Flocks of migratory birds of many species have been seen on the Karatoya river in Naogaon union of Tarash upazila, Sirajganj. Their lovely presence has given nature a new look, and the foreign birds have become a source of enjoyment for people of all ages in the upazila.

Morjina Islam, professor of zoology at Tarash University College, said: "Migratory birds are the beauty of winter. Their presence gives nature a new look. After a certain time they leave. They do us no harm. Yet these birds are hunted in various parts of the country. The foreign birds come to save their lives and end up losing them."

Pradip Karmakar of Naogaon said: "Every winter they are seen in various beels, but this is the first time migratory birds have come to our area. We wait for our guests. We look after them and keep an eye on them so that no one can hunt them."

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Iffat Jahan said: "These birds are the beauty, the ornament, of nature. Destroying this ornament means destroying the environment. To keep nature in balance we must protect the birds' habitats. Our country is becoming risky for migratory birds. People at every level must be aware of this."

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