J&K: Kashmir Wetlands Abuzz as Migratory Birds Arrive to Rejuvenate Winter

Srinagar: The Kashmir valley welcomed its first batch of migratory birds this winter, which has witnessed a slight surge in their numbers this year, rejuvenating the local wetlands and conservation parks. 

According to wildlife warden Ifshan Dewan, between five-six lakh migratory birds have arrived in the region, of which at least three lakh birds are estimated to have visited the Hokersar Wetland Reserve so far, which is higher than last year's numbers in the first month. 

“We are expecting more than 12-13 lakh visitors this winter. So far, we have only made a rough estimation, but once we do the annual census in February, we will know the exact figures,” Dewan told NewsClick. 

The year 2022 recorded the highest numbers, with as many as 12 lakh migratory birds visiting Kashmir. 

Located on the outskirts of Srinagar city, the Hokersar Wetland Reserve, which is spread over a larger surface area than the Dal Lake, is one of the prominent wintering resorts and safe roosting and feeding grounds for a large number of migratory birds. 

The interiors of the Hokersar Wetland in the Srinagar outskrits where lakhs of migratory birds visit annually in winters.

Different bird species, including Mallard, Common Teal, Northern Pintail, Common Coot, Northern Shoveler, Greylag Goose, Gadwall and Eurasian Wigeon, arrive here every year to stay in lakes, marshes and at least five wetland spots in Jammu and Kashmir. They stay for about five months after journeying from distant lands beyond the Hindukush mountains – from central Asia, China and Siberia in Russia.

The season also attracts hobbyists, wildlife photographers and bird watchers, many of whom frequent these spots to catch glimpses of special guests. “I always look forward to this season, and we can see a lot of them gathering near Dal Lake, which is abuzz with winged tourists. It is exciting to see them photograph them,” a bird enthusiast, Dawar, said. 

As the birds arrive, however, there is also a lurking threat from the poachers and hunters. The wildlife department seized more than 30 guns, including a rifle worth more than Rs 5 lakh, in the past two years. Around the same time, the Forest Protection Force (FPF) in north Kashmir’s Bandipora, where Wular Lake is one of the main sites for bird visits, claimed to have seized as many as 11 punt guns – about 9 feet long – from the poachers. 

Poaching guns seized by the wildlife authorities in Jammu and Kashmir. The migratory birds face a significant threat from the local poachers during their annual migration in winters.

“The poaching threat remains, and we are taking steps to combat it. The poachers have also been dealt with severely to discourage further involvement,” Dewan added.