Celebration of World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2023
What is World Migratory Bird Day?
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual global campaign aimed at raising awareness about migratory birds and their conservation. It was initiated in 2006 by the Secretariat of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). The campaign is celebrated on the second Saturday of May and October each year. WMBD promotes the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats through various educational activities, events, and initiatives around the world.
India actively participates in World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) celebrations and initiatives. India is known for its rich biodiversity and plays a crucial role in the conservation of migratory birds. India is home to several important bird habitats, including wetlands, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries, which serve as crucial stopover points for migratory birds.
India is home to a diverse array of migratory bird species. These birds travel long distances, often crossing continents, in search of favorable breeding, feeding, and wintering grounds. Some notable migratory bird species found in India include:
Now I will tell you in detail about the bird species that I have felt and understood more for the purpose of bird watching and research. In the year 2017 first time, I started to read more about Amur Falcon. The initial goal was to qualify Interview for the post of JRF at the Wildlife Institute of India, India. Unfortunately, I am shortlisted from the written test but not selected for that post. But this opportunity generated interest in my mind about this bird's species.
The Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) is a migratory bird species that visits India during its annual migration. The species breeds in northeastern China and southeastern Russia and undertakes a remarkable journey to reach its wintering grounds in southern Africa. During its migration, the Amur Falcon passes through India, primarily in the northeastern states such as Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam. These states serve as important stopover sites for the falcons, where they rest and refuel before continuing their journey. The birds typically arrive in India around September or October and depart by November, undertaking a non-stop flight over the Indian Ocean to reach their wintering grounds in southern Africa. The Amur Falcon's migration through India has attracted significant attention and conservation efforts due to the large numbers of birds involved. The species has faced threats in the past, particularly from widespread hunting in Nagaland. However, efforts by conservation organizations and local communities have helped raise awareness and curb illegal hunting practices, leading to improved conservation outcomes for the Amur Falcon in India.
At the end of 2017, I joined as JRF in the Bombay Natural History Society. My project work was closely related to studying the dietary composition of Migratory bird species in and around Thane Creek during the construction of the Mumbai Trans Harbor Sea-Link. And studying the impact of this pre-during-post construction of MTHL. I am always grateful for this opportunity. Because of this golden opportunity create curiosity in my mind about the marine ecosystem and associated flora and fauna.
Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) migrate to Mumbai, India, during the winter months. These majestic birds typically arrive in Mumbai around November and stay until March or April. The Greater Flamingos that migrate to Mumbai primarily come from their breeding grounds in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India, and other regions in western India. The Rann of Kutch is a large salt marsh located in Gujarat and serves as an important breeding and nesting site for these flamingos. The exact migration routes of the Greater Flamingos in India can vary, but they generally follow the coastline or traverse across suitable wetland habitats. They undertake these long-distance journeys in search of warmer climates, abundant food sources, and favorable breeding conditions. Mumbai, with its diverse wetland ecosystems like Sewri Mudflats and Thane Creek, provides an ideal habitat for Greater Flamingos during their winter migration. These wetland areas offer ample feeding opportunities, consisting of small aquatic organisms and algae found in the shallow water bodies. Flamingo sightings in Mumbai are a popular attraction for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Conservation efforts and the protection of these wetlands are essential to ensure the continued presence of Greater Flamingos and other migratory bird species in the region.
India is a signatory to international agreements such as the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which emphasize the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. These agreements provide a framework for collaboration and the implementation of conservation measures for migratory bird species in India and worldwide.
so important question for today is, what we can do for the conservation of migratory bird species? & simple answer to this question is.
There are several actions individuals and communities can take to contribute to the conservation of migratory bird species:
1. Protect and restore habitats: Support efforts to protect and restore key habitats such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands that are vital for migratory birds. This can include advocating for protected areas, participating in habitat restoration projects, and promoting sustainable land-use practices.
2. Reduce habitat loss and fragmentation: Encourage responsible development practices that minimize habitat destruction and fragmentation. Support initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture, urban planning, and infrastructure development that consider the needs of migratory birds.
3. Combat climate change: Take steps to reduce your carbon footprint and advocate for policies that address climate change. Climate change poses significant threats to migratory birds by altering their breeding and wintering habitats, as well as disrupting migration patterns. Supporting renewable energy sources and energy conservation efforts can help mitigate these impacts.
4. Prevent pollution: Reduce pollution in water bodies, air, and land that can negatively affect migratory birds and their habitats. Support and participate in efforts to reduce pollution from industries, agriculture, and waste management.
5. Promote responsible birdwatching and ecotourism: Engage in responsible birdwatching practices, such as keeping a safe distance from nests and roosting areas, avoiding disturbing birds, and respecting protected areas and regulations. Encourage sustainable ecotourism practices that benefit local communities and contribute to the conservation of migratory birds.
6. Support conservation organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with local and international organizations that work towards migratory bird conservation. These organizations play a crucial role in research, monitoring, habitat protection, advocacy, and public education.
7. Raise awareness: Educate others about the importance of migratory birds and their conservation. Share information, participate in bird-related events, and engage in outreach activities to promote awareness and appreciation of migratory bird species.
Remember that conserving migratory birds requires collaborative efforts at local, national, and international levels. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference in ensuring the survival of these remarkable species.
Happy World Migratory Bird Day to all of you.
Author
-Pradip Namdeo Chogale
Naganwadi, Kolhapur,
13 May 2023
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Please let me know your valuable idea of what you can do for the conservation of migratory bird species.
Chhan ahe
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