As soon as winter begins, they arrive in flocks and fill the air with their calls, drawing people from far and near. This is Ramrai Dighi in Ranisankail upazila of Thakurgaon district, where a flock of migratory birds comes every winter. This year again the whole lake has taken on a new look with colourful birds, and the local administration has spoken about awareness of their safety.

Ranisankail upazila lies about 40 kilometres from Thakurgaon Sadar. The ancient Ramrai Dighi, the largest of the old water bodies, covers about 42 acres. As every year, many species of migratory birds have flown in, gathering in flocks and filling the surroundings with their calls, and bird lovers are coming from far away to see them.

Visitors are busy filming the birds' chirping and flight. Some take boats to capture the birds on camera, and take selfies too. The birds' free movement across the lake and the beating of their wings have charmed everyone, and visitors have drawn the authorities' attention to the birds' safety.

Abdullah Al Sumon, who came from Thakurgaon town, said: "This is my first time coming to see the birds. Lots of birds have come. They fly off beautifully together and then come back and settle on the water. I liked it very much."

Omar Faruk and his friends came from Haripur. They said the birds come every winter, but many people want to hunt them. "We are drawing the administration's attention so that the birds can stay here safely," they said.

Ranisankail upazila nirbahi officer Rakibul Hasan said steps have been taken so that no one can hunt the migratory birds. "Ramrai Dighi is the traditional lake of this area. The upazila administration always keeps an eye on it," he said.

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