Every year, an enchanting phenomenon graces the landscape of Chitwan as migratory birds, hailing from both local and foreign territories, make their majestic return to the Chitwan National Park and its encompassing environs. This vibrant migration, consisting of diverse avian species such as ducks, hawks, and kites, is a seasonal ritual undertaken by these birds to evade the chilling embrace of winter.
Tikaram Giri, President of the Bird Education Society in Chitwan, joyously reported the sightings of these avian guests along riverbanks and water bodies. Notably, the Narayani and Rapti rivers, along with Riukhola, have hosted an array of 12 to 15 duck species from foreign lands.
The migration, commencing as early as August, witnesses the arrival of numerous migratory birds, with more expected to grace Chitwan’s skies by the end of October. Giri highlighted the trend of birds even from Nepal’s hilly regions seeking refuge in Chitwan to evade the harsh cold.
Renowned ornithologist Hem Sagar Baral shed light on the diverse origins of these migratory visitors, tracing their routes from countries spanning Siberia, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and China. Among these visitors are various duck species like Chakhewa, Suiropuchhre, Malak, Khadakhade, Bijula, and Gairi, seeking respite from the cold climes.
Baral elaborated on the seasonal migration pattern, where these visitors travel from northern areas to the south, seeking milder climates. This migration cycle sees approximately 100 out of 150 bird species that visit Nepal making their appearance during this season. As the hatching season approaches, these birds will journey back from the southern lands to their northern origins after a span of six months.
Explaining the rationale behind this migration, Baral highlighted the limited grazing time available to these birds in the north during the winter, marked by shorter days and longer nights. Wetlands, grasslands, forests, and farmlands serve as inviting habitats for these avian travelers during the winter months.
The Chitwan National Park, nestled amidst the Rapti, Narayani, and Riu rivers, along with the adjacent wetlands, emerges as an idyllic sanctuary for waterfowl. Moreover, the park’s buffer zones, communal forests, and surrounding areas provide ample opportunities for these wandering birds to find refuge and sustenance.
With Nepal boasting a total of 892 bird species, including 650 in Chitwan alone, the annual return of migratory birds adds a captivating and essential chapter to the region’s rich biodiversity.
This natural spectacle, unfolding amidst Chitwan’s breathtaking landscapes, serves as a testament to the enduring beauty and ecological significance of this cherished sanctuary, captivating both local and global admirers alike.
