SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: The arrival of winter season in Kashmir, the migratory birds have started arriving here from far-off lands in an attempt to escape the harsh winter months of other countries for the relatively-less harsh cold of Kashmir, causing a stir in wetlands like the world famous ‘Hokarsar’ and other water bodies. Wildlife officials said, “Day and night temperatures in parts of Kashmir are suitable for these migratory aliens. While maintaining their centuries-old efforts with Kashmir, migratory birds have started reaching here from far off lands to spend the winter months in the relatively less harsh winter of the Valley. These hardcore spirits were flying from Siberia and China, as well as the Philippines, Eastern Europe and Japan”.
As per official data, thousands of migratory birds started arriving in Kashmir and have made different wetlands their home. The migratory birds arriving mostly from Russia, Siberia and central Asia are landing these days in famous wetlands of Valley, including Hokersar, Wular Lake, Haigam and Shalbugh and other water bodies. “We have increased our vigil to put an effective check on poaching and are conducting regular checks around these wetlands to restrict illegal hunting of migratory birds,” officials told.