TDS Desk

As winter begins, Bangladesh welcomes the arrival of migratory birds that travel thousands of kilometers to find refuge in the country’s wetlands, coastal areas, and plains.

These avian visitors, which start arriving after the monsoon and before the full onset of winter, typically stay until late March before returning to their native habitats.

During their stay, migratory birds can be seen flocking to wetlands such as the Tanguar Haor and islands like Sonadia in Cox’s Bazar. Additionally, waterbodies like the Jahangirnagar University campus ponds, Mirpur Zoo Lake, Barishal’s Durga Sagar, and Nilphamari’s Nil Sagar are hotspots for bird watchers.

Coastal and island areas such as Nijhum Dwip, Dhal Char, Char Kukri Mukri, and Dublar Char also host vibrant flocks of these seasonal guests.

The experts claim that the actual reason behind the visit of migratory birds is the country’s wetlands, with reduced water levels during winter, which provide the birds ample food sources such as tender aquatic plants, snails, and mollusks. These resources make Bangladesh a haven for migratory birds during the cold months.

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There is a common belief that these birds primarily come from Siberia and Russia. However, bird experts claim that they originate from regions like northern Mongolia, parts of Tibet, areas of China, and tundra regions in Siberia and Russia. These areas experience harsh winters, with frozen landscapes and scarce food, prompting the birds to migrate to warmer regions like Bangladesh and India.

Their journey, spanning up to 10,000 kilometers, is an incredible feat of endurance and survival. When winter ends and ice begins to melt in their native regions around March, the birds return home.

Bangladesh saw over 800,000 migratory birds in 1994, but this number dropped to below 200,000 by 2014. Currently, researchers estimate about 350,000 birds visit each season. Conservation efforts, including creating sanctuaries and imposing penalties for hunting, have helped stabilize numbers to some extent.

The migratory species primarily include ducks and shorebirds. Around 300,000 ducks and 50,000 to 100,000 shorebirds arrive each season. Popular species include the Eurasian wigeon, northern pintail, and occasionally rare birds like the red-breasted merganser. Jahangirnagar University alone attracts 20–25 bird species during the season.

Bird experts also said, “Our wetlands and coastal areas, like Tanguar Haor and Sonadia Island, are vital for these birds’ survival. These habitats must be preserved not just for the birds but for the ecosystems they support.”

With the great food resources, increased awareness and continued conservation efforts, Bangladesh remains a winter sanctuary for these fascinating travelers, offering a unique opportunity to experience their vibrant presence each year.