Once a vibrant sanctuary for migratory birds, Sylhet’s Beanibazar is now witnessing a worrying decline in its seasonal avian guests. The wetlands, rivers, canals and reservoirs that once echoed with the calls and songs of birds from distant lands have fallen eerily silent. A decade ago, the skies and waters of Beanibazar were alive with the vibrant hues and melodies of migratory birds, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Today, however, the scene is starkly different. Changing Landscape The rapid pace of urbanisation, widespread deforestation and excessive use of pesticides have significantly altered the natural habitats that once welcomed these birds.  The consequences are visible in the diminishing number of winged visitors that once made the region their temporary home during winter. Local residents recall a time when birds such as magpies, parrots, doves, crows and cuckoos were a common sight, flitting through the trees, fields, and courtyards.  The intricately woven nests of Babui birds on palm leaves once stood as a testament to nature’s exquisite craftsmanship. Today, such scenes are fading into memory. Even the well-known bird sanctuaries in the upazila have lost their charm.  The once-thriving Muria Haor, a major wetland that used to host thousands of migratory birds, now sees only a fraction of its former visitors. Decline in guest birds at Jahangirnagar University: A growing concern for biodiversity Poaching Problem Despite legal protections, illegal poaching continues to exacerbate the decline.  Locals allege that hunters use chemicals and traps to capture birds, further threatening their populations.  Without stringent enforcement of conservation laws, this unlawful practice remains a major concern. Dr. Mohammad Mobin Hai, Upazila Livestock Officer, attributes the decline to urbanisation, deforestation, pollution, climate change, and habitat loss.  Dr. Shamim Hossain, Upazila Livestock Extension Officer, points out that the destruction of forests has drastically reduced safe nesting areas for birds.  Meanwhile, Lokman Hakim, Upazila Agriculture Officer, highlights the dwindling food sources as another critical factor. Bigger Picture: A Global Crisis Beanibazar’s struggle is not an isolated case. A recent United Nations report reveals that 44% of migratory species worldwide are experiencing population declines, with one in five at risk of extinction.  According to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), around 14% of the world’s migratory birds—134 out of 960 species—are under threat. 1,200 trapped birds rescued, freed in Bagerhat  The findings underscore the impact of habitat destruction, urban expansion, agricultural development, and climate change on migratory species. Climate shifts, in particular, are disrupting migration patterns, forcing birds to alter their traditional routes or perish in the process. Call for Conservation The silence of Beanibazar’s once-vibrant bird sanctuaries serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s fragile balance. Without urgent conservation efforts, the seasonal spectacle of migratory birds may soon become a tale of the past. Protecting wetlands, enforcing anti-poaching laws, and restoring lost habitats could be the key to reversing this decline. As the region grapples with these challenges, the question remains: will Beanibazar’s skies once again fill with the fluttering wings of its lost visitors, or will their absence become permanent?  

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. Migratory birds under threat in Kushtia’s Padma Char

Migratory birds, a hallmark of winter in the Padma Char region of Daulatpur upazila in Kushtia, are facing a growing threat as unscrupulous hunters target them for sale in local markets, sparking concerns among environmentalists. Local activists and residents have reported that a variety of guest birds, including wild ducks, small and large cranes, sandpipers, green herons, ramghugus, nocturnal birds and kingfishers, have been arriving at the riverine char areas of Marichi, Philipnagar, Ramakrishnapur and Chilmari unions. However, hunters equipped with nets and indigenous tools are capturing these birds, often at night and selling them in local markets the following morning. When visiting the area, it was observed that hunters, often concealed in water, use large nets spread across the charlands to trap the birds. A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, shared that some hunters also consume the birds themselves. Dhaka enveloped in dense fog as winter deepens across Bangladesh Environmentalists have expressed alarm over the unchecked hunting. General Secretary SI Sohel of the Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation Foundation and president of the Kushtia Bird Club condemned the practice as a serious threat to biodiversity. “Bird hunting is a punishable offense under the law. These migratory birds are a vital part of our ecosystem and must be protected. The Forest Department and local administration need to act decisively to stop this,” Sohel said. He also noted that with water levels in the Padma River receding, smaller fish and insects, such as puti and darkina, have become abundant, drawing birds to the area in search of food. In this issue, Daulatpur Upazila Forest Officer Abubakar Siddiq said, “We are aware of the situation and legal action will be taken against those responsible,” he assured. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abdul Hai Siddiqui said that campaigns against illegal hunting are ongoing. However, he admitted that no specific awareness programs have yet been initiated to educate the local population about the importance of protecting these birds.

A new, multimillion-euro international airport near Albania's coastal city of Vlora will mean hundreds of jobs for area residents. But environmentalists warn it could cause irreparable damage to the fragile ecosystems of protected lagoons that host flamingos, pelicans and millions of other migratory birds. Albania's new, 104 million-euro ($125 million) international airport — the country's third — is currently being constructed at the Narta lagoon some 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the city of Vlora. Set to start operations in 2025, the airport will boast a 3.2-kilometer (2-mile) runway and is expected to handle up to 2 million passengers a year. That's good news for Adriatik Sela, a resident of Akerni village. The unemployed man hopes that “if there is business here, I could sell a cigarette package, or a coffee, or work as a guard.” He and others among the village's 1,000-strong population see the airport as an opportunity for a better life. Heavy earth-moving vehicles and workers from Swiss company Mabco Constructions are currently busy building the runway as well as a road linking the airport to a nearby highway. But Aleksander Trajce from the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania, (PPNEA) says the airport poses a grave threat to the Narta lagoon and the Karavasta lagoon farther north and environmentalists have launched a court battle to stop its construction. Millions of migratory birds use the lagoons as a rest stop as part of the Adriatic flyway, a route the birds use to travel from central and northern Europe to Africa. Up to 3,000 flamingos and pelicans visit the lagoons each year. “Building such infrastructure right in the middle of this route would mean incredible damage to the bird populations for which this region is famous and on which it flourishes,” Trajce said. Niko Dumani, from the non-governmental group Natural Environment Preservation and Protection Vlora, accuses the government of changing a pre-approved plan delineating a protected zone to incorporate a part of the lagoon into the airport's construction plans. “It is strange how development policies change from promoting tourism to promoting other industries, like air transport, exploiting a habitat which is so important for tourism, like the lagoon,” he said. Annette Spangenberg, from the German-based conservation group EuroNatur, said the Narta lagoon is part of an ecological network of conservation areas aiming at the long-term survival of bird species and their habitats. “If you build the airport within this area, it’s going to harm the integrity of your river ecosystem. It is like cutting off the leg of the Vjosa River,” she said. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment says it has consulted with locals and with experts. The new airport will generate at least 1,500 jobs. The ministry told the Associated Press in an email that the site was selected “as the most favorable alternative" for the airport because a military airstrip had started to be built there in the 1920s. But a European Union progress report on Albania last year noted that work on the airport started in December 2021 “in contradiction with national laws and international biodiversity protection conventions that have already been ratified.” Environmentalists also fear birds could threaten flight safety. In its most recent meeting in December last year, the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention called on the Albanian government to “suspend the construction of the airport due to its apparent lack of adherence to national and international laws.” The ministry said “a series of protective steps will be applied.” The residents of Akerni are unconcerned. Sela wants the airport to start operating as quickly as possible “to help all people in southern Albania take flights from here and, for sure, that will bring good luck to our lives.”

As the winter sets in Ramrai Ranisagar lake in this northern district wears a festive look with the arrival of chirping birds and thousands of visitors to watch them play in the water.   This year also the famed lake, largest in the area, has come alive with hundreds of migratory birds flocking on it from far away to escape freezing cold in Serbia and surrounding areas. Also known as Rani Sagar the lake is famous for its natural beauty. The arrival of the colourful birds accentuates its charm attracting tourists from all across Bangladesh. Also read: Migratory birds battle poachers in Khulna During the day the birds frolic in the lake’s water and when the sun sets they take shelter in the litchi orchard around the water body. Located four km from the Ranisankail upazila headquarters the lake has been one of the country’s sanctuaries for winter birds who love to spend some time in relatively warm weather in Bangladesh. Unfortunately, these guest birds do not often get the hospitality they deserve. Read Visit Baikka Beel, Hail Haor, Sreemangal: Buoyant art of nature in a paradise of birds At this lake in particular the pollution in the water has become a hazard for the birds.

Although the poaching of birds is a punishable act, it is going on unabated in Bagerhat under the noses of the local administration . Hunters and poachers are using an array of new methods to trap different species of birds including dahak(white-breasted waterhen), Bok(herons),  kora(Watercock), jalpipi(Bronze-winged jacana), buck, maasranga(Kingfisher) and so on in the wetlands and forests of the district. Read:Migratory birds battle poachers in Khulna -

Over the past decade, the hamlet of Kunjaban in Naogaon's Mahadebpur upazila has emerged as a popular winter holiday destination for bird watchers in Bangladesh.

A cycle rally was held in Magura's Mohammadpur upazila on Friday to raise awareness among people to stop hunting of migratory birds in winter.

People of Faridpur’s Bhanga wake up to the chirping of guest birds during this time of the year.

As the mercury has started falling fast, sightings at the Islamic University Lake in Kushtia have become greatly enjoyable with the chirps of migratory birds!