Migratory Birds

With the recent threat of Bird Flu in different parts of India, the migratory birds are under suspect for being the carriers of the infection. There might be some truth in it. But the native birds are the ones who are dying and not the migratory birds. So there is more to it than what we  currently know. 

For those of us, who wait for the season of migratory birds, there is a phenomenon we see year after year. The waterbodies and wetlands, which otherwise are sleepy land areas,  receive a new touch of significance because of the migratory birds. A 48 hour survey was initiated recently by nature lovers to identify the species of the migratory birds and to have a count of them. Some people trace their movements in their own states and collate information to know the habitat of the migratory birds. 

One observation is that, they are more inlands than they were earlier, at least in Kerala as more land in rural areas are under cultivation. 

Unlike the native birds, who might claim a territorial right, these migratory birds adjust to each other from what I can make out from their behaviour. 

The wet lands have decreased, but still noticeable as a pattern in many villages. People use the ponds and flowing water bodies to fish in rural areas. It is another sight I like to watch as the leisurely activity of ankling in small groups can be regularly seen around the waterbodies or  wet lands. 

The migratory birds look ornamental when on green wet land!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)