With the migratory bird season beginning in the Nagpur region, a rare sighting of a Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) at Kolarmet Lake on Umred Road has added interest to the arrival of winter visitors. Sighting during the first week of November is considered early, as the species generally arrives in India from December and stays until mid-April. Migratory birds travel thousands of kilometres from cold regions of Europe, Siberia and Central Asia in search of favourable climatic conditions, food and suitable habitats. Wetlands and lakes around Nagpur serve as important feeding and stopover sites for several such species during winter. The Black Stork is an uncommon winter and passage migrant in India. Unlike many waterbirds that gather in large flocks, it is generally solitary or seen in small, cautious groups. Its sighting in the region is considered significant, as the species is rarely recorded in Central India and has been uncommon locally over the past decade.

 

According to Avinash Londhe, ornithologist, researcher and honorary wildlife warden, the sighting is a positive indication of migratory activity in the region. Interestingly, lower rainfall in the catchment areas of lakes around Nagpur has created favourable foraging grounds for waterbirds this year. Receding water levels have exposed lake beds, allowing grasses, shrubs and other natural food sources to develop. “This year’s low rainfall in the catchment areas has resulted in development of large foraging grounds around lakes. The exposed lake beds support shrubs and grasses, which are favourite food sources for many waterbirds. This indicates that more migratory birds may visit these wetlands or use them as stopover sites,” said Londhe.

 

He stressed the need to protect these lake habitats to support migratory birds. Gorewada, Undri-Magali, Khapri, Wadgaon, Ambazari, Khindsi, Koradi and lakes along the Umred road are among the important wetlands that attract migratory birds every year. During the previous season, species such as Bar-headed Goose, Gadwall, Red-crested Pochard, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Northern Pintail and Ferruginous Duck were recorded in the region. A Greylag Goose, an unusual visitor, was also spotted. Londhe explained that Greylag Geese usually follow other migratory birds and are among the last to arrive, a behaviour reflected in their name. However, they have already been spotted in Gondia, even before other migratory birds arrived this season. He said this unusual early arrival needs further study. With the season gathering pace, the coming weeks are expected to bring more winter visitors to the region, highlighting the importance of conserving wetlands and their feeding grounds.