‘5 new species of migratory birds visit city for first time’

The Times of India , Wednesday, January 06, 2016
Correspondent : ShrutikaSukhi
THANE: Notwithstanding the concrete boom and rise in air pollution, Thane city's vast creek and abundant green cover are inviting many new species of migratory birds that are flocking here in hordes.

Birds such as Amur Falcon, Eurasian Cuckoo, Great Tit, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Western Crowned Leaf Warbler were sighted for the first time in Thane by bird watcher group, ParyavaranDakshataManch (PDM).

While climate change has forced these species to shift their habitats here, PDM members said this season is turning out to be unique with the bird count in the city rising like never before. "During the recent bird count conducted last month, we came across 125 species. The total count was 1,958, highest in the city. We also saw five new species visiting Thane for the first time," said AvinashBhagat from PDM.

The bird watchers have been surveying seven locations — Thane creek (east), Kolshet creek, Mumbra hills, Thane mental hospital, Thane creek (west), Balkum, Tikuji-ni-wadi and Yeoor forests — to identify and count the migratory birds.

Eurasian Cuckoo, which migrates from Europe and Asia, was spotted. Another species, Western Crowned Leaf Warbler, small in structure like sparrows, is said to have travelled from Russia, as it gets too chilly for comfort in Kremlin, and visit Western Ghats for food.

"Due to the development in Mumbai, sightings of this bird had decreased. They were more seen in green parts like Badlapur, Murbad etc. But sighting of these birds here shows that they are not extinct," added Bhagat.

Few of the resident birds of the city are Coppersmith Barbet, also called bird of Mumbai. It makes sound like a copper smith hammer and is green due to which it is not easily sighted. Openbill stork is seen almost the entire year near water. Jungle Prinia is seen near creeks, marshlands.

The bird count is conducted on a quarterly basis and was the 9th bird count conducted by NGOs like HOPE, PDM and volunteers of Yeoor Environmental Society and National Environment Watch.

"Such sightings promote awareness about birds among people. Many bird lovers get to know about the species," said KavitaWalavalkar of PDM.

"Among those sighted till now, 70% were migratory birds in the city. Migratory birds do not come for nesting, they just come to have food. There has been a rise in number of species coming to the city. The reason may be that the climate in the city is becoming more suitable for them," said Bhagat.

The bird count is being conducted since 2013, when 108 species were seen. In 2014, 101 species were seen and in 2015, 125 species were seen. The count is done every three months to see the habitat and the different species. From 2013 to 2015, experts have come across 216 species of birds.

 
SOURCE : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/5-new-species-of-migratory-birds-visit-city-for-first-time/articleshow/50459001.cms
 


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