Migratory birds pick a new home, flock to Haveri lake this winter

HUBBALLI: Migratory birds flocked to Magadi Lake in Shirahatti taluk in Gadag district every winter. However, the lake wears a parched look this year, owing to the severe drought conditions prevailing in the district for the past two years. Interestingly, birds that generally nested at Magadi Lake during winter can now be spotted at the Moti Talab (lake) in Savanur in Haveri district.
An old lake dating back to the days of the Savanur Nawabs, regional satraps who paid obeisance to the Bijapur Sultanate, Moti Talab, legend has it, derives its name from its sparkling surface, which reminded the rulers of the gleam of pearls.While Magadi Lake has dried up, Moti Talab, fed by the water of Varada River, is brimming with water, and many species of birds - bar headed goose, brahminy duck, black ibis, painted stork, etc - can be spotted in large numbers here. Spread over an area of 132 acres, the lake is attracting a large number of children, ornithologists and bird watchers.
The sight of the wings fluttering in the air, and birds swooping down to grace the surface of water, is a source of immense delight for residents of Savanur. "We don't remember seeing such a large number of birds at the lake before. Birds of rare species are flocking to the lake, and we are delighted to see them," said Sharanappa Kumbar.
Abdul Samad Kottur, a bird watcher, said, "Migratory birds have gone to Moti Talab, since Magadi Lake is dry. Some of the birds that can be spotted at Moti Talab are from Central Asia. The bar headed goose, for example, is capable of flying across the Himalayas. They have arrived here in large numbers for breeding, and will return home with their offspring."
However, Kottur said that the forest department should evince greater interest in protecting these birds.
Haveri divisional forest officer, wildlife, Sonal Varshini said that the birds started arriving at Moti Talab about four days ago. "We don't have any records pertaining to their activities, since the birds have arrived here for the first time. We will approach our colleagues in Gadag and seek more information from them," she added.
She added that the lake came under the purview of the irrigation department, which made it difficult for the forest department to put protective measures in place. "However, we will ensure that the birds do not fall prey to poachers," Varshini said.