Despite the declining numbers, the census recorded sightings of rare and significant bird species at Harike, including Bonelli’s Eagle, Hen Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Red-headed Falcon, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Northern Lapwing, and Greater Crested Grebe. Other notable migratory species observed include the Spot-billed Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Comb Duck, Coot, Dabchick, Northern Shoveler, Lesser Whistling Duck, Demoiselle Crane, Greater Flamingo, Ferruginous Pochard, Long-eared Owl, Common Pochard, Woolly-necked Stork, Eurasian Coot, Gadwall, Greylag Goose, Little Cormorant, Pied Avocet, Great Cormorant, Common Teal, Black-tailed Godwit, Steppe Gull, and Brown-headed Gull.Speaking to , Punjab’s principal chief conservator of forests, Dharminder Sharma, said, “The change in climatic conditions across the globe and late winters, along with reduced snowfall in Europe compared to previous years, might be the reasons migratory birds from those parts of the world are choosing other destinations or shuffling their migration patterns. Thus, the bird count has decreased here.””However, we have spotted some very rare and special species such as the Red-headed Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, and Eastern Imperial Eagle at Harike and Keshopur-Miani. Additionally, the Bar-headed Goose, which breeds in Central Asia in colonies of thousands near mountain lakes, has been sighted, as this goose species winters in South Asia,” he added.Sharma also highlighted ongoing conservation efforts to support migratory bird populations. “Under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project, we will receive funding for wetland development, which will enhance bird habitats and create new ones,” he said. He added that the initiative would also focus on cleaning wetlands by removing weeds, augmenting fish populations to support bird diets, and conducting awareness camps.Gitanjali Kanwar, Senior Coordinator for Aquatic Biodiversity at WWF-India, echoed these concerns, noting that the winter season has shortened in recent years.”Previously, winters began in October and lasted until March, with migratory birds arriving in October and departing by late February or early March. However, in recent years, their arrival has shifted to December, and most birds leave by early February. The shrinking winter window has had a noticeable impact on their migration patterns,” she said.Despite the challenges, rare and high-conservation species have been spotted this year. “Eastern Imperial Eagles, Northern Lapwings, Greater Flamingos, and Black-tailed Godwits were seen at Harike, while Short-eared Owls, Steppe Eagles, and Eastern Imperial Eagles were recorded in Keshopur-Miani and Shalapattan wetlands,” Kanwar said.Conservationists remain hopeful that continued efforts to restore Punjab’s wetlands will help sustain migratory bird populations, ensuring these vital ecosystems remain thriving wintering grounds for years to come.
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