“The earliest ones have made their entry in some parts of Nepal. Others are on their way and will arrive soon. Mainly, ducks prefer to stay in the valley,” said Sujit Basnet, chair of Rare Bird Council, Nepal. “October is the peak season for birds that migrate in winter. Among the earliest visitors, seen recently in Lumbini, was Green Sandpiper,” he added.
During winter, more than 150 species of birds migrate to Nepal from different places and spend 6 to 8 months in the country. They come all the way from Siberia, Mongolia, China and Eastern Europe after their breeding period is over. Records show that Nepal has a total of over 864 bird species, including the migratory ones. In summer, Nepal hosts 60 species of migratory birds. [break]
The migratory birds in the valley basically spend their time at Taudaha wetland, which is spread over 4.7 hectors of land in Lalitpur district. According to Jyotendra Thakuri, bird conservation officer at Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), different species of ducks come to Taudaha to stay during winter. “Duck species such as Ruddyshel, Mallard, Common Teal and Common coot, among others, come here in winter. But when they leave, some of them either forget to go back or choose not to go. Some are just lost. We have been seeing some of the migratory birds in Taudaha all seasons,” he added.
According to Thakuri, who is actively involved in studying migratory birds in Kathmandu, migratory birds would begin to arrive in the beginning of September. They come in huge numbers in October though. “The most remarkable winter migratory bird to come to the Valley is Grey Headed Lapwing. Huge population of this species spends their winter here. More of them will join the flock in October,” he added.
Thakuri said that not only the birds which have well-developed wings but also ducks fly to Nepal. “They fly in a flock during the night. In the day, they feel insecure and stay quiet. They calculate the time seeing stars and follow some other natural signs to set their flying time.”
He explained that the specific route the birds choose is via Kaligandaki Valley in the west and Arun Valley in the east. “Days are short in northern latitudes in winter, which give birds less time to search food. So they come here. Similarly, some of the migratory birds go up to Southeast Asia through our country,” Thakuri added.
The birds like Thrushes, Fly Catcher, Leaf Warblers, Booted Eagles and Wagtails come to Nepal during the cold days. Some of them fly to the capital for comfortable stay. Around 300 guest birds have been counted by BCN in winters in Taudaha.
Kathmandu Valley could be birds´ paradise
Hem Sagar Baral, Onthronogist
Nepal is a country popular among bird lovers. Our country is exceptionally rich for avian fauna. We have over 864 species of birds and those were recorded over 200 years of ornithological research. However, there are reasons why we should be concerned about bird conservation and take serious steps to prevent some of the rare birds from being extinct and to help others flourish. For instance, look at the Kathmandu valley. Rapid and unplanned urbanization has cost much to the birds and wildlife living in the periphery.
How suitable is the Valley´s climate and topography for birds?
It is a paradise for birds. Or let me put it this way - it would have been a true paradise for birds if there had been enough space. This place is very much suitable for all winter and summer visitors and for resident birds. It is due to the unique topography of the valley, the variety of elevation or the geographical features, that provide variety of habitats for the birds. However, ground for the birds to move around is gradually shrinking. Buildings, houses, malls continue to encroach the free space and it could ultimately displace the birds.
How severe is the risk?
It is indeed a serious matter. For instance, Scarlet Finch is nearing extinction. Another bird called Spot Winged Grosbeak is rarely seen nowadays. It could be easily spotted until a few years back in the Valley. The jungles of the valley are ever declining. It would be interesting to note that a pelican species was recorded right in Kathmandu in 1846. Not many people know this. In fact, it could be seen in Tarai even after. Now, not only the pelicans but many other bird species have disappeared. Countrywide periodical assessments of bird species show the list of threatened birds´ species is growing.
There are many NGOs working in the area of bird conservation. How effective they have been?
They try to do their bit. However, it is not enough. Conservation of birds or wildlife is something that cannot be done effectively until and unless there is coordination among different bodies. It needs a wholesome effort. Moreover, we must admit that we largely depend on donors to carry out our research or conservation works. And their main priorities are to conserve globally threatened species and globally important sites. We need to do such things on our own. The government must show greater interest in conserving birds, wildlife and environment.
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