White heron on the verge of extinction

PHULBARI, KURIGRAM, Aug 22: A flock of white herons has been spotted along the banks of the Baromasia River in the Gorakmondol area of Naodanga Union, under Phulbari Upazila of Kurigram. 

On Thursday afternoon, despite the scorching sun, the group of herons was seen lingering by the riverbank in search of food.

Locals believe the herons are lying in wait there to catch fish in the shallow water of the river.

However, local residents said that a few years ago, flocks of white herons were commonly seen in this area.

Although they are no longer seen in such large numbers as before, the presence of herons along the riverbank is still occasionally noticed.

The pristine white beauty of the herons easily catches the attention of passers-by. Sometimes they stand in rows along the riverbank, and at other times they fly together from one side to the other in search of food. Such scenes of the herons create a captivating atmosphere in the rural landscape.

Locals, including Asim Kumar Roy and Yakub Ali, said that the number of fish and other aquatic animals in rivers, canals and water bodies is decreasing day by day. Due to the filling up of water bodies, changes in the natural environment and the shrinking of habitats, the presence of herons has also significantly declined compared to the past.

They added that these birds are an integral part of natural beauty and biodiversity. It is essential to protect the habitats of white herons and other birds and to preserve the natural environment. Otherwise, these familiar beautiful birds of rural Bengal may one day disappear altogether.