How Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district has become a new favorite destination for migratory birds

Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district has become a new favorite destination for migratory birds.

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district has become another favorite winter destination for migratory birds from across the Himalayas.

The Kuppa Dam, located on the Baspa River in the Sangla Valley, is attracting about 20 migratory bird species during the winter season. The dam is located near the Raksham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary.

According to the Wildlife Cell of the Forest Department, species such as the Mallard, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Pochard, Common Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Ibisbill, Gadwall, Brown Dipper, White-capped Redstart, and Plumbeous Water Redstart have been sighted at the dam.

Birds migrate annually 

These birds migrate annually when high-altitude rivers and lakes in the higher Himalayas and trans-Himalayan regions freeze.

Deputy Ranger Santosh Thakur explained that the mild winters and abundant food availability have made the Kuppa Dam an ideal habitat for these birds.

Thakur said, "The sandy and rocky banks of the Baspa River are abundant with insects, larvae, algae, and aquatic plants. There's no shortage of food here."

He explained that these birds reside in the area from November to March and return north when the snow melts.

Saharan Forest Officer Ashok Negi confirmed that the department's periodic wildlife surveys have consistently recorded an increase in the presence of migratory birds. He said, "This year, about 20 species have been documented at the Kuppa Dam."

New aquatic ecosystems

Experts say that the construction of artificial lakes and dams in the Himalayan region has created new aquatic ecosystems, which attract these migratory birds in large numbers.

The increased bird activity is now attracting birdwatchers and tourists, creating a new recreational attraction in the beautiful Sangla Valley of Kinnaur.