Nashik: Exotic birds from all over the world have begun migrating to Nandur Madhmeshwar wetland sanctuary in Niphad tehsil of Nashik district, a month earlier than their annual migration to escape the harsh winter in their native homes. The birds from Siberia, Europe, Asia and North America migrate to warmer Nashik due to the harsh winters there.
Regional forest officer Bhagwan Dhakare told The Asian Age that, Northern Pintail, Garganey, Northern shoveler, common crane from Himalayas and other birds have arrived. “The resident birds include pond heron, purple heron, cattle egret, white necked and black-necked ducks, stork, teal, cormorant, eagle, osprey, buzzard etc totalling over 240 species including over 80 migratory species. Wolf, jackal, civet, wild cat etc are among wild animals in this area,” Mr Dhakare said.
Bird enthusiast Amol Darade said some species of the migratory birds were spotted a month earlier. “Generally, the flocks come by October end and later months. However, this year, heavy and unseasonal rains created more slush and a conducive atmosphere for the birds.”
Mr Darade said, “Birds migrate to escape the harsh winters in Northern climes and find a warm place where food is plentiful. The slush and ponds have good vegetation and fishes,” he said.
Nandur Madhmeshwar, which takes its name from a temple of Lord Shiva located here, is a low-lying area at the confluence of Godavari and Kadva rivers. The government built a weir (a low dam built across a river to raise the level of water upstream or regulate its flow) and as water is released continuously from upper dams, the area remains wet throughout the year. The bird sanctuary also includes areas of Chapadgaon village along with Nandur village.
Natural ponds have been created and silt from the upper regions accumulates here, forming a rich broth of marine life, algae, seeds, insects, etc., suitable for the birds. About 25 species of fish have been documented, sources said.
