As a foggy morning dawns into the tree-shaded campus the silence is broken by the birds.

The chirping of guest birds on beds of water lilies floating on the lake, birds flying away in groups only to return and settle on the water, and those darting across the surface with charming calls—this is how the lake and reservoir at Jahangirnagar University looked during the winter months.

Not this year. the number of guest birds at JU has started to decrease.

In 1986, the first guest bird visited the university lakes. Then, in 2014, the government declared Jahangirnagar University a sanctuary for guest birds. The lake adjacent to the old administrative building, the Wildlife Rescue Centre (WRC), Jahanara Imam Hall, Pritilata Hall, and the lakes behind the transport square serve as the main sanctuaries for these visiting birds.

Currently, the campus is filled with the sound of birds around the lakes.

Yet, compared to just two or three years ago, their numbers have decreased at an alarming rate. To ensure a healthy and beautiful habitat for the visiting birds, the university administration is responsible for cleaning the lakes. In addition, to provide a safe haven, the administration, along with various student organisations, displays awareness banners and festoons across the campus.

This year, these initiatives have also been observed. The beauty of the guest birds is further enhanced by the red flowers blooming in the reservoirs; the sight of birds flying over these red carpets captivates visitors.

Every year, thousands of guest birds from cold regions such as Mongolia, Nepal, Siberia, and India visit this temperate region. Birds begin arriving in late October and early November, with a large portion of those visiting Bangladesh taking shelter on the Jahangirnagar University campus. Approximately two hundred species can be seen here during the winter season. Among them are species such as Sarali, Pochard, Flycatcher, Gargeni, Chhota Jira, Murgadhi, Kombdak, and Patari. Other species include Khanjana, Pantamukhi, Northagiria, Kamanchil, Cottonchil, Patibatan, and Buti Duck Baikal. Additionally, the movement of leafhoppers in the water bodies is also noticeable.

The best times for bird watching are early in the morning and just before sunset. During these periods, flocks of birds can be seen flying over the reservoirs. The interplay of sunlight, cool weather, and the chirping of hundreds of birds creates a pleasant atmosphere.

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Many visitors from outside the university come to enjoy the free roaming and beauty of these guest birds, with people especially flocking to the campus on holidays.

Hriday Hasan, a visitor from Dhaka, said, “I come to your campus almost every year to see the guest birds. This opportunity is not available in Dhaka city. I’ve brought the small children of my house this time, and they are also enjoying this experience very much.”

However, it is concerning that the number of visiting birds at the university has decreased significantly in recent years.

A professor from JU’s Department of Zoology attributed this decline to the university’s reservoirs becoming unsuitable for the birds.

Md. Kamrul Hassan said, “The ponds where birds used to live in our university are no longer suitable for them. The reason is the overcrowding and noise pollution around the water bodies. The lake behind the Paribahan Square is crowded with people throughout the day. Because of this, the birds do not feel comfortable in that lake. Furthermore, the number of birds in other lakes is very low this time.”

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The largest lake on campus is the one adjacent to the Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Being a protected area, this lake traditionally has the highest number of birds. However, it is now filled with leaves. Birds cannot roost throughout the lake because it is not clean—they are forced to settle in only a few areas. This year, the administration did not clean the lake, despite my repeated notifications.

University officials warn that the number of birds will continue to decrease if a safe habitat is not maintained for them. The administration should take immediate action to preserve a healthy natural environment for both the guest birds and all wildlife at Jahangirnagar.

Aurittro Sattar, a student of the Department of Environmental Science at JU, said, “The number of birds this year is lower compared to last year. Only two out of the eight lakes have been observed to have nesting birds, most of which are leafy. Apart from the lake adjacent to the WRC, only around 2,000 birds have been observed in the other lakes where they roost. Most of the lakes are full of debris, and the birds do not want to settle there.”

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Even the lakes that have been cleared still lack native aquatic vegetation. While wild ducks no longer roost there, piscivorous birds such as cormorants, snakes, and bald eagles have been observed.

The arrival of guest birds is a unique aspect of the biodiversity present in Bangladesh. Jahangirnagar University has long maintained this tradition, but due to various mismanagement practices, this unique spectacle may soon be lost. It is hoped that all concerned will take effective action to preserve this tradition.