Waterfowl At Sukhna Down To 417 From 717 Recorded Last Yr: Latest Census

THE INCREASE in the water level of Sukhna Lake has made an adverse impact on the presence of waterfowl, especially the waders and dabbling ducks, which prefer shallow waters and were always recorded in high numbers during the waterfowl census held previously.

The startling fact emerged following the 2018 Annual Waterfowl Census and Species Count for Sukhna Lake, Sukhna Forest and Nagar Van on Sunday. The Chandigarh Bird Club (CBC) conducted the census to observe the birth anniversary of legendary ornithologist Dr Salim Ali.

Only 417 waterfowl were seen on Sunday as compared to 717, which were spotted during 2017 Annual Water Fowl Census and Species Count held on November 12, 2017. These 417 spotted waterfowl belong to 31 species. And 67 species of birds were spotted by birders, who roamed throughout Nagar Van, Sukhna forest area and around Sukhna Lake.

Significantly, continued rainfall has increased the water level of Sukhna Lake, which crossed the danger mark, and flood gates of the lake were opened to release water in Sukhna choe on September 30.

Metinder Singh Sekhon, president of CBC, said, “Decrease in the number of waterfowl is an alarming situation. Waders and dabbling ducks prefer to stay in shallow water in search of food in the mud. However, the total number of species of waterfowl and birds has shown an increase from 91 species to 98 species. Osprey, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Ashy Drongo and Peregrine Falcon were some of the species of altitudinal migrants which were not recorded last year. As many as 91 species were observed in 2017 while 98 were observed this time.”

However, birdwatchers of CBC, split in three teams, this time observed marginal increase in the species of waterfowl. In 2017 census, 28 waterfowl species were observed and this time, 31 species of waterfowl were observed. The teams were headed by Metinder Singh Sekhon, who trailed in Nagar Van, Rima Dhillon, who trailed around Sukhna Lake, and Mahesh Garg, who conducted the census in Sukhna forest area.

Dhillon said, “Increase in total number of species could be because of development of Nagar Van area on scientific lines. Artificial water bodies were made inside it. There is an improvement in the biotope in this area.”

The bird census was started at 6.30 am and it ended at 10.30 am.

Fourteen birders of three teams gathered in the parking area of Nagar Van. Apart from the census, the birders held a discussion about promoting birdwatching among children and students. Birder Alpana N P Singh said, “We should also learn the domestic names of these birds and waterfowl. These days, there are a few people who are aware of the domestic names of resident and migratory birds.”

Dr Simmi Waraich said, “Birding should be a subject in the curriculum of school students.”

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