As every year, the field of the jute research centre in Faridpur is alive with the calls of migratory birds this winter. Visitors are crowding in to see the birds that have come from different places and the beautiful scenery.

The whole area rings with birdsong, and bird lovers come from far away to catch a glimpse of them.

Flocks of migratory birds were seen flying over the field. With their constant calls, the area has become a birds' paradise. They spend the day in the field, and at dusk they shelter in trees beside a pond. At daybreak they gather again on the croplands of the research centre field in search of food.

Local resident Masud Sheikh told Jago News that flocks of migratory birds have been coming since the start of winter, and many people come every day to see them. Bird hunters also come, day and night. "We stop them because the migratory birds come here as guests. The UNO has visited several times and asked us to keep watch so that hunters cannot catch the birds," he said.

Surovi Parvin, who came from Saltha to see the birds, told Jago News: "I had only heard of migratory birds but never seen them. I came when I heard guest birds were coming here. Coming here filled my heart."

Sadar upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) Liton Dhali told Jago News that countless migratory birds have arrived at the jute research centre field right in front of his office. They are small whistling ducks (chhoto sorali), and migratory birds have been coming here in winter for several years. He has visited several times, asked locals to look after the birds and told them to inform him as soon as they see any hunters.

He added that the area is being monitored regularly so that there is no problem at the birds' habitat, and that the administration is taking a tough stand against bird hunters.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.