Birds return to Ameenpur

metro india news  I hyderabad

Amid concerns over prolonged heat, deficient rainfall and the possible impact of El Niño, the return of migratory birds to Ameenpur Lake has brought some cheer to birdwatchers in Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Despite the deterioration of the once-pristine lake and concerns over its declining ecosystem, sightings of colourful and rare birds have raised hopes that Ameenpur continues to attract avian visitors from distant regions.

On Sunday, birder Syamala Rupakula spotted an Indian pitta, while bird enthusiast Rekha Nambiar photographed a red-breasted flycatcher, a migratory bird that travels from Europe to the Indian subcontinent. These sightings have offered reassurance to birdwatchers who feared that the lake's deteriorating natural habitat could discourage migratory species from returning.

“There was a time when the lake was awash with birds from different lands. Greater flamingos used to arrive in large numbers, but with the diminishing natural landscape, these birds seem to have abandoned Ameenpur. The numbers have dwindled, but many birds still return. For instance, the Indian pitta is seen here, having migrated from the Western Ghats,” Rekha said.

The decline in the lake's natural landscape has raised concerns among bird enthusiasts about the future of its diverse avian population. Ameenpur, once known for attracting a variety of resident and migratory birds, has witnessed changes in its surroundings over the years. However, recent sightings indicate that the lake continues to hold ecological significance despite the challenges.

For birdwatchers, the arrival of these species is more than an opportunity to photograph rare visitors. It also highlights the importance of preserving the lake and its surrounding habitats, which provide feeding and resting grounds for birds during their seasonal movements.

Earlier this year, on September 19, a rare leucistic Great Cormorant was spotted at Ameenpur Lake. Raghuvamsh Chavali documented the sighting through photographs, drawing attention to the unusual appearance of the bird.

Leucism is a pigmentation condition that results in reduced colouration in feathers, skin or scales. Affected birds may appear partly or entirely white, while their eye colour is generally unaffected. This distinguishes leucism from albinism, a separate genetic condition associated with the absence of melanin.

The return of migratory birds offers a welcome sight amid environmental concerns. Birdwatchers hope that sustained conservation efforts will protect Ameenpur's fragile ecosystem and ensure that the lake remains a refuge for the diverse species that visit it every year.