Pushpa Gujral Science City celebrated world Migratory Bird Day by organising a webinar on “Birds connect our world”. Around 100 students and teachers from all over Punjab participated through virtual mode.
Dr. Bitapi C Sinha, Advisor/Scientist –G, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun was the key speaker at the occasion. She said that World Migratory Bird Day is an effective tool to help raise global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, followed by their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve migratory birds. She informed that Indian subcontinent plays host to a number of migratory birds in summers as well as winters. It is estimated that over hundred species of migratory birds fly to India, either in search of feeding grounds or to escape the severe winter of their native habitat. The beauty of the birds, combined with the splendor of the natural environment provides the perfect setting for a nature lover, she added.
Dr. Neelima Jerath, Director General, Science City, earlier said that India has rich bird diversity of both, resident and migratory species and there is dire need to conserve them and their habitats. Punjab has 6 Ramsar sites which offer temporary refuge to these migratory birds during wintering when they fly almost half of the globe to avoid extreme weather conditions in their parent habitat. Harike wetland, one of the largest in northern India, situated in Tarn Taran district is home to a large number of migratory birds visiting from as far as the Arctic region, Siberia, China, Mongolia and the upper Himalayas. Birds such as the Eurasian coot, Greylag goose, Bar-headed goose, Gadwall and the northern shoveler are the prominent species that could be sighted at Harike wetland. The numerous wildlife sanctuaries also serve as the temporary habitat for these birds, hence, it is very essential that these are well protected.