With winter approaching, flocks of migratory birds have begun arriving on the wetlands of Chalan Beel. They feed in the shallows through the day, gather on the banks and roost in the trees of nearby villages in the evening, drawing local people and nature lovers to watch.
Asian openbills, egrets, whistling ducks, cormorants, waterhens, gulls and snipes are among the species seen. Birds come to Chalan Beel at this time every year, and this year is no exception.
Local young men AB Siddique, Abu Sayeed and Raju Ahmed said migratory birds do more than add beauty: they help keep the environment in balance and control harmful insects. They want a bird sanctuary on Chalan Beel, closer watch by the administration and more public awareness to stop hunting.
Julhas Kayem, president of the Chalan Beel Environment Development and Nature Conservation Forum, said shrinking wetlands, low water and illegal hunting stand in the way of the birds. He called for wetland conservation, effective action against hunting and involving local people.
Awareness is growing. In several areas residents are stopping hunters, rescuing and releasing trapped birds and handing many hunters over to the authorities.
Singra upazila nirbahi officer Abdullah Al Rifat said the administration's drives against bird hunting are continuing, and anyone who hunts birds in breach of the law will face jail, fines and other legal action.
The report is by Krishi Shomoy's Natore correspondent.
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0); Chalan Beel, Natore.
Source: Krishi Shomoy
Comments
(0)