RANGPUR, Nov 29, 2021 (BSS) - Common people are witnessing the continuous
arrival of migratory birds from the Himalayan and Siberian regions in the
water bodies across the northern region (N-region).

  The riverine char areas and water bodies have worn an eye-catching look
with arrival of migratory birds and their well-mannered flying and movement
giving nature a decent fleeting glance.

  Local people and environmental experts said the number of arriving
migratory birds from the colder northern hemisphere is comparatively higher
this time than previous few years.

  The migratory birds are living on small fishes, insects, small snails and
watery plants after arriving in the region.

  Talking to BSS, senior coordinator (Agriculture and Environment) of RDRS
Bangladesh Mamunur Rashid said the number of arriving migratory birds
declined in recent decades following adverse impacts of climate change.

  "The temperature is incessantly rising in the Himalayan, Siberian, Nepal,
Xinxiang and Mongolian regions making those places habitable to some extent
for birds even during the winters," Rashid said.

  The temperature starts falling sharply in those regions from early November
and making hardly habitable for birds in December, January and February in
every year with little variations.

  "As a result of increasing cold in those regions from November, migratory
birds are arriving in comparatively higher numbers in the water bodies of the
northern region in the country this year," Rashid added.

  Professor of the Department of Bengali of BRUR and Director of the Riverine
People Dr Tuhin Wadud said migratory birds are not seen in uncountable
numbers in the water bodies like 30 to 35 years back in the northern region.

  "Nevertheless, it is very good news that the number of arriving migratory
birds is higher this season despite reduction in the number and areas of
water bodies and depletion of many species of sweet water fishes from
marshes," he said.

  He blamed global climate change that caused drying-up of the rivers
creating threats to biodiversity, ecology and environment, making imbalance
in nature forcing extinction of many species of fishes, insects, birds and
some animals.

  "The number of arriving migratory birds might reduce and their duration of
stay be shortened as the water bodies would dry up much earlier before end of
the winter season as if the climatic situation continues to deteriorate," Dr
Wadud added.

  The migratory birds have already arrived in the 'Ramsagar Dighee' in
Dinajpur having 77.90 acres of water body with 68.54 acres of banks with
gardens all-around.

  "The number of visiting tourists to the Ramsagar National Garden has
increased as the migratory birds of different colours are creating pleasant
moments by flying in the air and coming down on the water again and again,"
he added.

  Similarly, migratory birds are arriving in the 'Neel Sagar Dighee' in
Nilphamari where common people are enjoying pleasant arrival and well-
mannered flying and movement of the birds giving nature a decent fleeting
glimpse.

  Chairman of Chilmari upazila in Kurigram district Shawkat Ali Sarker, Bir
Bikram, said the number of guest migratory birds arriving in the riverine
areas on the Brahmaputra basin is comparatively higher this time compared to
the previous years.

  "A good number of Pintail, 'Pantamukhi', 'Chokha-chokhi' and 'Khonjona',
Bali Lenja, 'Chity', 'Sorail', 'Boikal', 'Bali Duck', 'Samukal', Bright, Rose
King, 'Nilshir', 'Piyang', 'Pankouri' and 'Rangamuri' are found flocking on
the char areas," Sarker added.