The three-month-long winter migratory bird census in West Burdwan district, conducted by the West Bengal forest department, in collaboration with several wildlife NGOs, has begun on a highly positive note this year. Experts believe that the number of migratory birds is likely to surpass all previous records, driven by severe winter conditions in south Bengal and significant improvements in water bodies and surrounding green habitats.
Speaking to The Statesman, Saptarshi Mukherjee, secretary of Wild Tuskers, Asansol, said that the census commenced on 1 December and will continue until 28 February, 2026 across West Burdwan district.
Wild Tuskers, Asansol, and Wings, Durgapur, are the two NGOs entrusted by the state forest department to conduct surveys of winter migratory bird arrivals in the district’s water bodies, spread across the Asansol Sadar and Durgapur sub-divisions respectively.
“So far this year, arrivals of Ruddy Shelduck (migrants from Tibet) and the Siberian Rubythroat have been recorded in very high numbers. Other species such as the Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Temminck’s Stint, Bluethroat, Small Pratincole, Citrine Wagtail, White Wagtail and Yellow Wagtail have also already been spotted by avian experts in West Burdwan district,” Mukherjee added.
With temperatures already dipping to around 9°C in the district, experts expect an even larger influx of winged visitors in January. While no new species have been recorded so far, the overall trend has been highly encouraging, and experts are confident that this year’s numbers will exceed those of previous years. This is particularly significant in a year when the theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2025 was “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities & Communities.”
Over the past few years, the NGOs and the state forest department have worked consistently to restore habitats around wetlands in West Burdwan district. Measures have included banning the use of DJ sound systems during the winter picnic season along riverbanks at Maithon, Durgapur, Kalyaneswari, Burnpur and Chittaranjan, among others.
Water hyacinths have been removed, degraded water bodies restored, and awareness campaigns against illegal poaching have received a positive response.
Every year, approximately two to three lakh migratory birds arrive at wetlands across West Burdwan district during the winter season, and this year the figure is expected to rise significantly.
The census is being conducted across several locations, including the Damodar riverbed, wetlands in ISP Burnpur, Kanksha in Durgapur, Gunjan Ecological Park near Ningha in Asansol, Colonel Singh Park and the Boat Club in Chittaranjan Railway township, and the Durgapur Barrage.
Scarcity of food and extreme cold in northern regions are the main reasons behind the annual ‘great escape’ of millions of migratory birds to relatively warmer countries such as India.
Arkajyoti Mukherjee of Wings, Durgapur, said that wildlife NGOs, along with the state forest department, have been working to plant native trees, protect local wetlands, discourage single-use plastics, support bird sanctuaries and eco-tourism, and spread awareness among local communities.
“Every flap of wings tells a story of survival. Protecting birds means protecting the health of our environment—and ourselves. When we save the birds, we save the skies, the forests and the future. ‘Save the wings and save the future’ is our loud and clear message for the new year,” he concluded.