Silchar: With the advent of autumn and a dip in temperature, Amur Falcons have started arriving at New Tumbung village, located near the NEEPCO reservoir at Umrangso in the picturesque Dima Hasao district.
This year, the arrival of the Siberian winged guests began in mid-Oct. With the arrival of the Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis), tourists from different parts of the northeast and across the world have started visiting New Tumbung village, located 112 km from Haflong.
The Amur falcon is a small raptor of the falcon family.It breeds in southeastern Siberia and northern China before migrating in large flocks across India and over the Arabian Sea to Southern Africa in winter. These migratory birds from Siberia and China stop over at Umrangso on their route to Africa. The total duration of the falcons’ stay is 45–50 days, starting in mid-Oct.
However, with the arrival of migratory birds, the authorities in Dima Hasao have taken necessary measures to ensure that they do not become the victims of poachers.
“The roosting area of Amur falcons has been cordoned off. Just a few years back, poachers were known to kill and consume these birds. However, the Dima Hasao forest department’s strict action has now stopped these poachers. Safety of the migratory birds has been enhanced,” said a senior forest department official at Umrangso.
According to him, the number of Amur Falcons visiting Umrangso has been increasing every year, implying that the killing of birds has decreased remarkably.
A senior official of the district said the Dima Hasao district magistrate has imposed Section 144 of CrPC at New Tumbung, prohibiting the carrying of air guns, catapults, etc., within a 500-metre radius of the roosting area.
The official added that the Falcon Festival, a farewell to the Amur Falcons, will take place from Dec 13 to 15 at the Tumbung Golf Course. A number of celebrated singers, including Monali Thakur, will perform at the festival, a North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council official said.
(Photo) The migratory Amur Falcons have arrived in large numbers at Umrangso in the Dima Hasao district.