Migratory birds arrive in the country as soon as winter comes, and campuses across Bangladesh ring with birdsong. The Islamic University (IU) campus is no exception.

As in every year, migratory birds have started arriving at the IU lake at the start of winter. Birds of various species, having flown thousands of miles, have taken shelter in the university's lake area. Last year far more birds came than in earlier years, because the university was closed for the coronavirus pandemic and fewer people were about. This year too, many more migratory birds are being seen on campus.

Usually, bitter cold sets in north of the Himalayas in September and October every year. Unable to bear the cold, these birds move to various temperate regions. The Islamic University lake is one of the few places in the country where migratory birds can be seen.

On a visit to the campus lake, migratory birds could be seen splashing in the water. Some were basking in the sun with their beaks tucked into their feathers, while others suddenly spread their wings and took to the sky. As one flock flew off, another landed. The whole campus comes alive with their calls, their movement in flocks and their play.

Migratory birds have been coming to the university's lake area for several years. Most of them are ducks. The lesser whistling ducks (chhoto sarali), lanja hans, khunte hans, bali hans and manikjor that come to the campus lake would warm anyone's heart.

The university's teachers and students are thrilled to see the birds, and many people come from outside the campus to watch them. Many go for walks on campus in the morning to enjoy the natural beauty of winter, and are charmed by the birds' calls and play in the water. When the golden winter sun falls on the birds' colourful wings, the beauty multiplies.

Fatimatuz Zohra Irani, a student of the university's Bengali department, said: "When I go for a walk on campus and hear the birds chirping, my mood lifts. These colourful birds are truly enchanting to look at."

Bipul Roy, assistant professor in the university's Department of Environmental Science and Geography, said: "Migratory birds are an asset for our environment. They play an important role in environmental diversity and the ecosystem. Because they find a suitable environment at the Islamic University, their numbers are growing every year."

The university's treasurer, Professor Dr Alamgir Hossain Bhuiyan, said: "Migratory birds are a blessing for our nature. They add to the beauty of the environment. I have given strict instructions for protecting the birds that come to the IU campus."

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