Melodious symphony of migratory birds at JU lake: A breathtaking sight of nature

Migratory birds seem like enigmas of the sky, their lives just fleeting moments in time. They glide through the heavens, merging with an unseen narrative, becoming part of the untold stories of the sky. Coming from afar, converging at a single point, and then disappearing on their eternal journey—each feather carries a unique solitude and an unknown melody known only to them. Their journey across the globe, from one corner to another, resembles an endless dream where no boundaries or constraints exist.

Adapting to the changing seasons, migratory birds seek safe havens. Escaping the biting cold of frigid regions and in search of warmth and sustenance, various bird species traverse thousands of miles to temperate zones. Some of these birds travel over 10,000 miles to reach their destinations. From distant regions like Siberia, China, Nepal, Xinjiang, and Mongolia, they arrive in temperate Bangladesh. One of their safe havens is Jahangirnagar University (JU) in Savar, a serene area compared to the bustling city of Dhaka.

JU is home to 26 lakes or water bodies, with four key lakes providing habitats for thousands of migratory birds. The Wildlife Rescue Center, Manpura Lake, and the Botanical Garden lakes are the most frequented spots. Birds can also be seen around the lakes behind the new and old registrar buildings. These lakes host species like whistling ducks, garganeys, pochards, ruddy shelducks, waterhens, sandpipers, flycatchers, doves, hawks, night herons, green pigeons, red munias, pintails, African comb ducks, greater storks, teals, and Eurasian wigeons, among others.

The arrival of migratory birds at JU's lakes begins in mid-September. By late November, their numbers increase, peaking in late December and early January.

According to the university's zoology department, migratory birds first appeared at JU in 1986, mostly ducks. However, clear data on the species before 2000 is scarce. After 2000, the university administration began conducting bird counts, typically held around January 16-17 every year. These surveys reveal that around 5,000 migratory birds visit JU annually.

In 2021, JU witnessed the highest number of birds in two decades, with over 7,000 birds from 12 species arriving. Experts believe that the COVID-19 campus closure, which restricted visitors, contributed to the increase in bird species and numbers, as the absence of disturbances provided a safer environment for the birds.

On foggy mornings, the campus silence is broken by the chirping and fluttering of the birds. From dawn to dusk, their endless activity and group flights create a mesmerizing spectacle of nature's vitality. As evening falls, a tranquil silence descends over the lakes. At night, they roost in the trees, seeking temporary refuge, only to resume their journey with the morning light.

On holidays, the lakebanks draw many visitors, creating noise that disturbs the birds, forcing them to flee. Migratory birds are sensitive to sound, and loud environments deter them from settling.

To ensure a suitable environment for the birds, the university administration clears water hyacinths from the lakes annually. Protective fences and cautionary billboards are also installed along the lakebanks. However, broader awareness is essential. Without it, these winged guests may seek safer havens elsewhere, depriving us of their enchanting presence.