8 months ago
Winter Migratory Bird Census Begins in West Burdwan
A big count of birds is happening in West Burdwan, India.
Every year, birds from cold places like Tibet and Siberia fly to warmer places like India to escape the cold.
This year, the count started on December 1, 2025, and will last until February 28, 2026.
People from the forest department and groups like Wild Tuskers and Wings are helping.
They have seen many birds like the Ruddy Shelduck and Siberian Rubythroat.
They think more birds will come this year because it's very cold in their home places.
They are also working to keep the birds safe by cleaning up the water and making sure people don't hurt the birds.
This is important because it helps the birds and also keeps the environment healthy.
The winter migratory bird census in West Burdwan district began on 1 December 2025 and will continue until 28 February 2026.
Experts expect record numbers of migratory birds due to severe winter conditions in South Bengal and improved habitats.
Key species spotted include Ruddy Shelduck, Siberian Rubythroat, Little Ringed Plover, and others.
Efforts to restore habitats include banning DJ sound systems, removing water hyacinths, and raising awareness against poaching.
The census is being conducted across multiple locations, including the Damodar riverbed and various wetlands and parks.
- Who
- West Bengal Forest Department, Wild Tuskers, Wings
- What
- Winter migratory bird census
- Where
- West Burdwan district, West Bengal
- When
- 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026
- Why
- To count and monitor migratory birds arriving in the region due to severe winter conditions in their native habitats
Key facts
- Census Duration
- 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026
- Organizers
- West Bengal Forest Department, Wild Tuskers, Wings
- Key Species Spotted
- Ruddy Shelduck, Siberian Rubythroat, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Temminck’s Stint, Bluethroat, Small Pratincole, Citrine Wagtail, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail
- Expected Bird Count
- Over 300,000
- Census Locations
- Damodar riverbed, ISP Burnpur wetlands, Kanksha in Durgapur, Gunjan Ecological Park, Colonel Singh Park, Boat Club in Chittaranjan, Durgapur Barrage
Quotes
Saptarshi Mukherjee
Secretary of Wild Tuskers, Asansol
“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”
thestatesman.com
Arkajyoti Mukherjee
Member of Wings, Durgapur
“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”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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