Haldwani, Feb. 11 -- After a gap of seven years, the migratory bird Common Shelduck has been sighted at Tumaria Dam in Kashipur, Udham Singh Nagar district, sending a wave of excitement among forest officials, ornithologists and bird enthusiasts. The bird was sighted in the last week of January and the first week of February, officials said. Divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Terai West forest division, Prakash Chandra Arya, said Tumaria Dam is a key water source in the Terai region and an important winter habitat for migratory birds. "Every winter, hundreds of birds belonging to dozens of species visit the reservoir. The Common Shelduck migrates to India from Europe and Central Asia during the winter season. It was last recorded in the Corbett landscape seven years ago, and had not been seen in this region since then," Arya said. The bird was sighted during a waterfowl monitoring programme conducted by conservation group Magpie Corbett. Forest officials said it was observed feeding and resting along the reservoir's edge along with a large flock of Ruddy Shelducks. "The Common Shelduck was identified by its distinctive white body, dark green head and red beak. Photographs were taken to scientifically confirm the sighting," officials said, adding that other species such as the Short-eared Owl and the Indian Spot-billed Duck were also recorded in the area during the survey. Highlighting the ecological significance of the sighting, Arya said it underlines the importance of Tumaria Dam as a critical habitat for migratory birds. "This reflects the ecological value of the reservoir and highlights the need for continuous conservation and monitoring," he said. To ensure the safety of migratory birds, the forest department has intensified patrolling in the area. "Volunteers have been deployed, monitoring is being carried out using motorboats, and regular records of migratory bird sightings are being maintained," he added....