As every year, winter has set in, and flocks of migratory birds of many species have arrived. Their calls fill the haors, baors, beels, lakes and countless other waterbodies of Moulvibazar.

The historic Sher Shah's Dighi in Kartal village, Tengra union, Rajnagar upazila, is alive with thousands of migratory birds. They come in winter and leave in summer, which is why they are fondly called guest birds.

Migratory birds have been coming to this privately owned pond for three years. Its owner and local people treat the birds like relatives and do nothing that could harm them.

The birds seem to understand this hospitality. When cruel hunters occasionally turn up, the villagers stop them together. Passers-by enjoy watching the birds fly and dive in the water, taking photos and videos.

The birds come to Bangladesh in search of a little warmth from as far away as Siberia, Central Asia and various European countries. They include balihash, kalim, batul, chakhachakhi, openbill storks and many others whose names are not known.

Tuhin, son of Abdul Gani, whose house is next to the pond, said: "For three years, migratory birds have come whenever winter arrives. We treat the birds like relatives, and that is why they come every year. It makes us very happy, and people enjoy it."

Fazlu Mia of Kartal village said: "The birds come every year and we enjoy it. They do us no harm. They eat insects and small fish from the pond. Everyone in the area keeps watch so that nobody can hunt them."

He said that when too many people gather, the birds leave and then return three or four days later, so villagers also discourage people from taking too many photos.

Rajnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Priyanka Paul said: "I have seen that a lot of migratory birds are coming. It is lovely to see. If hunters cause trouble, we will take action."

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