Bareilly: A wetland near Unchagaon village in Aonla sub-division of Bareilly district has become popular among different species of birds, including migratory birds. According to experts, as the wetland is undisturbed habitat, untouched by human population which is around 1.5 kilometres from the site, it has been attracting thousands of birds. The forest department recently found 1,959 birds of 35 species during a birdwatching event organised here.Bharat Lal, divisional forest officer, said, “The wetland is U-shaped and is connected to a drain of Quila river. The site is a catchment area of Ramganga river and has ample water round the year. As the human population is located nearly 1.5 kilometres away from the wetland, the site is least disturbed, and thus, has been drawing thousands of birds of different species. The number of birds coming here has increased over the past couple of years.”Kaajal Dasgupta, a bird watcher and president of Rohilkhand Nature Club, who along with forest department officials visited the site recently, said, “Both migratory and resident birds are usually found in wetland in Akha village of Aonla sub-division and near Ramganga river. Due to increased human disturbances, including fishing and bathing of cattle, the number of birds coming to these sites has been decreasing. However, the wetland near Unchagaon is undisturbed habitat, and hence, has become popular among birds.”The forest department organised a birdwatching event at the wetland for schoolchildren on the occasion of World Wetland Day on Saturday. Officials said 1,959 birds of 35 species were found here on Saturday. According to experts, among important migratory bird species spotted here are Pied Avocet, Sandpiper, Common Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveller, Grey Heron and White Wagtail. Bird watchers said nearly 500 Pied Avocet birds were spotted here.According to experts, the migratory birds which arrived here from Central Asia will leave by March end. It is believed that these birds came to Bareilly by October-end or in the beginning of November.Apart from migratory birds, few resident birds which were seen here in good numbers are Sarus Crane, Spot Billed Duck, Black Winged Stilt, Great Egrets and Red Wattled Lapwing.================

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