands due to severe cold and food scarcity, Bangladesh's mild winter climate, wetlands, rivers and floodplains become a favored destination.
From early November, wetlands and water bodies across the country turn vibrant with the arrival of these birds, filling the surroundings with chirping sounds and enhancing the natural beauty. As winter wanes, most of them return to their original habitats, while some species remain.
Among the migratory species spotted are Dahuk, Tirsul, Nalkak, Bhardi, Rangabani, Gangchil, Ratchara, Hutititi, Hargila, Balihans, Jolpipi, Comb Duck, Sharali Kaste, Chara, Patari Hans, Kadakhocha, Hurhur, Khaira and Sona Rijia, many of which are now facing the threat of extinction.
Environmental organisations have demanded increased public awareness and stronger administrative action to protect migratory birds from poachers, stressing that awareness at the local level is crucial to stopping the illegal practice.
"Migratory birds are like guests. They are our natural assets," activists said, adding that the birds significantly enhance the beauty and ecological balance of rivers and wetlands during winter.
Sources allege that both amateur and professional hunters use guns, poison bait, nets and various types of traps to catch birds. Recently, some poachers have reportedly been using special ringtone devices to lure birds.
Many have even taken bird hunting as a seasonal profession, which poses the greatest threat to migratory species, as the birds are relentlessly chased day and night and deprived of safe resting places.
Under the Wildlife Preservation Act of 1974 and the Wildlife Conservation and Security Act of 2012, killing birds carries a maximum punishment of one year's imprisonment or a fine of Tk 100,000, or both.
In case of repeat offences, the punishment increases to two years' imprisonment or a fine of Tk 200,000, or both. However, despite the existence of these laws, their enforcement remains largely absent, locals alleged.
Sheikh Mahtab Hossain, Vice-President of the Bangladesh Bird Slaughter Prevention Committee, told the Observer that killing birds for a mere 100-200 grams of meat causes immense harm to nature.
Dumuria Upazila Livestock Officer Md Ashraful Kabir said the arrival of migratory birds coincides with the harvesting season, when birds often descend on paddy fields, creating opportunities for poachers.
Dumuria Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sabita Sarkar said migratory birds are friends of the environment and protecting them is a collective responsibility.
