Why havent these birds left yet? Thousands of migratory waders are still in Mumbais wetlands
Large flocks of Tibetan Sand Plovers, Greater Sand Plovers, Curlew Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones and Terek Sandpipers, along with Lesser Flamingoes, were recorded this weekend across the mudflats and wetlands of Thane Creek. Their prolonged stay has coincided with an extended summer and a delayed onset of monsoon conditions.While the presence of flamingoes can be linked to erratic weather patterns, the continued stay of other long-distance migratory waders has surprised experts. “Most of these birds breed in far-flung regions stretching from the Himalayas to the Arctic. By now they should have reached their breeding grounds and many would already be raising chicks,” said Raju Kasambe, ornithologist, Maharashtra state coordinator of the Asian Waterbird Census and founder of Mumbai Bird Katta. During a visit to the TS Chanakya wetland on Sunday, Kasambe counted around 700-800 waders. The majority were Tibetan and Greater Sand Plovers, accompanied by smaller numbers of Curlew Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones and Terek Sandpipers. Many of the sand plovers were already in their striking breeding plumage, indicating readiness for courtship and nesting. Adesh Shivkar, founder of the Mumbai Birdwatchers Club, also reported unusually large numbers of migratory waders that appeared to have delayed their departure.
Discussion (0)