By Anirban Dasgupta
Every year, the second Saturday in May and in October is marked as World Migratory Bird Day — a gentle reminder of the astonishing journeys that birds undertake across continents, defying boundaries, climates, and distances in search of survival.
On this day, my mind inevitably flies to one of my favourite spots in India: Bharatpur in Rajasthan, the magical Keoladeo National Park.
Once famed for the rare and elusive Siberian Crane, Bharatpur used to be a vibrant winter haven for countless migratory birds arriving from as far as Central Asia, Europe, and Russia. Sadly, over the years, factors such as climate change, shrinking green belts, and the decline of wetlands have led to the decline of several species that visit this sanctuary. The Siberian Crane, for instance, has not been seen here for decades — a quiet but profound loss.
Spread over about 29 sq. km, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a mosaic of wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands. It was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Bharatpur, but today, it is an ornithologist’s paradise and a nature lover’s retreat. More than 370 species of birds — both resident and migratory — have been recorded here, making it one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Asia.
The winter months still see an influx of winged visitors from far-off lands. These seasonal travellers, driven by instinct and survival, navigate thousands of kilometres. Bharatpur falls along the Central Asian Flyway, offering ample food, shelter, and safe breeding grounds — though increasingly, these journeys are making fewer stops here compared to the past.
Today, during peak winter, the wetlands come alive with Bar-headed Geese, Greylag Geese, Northern Pintails, Common Teals, Rosy Pelicans and several species of ducks and waders. Painted Storks, Spoonbills, and Cormorants add their grace to the landscape, while the chatter of warblers, buntings, and flycatchers completes the melody.
From reviving water sources to creating artificial wetlands, the forest department has been proactive in conserving habitats. Awareness drives, eco-tourism regulation, and protection of nesting sites are helping sustain this delicate ecosystem, ensuring the sanctuary remains a safe refuge for migratory visitors.
Only a few hours from Delhi, Bharatpur is my perfect escape from the relentless pace of the digital world. Walking along the silent trails, hearing the flutter of wings, and watching the sun glisten over the marshes instills a meditative calm. In those moments, I realise that these birds are more than just visitors — they are messengers of hope, resilience, and the interconnectedness of our world.
