Susan  Welcome to online chat! Today we are discussing "Migratory Birds"

Mahendra Vyas  The year 2002 has been the hottest since 1860. It's Global Warning! OOp's- Warming.

Mahendra Vyas  This Global Warming has interesting implications on bird migration. If the Northern hemisphere becomes warm and if it doesn't snow enough- the birds will not leave their homes and come to the Southern hemisphere.   

Susan  This year Delhi has got more migratory birds than Bharatpur . The lakes in Bharatpur have gone dry as a friend who visited Bharatpur says. 

Mahendra Vyas  B'pur lakes depend for their waters partly on rains but the bulk of it is courtsey irrigation deptt. which releases excess water through Ajan bundh into B'pur. 

Without water there is no fish and in the  absence of fish there are no birds. In the event of drought as we have seen in the last few years- the birds skip their breeding season.

Susan  Kunal from Delhi has not been able to log in . But wants to know why the Siberian crane has not visited Delhi Zoo this year.

Mahendra Vyas  Kunal- Siberian craness have not been recorded in Delhi Zoo.

Mahendra Vyas  Siberian cranes have not been seen for several decades around Delhi. Out of 2 populations the Western Population which used to come to B'pur has become extinct - only 1-2 are surviving. The eastern population (about 300 birds only) migrates to South China and is  threatened. Why they became so rare ? I will wait for others to answer. 

Susan Kunal also wants to know what are the migratory birds which come to Bharatpur in a normal year.   

Mahendra Vyas  There are many varieties. Among ducks are pochards, pin tails, merganser, brahminy, mallard to name a few. Among geese are the two - the graylag and the bar headed. 

Mahendra Vyas  Among waders are the black winged stilts, avocet, ruff and reeves, curlews, sand pipers. 

 Susan  What about flamingos?

Mahendra Vyas  Flamingoes are local migrants. They breed in the Greater Rann of Kutch and migrate to whichever area that offers food and security. They are seen in Yamuna, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, in lakes around Pune and Nal Sarovar near Ahmedabad. 

Susan  I wish someone from South has logged in. The other day I saw a film called 'Wings of Kokkere Belur' . about a village which plays host to migratory birds. 

Mahendra Vyas  Yes I have been there. It is half way between Bangalore - Mysore. I was able to photograph quite a few birds on trees in that village.

Susan  The main migrants there are probably local- painted storks, pelicans black cranes.. 

Mahendra Vyas  Local migrants in Delhi - B'pur and generally in the North are - painted storks, grey pelicans (rosy pelicans are truly migratory). 

Susan  Hello Rkalra 

Mahendra Vyas Hi. Mr. rkalra. Welcome. We have been chatting among ourselves and edcucating ourselves. 

rkalra  I noticed that...

rkalra I wanted to know all those ducks and geese and cranes which came to Bharatpur in huge numbers..any idea where they have parked themselves this year? 

Susan  Some have parked themselves in Okhla & Sultanpur? 

rkalra  I don't think so....a place called some talab..about 100 Km from Bharatpur.. 

Mahendra Vyas  They go far and wide in search of wetlands which can sustain them. They need both- food source as well as security. 

One has to move around and notice in any wetland - you will find them. 

rkalra  Any idea about Bharatpur, which is bone dry right now. What about the migratory birds which must definitely have come and then found some place else to park themselves for the winter..any idea where? 

Mahendra Vyas  They have an uncanny instinct to avoid inhospitable areas and find more hospitable regions. 

Rkalra was wondering if there is any definite information available

rkalra  some may also have found sanctuary in the Mathura refinery wetlands.. 

Mahendra Vyas    Yes. SPIC Company has a large pond/water body inside their factory premises. Flamingoes frequent SPIC factory premises. 

SPIC - around Chennai.

rkalra  thank you..its been nice chatting..hope more people log in future..it can be turned into a serious discussion forum too

Ritika  Hi everybody. My name is Ritika and this is the first time I am on your chat 

Mahendra Vyas  Welcome RITIKA 

Ritika  Thankyou Mr Vyas. Can you tell me is it a good idea to go to Bharatpur right now 

Mahendra Vyas  The best time to see and enjoy birds is in October - after heavy or good rains. Thats the time the local birds breed on trees in large lakes/shallows of B'pur. One goes quite close to these heroneries which are full of nests with young ones and adults ferrying to and fro bringing fish and feeding them . The whole atmosphere is quite exciting. In Jan you see ducks and geese from a distance. Not much fun. Yes the no. of migratory species is large but not easily visible to an untrained eye. 

Mahendra Vyas  Ritika since last two three years have been bad and due to scarce rain - no water in lakes therefore no fish therefore no birds. 

Ritika  Susan and Mr Kalra - Can you also help me - I am looking for opportunities of volunteering with some NGO for conservation of wildlife. 

Susan  Ritika where are you based? 

Ritika  New Delhi/Gurgaon 

Susan  Will you send me a mail about how much time you can devote & the kind of work you like to do? 

Ritika  Absolutely Susan. Will do that right away. I'll find your email on the website right ? 

Susan  You can send mail to iwc@indianwildlifeclub.com   

Mahendra Vyas  I think I will call it a day. Thanks all of you . had a good time chatting. Happy bird watching all of you. 

Susan  Thanks Ritika & Mr. Vyas. 

Ritika  Okay. bye to you both. Have a nice day