Every winter thousands of migratory birds arrive at Baikka Beel and other haors, baors, beels and wetlands in Moulvibazar. They fly in for a little warmth from cold countries swept by icy winds, especially from around the foothills of the Himalayas. Because winter came late, far fewer migratory birds have arrived this time.

Migratory birds have begun arriving at the historic Sheher Khar Dighi in Kartal village of Tengra union in Rajnagar upazila of Moulvibazar district. They come to the pond in winter and leave in summer, which is why they are fondly called guest birds.

Migratory birds have been coming to this pond for four years. Villagers treat them like relatives: they never do anything to harm them, keep watch over them and help protect them from hunters.

Passers-by are charmed by the birds flying and splashing in the water morning, noon and afternoon. Many take photographs, and some film the birds in flight.

Passer-by Seema Akter said she loves the sight and chirping of the birds on her way to and fro.

Kutub Uddin, an activist of Rajnagar Poribesh Andolon, said migratory birds come to Bangladesh for warmth from distant Siberia, Central Asia and the Himalayan foothills. Among them are whistling ducks, kalim, ruddy shelducks, Asian openbills and many other birds whose names are not known. Protecting the birds will make our natural environment more beautiful, he said.

Redwan (25), of Kartal village on the bank of the pond, told Jagonews that winter came late this time, so far fewer birds had arrived.

Bird lover Sultana Begum (35) said: "We wake up in the morning to the birds' chirping. The birds come here in winter and leave again when the heat comes. If any hunter comes to catch birds, local people stop him."

Local resident Dudu Mia said: "We always keep an eye on the birds. Birds are very sensitive; they can tell who harms them. If they are treated badly they leave quietly. If disturbed too much they go far away and come back after four or five days. Sometimes they never come back."

Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, an official of the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division, told Jagonews that birds will come when the cold intensifies. The cold has been much milder this season, so the birds are late, but they will come, he said.

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