Ramrai Dighi, a historic water body in Ranisankail upazila of Thakurgaon district, widely known as Ranisagar, has witnessed a massive influx of migratory birds this winter, drawing  the attention of nature enthusiasts in general from far and wide and ornithologists in particular.

The ancient and expansive Ramrai Dighi has become a paradise for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers due to the vibrant presence of numerous colorful bird species.

Every winter, thousands of migratory birds from Siberia, Mongolia, and the Tibetan plateau travel thousands of miles south to this serene lake, among other locations in Bangladesh, to escape the harsh weather in their homelands.

Few spots can be as picturesque as Ranisagar though. The mesmerising view of the birds and the natural beauty of the water body captivate visitors.

Their cheerful chirping has turned the entire area into a haven for birds.

A Haven for Migratory Birds

The migratory birds, escaping the harsh winter in Siberia and other cold regions, arrived here to find refuge.

During the day, they feast in the waters of Ramrai Dighi while at night, they take shelter in nearby water bodies or in the lychee orchards along the lake's banks. At dawn they go back to the lake again.

Ramrai Dighi is the second-largest water body in the Barind region, located in Uttargao village, four kilometers away from Ranisankail town.

If anyone wants to visit the area, they can get to the lake via a local transport within 15-20 minutes by spending only Tk 10-15.

Spanning approximately 42.2 acres, including 18.34 acres of elevated banks and 23.82 acres of water, the lake's north-south length is 900 meters and its east-west width is 400 meters.

While its exact history remains unknown, experts estimate the lake to be between 500 and 1,000 years old.

Historical and Ecological Significance

Once upon a time, Ramrai Dighi served as a vital source of water for the local community. The lake is steeped in folklore and history.

Later, it was renamed as Ranisagar in 2002 but is still widely known as Ramrai Dighi. Around 1,200 lychee and other trees have been planted along its perimeter, enhancing its lush greenery and making it a favourite spot for visitors.

Migratory birds from the northern Arctic, Europe, Siberia, Mongolia, the foothills of the Himalayas and Tibet flocked to Ramrai Dighi from late December to early January.

The avian visitors include white herons, balia, pankouri, doves, sarus, seagulls, wild ducks, wagtails, warblers, snipes, cuckoos and many others.

Their presence transforms the lake into a scenic wonder, attracting bird lovers and tourists.

The migratory birds remain in the area from morning to evening but at night, they take shelter at the lychee orchards.

Bird enthusiasts and tourists flocked to the lake daily, drawn by the constant chirping and vibrant activity of the birds.

Most of the birds leave for their native habitats by late March, although some remain year-round

A Tourist Attraction in the Making

The local administration has taken several initiatives to enhance the aesthetic and recreational appeal of Ramrai Dighi.

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Three umbrella-shaped seating areas and five bamboo seats have been constructed around the lake for visitors.

A boat is available to explore the lake and a wooden bridge funded by the local administration adds to the charm.

With its rich natural beauty and ecological significance, Ramrai Dighi holds the potential to become a vital part of Bangladesh’s tourism industry.

Selina Begum, a resident of Dinajpur district said "I had heard about the migratory birds at Ranisagar and came to see them. It was a delightful experience. The hundreds of lychee trees surrounding the lake add to its charm, creating a strange reflection that seems to merge with the sky."

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Local people stressed the need for administrative vigilance to ensure visitors’ safety as it is a silent area.

They noted that migratory birds, alongside native species, arrive every winter and return to their native lands after a few months.

Ranisankail Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rakibul Hasan said , "Ramrai Dighi is a source of pride for Ranisankail. It enhances the beauty of this area and serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds every winter. Plans are underway to develop Ramrai Dighi into a modern tourist destination, with necessary preservation measures already implemented."