Bijnor: Bird watchers had a pleasant surprise on Sunday when they spotted as many as 300 demoiselle cranes at the Ganga barrage. These migratory birds, mainly found in central Eurasia from the Black Sea to Mongolia and north-eastern China, come to various parts of India to spend the winter after crossing the Himalayas. However, these birds rarely come to the Ganga barrage in Bijnor.That is why the presence of the flock of demoiselle cranes in the area has created a flutter among forest authorities. They have started the task of identifying and recording the presence of these birds. Authorities say this is the time for these migratory birds to return to their nesting grounds in Eurasia. It is believed that the birds may be on their way home.The demoiselle crane, called ‘koonj’ in local parlance, is slightly smaller than the common crane but has similar plumage. It has a long white neck with a black stripe that extends from the fore neck down to its chest.With the onset of winter in the month of November, migratory birds from colder regions of Eurasia fly to India to roost at different places where they stay till March. This winter, a large number of migratory birds flocked to Bijnor district. They could be spotted at various places, including along river Ganga, Peeli dam, Harevali lake, Sherkot and Afzalgarh.The northern shoveller, pintail, gadwall, painted stork, wooly necked stork, common teal, bar headed goose and ruddy shelduck, white-winged wood duck, shag and cormorant were spotted this winter. Forest officials, who had earlier conducted a bird census, said this winter there was a 30% rise in migratory birds in the region.Talking with TOI, divisional forest officer M Semmaran said. “This winter, a large number of migratory birds came to roost at different places in the district. It is good sign that the demoiselle cranes have also landed on the Ganga banks. Earlier, they were hardly seen. Besides, a large number of bar headed geese were also sighted at the barrage and Hanstinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.“I have instructed all forest officials to keep a strict watch on these migratory birds and protect them,” the DFO said. cranes

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