Gurgaon: The wetland was aflutter with activity early this Sunday. Birders hoarding binoculars and cameras treaded in groups of twos and threes, making notes and keeping count.
In sight were annual visitors — sandpipers, water rails, spotted crakes and ruffs among other migratory birds who flew all the way from Russian and European winterlands and across the Himalayas. Known to fly at extreme heights, some 20,000 feet above sea level, these birds will make the Sultanpur National Park, just a dozen-odd kilometres from a bustling city, their home for the next few months.
Officials said 80 species of migratory birds have been spotted so far.
"Today, there are plenty of migratory birds flocking to the wetland. The numbers were fewer some days ago, when the temperature rose. Now, as it has dipped again, they are gathering around the waterbody and enjoying their stay," said Jyoti Kumar, wildlife inspector, Gurgaon.
Every year, around 250 species of migratory birds from Russia, Europe and West Asia make their way to the wetlands in Delhi-NCR. They will stay on till Mar next year, capping their seasonal journey.
Birders said they have spotted brown-hawk owl, verditer flycatcher and gray-headed canary flycatcher in Sultanpur.
Many other species have flocked to Chandu (Gurgaon), Mandothi (Jhajjar), Dighal (Jhajjar) and Masani (Rewari). These include greylag goose, ruddy shelduck, tufted duck, Eurasian teal, greater spotted eagle, and others.
"So far, all the ducks and waders are already pouring into Sultanpur, and other areas of Delhi and Haryana. It is a good time to visit these areas and see these feathered creatures wintering here," said Pankaj Gupta, a member of the Delhi Bird Society.
Waders (birds that rely on shallow waters), ducks and warblers (small species with musical calls) are common to these wetlands.
Akshit Dua, another birder, said, "Some of the interesting sightings from Chandu (Sahibi floodlands) include cetti's warbler, which is rare in India as well, imperial eagle, water pipit, lesser black-backed gull, slender-billed gull and crested bunting."
Haryana has around 1,441 wetlands, but only two of them are protected under the Ramsar treaty. In June 2021, the area within 5 kms of Sultanpur National Park was declared an eco-sensitive zone by the forest and wildlife department. Under this, no construction is allowed within 300 metres of the park.