It is not the noise of a city but the chatter of birds that breaks the dawn silence. Before sunrise, birds of many species start calling from tree to tree, and that is how each new day begins for the people of Kanaipur village in Khetlal upazila of Joypurhat.

The ceaseless calling among the green trees has brought the village's natural surroundings to life. Thousands of Asian openbill storks can be seen on the branches of mango, jam, jackfruit, bamboo clumps and other trees.

The small village is now known locally as the village of birds. Behind this sanctuary is the old family home of the late nature lover Alhaj Abdus Sobhan Mondal. Over the years, a huge colony of birds has grown up around the large trees on the bank of the pond beside the house.

Locals say about 50,000 openbills take shelter here each season. With them come white egrets, pond herons, cormorants and Brahminy kites. The grounds of the large house turn into a festival of birdsong every day. This bird empire was not built in a day; behind it lie nearly two decades of deep affection.

During one monsoon in 2007-08, one or two stray openbills first took shelter on the high branches around the house. The family did not chase them away but let them stay unharmed. The birds raised their young in safety and left that year, but returned the next year in a flock with new companions. They have come back every year since, their numbers and nests growing each time, and the grounds of the late Abdus Sobhan Mondal's home have become a trusted, safe refuge for them.

Local resident Kashem Mondal said birdsong can be heard all around at dawn. For many it is not mere chirping but a natural tune woven into daily life. Farmers get ready for the fields when they hear the birds, and others begin their household chores.

Tariqul Islam, who came from Dhakarpara in Panchbibi upazila to see the colony, said he had first seen the birds on social media. Charmed by their calls, he came to see them in person and was enjoying the visit.

Tamim, grandson of the late Abdus Sobahan of Kanaipur, said: "About a decade and a half ago, the openbills first took shelter in a hundred-year-old banyan tree on the bank of Tentultoli pond beside our house. Their numbers then grew year by year. We keep them safe with great care. But if work could be done on this colony at government level, it would become even livelier."

Khetlal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Zakir Munshi said the Kanaipur bird colony is a unique creation of nature. Local awareness and cooperation are important to protect the birds' safe habitat. People must refrain from hunting or disturbing the birds and must also protect the trees they live in. Possible steps will be taken to conserve the colony and make it more attractive to visitors, he said.

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