BK Laxmikant
Mysuru: After a dull, low whitewash near Chamundi Hills, a migratory bird is being sighted again.
Small bird species migrate from Europe and Central Asia to places in South India.
According to birdwatchers, the migratory birds were last seen a few years back at Yelwala Lake in Mysore. Due to a number of factors, including the availability of food and the proper environment, the bird has not been seen in the city since then. Birds and photographers had spotted the birds outside Mysore last year.
“Warblers, a migratory bird found near bushes and water bodies, are very active and sensitive. They start arriving from Central Asia in early September and return to breed in March. It is a small species with a gray back, white underparts, a gray head with a dark ‘bandit mask’ through the eyes, and a white throat. It is slightly smaller than the white throat. The birds are insectivores but also eat berries and other soft fruits,” S Shailajesh, a member of the Mysuru Nature Group, told TOI.
Stating that the migratory birds travel hundreds of kilometers to reach Mysore and surrounding areas for food and breeding during the winter season, Shailjesh said that deforestation in Africa has increased the temperature in Europe. “This rise in temperature will reduce the migration of birds from Europe to South India in the coming days. Earlier farmers used to do sowing and harvesting activities based on the arrival and departure of migratory birds. If we do not protect the environment, we will not see any birds and animals, which will be disastrous for our own future,” he said.
City bird B Shivakumar told TOI that less whitewashing was observed in Nanjangud recently. “But it hasn’t been seen in Mysore for many years,” he said.
“It is a good sign that the birds have been sighted. People should work towards providing a conducive environment to these migratory birds which travel hundreds of kilometers from far and wide to survive,” he said.
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