Migratory birds begin arriving in lakes and ponds of Kailali and Kanchanpur

Kanchanpur: Winter migratory birds have started arriving in the rivers, ponds, and border areas of Kanchanpur and Kailali, traveling from Siberia and other northern regions to escape the harsh winter. Each year, as the northern hemisphere experiences extreme cold, these birds undertake long journeys across the northern mountains, increasing their presence in local wetlands, including Shuklaphanta National Park and surrounding areas.

With the end of the rainy season and the onset of cold weather, migratory birds from Siberia, Kyrgyzstan, northern China, Tibet, and Mongolia have begun reaching the wetlands, said Hirulal Dagaura, senior ornithologist at the Nepal Bird Conservation Association. "When temperatures drop below freezing in those regions, birds migrate here every year to avoid the winter," he explained.

According to Dagaura, birds have already been spotted at Kanchanpur's Puraini Lake, Sikari Lake inside Shuklaphanta National Park, the Mahakali and Chaudhar rivers, Kailali's Ghodaghodi Lake, the Basanta Biological Trail, the Karnali River, and Dadeldhura's Aalital. Most of the migratory species are ducks, accompanied by other waterfowl and fife birds.

Species observed include Malak Goose, Kharkhase Goose, Hariotauke Goose, Sindure Goose, Kailetauke Goose, along with Jival Fisto, Dubulke, Lalkanthe, Jhekjek Bhraapsi, Khairo Bhadrai, Motothande, and Taktaake. Each year, more than 100 bird species migrate to Nepal, with over half being ducks. In the lakes of Kanchanpur and Kailali alone, approximately 30 to 50 migratory species are regularly recorded.

However, Dagaura noted that the number of migratory birds has declined in recent years due to human encroachment in border areas and the introduction of fish farming in natural lakes. He emphasized that long-term conservation requires proper management of these areas, raising public awareness, and active participation from local communities.