Pong turns a big draw, arrival of birds trebles

DHARAMSHALA: Nestled in the picturesque Kangra valley, the Pong wetland has turned a spectacle of nature these days with hundreds of migratory birds from Central Asia and the Trans-himalayan zone flocking to their favourite winter haunt.

The good news is that with the early onset of winter, more than 22,000 birds of 48 species arrived at Pong in the first week of November as against 8,000 during the corresponding period last year.

“Among the winged visitors who have made Pong their home are the world’s highest-flying birds, the bar-headed goose. They have descended on the marshes around the lake,” says divisional forest officer, wildlife, Krishan Kumar.

The northern pintail, common teal, common pochard, tufted duck, great cormorant, little cormorant and the ruddy shell duck have arrived in good number. “The influx of many other species is also impressive,” Kumar says.

He says the number of migratory birds is expected to cross 1 lakh by December-end when the mercury falls. The birds return in March to their native land such as Siberia, China, Tibet, Mongolia and Iraq.

RESTING RESERVE

More than 1.1 lakh birds of 107 species were sighted at the wetland during the census last year. The highest number of birds that Pong has seen is 1.5 lakh in 2009-10. Since 1988-89, more than 430 species have visited the wetland.

The annual avian count for the season will be held in January and February.

Pradeep Thakur, the conservator of forest, wildlife, Dharamshala zone, says most birds come from the Trans Himalayas. “The current pollution levels in the plains may, however, delay the flight of some bird species that fly further south after a brief halt here,” he says.

Blurb/strap: More than 22,000 birds of 48 species arrived at the lake by the first week of November as compared to 8,000 at this time last year