Migratory birds flock to waterbodies in Hassan

HASSAN: During winter season every year, mainly between December and March, thousands of migratory birds flock to Hassan. This time, thousands of winged guests have checked into the

Hemavathi

backwaters.


Environmentalists and officials said they have not yet seen any deaths due to bird flu in Hassan district. The animal husbandry department has increased — by four-fold — the process of collecting samples of birds as part of surveillance owing to bird flu.

Artist and birds’ photographer BS Desai said during this season, birds from the coldest regions prefer Hassan weather for reproduction. Also, they like to feed on the weed here. Painted storks, pelicans, ibises and other birds come from

Siberia

and the

Himalaya

region. “Bar-headed geese from

Mongolia

and Tibet arrive at Hemavathi backwaters near Rosary Church in Shettihalli for the sprouting grass there. A flock of woolly-necked

storks

are seen near millet or paddy heaps,” he said, adding: “In Hassan city, red-capped ibises can be spotted at Maharaja Park, Master Control Facility and All-India Radio campus. I have seen many bird deaths over the years, but not any in the recent past.”

Assistant conservator of forest Harish said one can find pelicans near Gavenahalli, Satyamangala and Hunasinakere regions in Hassan. “After Hemavathi water recedes, bar-headed geese are found near Shettihalli Church. Three birds were found dead in these places earlier. There is none this time. Our staff are vigilant,” the ACF said.

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