Abandoned wetland turns lively with migratory birds

The abandoned World Bank wetland inside the Gahirmatha forest area of Kendrapara district have emerged as a major winter haven for migratory birds arriving from distant regions, prompting conservationists to call for greater awareness to protect them from poaching and poisoning.

- POST NEWS NETWORK

Birds from the Himalayan foothills, Siberia and other cold regions of Asia migrate thousands of kilometres to the World Bank Point coastal stretch every winter in search of food and a safe habitat. The wetland, comprising hundreds of abandoned ponds, provides abundant food such as small fish, crabs, snails and shellfish, making the area ideal for their seasonal stay of nearly three months.

While the birds forage in the ponds during the day, they take shelter at night in the nearby dense mangrove and salt-tolerant forests. Large flocks can be seen gathering in the wetlands before sunset.