Migratory birds turn Adina Deer Park into seasonal haven as counting begins

Malda, Oct. 1 -- With the monsoon receding and the Adina Deer Park in Gazole turning lush green, the forest has begun to reverberate with the calls of migratory birds. Their seasonal arrival has made the park an important attraction for tourists and bird watchers ahead of winter.

The Forest department has started its annual bird-counting exercise to determine the number of migratory birds that have arrived at Adina this year. Trained forest officials and staff are conducting the survey using binoculars and cameras across different parts of the forest.

Among the birds commonly seen at Adina is the Shamuk-khol (Asian Openbill), which is particularly associated with wetland habitats. Other migratory and water-associated birds also arrive at the forest during the season.

According to Shuvro Pal, research assistant at Adina Deer Park, many of the birds follow a distinctive seasonal cycle. "These migratory birds arrive in Malda from different parts of South India during the rainy season. They build nests, lay eggs and raise their young here. After bringing up the nestlings, they start leaving as winter approaches and return towards their original habitats," he said.

This year, the Forest department has adopted a systematic method to count the birds. Trees containing nests are being marked with numbered banners to facilitate identification. Officials said the banners are designed in a way that does not damage the trees or disturb the nests.

The number of nests is being recorded during the ongoing survey. For population estimation, three birds are being counted against each nest. The method is expected to help officials arrive at an approximate figure while avoiding unnecessary disturbance to the birds and their breeding sites. "The counting process is being carried out carefully so that the birds and their nests are not disturbed. Apart from determining the population, the survey will also help us understand their seasonal movement and breeding pattern," Pal said.

Forest officials expect the number of migratory birds to cross the previous year's number of 14,000, citing the favourable environment at Adina.

However, the final figure will be known only after the ongoing counting exercise is completed.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.